Jim Collison

Dad of 5, #CliftonStrengths Community Manager & Podcaster @Gallup - and tech #gadgets -

[Jim Collison @jcollison]

Can YouTube Shorts help you pick a better podcast cold open?

I'm testing that idea with Home Gadget Geeks. The early results have me questioning some old editing habits.

More in After Further Review 597:

https://t.co/eqx7eSkonJ

[Jim Collison @jcollison]

Sometimes the hardest part of podcasting isn't starting. It's knowing when to stop.

In After Further Review 597, I revisit podcast endings, backup plans, and testing YouTube Shorts.

https://t.co/56490UqlGC

[Jim Collison @jcollison]

🤖 Are smart gadgets getting smarter—or just more complicated?

@erinLYYC joins me for HGG692 to talk robots, AI TVs, smart vacuums and tech that should make life easier.

🎥 https://t.co/HTlGTzlJxO

[Jim Collison @jcollison]

Building a Frigate NVR setup? Camera choice matters more than you might think.

I looked at what works best for local AI detection, Home Assistant, and keeping video off the cloud.

https://t.co/JtTHhcRdWI

[Jim Collison @jcollison]

Are we overthinking podcasting?

In After Further Review #596, I dig into listener answers, experiments, and building a recognizable podcast brand.

https://t.co/gR639bUOb4

[Jim Collison @jcollison]

AI agents are powerful, but giving them unlimited access to everything? Not my style.

Here's how I built my first OpenClaw environment with guardrails, boundaries, and control from day one.

https://t.co/PpqINozGm1

[Jim Collison @jcollison]

Podcast metrics tell you what happened. They don't always tell you why.

I've been learning that firsthand. Here's what the numbers are teaching me.

https://t.co/GT10WLgP0v

[Jim Collison @jcollison]

Running OpenClaw taught me something dashboards couldn't: an AI agent can look healthy while still missing the mark.

Here's what I learned.

https://t.co/rcTqlaXepN

[Jim Collison @jcollison]

Frigate, Blue Iris, or UniFi Protect?

I compared the tradeoffs in AI detection, hardware, and local control. Which would you choose?

https://t.co/XN1ZnQF62M

[Jim Collison @jcollison]

Home Assistant can track almost anything. But what data is actually useful?

Here's how I think about choosing the right sensors.

https://t.co/fQm86dXEuS

[Jim Collison @jcollison]

🏈 After Further Review #596 is live!

This week I revisit 3 things I said on Ask the Podcast Coach:

🎙️ Answer the question first
⚾ Take more swings
📊 Branding isn't engagement
One call even got modified after review.
https://t.co/3srOTsQpny

[Jim Collison @jcollison]

Thinking about running Frigate for home security? Camera choice makes a difference, especially when you're trying to balance image quality, detection performance and cost.

Here's what I'd look for when choosing cameras for Frigate.

https://t.co/UItViwINaO

[Jim Collison @jcollison]

I've spent time using both the Bluetti AC180 and EcoFlow Delta 3. Both are capable portable power stations, but I found myself favoring the EcoFlow.

Here's what made the difference for me in real-world use.

https://t.co/srhZAeAooe

[Jim Collison @jcollison]

@TreantTech Thanks for the feedback!

[Jim Collison @jcollison]

Looking for the right cameras for Frigate? I put together a practical guide to the options that make the most sense for a local NVR setup.

https://t.co/JtTHhcRdWI

[Jim Collison @jcollison]

What happens when you connect your Tesla to Home Assistant?

Gavin Campbell joined me on Home Gadget Geeks to talk about EV integrations, ESPHome sensors, and the automations he's building around his home.

Lots of practical ideas in this one!

https://t.co/XCZAXPdCqe

[Jim Collison @jcollison]

After spending time with both the Bluetti AC180 and EcoFlow Delta 3, I’ve developed a clear preference. Both are capable portable power stations, but the differences show up in everyday use.

Here's why I lean toward the EcoFlow:

https://t.co/eNhcnO3pPj

[Jim Collison @jcollison]

Frigate, Blue Iris, or UniFi Protect?

All three offer different approaches to local security cameras. I break down the tradeoffs, from DIY flexibility to ease of use, to help you decide which fits your home.

https://t.co/XN1ZnQF62M

[Jim Collison @jcollison]

Giving an AI agent real access to your systems? Start with boundaries, not permissions.

Here’s how I think about staging OpenClaw before trusting it with real work.

https://t.co/EGW6sIkR2J

[Jim Collison @jcollison]

What should you actually measure in Home Assistant?

I pulled together the sensors that are most useful for understanding what’s happening around the house without turning your dashboard into noise.

https://t.co/osza2LgApm