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  • #142 – Building a Portfolio Site When You’re Blind (Plus Browser Tab Survival)

    #142 – Building a Portfolio Site When You’re Blind (Plus Browser Tab Survival)
    2025/12/23
    Show notes In this episode (TW142): Michael and Damashe follow up on VoiceOver weirdness, then dig into listener Callum’s question: how to build a portfolio site (with a blog) when you’re blind and do not have strong visual design context. They compare platforms, talk themes and hosting, and share a bunch of practical workflow tips for browsing, tabs, and keeping projects from turning into endless rabbit holes. Topics we covered Recording workflow: Cleanfeed vs Reaper, and why Reaper habits stick even when you deliver the Cleanfeed track.VoiceOver volume oddities: how settings can get weird, and why “start from scratch” sometimes helps (even if it does not explain the root cause).Callum’s website question: portfolio + blog, accessible building, and design confidence without sighted visual feedback. Platform options and tradeoffs: Squarespace as a “simple builder” option (with a note about past backend accessibility issues and the hope that it has improved). Google Sites as a low-cost, template-driven option (with less flexibility and potential domain-setup friction).WordPress as the flexible option, but possibly overkill depending on goals. WordPress specifics: The block editor (Gutenberg) has improved, but it can still feel clunky. You can use a single “classic” style block or approach to avoid fighting the full block workflow.Theme recommendation: GeneratePress (lightweight and accessible).Using AI tools to help choose color palettes and layout decisions (especially with accessibility in mind).Tip: use AI to produce CSS, then apply it globally with a “site-wide CSS” plugin or customizer area instead of pasting code everywhere. Hosting and infrastructure talk (high-level): Shared hosts mentioned: DreamHost, Namecheap, RackNerd. VPS options mentioned: DigitalOcean, Linode (Akamai), and a note that Vultr’s interface can be rough.“Build your own server” is possible, but often more work than Callum needs. Local development and tooling: Local WP for testing and experimenting without breaking a live site. WP-CLI for command-line WordPress management.Magic-link login workflows and why they can be annoying in practice.Passkeys and Auth0 as an advanced direction (with a reminder: that is beyond beginner setup). Browser workflow wins (Mac): Switching tabs and recovering when you accidentally end up on a blank “start page” tab. Reopening a tab/window you closed by mistake.Why multiple windows can still be useful even if you love tabs. Search and platforms: Damashe’s take on Kagi and why Google search results feel worse than they used to. YouTube as a learning tool, and why ads are pushing people toward Premium.Mastodon + the “bot” account that posts links you forget to add to show notes.Threads and the fediverse: hopes for better cross-platform hashtag visibility.Scheduling: exploring a weekday recording night to keep Monday releases consistent without Sunday crunch. Listener question Callum: building a portfolio site as a blind creator, plus blogging, plus choosing a platform and making it look “clean” without visual design instincts. Get in touch Email: feedback@technicallyworking.show Mastodon: Michael: @payown@dragonscave.space Damashe: @demashe@technically.socialThe bot: @tw@technically.socialHashtag: #TechnicallyWorking (capital T and W if you want) 3 Mastodon posts (ready to paste) Post 1 TW142 is out. Callum asked a big one: how do you build a portfolio site (and blog) when you’re blind and don’t have strong visual design context? We talk Squarespace vs Google Sites vs WordPress, plus how AI can help with colors, layout, and CSS. #TechnicallyWorking Post 2 If you’ve ever closed windows and “lost” tabs, TW142 has a few shortcuts that might save you. Cmd+W (tab), Cmd+Shift+W (window), Cmd+Shift+T (bring it back), and tab switching tricks we somehow missed for years. #TechnicallyWorking Post 3 We also wander into Kagi vs Google search, YouTube as a learning tool (and the ad problem), and why picking a weekday recording night might keep Monday releases consistent without the Sunday editing sprint. Feedback welcome: feedback@technicallyworking.show #TechnicallyWorking Episode image Alt text: A simple black-and-white graphic summarizing TW142: Callum’s website question, platform choices (WordPress, Squarespace, Google Sites), using AI for design/CSS help, key Mac tab shortcuts, and tools discussed like Local WP, WP-CLI, Kagi, and YouTube. Download the image Support Technically Working by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/technically-working Find out more at https://technically-working.pinecast.co Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/technically-working/ffbe69ff-60c1-4e14-ac1a-8ca43e1e5309 Check out our podcast host, Pinecast. Start your own podcast for free with no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-431b7d for 40% off for 4 months, and support Technically Working.
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    1 時間 1 分
  • #141 – TW 141: Accessibility Wins, Bookshop.org Woes, AI Productivity Tricks, and Voiceover Deep Dives

    #141 – TW 141: Accessibility Wins, Bookshop.org Woes, AI Productivity Tricks, and Voiceover Deep Dives
    2025/12/15

    In TW 141, we talk about a whole range of tools and experiences that make or break our workflows. We start with a shout-out to Live365 for recent accessibility improvements, and dive into the limitations of Bookshop.org’s ebook accessibility — including a real-world accessibility email sent to their team.

    We then explore using Be My Eyes / Be My AI for on-the-fly visual assistance, tips for using AI co-pilot tools for email and task planning, and how Ramble + Todoist can be tuned for better task automation.

    We also share frustrations and shortcuts for Voiceover on Mac and iOS, grapple with phone app UI behavior, and talk about staying productive with tools like Scribe, Gravity Forms, and Builder in the Cloud.

    As always, we close with listener shout-outs and gratitude for your support. If you enjoy the show, tell a friend and leave a rating!

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    1 時間 28 分
  • #140 – Tangents, Tools, and Talking Tech

    #140 – Tangents, Tools, and Talking Tech
    2025/12/09
    Episode 140 – Tangents, Tools, and Talking Tech

    In this episode of Technically Working, we start off with a correction from a listener—yep, they were right, you can power the Zoom P4 Next over USB if you just take the batteries out. That kicks off a cable rabbit hole, and from there… well, you know how it goes.

    We talk about voiceover bugs, fighting with macOS audio, and SoundSource 6’s updated UI (spoiler: it’s slick). Michael goes off on my mail app losing focus. Damashe shares why he’s messing with Gemini more than ChatGPT right now. And yes, we get into local AI, accessibility tech, and a little Meta smart glasses shade.

    Also in this one:

    • Cable troubleshooting the lazy way
    • Don’t reset VoiceOver unless you’re ready to be real annoyed
    • SoundSource 6 walkthrough + gripes
    • Aira vs Be My Eyes vs real-time AI help
    • Thoughts on local LLMs and why they matter
    • A $99 Touch ID button Apple should make but probably won’t
    • Home screen minimalism and iOS gestures you forgot existed

    Drop us a line: feedback@technicallyworking.show
    And tell someone who doesn’t already listen—appreciate you.

    🎧 Listen at: technicallyworking.show

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    Check out our podcast host, Pinecast. Start your own podcast for free with no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-431b7d for 40% off for 4 months, and support Technically Working.
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    1 時間 9 分
  • #139 – AI That Actually Helps You Work + Zoom P4 Next

    #139 – AI That Actually Helps You Work + Zoom P4 Next
    2025/12/01

    Michael and Damashe talk about how they are actually using AI to get work done, not just write blog posts. They also dig into first impressions of the Zoom P4 Next, an accessible portable recorder and USB interface.

    In this episode, they cover:

    • Using GitHub Copilot and Gemini 3 in VS Code for real projects.
    • Letting AI help plan features for the Builder tool and solve scheduling headaches like an 8 hour Friendsgiving event.
    • When AI is helpful for planning, routes, and admin work, and when it still gets in the way.
    • Privacy concerns around feeding financial data and messy spreadsheets into online tools.
    • What the Zoom P4 Next is like in the hand, how it compares to the original P4 and Vocaster, and what Mac users should know about routing and Loopback.

    Tip Jar supporters get early access to episodes like this one, plus a way to support the show if it brings you value.

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    Check out our podcast host, Pinecast. Start your own podcast for free with no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-431b7d for 40% off for 4 months, and support Technically Working.
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    1 時間 9 分
  • Screen Recognition, Smart Laundry & The Fake Mac

    Screen Recognition, Smart Laundry & The Fake Mac
    2025/11/25

    In this episode, Michael and Damashe dive into:

    • 🧺 Michael’s new Samsung washer-dryer combo and its surprising accessibility
    • 📱 How Damashe’s using iOS screen recognition to solve real-world app frustrations
    • 💻 Resetting VoiceOver settings on Mac – and the chaos that follows
    • 🎮 Why Ben's gaming experience drove a Wi-Fi upgrade to Eero
    • 🧠 Ramble in Todoist: The AI-powered feature both hosts are now hooked on
    • 🧼 Should you clean out your to-do list and start fresh?

    Plus: A surprisingly emotional discussion about Apple's leadership, the future of macOS, and the practicality of using an iPad Pro like a laptop.

    💬 Feedback? Hit us up at feedback@technicallyworking.show or on Mastodon @TW@technicallyworking.social.

    🎧 Listen Now ```

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    Check out our podcast host, Pinecast. Start your own podcast for free with no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-431b7d for 40% off for 4 months, and support Technically Working.
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    1 時間 14 分
  • Finding Purpose with Amanda Heal: From Law to Coaching, Tech, and Audiobooks 1 of 5

    Finding Purpose with Amanda Heal: From Law to Coaching, Tech, and Audiobooks 1 of 5
    2025/11/17

    In this episode of Technically Working, we sit down with Amanda J. Heal — author, former government lawyer, speaker, coach, and all-around awesome human. This episode is packed with stories about tech, purpose, accessibility, audio production, and the wild evolution of tools blind people used then… and now.

    🎙️ What We Talk About

    • Amanda’s background, including:

    • Growing up totally blind in Australia

    • Her 17-year government legal career
    • How accessibility tools evolved from cassette tapes and scanners to the tech we use today
    • The journey from being laid off to finding her life’s purpose
    • Why she wrote her book “Seeing by Vision, Not by Sight”
    • Her upcoming audiobook, the recording process, and the decision to hire a narrator

    • How blind authors, creators, and coaches build workflows using:

    • Ulysses

    • Mantis
    • Vocaster 2
    • Reaper
    • Ecamm Live
    • Loopback
    • The importance of knowing when to stop DIY-ing everything and let someone help
    • Video setup tips, lighting, and building a background that tells your story
    • Editing challenges and the joy of remembering phantom power exists
    • Building online courses, checklists, and systems that keep content creation accessible and stress-free
    📘 About Amanda’s Book

    Title: Seeing by Vision, Not by Sight Tagline: How to discover your life's purpose and put it into action.

    Amanda shares the process she used to move from fear and uncertainty to clarity and purpose — and teaches you how to do the same. It’s filled with exercises, reflections, and real client stories.

    Available on:

    • Amazon
    • Apple Books
    • Kindle

    Audiobook is currently in production.

    💡 Amanda’s $25 Experiment Through 2025

    Amanda is challenging herself to help as many people as possible uncover their purpose — for $25 AUD. (Which is even less in USD.) If you’ve been feeling stuck, curious, or wanting clarity, this is an easy way to get started.

    📬 Connect with Amanda
    • LinkedIn: Amanda J. Heal
    • Email: amanda@amandaheal.com.au
    • Website: amandaheal.com.au
    🔗 Where to Find Us
    • Michael on Mastodon: @payown@dragonscave.space
    • Damashe on Mastodon: @damashe@technically.social
    • Show Bot (seriously, follow it): @TW@technically.social
    • Email: feedback@technicallyworking.show

    And no — you don’t need to write us with Garth’s address. (Unless you’re Sean… maybe.)

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    Check out our podcast host, Pinecast. Start your own podcast for free with no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-431b7d for 40% off for 4 months, and support Technically Working.
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    1 時間 1 分
  • #136 – unscripted banter with No Bonus

    #136 – unscripted banter with No Bonus
    2025/11/10
    Technically Working – Episode 136: Burnout, Barbecue, and Back at It Summary

    In this reflective and lively episode, Michael and Damashe return to their usual unscripted banter after a series of guest interviews. They dive into confessions, personal updates, and rediscovering balance in life and work. Damashe admits the Technically Working site still isn’t live, citing exhaustion and carpal tunnel issues. Michael talks about post-cruise laziness and guide dog emergencies. The duo chat about productivity cycles, tech frustrations, health challenges, and how life (and sometimes Siri) doesn’t cooperate. Damashe also shares what it's like traveling for conventions and being recognized by listeners, while Michael recounts his cruise and convention chaos. They wrap with a deep dive into member management tools for WordPress and appreciation for their tip jar supporters.

    Highlights
    • 🎙️ Confession time: The website is still not live — and why.
    • 🧠 Productivity and burnout: Damashe struggles with energy levels, sleep issues, and navigating burnout.
    • 🥩 Barbecue blues: It’s been over a year since Damashe lit his grill — and it’s hitting hard.
    • 🚢 Michael’s cruise adventure: Accessibility wins and fails, and yes, he worked on vacation.
    • 🐕 Titan’s tooth trouble: Guide dog vet emergencies are expensive.
    • 💳 Michael makes Damashe spend money on vacation: Preordering the Zoom PodTrack P4 Next.
    • 🌐 Convention updates: ACB Oregon, Washington, and Houston — listener shoutouts included!
    • 🛠️ Tool talk: Podcast setups, tech rants, and a detailed debate over Paid Memberships Pro vs MemberPress.
    • 📈 Audience growth: Episode numbers are climbing, and listener engagement is strong.
    • 🗣️ Shoutouts: New and long-time listeners, tip jar supporters, and significant others — you rock.
    Tools & Services Mentioned
    • Zoom PodTrack P4 Next
    • Paid Memberships Pro (PMP)
    • MemberPress
    • Gravity Forms
    • Stripe
    • WordPress local dev tools: Valet, WP Migrate
    • Apple Watch sleep tracking
    • Costco melatonin
    • Farago, Audio Hijack
    Feedback?

    Drop us a line: feedback@technicallyworking.show

    Support the Show

    Want to keep us caffeinated (or help pay off those vet bills)? Visit technicallyworking.show and click the tip jar.

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    Check out our podcast host, Pinecast. Start your own podcast for free with no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-431b7d for 40% off for 4 months, and support Technically Working.
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    1 時間 26 分
  • #135 – The Long wrap Up

    #135 – The Long wrap Up
    2025/11/03
    Episode Notes A relaxed, gear-forward wrap-up with Damashe, Steven, and Michael: we talk favorite portable keyboards, why a tidy desk matters (especially when you’re done optimizing for TV backdrops), and how changing screen-reader pricing/models ripple across the community. Along the way we compare headsets, celebrate NVDA, reminisce about third-party Twitter apps, and poke fun at shipping hacks and world travel plans. Highlights ProtoArc Tri-Fold keyboard (with numpad) Folds small, charges over USB-C, pairs to 3 devices with one button. Paging/Editing keys (PgUp/PgDn/Home/End/Delete) sit in a vertical strip between the main keys and numpad. Verdict from Steven: “Sold.” Damashe: “It’s been my favorite.” Studio reset > comfort over cameras Steven’s annual clear-out: retire “dead cables,” stop designing the room for TV backdrops, and optimize for radio/podcasting comfort. One-cable desk: laptop on a Belkin 11-in-1 wedge dock; power and peripherals route out the back so you unplug just one cable and go. Headsets & open-ear audio Damashe’s pick: Shokz OpenComm (OpenComm/OpenComm UC). Bone-conduction, comfortable, hardware mute button that works with Zoom/Teams—perfect for “mute-and-talk-to-the-cats” moments. Steven’s rotation: OpenComm boom when it counts; otherwise inexpensive open-ear “TrueFree” style buds (à la OpenFit/OpenFit Air). Caveat: if you don’t use them daily, they’ll be dead when you need them. Screen readers, pricing, and real-world choices UK JAWS “Home” subscription discussed as ~£420/year with no monthly option—raising hard questions for home users. Many will weigh NVDA more seriously; workplaces may still fund JAWS, but at home, cost and consistency matter. Michael notes he’s productive with JAWS plus add-ons (e.g., Leasey), but could script NVDA add-ons for what he needs. Sustainability & “single-developer” risk Open projects like NVDA thrive on community—but dependence on a few key people is a risk. Corporate stability (e.g., Vispero) helps, yet platform owners can break hooks/APIs at any time. Platforms that shift under our feet X/Twitter cut third-party apps—many accessibility gaps those apps filled never returned. Google’s habit of retiring products makes people wary (Gemini likely safe; everything else… maybe). Pixel leaks are practically a calendar feature. Chromebooks: fast for web, but hard to justify versus a Windows PC or a discounted M1 MacBook Air when prices climb. Travel & life bits October is packed: conventions (NFB state events, Texas), cruises, and training new employees. Future trip goals: Scotland soon—and Giza by 2028 for the pyramids promise. Mentions ProtoArc Tri-Fold Keyboard with numpad Belkin 11-in-1 wedge dockShokz OpenComm / OpenComm UCNVDA, JAWS, Leasey (JAWS productivity add-ons)Twitterrific, Spring (third-party Twitter clients, RIP)Google Gemini / Nest, Chromebook/ChromeBoxMacBook Air (M1) Follow Double Tap Double Tap Newsletter Support Technically Working by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/technically-working Find out more at https://technically-working.pinecast.co Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/technically-working/de4de5fa-9dc0-4594-b071-f05c2fc0f126 Check out our podcast host, Pinecast. Start your own podcast for free with no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-431b7d for 40% off for 4 months, and support Technically Working.
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    43 分