Accessing Techstravaganza Recordings via Email

Siena demonstrated how to access podcast recordings from the email notifications sent to subscribers.

• Details
  • Siena: Showed that emails contain a “Read on Blog” link that opens the full post in browser
  • Siena: Explained the play button appears immediately after the title and author information
  • Liz: Asked for clarification on the steps: open email, find “Read on Blog” link, then locate play button
  • Siena: Confirmed the play button becomes a pause button when activated and can also be controlled with two-finger double tap magic tap gesture
• Conclusion
  • Process is: open email, click “Read on Blog” link, navigate past title and author, then activate play button
  • Audio player is intentionally placed at top of posts for easy discovery
  • Two-finger double tap can be used as alternative play/pause control on iOS

Accessing Recordings from Techstravaganza Website

Siena demonstrated navigating the Techstravaganza.ca website to find past tutorials and recordings.

• Details
  • Siena: Showed that blog posts are organized by headings for easy navigation
  • Siena: Demonstrated accessing the Tutorials category through the navigation menu or by clicking the “tutorials” link within individual posts
  • Siena: Explained that each post displays author attribution showing who wrote/published it
  • Ali: Clarified that he, Macara, and Siena all have admin rights to post content
  • Siena: Noted that she typically handles reminders while Ali and Macara manage admin updates
• Conclusion
  • Website uses heading structure for accessibility
  • Tutorials can be filtered by category
  • Author information is clearly displayed on all posts
  • Multiple administrators ensure continuity when team members are away

Using Heading Navigation for Accessibility

Liz asked about heading navigation, leading to a tutorial on using VoiceOver rotor for efficient navigation.

• Details
  • Liz: Asked how to skip to next heading on iPhone in emails
  • Siena: Explained using VoiceOver rotor set to headings, then flicking up/down to navigate
  • Liz: Requested confirmation that the “Coming Up” section in reminder emails has a heading tag
  • Siena: Confirmed all major sections have headings including “Join the Workshop” and “Coming Up”
  • Hans: Asked if there’s a way to navigate to specific heading levels like on Windows
  • Ali: Clarified that VoiceOver on iOS and Mac does not support navigating to specific heading levels, only sequential heading navigation
• Conclusion
  • VoiceOver rotor with headings option enabled allows efficient navigation through emails and web pages
  • Reminder emails use heading structure for key sections
  • Unlike Windows screen readers, VoiceOver cannot jump to specific heading levels but announces the level of each heading

Accessing Techstravaganza on Apple Podcasts

Siena demonstrated finding and playing Techstravaganza episodes using the Apple Podcasts app on iPhone.

• Details
  • Siena: Showed that search field is located at bottom right in iOS 26
  • Siena: Demonstrated searching for “Techstravaganza” and selecting the show
  • Siena: Explained the “Following” button indicates subscription status
  • Siena: Showed using “See All” under episodes to view complete episode list
  • Siena: Demonstrated that mini player at bottom right contains pause/play controls
• Conclusion
  • Search field location changed to bottom right in iOS 26
  • Following status is clearly indicated
  • Episodes can be played directly from the list
  • Mini player provides quick access to playback controls

Accessing Techstravaganza on iCatcher Podcast App

Ali requested demonstration of iCatcher, leading to a tutorial on using this third-party podcast player.

• Details
  • Siena: Showed that search results display a preview option for episodes
  • Ali: Clarified that preview mode plays a sample but doesn’t add to main now playing queue
  • Siena: Demonstrated that accessing episodes from the subscribed podcast list (not search) plays them fully
  • Ali: Explained the distinction between previewing from search versus playing from podcast library
  • Siena: Noted that iCatcher remembers playback position when returning to an episode
• Conclusion
  • Preview feature in search allows sampling before subscribing
  • Full playback requires accessing episodes from the podcast library after subscribing
  • App maintains playback position for resuming later
  • This distinction helps users evaluate podcasts before committing to follow

Accessing Techstravaganza on Audible

Siena demonstrated that Techstravaganza is available on Audible due to distribution through Amazon Music.

• Details
  • Siena: Showed searching for Techstravaganza in Audible app
  • Siena: Demonstrated filtering results by “Podcasts” category
  • Siena: Showed the “Follow” button to subscribe to the podcast
  • Siena: Explained that individual episodes can be downloaded or streamed
  • Rob: Expressed interest in getting Audible subscription
  • Ashlyn: Mentioned getting Audible through Prime Day sale
• Conclusion
  • Techstravaganza is available on Audible as well as dedicated podcast apps
  • Users can follow the show and download episodes
  • Audible subscription provides access to podcasts in addition to audiobooks
  • Prime Day sales offer discounted subscription rates

Discussion of Audible Features and Subscription

Conversation expanded to general Audible features, pricing, and content beyond just Techstravaganza access.

• Details
  • Rob: Asked about payment methods and confirmed debit cards are accepted
  • Liz: Asked if books must be returned after a period
  • Ali: Clarified that purchased books are owned permanently, only Plus catalog items may be time-limited
  • Siena: Explained users get one credit per month
  • Ashlyn: Mentioned 12-credit annual plan option
  • Ali: Stated preference for monthly credits to avoid spending all at once
  • Jackie: Asked about InnoSearch moving to donation model
  • Multiple participants: Discussed Audible badges feature and Night Owl badge for listening late at night
• Conclusion
  • Audible accepts debit card payments
  • Purchased audiobooks are owned permanently
  • Monthly subscription includes one credit
  • Annual plans offer 12 credits upfront
  • Audible has expanded beyond audiobooks to include podcasts, originals, and Great Courses
  • Gamification features like badges encourage engagement

Upcoming Techstravaganza Schedule

Discussion of upcoming workshop topics and schedule adjustments.

• Details
  • Siena: Announced Techstravaganza 2.0 on Thursday, March 12th covering JAWS Basics
  • Siena: Confirmed March 18th workshop will cover YouTube Premium and YouTube Music
  • Ali: Mentioned April 29th will feature navigating threaded view in Mail app as requested by Liz
  • Siena: Noted April 22nd will cover Scribe Me
  • Ashlyn: Asked about DocuScan Plus
  • Siena: Confirmed DocuScan Plus is also scheduled
  • Ali: Clarified that Apple Music Part 2 will be rescheduled to May 6th
• Conclusion
  • Techstravaganza 2.0 returns Thursday March 12th, 7-9 PM Eastern
  • March 18th: YouTube Premium/YouTube Music
  • April 22nd: Scribe Me
  • April 29th: Threaded view in Mail app
  • May 6th: Apple Music Part 2
  • DocuScan Plus also scheduled for future session

Request for Cable and Device Organization Tutorial

Liz requested a future tutorial on organizing charging cables and devices.

• Details
  • Liz: Described her challenge with managing approximately 10 different charging cables for various devices
  • Liz: Mentioned her previous system using a card table with power cord in center and cables arranged like a starfish
  • Ali: Suggested Siena as the expert for this topic
  • Siena: Agreed to demonstrate her organization methods in a future session
  • Rob: Mentioned keeping cables on piano desk
• Conclusion
  • Topic added to future Techstravaganza schedule
  • Siena will lead the tutorial on cable and device organization
  • Session will cover practical strategies for managing multiple charging cables and power accessories

Books Panel Discussion

Conversation about the Books Panel podcast and upcoming book selection.

• Details
  • Liz: Asked about timing of Books Panel
  • Siena: Explained it meets last Friday of each month at 7:30 PM
  • Siena: Confirmed March 27th is next session
  • Siena: Listed panelists: herself, Ali, Ashlyn, Macara, Lynn Kennedy, and new member Paul Daniel
  • Liz: Expressed interest but noted already in two book groups
  • Ali: Encouraged listening to podcast recordings even without live participation
  • Ashlyn: Asked about current book selection
  • Siena and Ali: Confirmed reading “Theo of Golden”
  • Ashlyn: Noted it’s 13 hours 12 minutes long
  • Multiple participants: Discussed Audible badges and reading habits
• Conclusion
  • Books Panel meets monthly on last Friday at 7:30 PM Eastern
  • Next session March 27th discussing “Theo of Golden”
  • Podcast is available at bookspanel.ca
  • Recordings available for those who cannot attend live
  • Part of Moosa Slobodian Network

Media Industry Changes and Streaming Services

Broad discussion about changes in Canadian broadcasting and streaming landscape.

• Details
  • Jackie: Mentioned Family Channel shutdown and CTV app discontinuation
  • Rob: Noted CTV content moving to Crave
  • Ali: Explained that multiple streaming services increase costs for consumers compared to traditional cable
  • Ali: Listed his subscriptions: Audible, YouTube Premium, SiriusXM, iCloud Plus, Google Workspace, Zoom Pro
  • Hans: Asked about Pamela Wallin and Mike Duffy
  • Multiple participants: Discussed AMI downsizing due to CRTC license renewal uncertainty
  • Ali: Explained private broadcasters rely on advertising revenue
  • Rob: Mentioned free services like Pluto TV and LibriVox
• Conclusion
  • Canadian media landscape experiencing significant consolidation
  • Streaming fragmentation increases consumer costs
  • AMI scaled back programming due to funding uncertainty
  • Traditional broadcasters struggling with changing revenue models
  • Multiple subscription services now required to access desired content

Check Out What’s Coming Up On Future Workshops at the Following Link

Updated as of Mar 10, 2026, What’s Coming Up on Techstravaganza

Contact the team:

Email: support@techstravaganza.ca

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578990010675

Follow the Show:

Tunein: http://tun.in/pxXlj

On Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/techstravaganza/id1846930800

On Audible: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/techstravaganza/id1846930800

On iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-techstravaganza-301161434/

On Spotify: https://spotify.link/vVGru9nKBXb

Discussed topics

Google Tasks overview and accessibility

The session began with an introduction to Google Tasks as a cross-platform task management tool.

• Details
  • Siena: Explained that Google Tasks works on web, iPhone, and Android platforms
  • Siena: Demonstrated that the web version is accessible at tasks.google.com
  • Siena: Noted that when using JAWS screen reader, users need to turn off Virtual PC cursor to access keyboard shortcuts
• Conclusion
  • Google Tasks provides a consistent experience across different devices
  • Screen reader users can effectively navigate the interface with proper settings

Keyboard shortcuts

A comprehensive review of keyboard shortcuts available in Google Tasks was provided.

• Details
  • Siena: Pressed Shift+/ (question mark) to display the keyboard shortcuts dialog
  • Siena: Reviewed navigation shortcuts: up/down arrows to move between tasks, Home to focus first task, End to focus last task
  • Siena: Covered task actions: C to create, Space to mark complete/incomplete, Enter to edit, Delete/Backspace to remove
  • Siena: Explained list management shortcuts: L to create a new list, left arrow to focus on lists, right arrow to focus on tasks within a list
  • Ali: Noted that Mac shortcuts differ slightly, with Command replacing Ctrl in most cases
• Conclusion
  • Extensive keyboard shortcuts make Google Tasks efficient for keyboard-only users
  • Shortcuts are organized into categories: Navigation, Task Actions, Editing Tasks, List Actions, and Application

Creating and managing tasks

The session demonstrated how to create and manage tasks with various options.

• Details
  • Siena: Created a task titled “Transfer Techstravaganza topics from reminders to Google tasks”
  • Siena: Showed how to set dates using the date picker or by typing directly
  • Siena: Demonstrated setting times in half-hour increments
  • Siena: Created recurring tasks in the “Medicine” list for “Take my drops” and “Take my puffer”
  • Ali: Helped troubleshoot task creation when Siena encountered issues
• Conclusion
  • Tasks can be created with the C shortcut or Add Task button
  • Date and time settings are flexible with multiple input methods
  • Tasks can be assigned to specific lists for organization

Recurrence options

The session explored setting up recurring tasks with various frequency options.

• Details
  • Siena: Demonstrated setting daily recurrence for medication tasks
  • Siena: Explored custom recurrence options including intervals (every X days/weeks/months/years)
  • Siena: Noted that unlike Apple Reminders, Google Tasks doesn’t appear to support patterns like “first Thursday of the month”
  • Ali: Acknowledged that Apple Reminders offers more flexibility for recurrence patterns
• Conclusion
  • Google Tasks supports basic recurrence patterns (daily, weekly, monthly, annually)
  • Custom recurrence allows for interval-based scheduling
  • Some advanced recurrence patterns are not available

Subtasks and task organization

The session demonstrated creating and managing subtasks and organizing tasks.

• Details
  • Siena: Added subtasks to the “Transfer Techstravaganza topics” task
  • Siena: Created subtasks for “Download the separate tracks for each participant” and “Create a folder in recordings/originals with today’s date”
  • Siena: Demonstrated reordering subtasks using Ctrl+Down arrow
  • Siena: Showed how to navigate between main tasks and subtasks
• Conclusion
  • Subtasks can be added through the task options menu or with Ctrl+Alt+Enter
  • Tasks and subtasks can be reordered using keyboard shortcuts
  • Subtasks help organize complex tasks into manageable components

List management

The session covered creating and managing task lists.

• Details
  • Siena: Created a “Medicine” list for medication-related tasks
  • Ali: Created a “Techstravaganza afternoons” list
  • Siena: Explored list options including sorting, renaming, deleting, and printing
  • Siena: Noted that old Google Keep reminders had been migrated to a special list in Google Tasks
• Conclusion
  • Multiple lists help organize different categories of tasks
  • Lists can be managed with various sorting and organization options
  • No option was found to share lists with other users

Check Out What’s Coming Up on Techstravaganza at the Following Link

(altered), Updated as of Feb 2, 2026, What’s Coming Up on Techstravaganza

Contact the team:

Email: support@techstravaganza.ca

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578990010675

Follow the Show:

Tunein: http://tun.in/pxXlj

On Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/techstravaganza/id1846930800

On Audible: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/techstravaganza/id1846930800

On iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-techstravaganza-301161434/

On Spotify: https://spotify.link/vVGru9nKBXb