Kim Komando Today
1,017 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 days ago - ★★★★★ - 329 ratingsSound like a tech pro, even if you’re not! Award-winning popular host Kim Komando is your secret weapon.
Kim is in a class all her own. Her widely successful radio show is heard on over 500 stations in the United States and internationally in 175 different countries. Kim has millions of fans who love her down-to-earth, deeply relatable, and easy-to-understand way of talking about consumer tech.
Every episode is loaded with the scoop about the latest gadgets, online security, social media trends, and digital privacy. Kim makes it all entertaining and fun. With a mix of important news, practical advice, and compelling conversations, you’ll be able to make informed decisions and stay up-to-date with the latest trends in the tech world.
Kim started her show and still owns it herself. She’s not part of a big broadcasting company. Her company has no debt or investors. That’s why many small business owners also turn to her for advice on growing their businesses using web-based tools.
In the Kim Komando Today Podcast, every episode is loaded with ways to better your tech life. New episodes of the Kim Komando Podcast drop every Monday through Friday.
To learn more about Kim, the things she mentions, or submit a topic or question, drop by www.Komando.com
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Episodes
Android always tracking, 'killware,' digital signature
October 15, 2021 10:00 - 45 minutes - 42.1 MBUse an Android smartphone? Bad news: New research shows certain apps are always tracking. Plus, ransomware is a huge threat to our security, but have you heard of killware? And the team has smart tech tips to make life better, including simple ways to get your real signature onto your computer or phone. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Inside social media surveillance with the founder of MeWe
October 14, 2021 18:30 - 38 minutes - 26.8 MBMark Zuckerberg says privacy is a thing of the past. MeWe founder Mark Weinstein sees a better way. In this episode, you'll learn how social media platforms track, monitor and spy on their users. It's called surveillance capitalism — and Kim and Mark will tell you how to fight back. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tech Refresh: Facebook whistleblower, Windows 11 is here, dangerous TikTok trend
October 08, 2021 18:59 - 41 minutes - 28.2 MBWho is the Facebook whistleblower? Kim has a deep dive on Frances Haugen and what might be in her future. Plus, Windows 11 is rolling out and we've got a shortcut to help you get it faster. And kids are taking a stupid TikTok trend to dangerous levels. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Digital Life Hacks: Smart digital tips you need to know
October 06, 2021 15:33 - 36 minutes - 25.1 MBOver the years, Kim has made it her mission to share quick tips and advice to make your digital life easier. These are all those clever hacks you won't find buried in a user manual. In this episode, Kim, Allie and Ben share smart new tech know-how, from a safer way to share passwords to turning your handwritten notes digital. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Software tracking everything you do, new iPhone, Alexa on wheels
October 01, 2021 16:38 - 47 minutes - 32.5 MBHave you heard of ShadowDragon? It collects data from 120 major sites going back a decade. Yes, 10 years of info about YOU. Plus, the iPhone 13 and iOS 15 are here, along with Amazon's new smart home gear, including Astro, the Echo on wheels. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Have smart devices at home? Take these steps to stay safe
September 29, 2021 10:00 - 34 minutes - 31.9 MBWhen you put a cheap smart bulb in your shopping cart, no one warned you it might be susceptible to hackers who could use it to break into your entire network. With more and more of our devices connected to the internet, we're all at risk. I brought in cybersecurity expert Ricoh Danielson to help you lock it all down. Find out more about Ricoh at 1stresponder.us. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tech Refresh: Scam texts going up, Amazon's new guarantee, the first MP3
September 24, 2021 10:00 - 50 minutes - 45.9 MBScam calls are on their way down, while scammy texts are increasing. Here's what to do about it. Plus, Amazon is finally taking responsibility for lousy third-party products, and Kim, Ben and Allie reminisce about the first MP3, Napster and even tapes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The future of tech: One U.S. lawmaker sees big changes coming
September 21, 2021 19:00 - 43 minutes - 59.6 MBCould algorithms be the cure to cancer? What will the future workplace look like? And how could blockchain protect our privacy better than anything we have now? In this episode, Kim sits down with Congressman David Schweikert, who provides a politician’s perspective on the biggest plans lawmakers have for the future of tech. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tech Refresh: Podcast pro tips, Alexa prank, Windows nightmare
September 17, 2021 10:00 - 46 minutes - 42.4 MBTrying to get your podcast off the ground? Kim and Allie are joined by Paul Colligan, a podcast industry pro who helps new shows flourish. Plus, Kim pranked Barry with an Alexa trick you'll want to try, too, and an essential update for Windows users. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How the government and companies buy your personal data
September 14, 2021 20:56 - 44 minutes - 41.2 MBWe think of our gadgets as helpful tools that make our lives easier, but they can also be turned against us. The data your devices collect is so valuable it could be used against you in a criminal trial, requested by police or even bought by the government through a data broker. Kim’s interview with technologist Bennett Cyphers from the Electronic Frontier Foundation reveals all the secrets you’re losing — and which devices do the most stealing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit mega...
Tech Refresh: WhatsApp not so private, 3 smart tech hacks, talking duck
September 10, 2021 10:00 - 37 minutes - 34.4 MBAfter years of assuring users Facebook can't read WhatsApp messages, the truth comes out. Kim, Allie and Ben offer up their favorite quick tech life hacks, including how to use your browser to earn cash. And in weird news of a week, a talking duck named Ripper has something to say. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Disinformation: How social media lies change history
September 08, 2021 16:07 - 40 minutes - 37.3 MBKeeping you ignorant is profitable, which is why companies, governments and terrorist groups manufacture fake social media posts. Fall for them, and you’re letting strangers inject their lies into your brain. In this episode, Kim sits down with disinformation experts Kristy Roschke and Emerson Brooking on the scary new shadow industry designed to keep us ignorant, compliant and powerless. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tech Refresh: iPhone 13, digital license, pay later on Amazon
September 03, 2021 16:53 - 42 minutes - 38.8 MBThe iPhone 13 is coming soon. Before you shell out $1K, get Kim's advice on whether now is really the time to upgrade. Plus, digital licenses are coming soon, if you live in one of eight states. And check Amazon because you might be able to break your next purchase into monthly installments. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Cybersecurity 101: Inside the mind of a hacker
August 31, 2021 11:00 - 20 minutes - 18.4 MBOnline scams reach new heights just about every month. How can you protect yourself? You need to get in the head of a criminal. That's why Kim sat down with IBM social engineer Stephanie Carruthers, aka _sn0ww, about the surge in spam that preys on fears and confusion. Listen now to stay safe out there. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tech Refresh: Crypto hits $2.1T, UPS scam, quick tech hacks
August 27, 2021 11:00 - 36 minutes - 33.5 MBCryptocurrency shows no sign of slowing down, and there's a list of mining scam apps you need to know about. Plus, a new phishing email campaign is using the UPS and a really clever tactic to fool people. And Kim and the gang have three smart tech tips you'll wish you knew sooner. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How do you track down terrorists? This guy actually did it
August 24, 2021 15:30 - 36 minutes - 33.2 MBNow that the Taliban has taken over Afghanistan, many nationals are scrambling to cover up their digital lives. Any sign of cooperation with Americans could be a death sentence. In this episode, Kim talks with Ricoh Danielson, a vet who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, breaking into cellphones and discovering secrets on the ground. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tech Refresh: Windows nightmare continues, podcasting tips, new Gen Z trend
August 20, 2021 10:00 - 46 minutes - 42.2 MBThis week, Kim and Allie are joined by a special guest, Paul Colligan. He's a super-smart podcast expert and chats with us about some excellent ideas if you've ever thought about starting your own show. That, plus this week in tech news, Kim's favorite Alexa prank, and a brand new game. Will Kim stump you? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Bonus: An hour of Kim Komando's national radio show
August 17, 2021 10:00 - 36 minutes - 33.2 MBThis week's podcast is a full hour of The Kim Komando Show, originally broadcast to 420+ radio stations across the U.S. on Aug. 14 and 15. Listen on your schedule for 30 days totally free at getkim.com. In this hour, a former official says China has data on every American, Apple’s plan to scan devices for child abuse images and how you could be 60 seconds away from becoming Netflix’s next big star. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tech Refresh: Apple's plan to fight child porn, stop scam texts, be a Netflix star
August 13, 2021 10:00 - 48 minutes - 44.8 MBApple says it is going to start scanning photos for child porn. Is this a privacy violation or a much-needed change? Plus, scam texts are on the rise. We've got tips on what to watch for. And if you want to be a reality star, time to submit a casting call to Netflix. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
She passed away. Then he turned her into an AI chatbot
August 12, 2021 16:30 - 51 minutes - 46.8 MBWhen tragedy struck, Joshua Barbeau decided to cope with the death of his girlfriend by creating an AI chatbot based on her personality. In this episode, Kim sits down with him as well as developer Jason Rohrer, who created an AI program you can use to create your own personalized chatbots for just $5. It’s creepy and insanely fascinating at the same time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tech Refresh: X-rated email scam, FBI's secret spy phones, tech life hacks
August 06, 2021 10:00 - 39 minutes - 18.3 MBThe FBI busted criminals using a secret app to communicate their nefarious deeds. The biggest surprise here is how they did it. X-rated emails are one of scammers' favorite ways to get your info. Plus, the team dives into tech productivity hacks to make life easier. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The inventor of the cellphone on his first-ever call and what's coming next
August 03, 2021 20:15 - 40 minutes - 37.4 MBCellphones completely changed the way we communicate. One of the most influential figures behind the tech? Marty Cooper, known as the Father of the Cellphone. In this episode, Kim and Marty take a trip down memory lane. He tells the story of his first mobile call. No, it was definitely not to his wife. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tech Refresh: Fake Windows 11 installers, update your iPhone, Alexa's new persona
July 30, 2021 11:00 - 37 minutes - 34.7 MBWindows 11 is coming, but it's not here yet. Before you go Googling for the installer, a warning about dangerous malware. Plus, a new update for iPhones and iPads goes well beyond cool new features; it fixes a serious vulnerability. In the tech tip, a simple way to change your Echo's wake word and voice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Starting a podcast? 4 tips that could make or break it
July 27, 2021 11:00 - 45 minutes - 41.4 MBTo make a successful podcast, you need solid storytelling and production skills. That's why I sat down with audio expert Valerie Geller to break down the biggest mistakes audio pioneers make. We share anecdotes from our own careers, tips that worked for us and the top four ways you can reel in listeners and boost your ratings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tech Refresh: Bezos in space, crypto scam warning, clear duplicate contacts
July 23, 2021 10:00 - 36 minutes - 33.7 MBJeff Bezos went to space and back and had a, well, unusual way of thanking all of us for it. Security cameras are watching at just about every store; some are smarter than others. In the tech tip, Ben has details on how to find and clean up all your duplicate Google contacts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The secret software watching your every move at work
July 20, 2021 11:00 - 37 minutes - 34.1 MBThanks to invasive software, companies can track your every move — even outside of work hours. In this episode, security researcher Cooper Quintin reveals how so-called bossware works, what it tracks and how badly things can go when organizations use it to see every single thing you're doing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tech Refresh: Twitter's big mistake, Ring encryption, finding your lost phone
July 16, 2021 10:00 - 34 minutes - 31.3 MBTwitter's blue checkmark verifications are back. You won't believe how the social media company screwed it up. Plus, a vital security measure finally makes its way to Ring cameras, and Allie has a quick and easy way to find your lost phone. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Your smart devices are leaking private info - Steps you can take
July 14, 2021 00:22 - 34 minutes - 31.9 MBWhen you put a cheap smart bulb in your shopping cart, no one warned you it might be susceptible to hackers who could use it to break into your entire network. With more and more of our devices connected to the internet, we're all at risk. I brought in cybersecurity expert Ricoh Danielson to help you lock it all down. Find out more about Ricoh at 1stresponder.us.
Tech Refresh: Nosy smart assistants, old scam is back, using email aliases
July 09, 2021 10:00 - 38 minutes - 35.7 MBIt seems, yes, Google's smart assistant is always listening. What can you do about it? Plus, a tricky scam is back with a new name, and find out how email aliases can clean up your inbox and protect your privacy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A woman was being harassed and stalked. How we found the guy.
July 06, 2021 11:00 - 51 minutes - 47.4 MBOne woman asked Kim for help with a malicious stranger who stalked her daughter's every move. Over time, the abuse escalated; the creep targeted her whole family, even posting the mom's photos on risqué dating sites. Listen and learn how Kim and her friends unmasked the stalker! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tech Refresh: Facebook caps $1 trillion, Peloton for kids and Starlink
July 02, 2021 03:18 - 37 minutes - 34 MBFacebook is now worth $1 trillion. Kim dives in what you could get for all that cash. Plus, Starlink's progress in bringing high-speed internet to the masses and the inside scoop on Windows 11. In the tech tip, how to see what's eating up all the space on your phone — and what to delete. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Cryptocurrency 101: Your quick guide to digital currency
June 30, 2021 23:31 - 35 minutes - 32.7 MBBitcoin, Dogecoin, mining, Ethereum, gas prices, Binance ... Cryptocurrency is going mainstream, but that doesn't mean these are easy waters to navigate. Before you dive in, listen to this podcast. Kim and team have the info you need to get started the safe way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tech Refresh: Smartphone warning, car rental scams, new private search engine
June 25, 2021 10:00 - 31 minutes - 29.3 MBIt's time to upgrade your phone. Issues are plaguing iPhone and Android models. Plus, a new privacy-focused search engine just launched to take on Google and DuckDuckGo. Should you use it? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Essential listening for all podcasters: Pro tips to grow your show
June 22, 2021 11:00 - 17 minutes - 7.95 MBLearn from the woman who wrote the book on radio and podcasting, Valerie Geller. She has traveled the world teaching professional broadcasters how to get better at their craft. You'll get a ton of great tips in this episode, including Valerie's four secrets to creating powerful content: focus, engage, position and storytelling. She'll break each down and explain how you can create amazing content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tech Refresh: Influencers shilling crypto, update your iPhone, medical data breach
June 18, 2021 10:00 - 40 minutes - 18.7 MBCryptocurrency is going mainstream, and influencers like Kim Kardashian are cashing in. Apple just released an urgent update for older iPhones and iPads, and a new medical data breach could give cybercriminals even more fuel to come after you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How Bezos, Musk, and Buffett pay no federal taxes and a bonus for anyone who owns a home
June 15, 2021 11:00 - 31 minutes - 21.9 MBProPublica obtained IRS information showing how billionaires like Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk and Warren Buffett pay little in income tax compared to their massive wealth — sometimes, even nothing. Kim sits down with her tax accountant to get the scoop. Plus, they talk about how to use your own home and special tax credits to lower your taxes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tech Refresh: FBI app crackdown, X-rated emails, tech productivity hacks
June 11, 2021 10:00 - 39 minutes - 18.2 MBThe FBI busted criminals using a super-secret app to communicate all their comings and goings. Kim has the scoop on how they did it. Scammers are sending X-rated emails to scare people into paying up, and the team dives into tech productivity hacks to make life easier. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A threat to your online security hiding in plain sight
June 08, 2021 11:00 - 33 minutes - 15.5 MBWith the internet of things, you can open doors and turn on lights with one tap on your phone. That’s a lot of power — so what happens when a hacker takes over your home network? Kim speaks with Cequence Security hacker Jason Kent, who shares some scary stories about what can happen if you aren’t careful. You’ll also get a ton of cybersecurity tips to make sure your online security is airtight! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tech Refresh: Amazon Sidewalk, eBay and PayPal break up, UFO report
June 04, 2021 10:00 - 38 minutes - 17.8 MBAnother massive ransomware attack hits the U.S. How will this impact your next meal? Amazon's new wireless network is coming soon, and you're part of it unless you opt out. Plus, a big change coming to eBay and what we're expecting from the upcoming UFO report from the Pentagon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
SEO 101: How to get more traffic to your website
June 01, 2021 10:00 - 38 minutes - 17.8 MBIf you have a website, you want it to show up on the first page of Google for as many different search terms as possible. How can you get there? SEO, or search engine optimization, is the secret sauce that stands between you and ranking highly. Kim chats with SEO expert Steve Wiideman about the insider secrets to boost your rankings and make more money online. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tech Refresh: Porch pirates, lock down your Google searches, blind man sees again
May 28, 2021 10:00 - 30 minutes - 13.8 MBWhat do your phone’s passcode and your Venmo account have in common? Find out. Plus, an obscure video game accessory selling for hundreds of dollars, and our tactics to fight back against porch pirates. In the tech tip, a new Google setting you need to enable if you don't want others snooping through your searches. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Cryptocurrency 101: Buying, selling, and spending the safe way
May 25, 2021 11:00 - 35 minutes - 16.4 MBReady to dip your toe into the cryptocurrency world? Don't until you listen to this episode. Kim and the team walk through the basics, from how virtual currency works to whether you can make money mining Bitcoin. Find out how to dodge scams and keep your digital currency safe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tech Refresh: The government agency monitoring what you do online
May 21, 2021 10:00 - 33 minutes - 15.2 MBWhich government agency is watching what we do online? The answer will surprise you. Plus, fake crypto apps scamming people out of their cash, Google's latest additions to Maps and more, and an app that started a manhunt ... for the wrong guy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Amazon tracks and sells your data: Secrets they don't want you to know
May 18, 2021 10:00 - 36 minutes - 16.5 MBAmazon hosts websites you visit every day, sells billions in products each year, and collects more information about you than you realize. All this success all starts with a huge amount of data collection. Kim is joined by guest Jason Boyce, author of "The Amazon Jungle: The Truth About Amazon, The Seller's Survival Guide for Thriving on the World's Most Perilous E-Commerce Marketplace." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tech Refresh: Voice of Alexa, Dogecoin drama, Amazon review scam
May 14, 2021 10:00 - 35 minutes - 16.2 MBHackers managed to shut down one of the largest gas pipelines in the U.S. What else could they do? Plus, the voice of Alexa revealed, a massive Dogecoin scam operation hits for $5 million, and a handy travel hack. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Too many photos? Insider tricks to organizing, sorting and storing for the long-term
May 11, 2021 15:54 - 35 minutes - 16.2 MBDo you have more photos than you know what to do with? Kim, Allie and Ben dive into the best ways to get rid of all the junk and duplicates — like memes and screenshots — hiding the important pictures you want to keep. Plus, how to back-up and store your collection for easy browsing and long-term storage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tech Refresh: Craziest cryptocurrencies, Apple's 'Epic' trial, IP address scam
May 07, 2021 10:00 - 26 minutes - 12.2 MBApple is in an 'Epic' court battle that could change the way we pay for apps. You've heard of Bitcoin, but what about some of the other cryptocurrencies that make up this $2 trillion industry? Then Ben, Mike and Allie talk streaming devices. Spoiler: Roku reigns supreme. And find out if Allie can fool the guys this week in Brand New or Not True. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How you can fight back against cybercrime
May 04, 2021 11:00 - 36 minutes - 16.6 MBMost countries have a cybercrime unit. Many also have hacking units, elite gangs of cyber soldiers who launch long-term attacks on rival nations. Their goal: to steal state secrets or even wreak havoc on its citizens. But you can be your own cybercrime unit — and there are a lot of threats you need to protect yourself from. Kim talks with Etay Maor, the Senior Director of Security Strategy at Cato Networks. Find out how this battle of giants impacts you — as well as how you can stay safe. ...
Tech Refresh: Global chip shortage, hiding files, favorite phones over the year
April 30, 2021 11:00 - 33 minutes - 15.3 MBKim and the crew break down the latest tech news, including a global chip shortage that's going to make getting your hands on electronics and appliances even more expensive. Plus, a 21-year-old Blockbuster rental came back to haunt a woman applying for a new driver's license. The team reminiscences over the best cell phones from years past, and see if Ben can fool Mike and Allie in Brand New or Not True. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Taxes and the pandemic: New rules to watch out for
April 29, 2021 11:00 - 39 minutes - 17.9 MBIt’s tax time. Get ready for hair-pulling, nail-biting and double-checking numbers so you don’t upset the IRS. Luckily, I’m here with everything you need to know this tax season, from COVID’s impact to the different tax websites you can file through. We’re talking about loans, finding your tax rates, common pitfalls and more with Rachel Cheek, a certified public accountant. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices