MacStories Unwind

This week, Federico and John share their favorite videogames of 2025. Also available on YouTube here . This episode is sponsored by: Sequel – Track Now. Enjoy Later. Links and Show Notes 2025's Best Videogames Federico's Backlog: Ghost of Yōtei Hades II Kingdom Come: Deliverance II Hollow Knight: Silksong Despelote Shinobi: Art of Vengeance FINAL FANTASY TACTICS – The Ivalice Chronicles John's Backlog: Metroid Prime 4 Hades II Dispatch Ghost of Yōtei Shinobi: Art of Vengeance Unbeatable Federico's Top Games: Mario Kart World Megabonk Ball x Pit Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Donkey Kong Bananza Federico's No. 1 Game: Metroid Prime 4 John's Top Games: Ball x Pit Mario Kart World Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Sektori John's No. 1 Game: Donkey Kong Bananza Unwind Deal 🕹️🌐⚡️ Catch up on the Tron universe with all three movies for just $39.97 in the TV app. Enjoy three neon-soaked sci-fi adventures where humans get pulled into a digital world of deadly games, rogue programs, and high-speed light cycles. Leave Feedback for John and Federico MacStories Unwind Feedback Form Follow us on Mastodon MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Follow us on Bluesky MacStories Unwind MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Affiliate Linking Policy

This week, Federico and John share their favorite TV shows and movies of 2025. Also available on YouTube here . This episode is sponsored by: Sequel – Track Now. Enjoy Later. Links and Show Notes 2025's Best Movies and TV Shows John's Movie Pick: Fantastic Four: First Steps Thunderbolts Alien Romulus Federico's Picks: Pre–2025 Shows: Friends The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel 2025 Releases: Running Point Nobody Wants This Severance on Apple TV Hacks John's TV Picks: Task Slow Horses on Apple TV Say Nothing The book The audiobook Unwind Deal Today's Apple's Holiday Box Set of the Day is a great one: Buffy the Vampire Slayer for just $14.99. A teenage girl secretly battles vampires and other monsters while trying to survive high school and growing up. If you've never watched Buffy, it's worth checking out or revisiting if you've already seen it. Leave Feedback for John and Federico MacStories Unwind Feedback Form Follow us on Mastodon MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Follow us on Bluesky MacStories Unwind MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Affiliate Linking Policy

This week, the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade, Federico is curious about American TV and has a TV pick, while John follows up on a couple of TV shows and other media he's looking forward to in the coming weeks. Also available on YouTube here . Links and Show Notes U.S. TV Affiliate System Wikipedia Picks Federico's Pick: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel John's Follow Up Picks and Upcoming Media Plans: The Last Frontier and Loot - both on Apple TV Stranger Things Brooklyn Nine-Nine rewatch Metroid Prime 4 Unwind Deal Star Trek: The Next Generation Boxed Set Leave Feedback for John and Federico MacStories Unwind Feedback Form Follow us on Mastodon MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Follow us on Bluesky MacStories Unwind MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Affiliate Linking Policy

This week, Federico and John explore tech nostalgia and the importance of tech history before picking a new TV series and music artist. Also available on YouTube here . Links and Show Notes Tech Nostalgia Versus Tech History NPC: Next Portable Console, GameCube To Go Picks John's Pick: Down Cemetery Road on Apple TV Federico's Pick: American Motor Sports (420 CC Edition) by Bilmuri Unwind Deal John's Favorite Christmas Movies (It's early, I know, but there are some great deals right now.) Classics White Christmas It's A Wonderful Life Comedy Christmas Vacation A Christmas Story Wait, That's a Christmas Movie: Die Hard Trading Places So Bad It's Good Hot Frosty on Netflix 8-Bit Christmas Leave Feedback for John and Federico MacStories Unwind Feedback Form Follow us on Mastodon MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Follow us on Bluesky MacStories Unwind MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Affiliate Linking Policy

This week, John shares how he plans weekend activities with Instagram and Apple Maps, Federico tests dictation apps, and both share their first impressions of the new Apple TV show Pluribus. Also available on YouTube here . Links and Show Notes John's Weekend Excursion Workflow Instagram + Apple Maps Guides and the beta Places You've Been feature Federico's Dictation App Experiments Drafts Wispr Flow Raycast for iOS Joint Pick Pluribus on Apple TV Unwind Deal Dunkirk is just $7.99 in the TV app Leave Feedback for John and Federico MacStories Unwind Feedback Form Follow us on Mastodon MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Follow us on Bluesky MacStories Unwind MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Affiliate Linking Policy

This week, Ticci Ticci jump scare videos, a seafood feast and Federico's latest fixation: X Factor Italy 2025. Plus, the return of a favorite Netflix rom-com series and an Apple TV comedy, and, of course, a special show-notes-only Unwind deal. Also available on YouTube here . Links and Show Notes Unplugged Segment X-Factor Italy Piercesare Fagioli | 'Die with a smile' | Esibizione Bootcamp | X Factor 2025 Piercesare Fagioli canta "Chandelier" di SIA | X Factor 2025 Audizioni 1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qm_W4N0npo0&list=RDqm_W4N0npo0&start_radio=1 Picks Federico's Pick: Nobody Wants This , Season 2 on Netflix John's Pick: Loot , Season 3 on Apple TV Unwind Deals With Vince Gilligan's Pluribus debuting on Apple TV this week, Apple has great deals on two of his other shows: Breaking Bad: The Complete Season is just $29.99 in the TV app Better Call Saul is on sale for $29.99 in the TV app, too. Leave Feedback for John and Federico MacStories Unwind Feedback Form Follow us on Mastodon MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Follow us on Bluesky MacStories Unwind MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Affiliate Linking Policy

This week, John explains why Notion is finally working for him, after which he and Federico share new Apple TV series and videogame picks. Plus, two Unwind deal picks. Also available on YouTube here . Links and Show Notes Unplugged Segment Picks Federico's Pick: Pokémon Legends: Z-A Available from: Nintendo Amazon John's Pick: The Last Frontier on Apple TV Unwind Deal The Big Lebowski is just $4.99. 🎳🥛🕶️ A laid-back slacker gets dragged into a chaotic kidnapping caper after a case of mistaken identity. The Northman is $9.99 in the TV app. ⚔️🩸🌋 A Viking prince pursues a savage blood oath through myth and fire. Leave Feedback for John and Federico MacStories Unwind Feedback Form Follow us on Mastodon MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Follow us on Bluesky MacStories Unwind MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Affiliate Linking Policy

Links and Show Notes Notion Daily Notes Notion AI Browsers OpenAI Atlas Perplexity Comet Dia Deta Surf Microsoft Edge Strawberry Also mentioned Helium Vivaldi Picks No picks this week. We'll have a couple for everyone next week. Unwind Deal Blair Witch Project is $4.99 in the TV app 20 Days Later is $7.99 in the TV app Leave Feedback for John and Federico MacStories Unwind Feedback Form Follow us on Mastodon MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Follow us on Bluesky MacStories Unwind MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Affiliate Linking Policy

This week, weekend outings and the chores we wish robots could do for us, plus Federico shares an anti-pick, and John is hooked on a gritty crime drama. Also available on YouTube here . Links and Show Notes Unplugged Segment Greenville, South Carolina Fall Festival Narwhal Freo X10 Pro robot mop and vaccuum Picks Federico's Anti-Pick: The Residence on Netflix John's Pick: Task on HBO Max Unwind Deal Looper , a time-jumping mob movie, is just $4.99 in the TV app Leave Feedback for John and Federico MacStories Unwind Feedback Form Follow us on Mastodon MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Follow us on Bluesky MacStories Unwind MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Affiliate Linking Policy

This week, John stumbles upon a restaurant with a thing for the Italian navy, Federico explores the Final Fantasy Tactics remake, and John has a movie pick. Also available on YouTube here . Links and Show Notes Unplugged Segment John visits Florence , which is decorated with the Picks Federico's Pick: Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles John's Pick: The Lost Bus on Apple TV+ Unwind Deal In honor of the release of Tron Ares … Tron Tron Legacy …both just $4.99 in the TV app Leave Feedback for John and Federico MacStories Unwind Feedback Form Follow us on Mastodon MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Follow us on Bluesky MacStories Unwind MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Affiliate Linking Policy

This week, Federico tries to recover from a rough week, John brings some Southern cooking to the show, Federico has a long backlog of videogames to attend to, and John has an Apple TV+ show and an album to share. Also available on YouTube here . Links and Show Notes Unplugged Southern Cooking Pecan Pie Pimento Cheese Dip Fried Okra Picks Federico's Pick: Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles Triple Click Tactics episode Hades II Donkey Kong Bananza Hollow Knight: Silksong Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Pokémon Legends: Z-A Ratchet & Clank Rift Apart Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo Despelote Mika and the Witch's Mountain John's Pick: Slow Horses , Season 5 on Apple TV+ Michigander by Michigander Leave Feedback for John and Federico MacStories Unwind Feedback Form Follow us on Mastodon MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Follow us on Bluesky MacStories Unwind MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Affiliate Linking Policy

This week, John visits Mike the shipping guy, Federico's philosophy on hardware takes a turn, John declares Apple Watch charging in the shower a myth, and we share videogame and TV picks, plus a deal. Also available on YouTube here . Links and Show Notes Unplugged Big Mike's Shipping Shoppe Charging the Apple Watch While Showering Picks Federico's Pick: Portal RTX Portal with RTX Update Adds NVIDIA DLSS 3.5 With Ray Reconstruction, RTX IO & New Content RTX Remix John's Pick: Alien Earth on Hulu Unwind Deal Snowpiercer TV Series, Complete Boxed Set in TV app for $11.99 for 4 seasons/40 episodes. Leave Feedback for John and Federico MacStories Unwind Feedback Form Follow us on Mastodon MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Follow us on Bluesky MacStories Unwind MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Affiliate Linking Policy

This week Federico and John reflect on the toll of the review process and the annual recovery process before Federico follows up on a TV series and John recommends a pair of albums. Plus, we have a great Marvel movie bundle deal for listeners. Also available on YouTube here . Links and Show Notes The Aftermath of Review Season iOS and iPadOS 26: The MacStories Review macOS 26 Tahoe: The MacStories Review CarPlay in iOS 26: The MacStories Review visionOS 26: The MacStories Review watchOS 26: The MacStories Review Picks Federico's Pick: Hacks, Seasons 1–4 on HBO Max John's Picks: Tunnel Vision by Beach Bunny I Quit by HAIM Unwind Deal 🔨 Thor – 3-Movie Bundle for $19.99 Leave Feedback for John and Federico MacStories Unwind Feedback Form Follow us on Mastodon MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Follow us on Bluesky MacStories Unwind MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Affiliate Linking Policy

This week, John explains the art of the Southern storytelling with an example, reminding Federico to touch grass before sharing a classic movie deal and previewing some of the perks coming next week with his iOS and iPadOS 26 review. Also available on YouTube here . Links and Show Notes Two Beady Eyes Staring At Me Skunks Unwind Deal The Prestige for $4.99 in Apple's TV app. Leave Feedback for John and Federico MacStories Unwind Feedback Form Follow us on Mastodon MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Follow us on Bluesky MacStories Unwind MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Affiliate Linking Policy

This week, the weather has begun to change, coyotes are on the loose, and John shares his running tech. Plus Federico has a TV comedy for listeners, and John has a superhero movie pick. Also available on YouTube here . Links and Show Notes John's Running Kit Apple Watch Ultra 1 Beats Fit Pro Picks Federico's Pick: Hacks Stream on HBO Max Buy John's Pick: Thunderbolts Stream on Disney+ Buy Leave Feedback for John and Federico MacStories Unwind Feedback Form Follow us on Mastodon MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Follow us on Bluesky MacStories Unwind MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Affiliate Linking Policy

This week, John and Federico return from break to chat about how they spent their time off, the new MacStories Deals social accounts, two sports-related comedies, and a great deal on a favorite TV series. Also available on YouTube here . Links and Show Notes Summer Break and MacStories Deals MacStories Deals returns after seven years Follow it on Mastodon or Bluesky: Mastodon: https://mastodon.macstories.net/@MacStoriesDeals# . Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/macstoriesdeals.macstories.net Picks John's Pick: Stick on Apple TV+ Federico's Pick: Running Point on Netflix Unwind Deal Futurama, Seasons 1–10 for $24.99 Leave Feedback for John and Federico MacStories Unwind Feedback Form Follow us on Mastodon MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Follow us on Bluesky MacStories Unwind MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Affiliate Linking Policy

This week, John is joined by Jonathan Reed to recap the watchOS 26 public beta, and share a trio of comedies old an new, along with Brendon Bigley's new project and a classic monster movie deal. Also available on YouTube here . Links and Show Notes A watchOS 26 Preview watchOS 26 The MacStories Public Beta Preview Picks Jonathan's Picks: The Naked Gun (original movie) and the new version starring Liam Neeson King of the Hill on Hulu/Disney+ Platonic on Apple TV+ John's Pick: Wavelengths Announcement Post: Wavelengths 2.0 A Podcast and a Patreon Unwind Deal Godzilla Minus One Minus Color (49.99 down from $14.99) Leave Feedback for John and Federico MacStories Unwind Feedback Form Follow us on Mastodon MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Follow us on Bluesky MacStories Unwind MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Affiliate Linking Policy

This week, Federico recounts his trip to London to see Oasis play Wembley Stadium, and John recommends the new Fantastic Four movie plus a great deal on a classic comedy. Also available on YouTube here . Links and Show Notes Unplugged Segment Picks Federico's Pick: Oasis Live at Wembley Stadium John's Pick: Fantastic Four: First Steps Unwind Deal Warm up for Happy Gilmore 2 on Netflix with the original: Happy Gilmore , released in 1996, is available in the TV app for just $7.99 Leave Feedback for John and Federico MacStories Unwind Feedback Form Follow us on Mastodon MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Follow us on Bluesky MacStories Unwind MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Affiliate Linking Policy

This week, John struggles to update an old Apple TV and two HomePod minis, Federico sets up OTA TV, and they both go bananas over Donkey Kong Bananza. Also available on YouTube here . This episode is sponsored by: Hello Weather : The Exceptionally Useful Weather App for iOS, Totally Redesigned for 2025 Links and Show Notes Unplugged Topics John struggles to update an Apple TV and HomePod minis Federico installs an HDHomeRun for OTA TV Picks John and Federico's Joint Pick: Donkey Kong Bananza Leave Feedback for John and Federico MacStories Unwind Feedback Form Follow us on Mastodon MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Follow us on Bluesky MacStories Unwind MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Affiliate Linking Policy

This week, Federico's return to Apple system apps has ended and new workflow experiments have begun. Plus, John shares a dark comedy, and Federico has an anti-pick. Also available on YouTube here . Links and Show Notes Federico's Evolving Workflow: MCP and More Mentioned: HyperContext Longplay Longplay for Mac Launches with Powerful AI and Shortcuts Integration Longplay comes to the Mac Picks John's Pick: Friendship Federico's Anti-Pick: The Bear, Season 4 Unwind Deal Note: Sadly since recording, Zombieland has returned to $14.99 but is still available as a $3.99 rental. Leave Feedback for John and Federico MacStories Unwind Feedback Form Follow us on Mastodon MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Follow us on Bluesky MacStories Unwind MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Affiliate Linking Policy

This week, Federico and John discuss the updates to their work and play tech gear setups. Also available on YouTube here . Links and Show Notes Our Gear Setups Federico's Pick: ASUS ROG PG27UCDM monitor with built-in KVM Nintendo Switch 2 Mac Studio Coiled USB-C to USB-C Cable Razer Wolverine V3 Pro Controller Viture Pro XR glasses Viture Mobile dock John's Pick: Arylic LP10 AirPlay 2 Wireless Music Streamer GL.iNet GL-BE3600 (Slate 7) Portable Travel Router tomtoc Sling Bag Crossbody Backpack MOFT Invisible Laptop Stand Leave Feedback for John and Federico MacStories Unwind Feedback Form Follow us on Mastodon MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Follow us on Bluesky MacStories Unwind MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Affiliate Linking Policy

This week, automation crimes, HomeKit Gardens, tattoo crime shows, and videogames. It's a packed episode, just in time for the long holiday weekend in the U.S. Also available on YouTube here . Links and Show Notes Automation and HomeKit Crimes HomeKit-Compatible Kasa Smart Plugs HDHomeRun Love Island ( USA and Italy ) 'Montoya, por favor!' the viral Spanish clip that could change reality TV for ever Television The Guardian 'Montoya Por Favor!' Picks John's Pick: Blindspot on Netflix Federico's Picks: Mario Kart World Fast Fusion Fantasy Life i Leave Feedback for John and Federico MacStories Unwind Feedback Form Follow us on Mastodon MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Follow us on Bluesky MacStories Unwind MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Affiliate Linking Policy

This week, Federico and John dig into MacStories' big infrastructure update, John tours Wilmington, NC TV locations, and they both have TV, movie, and music picks, plus two movie deals. Also available on YouTube here . Links and Show Notes Unplugged Segment MacStories gets an under-the-hood makeover Wilmington, NC TV Dawson's Creek One Tree Hill The Waterfront on Netflix Picks Federico's Pick: Idols by Yungblud And Just Like That , Season 3 on HBO John's Pick: Mountainhead on HBO Unwind Deal Independence Day and Independence Day Resurgence 2-Pack $7.99 instead of $24.99 Furiosa Black and Chrome Edition - $4.99 usually $20 Leave Feedback for John and Federico MacStories Unwind Feedback Form Follow us on Mastodon MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Follow us on Bluesky MacStories Unwind MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Affiliate Linking Policy

This week, John installs macOS Tahoe, he and Federico each recommend a recent crime drama, and we have a Daredevil Unwind deal. Also available on YouTube here . Links and Show Notes Unplugged Segment macOS Tahoe macOS Tahoe Press Release macOS Tahoe: The MacStories Overview Apple's upcoming transcription API Hands-On How Apple's New Speech APIs Outpace Whisper for Lightning-Fast Transcription - MacStories Yap Picks Federico's Pick: Your Friends and Neighbors on Apple TV+ John's Pick: Department Q on Netflix Unwind Deal Daredevil, Seasons 1–3 – lowest price ever on Apple TV for $34.99 Leave Feedback for John and Federico MacStories Unwind Feedback Form Follow us on Mastodon MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Follow us on Bluesky MacStories Unwind MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Affiliate Linking Policy

This week, John quits Dropbox, Federico wraps up Friends, and John recommends a pair of movies and a Quentin Tarantino movie deal. Also available on YouTube here . Links and Show Notes John Quits Dropbox for Google Drive Picks Federico's Picks: Friends Streaming on Max Box Set on Apple TV Friends: The Reunion John's Double Feature Pick: The Order Fountain of Youth on Apple TV Unwind Deal Kill Bill, Vol. 1 Leave Feedback for John and Federico MacStories Unwind Feedback Form Follow us on Mastodon MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Follow us on Bluesky MacStories Unwind MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Affiliate Linking Policy