Best Jay Franze Podcasts (2025)

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Corey Hooker (Corey Hooker & The Cadillac Preachers) 33:10

2d ago33:10

33:10

A left-handed guitar from a beloved grandpa. A band with grit and groove. A songwriter who lets chords decide the weather of a verse. That’s the heart of our conversation with Corey Hooker, where Americana isn’t a label so much as a living room: folk honesty, rock momentum, and stories that start one way and end somewhere braver. We trace Corey’s p…

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CMA Night Recap, Ruin a Bands Name With One Letter, and Country Music News 1:30:56

6d ago1:30:56

1:30:56

A live-sung medley that actually left us breathless. That’s how Lainey Wilson opened a CMA night that felt tighter, braver, and more fun than it’s been in years—and yes, she backed it up with Entertainer of the Year, Album of the Year, and Female Vocalist. We talk about why her solo hosting worked, how she commanded the stage with eight outfit chan…

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Sammie Collison on Unpacking a Remarkable Year Through Grit, Growth, and Gratitude – HGG665

6d ago

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Every year on Black Friday, Home Gadget Geeks pauses the tech talk just long enough to look at where life and technology intersect, and this year’s episode with Sammie Collison might be the most grounded one yet. From returning to college as a full-time library para to managing finances, mental bandwidth, and school in the age of cloud tools and ta…

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Sammie Collison on Unpacking a Remarkable Year Through Grit, Growth, and Gratitude – HGG665

6d ago

—

Every year on Black Friday, Home Gadget Geeks pauses the tech talk just long enough to look at where life and technology intersect, and this year’s episode with Sammie Collison might be the most grounded one yet. From returning to college as a full-time library para to managing finances, mental bandwidth, and school in the age of cloud tools and ta…

1
So You Finally Retired - Now What? Bill Hicks, Bob Rabatsky, Jay Donecker, and “Shook” Open Up About Being Retired - The Good, The Bad, and The Wonderful 47:02

10d ago47:02

47:02

Send us a text Four men, each successful in their own right, open up about a life stage that if you’re lucky, is inevitable - being retired. A candid discussion of what they expected, what they learned, the challenges, and the fun of no longer being traditionally employed. All have found a way to give back. All are busy; all are doing what they lik…

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CMA Night Preview, Artists With the Most Style, and Country Music News 1:16:25

13d ago1:16:25

1:16:25

Awards night pressure meets a changing country music landscape. We break down the CMA slate with honest picks, why Entertainer of the Year is a different beast than Album of the Year, and how a solo-hosting Laney Wilson turned momentum into a movement. From Morgan Wallen’s chart gravity to Ella Langley and Megan Moroney’s six-nomination surge, we t…

1
Warped Boards & Wired Homes, Catching up with Dave McCabe – HGG664

13d ago

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Dave McCabe joins me this week to reminisce about 17 years of podcasting, dive into smart home gadgets, and explore Dave’s woodworking journey with Warped Boards. From CNC upgrades and handcrafted cutting boards to candid talk on men’s health, this episode blends tech, creativity, and community. Thanks for listening! In this episode of Home Gadget …

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Warped Boards & Wired Homes, Catching up with Dave McCabe – HGG664

13d ago

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Dave McCabe joins me this week to reminisce about 17 years of podcasting, dive into smart home gadgets, and explore Dave’s woodworking journey with Warped Boards. From CNC upgrades and handcrafted cutting boards to candid talk on men’s health, this episode blends tech, creativity, and community. Thanks for listening! In this episode of Home Gadget …

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Country Stars That Have Vanished, Artist Who Don’t Have the Best Voice, and Country Music News 1:14:15

20d ago1:14:15

1:14:15

Two truths can live in country music at once: you can miss the artists who made your 90s radio sing, and still be curious about an AI act topping a digital chart. We open the show with a roll call of “where did they go?” favorites—Cindy Thompson, Ricochet, The Wreckers, BlackHawk—and the songs that still trigger instant nostalgia. Then we jump to n…

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Smart Fridges, Clean Windows and Virtual Fairways: Tech That Simplifies Life – HGG663

20d ago

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I am joined this week by Erin Lawrence and Mike Wieger to explore tech innovations that enhance daily living. They review the Mydea One Touch Autofill Refrigerator, the Ecovacs WinBot W2 window-cleaning robot, and dive into golf simulator technology. The episode wraps with Black Friday deals, hard drive upgrades, battery backup solutions, and campi…

1
Smart Fridges, Clean Windows and Virtual Fairways: Tech That Simplifies Life – HGG663

20d ago

—

I am joined this week by Erin Lawrence and Mike Wieger to explore tech innovations that enhance daily living. They review the Mydea One Touch Autofill Refrigerator, the Ecovacs WinBot W2 window-cleaning robot, and dive into golf simulator technology. The episode wraps with Black Friday deals, hard drive upgrades, battery backup solutions, and campi…

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Darkest Country Songs, Best Album of All Time, and Country Music News 1:12:56

27d ago1:12:56

1:12:56

Ever wondered why the “darkest” country songs linger long after the last note fades? We crack open that list and find more than shock value—there’s craft, confession, and a lineage of storytelling that made the genre brave. From murder ballads to Whiskey Lullaby, we unpack what makes a song haunt you and why those narratives still matter. Then we s…

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The $20K Slate EV, Linux Mint, Recycle PCs and Smart Battery Upgrades with Kevin Schoonover – HGG662

27d ago

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In this week’s episode of Home Gadget Geeks, I’m joined by Kevin Schoonover for a packed discussion that jumps from health and fitness to EV trucks, from Windows 10’s sunset to ARM’s rise, and all the way down to the small stuff — batteries, smart home gear, and the realities of modern tech maintenance. Thanks for listening! Episode Summary We open…

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The $20K Slate EV, Linux Mint, Recycle PCs and Smart Battery Upgrades with Kevin Schoonover – HGG662

27d ago

—

In this week’s episode of Home Gadget Geeks, I’m joined by Kevin Schoonover for a packed discussion that jumps from health and fitness to EV trucks, from Windows 10’s sunset to ARM’s rise, and all the way down to the small stuff — batteries, smart home gear, and the realities of modern tech maintenance. Thanks for listening! Episode Summary We open…

1
Larry Franz - Getting Things Done Whether You’re at the Pentagon, a Union, or a City Bench 45:00

1M ago45:00

45:00

Send us a text Larry Franz has always gotten things done. While working in a factory, he became the local union’s president, used the extra money to pay for college, and negotiated the best CBA his members had ever won. At the Pentagon, one of the toughest bureaucracies in the country, generals relied upon him to navigate through all the egos and r…

1
Kayn Falcon 46:04

1M ago46:04

46:04

Pop can sparkle and still say something. That’s the throughline as we sit down with recording artist Kayn Falcon, who blends Connecticut calm with New York urgency to craft synthwave-leaning pop that moves the body and nudges the mind. Kayn opens up about producing his songs from the beat up, guarding his creative sessions like sacred space, and tr…

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Gavin Campbell with Smart Yard Automation, Unraid 7.2 Enhancements, and the Rise of Local AI – HGG661

1M ago

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Gavin Campbell joins this week and we covered winter weather, his strong early results with the Segway Navimow robot mower, the improved sound and smart-home functionality of the Echo Dot Max, and his Unraid 7.2 upgrade that boosted responsiveness. We discussed how we are using local AI for automation, troubleshooting, and coding, along with bigger…

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Gavin Campbell with Smart Yard Automation, Unraid 7.2 Enhancements, and the Rise of Local AI – HGG661

1M ago

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Gavin Campbell joins this week and we covered winter weather, his strong early results with the Segway Navimow robot mower, the improved sound and smart-home functionality of the Echo Dot Max, and his Unraid 7.2 upgrade that boosted responsiveness. We discussed how we are using local AI for automation, troubleshooting, and coding, along with bigger…

1
Hall of Fame Worthy Artists, Songs That Make You Crank It Up, and Country Music News 1:17:18

1M ago1:17:18

1:17:18

What actually earns a place in the Country Music Hall of Fame—longevity, hits, or the kind of influence that changes what country sounds like? We dig into the real criteria and test the hype with a clear-eyed look at names like Alison Krauss, Brad Paisley, Crystal Gayle, Dwight Yoakam, Faith Hill, and more. Some feel overdue, others feel inevitable…

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Robby Johnson, Songs You Hate to Love, and Country Music News 1:00:25

2M ago1:00:25

1:00:25

The first chord hits and the room lifts. That’s the magic Robbie Johnson chases with his country-flavored take on You Shook Me All Night Long—faithful to AC/DC’s fire, sparking new life with a searing fiddle solo and tasteful B3 that make crowds throw their hands up without missing the original’s bite. We dig into how Robbie and producer Danny Rade…

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EcoFlow and Eco-Worthy Solar Setup Updates, Using Local AI at Home – HGG660

2M ago

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In this episode, we discuss the latest with my solar setup (EcoFlow battery, Eco-Worthy panels) and take a deep dive into local AI — exploring LLMs you can run at home, privacy implications, and practical use cases. We also field live chat questions, talk about Ollama, LM Studio, voice cloning, and more. Thanks for listening! In this episode of Hom…

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EcoFlow and Eco-Worthy Solar Setup Updates, Using Local AI at Home – HGG660

2M ago

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In this episode, we discuss the latest with my solar setup (EcoFlow battery, Eco-Worthy panels) and take a deep dive into local AI — exploring LLMs you can run at home, privacy implications, and practical use cases. We also field live chat questions, talk about Ollama, LM Studio, voice cloning, and more. Thanks for listening! In this episode of Hom…

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Ft. Miles - WWII Base, Soviet Sub Tracking Station, Bazooka Training Area, or Military Beach Resort? Yes. Ed Paterline takes us behind the scenes at Lewes’ Most Famous Fort 47:05

2M ago47:05

47:05

Send us a text Tucked under sand and towered over by trees inside Cape Henlopen State Park, Ft. Miles was once an active military base from World War II through the Cold War and into the Vietnam War. Ed Paterline, Fort Miles Historical Association Board Member, takes us through the fort’s storied history and how a determined group of volunteers, mo…

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Best Country Guitarists, Best Song in a Movie, and Country Music News 1:17:15

2M ago1:17:15

1:17:15

What makes a musician “the best”—flashy solos, bulletproof tone, or the quiet excellence of a session pro who lifts every track they touch? We dig into that question with a fresh list of country’s standout guitarists, then pressure-test the names you know—Keith Urban, Vince Gill, Brad Paisley—against a studio titan who’s played on nearly everything…

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Lutron Smart Plug, AirPods Pro 3, iPhone 17, and a Switch to Visible – HGG659

2M ago

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In this episode of Home Gadget Geeks, I spent some time diving into a few recent tech updates and sharing a bit of what’s been going on with me. I started with a look at the Lutron PD-150UTB-BL smart outdoor plug — it’s built like a tank and performs great outdoors, but at $85, it’s hard to call it a good value. From there, I talked about Apple’s n…

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Lutron Smart Plug, AirPods Pro 3, iPhone 17, and a Switch to Visible – HGG659

2M ago

—

In this episode of Home Gadget Geeks, I spent some time diving into a few recent tech updates and sharing a bit of what’s been going on with me. I started with a look at the Lutron PD-150UTB-BL smart outdoor plug — it’s built like a tank and performs great outdoors, but at $85, it’s hard to call it a good value. From there, I talked about Apple’s n…

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Top Women in Country, First Artist You Connected With, and Country Music News 1:28:10

2M ago1:28:10

1:28:10

A fan hug mid-song. A chart where Megan Moroney owns the moment. Dolly Parton’s quiet resilience. We chase the heartbeat of country right now and get brutally practical about how artists truly break through—and stay there—when the spotlight moves on. We start with a listener-fueled rundown of the Top 12 women in country, using each pick to explore …

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Jonny James 1:00:27

2M ago1:00:27

1:00:27

Big lights, bigger grit. That’s the pulse running through our conversation with country-rock artist Jonny James—a former college football player who built a million-stream career the hard way: booking his own shows, designing his own merch, and recording between a home base in Indiana and sessions in Nashville. Jonny takes us inside the moments tha…

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Frustrated By The MLB Postseason? Were Your Hopes and Dreams Squashed by the Same Goliaths? You Have an Alternative Right Here in Lewes 13:28

2M ago13:28

13:28

Send us a text 18 Major League Baseball Clubs have been sent home, another notch on their annual misery belts. Have your fan dreams been squashed; your hope destroyed, while the usual clubs march on? Ready to give up? Don’t. You can keep hold of your annual fixation with failure and still root for a winner - the Lewes Vintage Base Ball Club. They p…

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Eugene Rice (American Mile) 44:40

2M ago44:40

44:40

A trunk ride with Billy Gibbons, a pair of “blessed” boots, and the moment a lyric became a band name—this one has stories. We sit down with American Mile’s Eugene Rice for a fast, funny, and unfiltered tour through the making of a modern Southern rock band built on grit, harmony, and a never-quit work ethic. From a Vermont town of 1,500 to SoCal s…

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Remembering Brett James, Artists That Sound Like Other Artists, and Country Music News 59:25

2M ago59:25

59:25

Nashville's songwriting community suffered a devastating loss with the passing of Brett James, a prolific songwriter who gave up medical school to pursue his passion for music. With 27 number one hits among his 500+ released songs, Brett's legacy includes classics like "Jesus Take the Wheel" by Carrie Underwood and "When the Sun Goes Down" by Kenny…

1
Gale Bird 54:59

2M ago54:59

54:59

What happens when a childhood nickname becomes a musical identity? Josh Gale and Sean from the band Gale Byrd join us to share how football fields in Texas, marsh sunsets in Charleston, and the everyday struggles of marriage have shaped their distinctive sound. The conversation dives deep into the creative heartbeat of this Charleston-based band. J…

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AirPods to AI: Tech, Crypto, and Life Updates with Christian Johnson – HGG658

2M ago

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In this episode of Home Gadget Geeks, I’m joined by Christian Johnson. We start with a discussion about the new Apple AirPods Pro 3, which I’ve purchased and am waiting to try once they arrive. From there, Christian shares updates on life as a new father and his progress toward earning a pilot’s license. The second half of the conversation focuses …

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AirPods to AI: Tech, Crypto, and Life Updates with Christian Johnson – HGG658

2M ago

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In this episode of Home Gadget Geeks, I’m joined by Christian Johnson. We start with a discussion about the new Apple AirPods Pro 3, which I’ve purchased and am waiting to try once they arrive. From there, Christian shares updates on life as a new father and his progress toward earning a pilot’s license. The second half of the conversation focuses …

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There’s Something Special Happening Here - A Look Back to the Start of the Podcast and What Happened. Spoiler Alert - It’s Good 13:24

2M ago13:24

13:24

Send us a text Co-founders Steve Esfandiari, Matt DiSabatino, and Kevin McGuiness were unburdened by knowledge, experience, or a good premise for a podcast when they released their first episode back in May 2023. What they did have was an interesting town filled with interesting people. They hoped that would be enough. At least they got that right.…

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Nashville Stars Get Canceled, Artists More People Should Know, and Country Music News 1:17:42

3M ago1:17:42

1:17:42

When does a country star get "canceled," and does it even work? In this eye-opening episode, Jay and Tiffany dive into eight notorious country music controversies—from Morgan Wallen's racial slur captured on a doorbell camera to Jerry Lee Lewis marrying his 13-year-old cousin (which rock music rejected but country music... accepted?). Their candid …

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CMA Snubs and Surprises, Best Story in a Song, and Country Music News 1:09:49

3M ago1:09:49

1:09:49

The lines between success and snubs blur in our deep dive into the 2025 CMA Award nominations. Morgan Wallen simultaneously celebrates three wins while feeling overlooked in other categories, perfectly capturing the industry's complex relationship with commercial success. Miranda Lambert makes a triumphant return with her first album in five years,…

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Jenn Wagner - Sculpture, Jeweler, Painter on Having Life Steer You to Your Passion 49:02

3M ago49:02

49:02

Send us a text Jenn Wagner is a local artist working in multiple mediums. She describes herself as a metal worker who also paints and makes jewelry. She attended 12 different schools growing up, as her family moved around the country and the world. She followed a traditional business path, getting her MBA from Rice University, then lived with her h…

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13 Artists That Should Play at Taylor Swift’s Wedding, Best Live Show, and Country Music News 1:16:22

3M ago1:16:22

1:16:22

Taylor Swift's wedding planning takes center stage as we unveil the potential 13-artist lineup rumored to perform at her upcoming nuptials. From long-time collaborators like Colby Caillat to surprising connections with Kenny Chesney, we explore why each artist made the speculative list—and who's conspicuously missing. The real story might be Von Ra…

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Stella Soleil 44:59

3M ago44:59

44:59

What happens when a buried pop gem finally gets its moment to shine? Stella Soleil joins us to share the fascinating 14-year journey of her song "Hello" – from its unexpected birth in a hard rock band to its powerful 2025 revival. Stella takes us behind the curtain of her remarkable career, revealing how she championed Slipknot before they became g…

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AI and Assistive Technology in Education: Insights with Dr. Brian Friedlander – HGG657

3M ago

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On this episode of Home Gadget Geeks, I had the chance to sit down with Dr. Brian Friedlander to talk about how AI is changing the landscape of assistive technology. We covered everything from tools like AOA, Brisk, and Magic School AI that support students in the classroom, to innovations in note-taking, E Ink devices, and even brain-computer inte…

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AI and Assistive Technology in Education: Insights with Dr. Brian Friedlander – HGG657

3M ago

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On this episode of Home Gadget Geeks, I had the chance to sit down with Dr. Brian Friedlander to talk about how AI is changing the landscape of assistive technology. We covered everything from tools like AOA, Brisk, and Magic School AI that support students in the classroom, to innovations in note-taking, E Ink devices, and even brain-computer inte…

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Taylor Swift's Engagement, Best Party Song, and Country Music News 1:14:01

3M ago1:14:01

1:14:01

What happens when Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's engagement announcement collides with a passionate debate about the greatest party song of all time? Pure entertainment gold on The Jay Franze Show. Hosts Jay Franze and Tiffany Mason kick things off by diving into the swirling conspiracy theories surrounding Taylor Swift's engagement. From the podc…

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Christopher Wyze 51:30

3M ago51:30

51:30

Ever wondered what it would be like to completely reinvent yourself after a successful career? Christopher Wyze's remarkable journey from advertising executive to blues musician proves it's never too late to follow your passion. Growing up in Indiana, Christopher's introduction to blues came when his college-aged brother brought home BB King and Bo…

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Mike DiPaolo - Nationally Recognized, Award Winning Non-Profit Executive on Life and a Career Spent Improving the Community 56:11

3M ago56:11

56:11

Send us a text Mike DiPaolo has spent over 25 years working with non-profits, helping make them and the communities they serve more effective and impactful. He helped steer the Lewes Historical Society into prominence, and today is helping the Delaware Community Foundation improve and better coordinate charitable activities throughout the state. He…

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Best line in a Song, Weekly Top 10, and Country Music News 53:14

3M ago53:14

53:14

What makes a song lyric truly unforgettable? Is it the clever wordplay, the raw emotion, or the way it perfectly captures a universal feeling? Jay Franze and Tiffany Mason dive headfirst into this question, sparking a fascinating conversation with their listeners about the lines that have stuck with them through the years. From Garth Brooks' bitter…

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Books. Beats. Batteries: Jay Franze with Mac Upgrades and Solar Questions – HGG656

3M ago

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Jay Franze is back, and we talk about his new book, Stand Out or Fade Out. Jay considers upgrading his Mac Mini and shares updates on home projects and a new service dog for his daughter. Jim updates his solar setup, switching to an EcoFlow Delta 3, and they discuss solar power for camping, home use, and RVs, covering costs, efficiency, and practic…

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Books. Beats. Batteries: Jay Franze with Mac Upgrades and Solar Questions – HGG656

3M ago

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Jay Franze is back, and we talk about his new book, Stand Out or Fade Out. Jay considers upgrading his Mac Mini and shares updates on home projects and a new service dog for his daughter. Jim updates his solar setup, switching to an EcoFlow Delta 3, and they discuss solar power for camping, home use, and RVs, covering costs, efficiency, and practic…

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Billie Jo Jones, Songs Without the Title in the Chorus, and Country Music News 1:05:31

4M ago1:05:31

1:05:31

Get ready for an exclusive behind-the-scenes conversation with rising country star Billie Jo Jones as she joins Jay Franze and co-host Tiffany Mason for a candid discussion about her musical journey and exciting upcoming projects. The Texas-born artist shares breaking news about her sophomore album "Turquoise and Silver," set to release this Octobe…

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Chris Erasmus 40:32

4M ago40:32

40:32

Few artists bring a perspective to country music as unique as Chris Erasmus. Growing up in a game reserve in Zimbabwe before relocating to South Africa, Erasmus developed an authentic connection to rural life that most country singers can only romanticize. On this captivating episode, he shares stories of herding buffalo on horseback, working as a …

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