Join Robbie Ferguson and Jeff Weston, two passionate tech enthusiasts and IT industry professionals, on Data Drive – the tech podcast recorded on their commute between Barrie and Toronto. Tune in for engaging discussions on a wide range of topics, from cutting-edge innovations and industry insights to practical tech tips and entertaining anecdotes. Robbie and Jeff make complex tech topics accessible and fun for everyone. Buckle up and get ready to geek out on Data Drive.
Digging Into Our Scottish Heritage ... and Model Trains - Data Drive Podcast - Episode 14
Tracing their ancestral roots, Robbie and Jeff dive deep into their Scottish heritage and family genealogy. The guys discuss what it takes to design and register an official family tartan with the Scottish Tartan Registry, the hidden privacy traps of modern DNA kits, and why Jeff's ownership of a couple of one-foot plots of land in Scotland gives him a fancy title.
They also tackle the unique challenges of tracing a family tree through centuries of phonetic name changes, share how a trip to the Barrie model railroaders show inspired a custom-coded smartphone app, and share the backstory behind Mel Brooks finally making Spaceballs 2!
Read the complete show notes, comment or rate this episode, view pictures and obtain links from this episode at https://category5.tv/shows/datadrive/episode/14/
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Running time: 44 Minutes 15 Seconds
4 Apr 2026
Can AI and Flamethrowers Save Us from Barrie Winters? (Plus: Is your AI Snitching?) - Data Drive Podcast - Episode 13
Can AI, flamethrowers and lasers save us from a Barrie Winter? In this episode of Data Drive, Robbie and Jeff explore high-tech snow removal and how your AI chatbot might be snitching on your private data.
Read the complete show notes, comment or rate this episode, view pictures and obtain links from this episode at https://category5.tv/shows/datadrive/episode/13/
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Running time: 50 Minutes 37 Seconds
26 Nov 2025
18 Years of Category5 Technology TV! Sasha's Return: Retro Tech & the Gadgets That Got Away ? - Data Drive Podcast - Episode 12
Eighteen years of Category5 Technology TV... can you believe it?
Robbie Ferguson is joined by long-time co-host and fan favorite Sasha Rickman, visiting all the way from Newfoundland, for a nostalgic deep dive into the tech, gadgets, and moments that shaped nearly two decades of Category5.
From life on the East Coast (bees, cod fisheries, crab vending machines, goats and more) to the challenges of staying connected with rural Internet, Sasha shares what it's really been like living on the east coast of Canada. Then we take a fun a??road tripa?? through the tech history of the show: boogie boards, gimbals, retro gaming handhelds, Kingston drives, spinners vs SSDs, and the legendary gadgets that stood the test of time... plus a few that sadly got away.
Whether you grew up with Category5 Technology TV, love retro tech, or just enjoy hearing the behind-the-scenes stories that made the show what it is, this special anniversary episode has something for every tech fan.
Thanks for joining us on the Drive! Leta??s celebrate 18 years of Cat5 together.
Read the complete show notes, comment or rate this episode, view pictures and obtain links from this episode at https://category5.tv/shows/datadrive/episode/12/
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Running time: 44 Minutes
28 Jan 2025
Data Security & Encrypted Backups: Protecting Data, Passwords & Crypto Keys - Data Drive Podcast - Episode 11
Let's drive into data security. From the complexities of cryptocurrency wallet keys to protecting your passwords and setting up encrypted backup solutions, Robbie and Jeff share practical advice to protect your data and plan for emergencies.
Discover how to ensure your family has access to critical files, avoid the pitfalls of forgotten passwords, and create resilient backup strategies that will save you time, money, and stress. Whether you're managing tech infrastructure or just safeguarding personal files, this episode offers something for everyone. Plus, hear the guys' thoughts on Christmas commercialization, LED Halloween pumpkins, and why a working Pi-hole is a game changer for home networks.
Read the complete show notes, comment or rate this episode, view pictures and obtain links from this episode at https://category5.tv/shows/datadrive/episode/11/
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Running time: 40 Minutes 56 Seconds
6 Nov 2024
Raspberry Pi Clusters, Proxmox Quorum Pi, Maker Tech and FOSS Support - Data Drive Podcast - Episode 10
Bill Marshall joins Robbie to explore the fascinating world of Raspberry Pi clusters, the tech shaping our future, and the challenges that come with DIY projects. We also discuss smart cities, focusing on Innisfil's cutting-edge plans. We'll discuss the importance of open-source communities, balancing personal time with tech projects and customer support challenges. From troubleshooting a Raspberry Pi 4 1GB crash to building a quorum system for Proxmox, we drive into the learning process behind microcomputing, the power of tinkering, and the creativity that fuels innovation.
Read the complete show notes, comment or rate this episode, view pictures and obtain links from this episode at https://category5.tv/shows/datadrive/episode/10/
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Running time: 43 Minutes 25 Seconds
25 Sept 2024
Exploring Barrie Roads, Future Tech, and Model Trains - Data Drive Podcast - Episode 9
Take a scenic drive of Barrie, Ontario streets, exploring the mystery of disconnected Barrie roads -- like Bryne Drive -- and the budding future tech scene in Barrie. Robbie and guest Bill Marshall explore nostalgic tech with miniature model trains and the exciting possibility of Raspberry Pi integration in these miniature worlds. Plus, we reflect on the rapid rise of tall buildings in Barrie. Tune in for a mix of urban exploration, nostalgic hobbies, and tech-driven discussions!
Read the complete show notes, comment or rate this episode, view pictures and obtain links from this episode at https://category5.tv/shows/datadrive/episode/9/
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Running time: 32 Minutes 32 Seconds
28 Aug 2024
Shifting Paradigms in IT: The Future of Tech and Security | Data Drive Podcast Episode 8 - Data Drive Podcast - Episode 8
On this episode of Data Drive Podcast, Robbie and Jeff delve into the ever-evolving world of IT, discussing how technological advancements are shifting paradigms in the tech industry. From the impact of cloud computing and AI to the growing need for a security-first mindset, this conversation sheds light on the challenges and opportunities ahead. Whether youa??re an IT professional or just tech-curious, this episode offers valuable insights into the future of technology.
Read the complete show notes, comment or rate this episode, view pictures and obtain links from this episode at https://category5.tv/shows/datadrive/episode/8/
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Running time: 26 Minutes 5 Seconds
14 Aug 2024
Debunk Tech Myths, Rank World's Most Tech-Savvy Countries - Data Drive Podcast - Episode 7
Jeff and Robbie debunk common tech myths and challenge stereotypes with hard evidence. Join us as we explore which countries rank as most tech-savvy and why, backed by solid data. From Singapore to Switzerland, discover who tops the charts in tech-savviness, IoT capabilities, and technological advancements. Don't miss out on this enlightening and entertaining discussion!
Read the complete show notes, comment or rate this episode, view pictures and obtain links from this episode at https://category5.tv/shows/datadrive/episode/7/
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Running time: 29 Minutes 42 Seconds
31 Jul 2024
Just Jeep Doors, Home Security Hacks and Fed Up FOSS Developers - Data Drive Podcast - Episode 6
Take a wild ride through some of the quirkiest and most pressing tech topics today. From the mystery of disappearing Jeep doors to ingenious home security hacks, this episode is packed with practical advice, humorous anecdotes, and a deep dive into online security. Plus, we explore the real threat to FOSS open source software developers: user behavior. Buckle up for a journey filled with humor, tech insights, and a bit of nerdy wit.
Read the complete show notes, comment or rate this episode, view pictures and obtain links from this episode at https://category5.tv/shows/datadrive/episode/6/ (https://category5.tv/shows/datadrive/episode/6/)
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Running time: 23 Minutes 13 Seconds
0:00 Introduction
0:47 Sponsor: Kingston Canvas Go! Plus MicroSD Cards
1:14 Sponsor: ameriDroid.com Home Automation and SBCs
1:30 Sponsor: VoyagerSystems.cloud IT Partner for Managed Technology
1:53 Jeep Door Theft is On The Rise
4:37 Securing Our Property Against Late-Night Prowlers
9:23 Interior Cameras Looking Outside at Night
10:30 Security Cameras Selling Cloud Service
10:51 Robbie's WyzeCams Use RTSP to Record to Multiple DVRs
12:49 Security of Connecting Smart Devices to the Internet
15:38 Technology Used for Nefarious Purposes Gives Great Tech a Bad Reputation
17:19 Jeff Wants to Force Users to Read Terms of Use Every Day
18:16 Time Wasters Who Don't Read Guides Hurt Open Source Development
22:13 Closing Remarks
17 Jul 2024
Airtag Hidden Dangers, Unreal Tournament LAN Parties and Doggy Doors - Data Drive Podcast - Episode 5
Drive into the hidden dangers of AirTags and how they're being used to make commuters and tourists into unknowing smugglers, how doggy doors are allowing critters into Jeff's kitchen, reminisce about Unreal Tournament LAN parties, and learn to charge your customers what you're worth. Robbie and Jeff navigating the complex digital superhighway on another episode of Data Drive.
Read the complete show notes, comment or rate this episode, view pictures and obtain links from this episode at https://category5.tv/shows/datadrive/episode/5/ (https://category5.tv/shows/datadrive/episode/5/)
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Running time: 45 Minutes 11 Seconds
0:00 Responding to Listeners: Weight of Internal Combustion vs. Electric Vehicles
6:08 Introduction
7:00 Sponsor: Kingston Canvas Go! Plus MicroSD Cards
7:27 Sponsor: ameriDroid.com Home Automation and SBCs
7:44 Sponsor: VoyagerSystems.cloud IT Partner for Managed Technology
8:06 Something We Know: Teslas Are Heavy
8:16 Apple Airtags Being Applied to Unknowing Drivers' Cars for Smuggling
9:39 How To Block Apple Airtag Trackers
11:33 How Apple Devices Track Airtag Devices
13:16 Why Apple Airtags Are Used by Criminals and Smugglers
15:08 Waze Aggregates User Information From Other Users
16:00 Accidental Smugglers
16:27 Jeff Wants to Learn From These Criminals When Loaning Gear
17:42 Commercial Break
19:57 So... We Learn About Crutch Words
21:30 Jeff Needs a Doggy Door Improvement After a Critter Break-In
24:38 Making a Doggy Door Into a "Smart" Doggy Door with Wyze Sense
26:31 Grabbing a Starbucks "Captain Pike" Coffee
29:02 Under Construction: Bradford Bypass
30:01 Unreal Tournament 1999 GOTY Raspberry Pi Server Concept
30:56 Reminiscing About Our Early 2000's Unreal Tournament LAN Parties
34:52 Planning a Retro WAN Party With Listeners
37:13 Jeff Played Counterstrike, Team Fortress Classic and Warcraft 3
37:51 Lost Pastime: Legitimate PC LAN Parties, Complete with OEM Upgrades
39:56 Unreal Tournament is Ready for Modern Gaming Hardware
42:20 Charging What You're Worth
44:16 Final Thoughts
19 Jun 2024
Carbon Taxes, Electric Car Surprises, and Internet Radio Broadcasting - Data Drive Podcast - Episode 4
Let's explore the implications of increasing carbon taxes, discover the surprising weight differences between electric and gasoline cars and what this could mean for our road infrastructure over the next decade. Robbie will share an innovative AI project he's working on that seamlessly blends music tracks for the perfect listening experience. We also share tech tips; from backing up our family photos to ensuring the backup is encrypted and secure.
Read the complete show notes, comment or rate this episode, view pictures and obtain links from this episode at https://category5.tv/shows/datadrive/episode/4/ (https://category5.tv/shows/datadrive/episode/4/)
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Running time: 42 Minutes 57 Seconds
0:00 Introduction
0:44 Sponsor: Kingston Canvas Go! Plus MicroSD Cards
1:11 Sponsor: ameriDroid.com Home Automation and SBCs
1:28 Sponsor: VoyagerSystems.cloud IT Partner for Managed Technology
1:50 Canada's Carbon Tax Is Increasing The Cost of Gasoline
2:33 Gas Prices Pushing Electric Vehicle Sales: Concerns About Weight Implications
4:53 Weight of Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles vs. Electric Vehicles
10:44 Infrastructure Implications of Electronic Vehicles on the Roads
12:39 Electronic Vehicle Tire Wear and Tear
14:23 Price Difference Between ICE and EV Automobiles
15:42 Weight of EV Wear and Tear on Roads
16:50 Commercial Break
17:37 Robbie's New Project: Python Internet Radio AI
19:16 Difference Between Robbie and Jeff: Robbie Creates, Jeff Consumes
20:59 Online Streaming Services Replaces Terrestrial Radio
21:48 Robbie's Radio Streaming Software is Useless to Jeff
23:21 Technical Specs of Robbie's Radio Streaming App
25:13 The Future of Robbie's Radio Streaming Server Application
25:40 Observing a Random Dangerous City Worker
26:10 Listener Voting Within Robbie's Streaming Radio App
26:54 Reminiscing About the Early Days of Internet Radio: Rock of Ages Radio (ROAR)
27:29 Ripping CD's Like It's the 90's
29:19 Deduplicating Photos
34:07 Dangers of a Data-Based Society
36:47 Secure Off-Site Backups to Protect Family Photos
40:42 Final Thoughts and Corrections
12 Jun 2024
IT Life: 3D Printing, AI-Powered Dungeons & Dragons, and our Fast Food Diet - Data Drive Podcast - Episode 3
In this episode, we dive into the chaotic yet rewarding world of IT live. We discuss the fast food diet of tech professionals, the thrill of troubleshooting tech problems, and the excitement of constant change in the tech industry. We imagine Arnold Schwarzenegger operating the help desk and Jeff shares personal stories from his first year in the IT industry.
We also geek out about 3D printing projects, from fixing A-frame sign feet to customizing our own gear. Plus, we explore the potential of ChatGPT as a dungeon master for Dungeons & Dragons, offering a unique twist to homebrew adventures.
Read the complete show notes, comment or rate this episode, view pictures and obtain links from this episode at https://category5.tv/shows/datadrive/episode/3/ (https://category5.tv/shows/datadrive/episode/3/)
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Running time: 36 Minutes 12 Seconds
0:00 Introduction
0:44 Sponsor: Kingston Canvas Go! Plus MicroSD Cards
1:11 Sponsor: ameriDroid.com Home Automation and SBCs
1:28 Sponsor: VoyagerSystems.cloud IT Partner for Managed Technology
1:50 Arnold Schwarzenegger on Help Desk
2:36 Change in Tech Makes IT Work Interesting
4:33 Jeff Hasn't Been Using His 3D Printers
6:09 Robbie's trick to making 3D Printing convenient
7:04 Some basic 3D prints - Useful, Affordable and Easy
7:50 Robbie's 3D Print Design Method
10:14 Resin vs FDM PLA 3D Prints ... and Rubber Body Suits
11:16 Commercial Break
11:40 3D Printed 3D Printer Upgrades
12:23 3D Printer Upgrade: Automatic Bed Levelling
14:51 3D Printer Bed Adhesion Tricks
16:44 Best 3D Printer Improvement: Replace Extruder Nozzle
17:38 Keeping 3D Printers from Curbside
18:12 Hand Moisturizer: Enemy of Touch Screens
19:01 Eliminating Tech Problems: Eliminating Humans
19:20 ChatGPT as a D&D Dungeon Master
30:31 Dynamic Graphical D&D Maps with Incredible Augmented Reality
35:04 Final Thoughts
5 Jun 2024
Innovation Unleashed: AI, Cameras and Ghostbusters - Data Drive Podcast - Episode 2
Let's drive into discussions about the evolving world of AI-generated content and its impact on social media, addressing the challenges of distinguishing reality from AI creations. Explore innovative car tech ideas, like using Raspberry Pi for a HUD display to navigate through fog and snow more effectively. Let's talk about the new Ghostbusters movie and the Stranger Things series and how these beloved franchises continue to captivate audiences. We'll also raise concerns over Arnold Schwarzeneggerâs voice on Waze GPS app, and touch on how open-source communities are crucial for tech advancements and the role of social media in spreading misinformation.
Read the complete show notes, comment or rate this episode, view pictures and obtain links from this episode at https://category5.tv/shows/datadrive/episode/2/ (https://category5.tv/shows/datadrive/episode/2/)
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Running time: 29 Minutes 27 Seconds
0:00 Introduction
0:44 Sponsor: Kingston Canvas Go! Plus MicroSD Cards
1:11 Sponsor: ameriDroid.com Home Automation and SBCs
1:28 Sponsor: VoyagerSystems.cloud IT Partner for Managed Technology
1:50 $0.00.00 Gas ... Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire
3:17 Stranger Things Season 5 Theories
5:25 Cameras Capturing Colors of a Sunrise; Seeing Through Snow and Fog
7:49 ClearSight Pro: Through-Fog/Snow Digital Vision for Automotive Vehicles (c) Copyright 2011 Jeff Weston, Patent Pending
12:04 Stunning Commute from Barrie to Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
12:46 Your Farts Can Smell Like Raspberries (Thanks to Jeff's Dad)
14:40 Our Radio Heritage: Royalties, Contra
15:01 Google Waze Red Light Camera and Level Crossings Notifications
16:21 Google Waze Celebrity Voices: Arnold Schwarzenegger (Terminator with Emilia Clarke), Santa Clause, Dan Aykroyd (Ghostbusters)
18:42 Google Waze Voices: Zombie - Not Perfect
19:10 Recognizing AI-Generated Content on Social Media
24:21 Tech Industry's Responsibility to Non-Tech Industry Individuals
27:16 The Motive to be Malicious: Snake Oil
28:12 Final Thoughts
28:26 Extro
29 May 2024
Uncovering The World Of Single Board Computers and Tech Quirks - Data Drive Podcast - Episode 1
Hop behind the wheel with hosts Robbie Ferguson and Jeff Weston as they kick off their inaugural episode of "Data Drive," the podcast where conversations about technology take place on the road. In this pilot episode, Robbie and Jeff dive into the world of Single Board Computers (SBCs), exploring the potential of Raspberry Pi and other SBCs for unique projects, from mosquito-zapping lasers to automated can crushers. Along the way, they reminisce about old tech, discuss the evolution of cruise control, and even ponder the mysteries of RADAR (or LIDAR?) in vehicle automation. Join them for an entertaining and enlightening ride through the world of tech possibilities.
Read the complete show notes, comment or rate this episode, view pictures and obtain links from this episode at https://category5.tv/shows/datadrive/episode/1/ (https://category5.tv/shows/datadrive/episode/1/)
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Running time: 28 Minutes 25 Seconds
0:00 Introduction
0:45 Sponsor: Kingston Canvas Go! Plus MicroSD Cards
1:12 Sponsor: ameriDroid.com Home Automation and SBCs
1:29 Sponsor: VoyagerSystems.cloud IT Partner for Managed Technology
1:51 Raspberry Pi Mosquito-Destroying Turret
4:38 Unreal Tournament 1999: Impact Hammer
5:04 Projects with a Spare Raspberry Pi SBC
5:26 Raspberry Pi Hydraulic Soda Pop Can Crusher
6:43 Maker Tech Battery Charge Notification
8:15 Making Up Maker Projects
8:38 How Open Source Projects Are Born
9:06 An Inspiring Bill Gates Clip Jeff Cannot Remember
10:32 24 Years of Advancement: We Have Come a Long Way Since Y2K
12:37 The Invisible CN Tower and Seasons Leading to Snow
14:09 Tesla Electric Engine Braking System
16:00 Manual Transmission Vehicles: Old Tech?
17:29 Vehicle Cruise Control Has Evolved with AI and RADAR / LIDAR
22:11 Using ChatGPT on Amazon Echo to Search Using Voice Queries
23:58 ChatGPT vs. Amazon Alexa for Voice Search
26:20 Jeff's Final Thoughts
26:37 Robbie's Closing Comments
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
10,793,748
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 39 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
42
Social presence
0
YouTube
93
Engagement
0
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