Take Control — MacVoices

Authors from the Take Control eBook series

MacVoices #25281: Going All In With Glenn Fleishman on Take Control, Liquid Glass, Public Betas (1)

Nov 11, 2025 | Take Control

Glenn Fleishman joins Chuck Joiner to explore Apple’s latest OS evolutions, including the controversial Liquid Glass interface, iPadOS 26 multitasking, and the importance of cross-device consistency. They also dive into Take Control’s role in helping users adapt to Apple’s constant redesigns and why understanding “the basics” still matters for every Mac, iPhone, and iPad user.

MacVoices #25278: In-Depth with the Developers of MailMaven and Joe Kissell (3)

Nov 6, 2025 | Interview, Take Control

In Part 3, Joe Kissel and the MailMaven developers discuss the creation of the Take Control book, how documentation and user feedback shape ongoing updates, and why their personal support model sets them apart. They outline the 15-day trial, annual maintenance plan, and free Take Control guide—all built to make MailMaven a powerful yet accessible email client.

MacVoices #25277: In-Depth with the Developers of MailMaven and Joe Kissell (2)

Nov 5, 2025 | Interview, Take Control

In Part 2, the MailMaven team explores token-based search, a separate global search window, and smart mailboxes/rules with nested criteria. See how the conversation map tames complex threads, while a keyboard-first design speeds filing and actions. They detail a privacy-by-design approach—local data, encrypted metadata sync, and built-in PGP—and explain onboarding, documentation, and dynamic, scriptable signatures.

MacVoices #25276: In-Depth with the Developers of MailMaven and Joe Kissell (1)

Nov 4, 2025 | Interview, Take Control

Developers of MailMaven join Joe Kissel to explore a new power-user email client born from the end of Apple Mail plugins. They discuss metadata, advanced rules, keyboard-driven workflows, thoughtful UI decisions, approachable onboarding, and practical spam control using SpamSieve with server-side filtering. Part 1 of a three-part conversation.

MacVoices #25250: Joe Kissell Takes Control of Tahoe and Mac Basics (3)

Oct 1, 2025 | Take Control

Joe Kissel questions app sprawl, praises meaningful options, and spotlights Tahoe’s upgrades: Shortcuts that auto-run on triggers and new passkey import/export for password managers. He shares book pricing, Premium discounts, and why his guides deliver high signal-to-noise compared to long videos.

Authors from the Take Control eBook series

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MacVoices #25192: Joe Kissell Takes Control of DEVONthink 4 (2)

Jul 15, 2025 | Take Control

In the second part of our conversation with Joe Kissell about Take Control of DEVONthink 4, Joe focuses on its updated inspector system, subtle interface improvements, and a powerful suite of new AI features. He discusses how large language model integration—from ChatGPT to Claude—enhances document sorting, summarizing, and research. Joe also shares concerns about AI, how DevonThink addresses them, and how the app balances automation with control.

MacVoices #25071: Joe Kissell Takes Control of Mac Basics (2)

Feb 17, 2025 | Take Control

Our conversation with Joe Kissell about his new Take Control book Mac Basics continues with comments on what versions of macOS are addressed and how Joe approached the daunting task of covering all the system features. We also talk about the importance of a basics book and shares some valuable Mac tips that you may not know.

MacVoices #25070: Joe Kissell Takes Control of Mac Basics (1)

Feb 14, 2025 | Take Control

Joe Kissell is back with a new Take Control title that is just a little different. Mac Basics. Joe starts out by discussing why this book is needed, and some of the challenges of creating a basic book on such a mature and complex topic. Starting out with the physical characteristics, then going through what the user sees first, Joe discusses how he tries to touch on everything without the details becoming burdensome. (Part 1)

MacVoices #24301: Kirk McElhearn Takes Control of Apple Media Apps (2)

Dec 20, 2024 | Take Control

Our conversation with Kirk McElhearn, the author of the new Take Control of Apple Media Apps, continues with explorations of Apple’s Books and Music apps from an audiobook perspective. The advantage of using Audible’s app are covers, particularly if using the Apple Watch. Kirk also discusses the Apple Music Classical app, Siri’s limitations with music command, and more. (Part 2)

MacVoices #24300: Kirk McElhearn Takes Control of Apple Media Apps (1)

Dec 19, 2024 | Take Control

The latest Take Control Books release comes from Kirk McElhearn. Take Control of Apple Media Apps covers Apple Music and Podcasts as well as The Apple TV and Books apps. Kirk talks about the evolution of this book and how an understanding of their similarities and the near-complete feature parity can help you get more out of them. Usability, rather than continuous feature introduction, has resulted in mature (in a good way) apps that let you use their content intuitively. The Apple TV app gets special attention in the discussion. (Part 1)

MacVoices #24276: More with Jeff Carlson on Take Control of Apple Watch (2)

Nov 18, 2024 | Take Control

Jeff Carlson, the author of Take Control of Apple Watch, 5th edition, continues the discussion of some of the new capabilities of the latest Apple Watch and watchOS 11. The innovative check-in tool in Messages for notifying loved ones of safe arrivals, the benefits of the ultra-wideband chip for finding misplaced phones and the new offline Translate app for seamless communication while traveling highlight a discussion of those features.

MacVoices #24275: Jeff Carlson Takes Control of Apple Watch (1)

Nov 15, 2024 | Take Control

Jeff Carlson has updated Take Control of Apple Watch to the 5th edition to cover Apple Watch 10, Apple Watch Ultra, and watchOS 11. The first part of our conversation covers his approach to the update and the contstant evolution of Apple’s products. Jeff shares insights on major updates, such as the enhanced Smart Stack widget and live activities integration, as well as advancements in health tracking, workout management, and notifications that streamline the user experience.

MacVoices #24262: Glenn Fleishman Takes Control of Securing Your Apple Devices, AirTags, and More (3)

Oct 29, 2024 | Take Control

Our multi-part conversation with Take Control author Glenn Fleishman concludes with discussions of Take Control of Securing Your Apple Devices, Take Control of Find My and AirTags, and Take Control of FaceTime and Messages. Glenn points out some lesser-known features such as Lockdown Mode and Private Wi-Fi Address, talks about using GateKeeper effectively, and explains some new features in FaceTime and Messages that improve the user experience. (Part 3)

MacVoices #24261: Glenn Fleishman On Keeping Safe Using Mobile Tech (2)

Oct 28, 2024 | Take Control

Glenn Fleishman goes in depth on the title subject of his Keep Safe Using Mobile Tech. We talk about how to secure Apple devices amid all the changes and updates to operating systems, along with features such as car crash detection, fall detection, emergency SOS, and the Check-In function, Glenn emphasizes the need for individuals to understand and customize their device settings for optimal protection from both misadventure as well as theft. (Part 2)

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