In this episode of More with the Mac (JP Reloaded), we take a focused, practical deep dive into the VoiceOver Utilities on macOS. Learn how to fine-tune verbosity settings for a more efficient workflow, add and manage voices in the rotor, and explore the updated command layout—including how to create your own custom commands. We’ll also break down how activities can automatically adapt VoiceOver behavior for different tasks, and close with an overview of built-in braille support.

Whether you’re refining your setup or exploring advanced customization, this session will help you get more control and productivity out of VoiceOver on the Mac.

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In this information-packed episode of More with the Mac: JP Reloaded, the team takes a deep dive into practical macOS customization and productivity techniques designed especially with VoiceOver users in mind. From personalizing the desktop experience to mastering built-in search tools, this episode delivers a full spectrum of tips to streamline everyday workflows.

The episode opens with a hands-on walkthrough of customizing the Desktop and Dock. Viewers learn how to organize icons, adjust Dock behavior, and configure the environment to better suit a VoiceOver-centric workflow. The focus is on reducing clutter, improving efficiency, and creating a layout that supports fast, reliable navigation.

Next, the session moves into app-specific keyboard shortcuts. This segment demonstrates how to assign custom commands to frequently used functions inside individual applications. By tailoring shortcuts to match real-world tasks, users can cut down on extra keystrokes and build a more efficient, personalized command structure.

Continuing with the theme of optimization, the episode explores built-in macOS shortcuts that may not be necessary for VoiceOver users. The discussion highlights which default commands can be modified or disabled to prevent conflicts and simplify the overall keyboard environment. The goal is to remove friction and make the system feel more intuitive for screen-reader navigation.

John Panarese then takes over to guide viewers through the Notification Center and Control Center. He demonstrates how to access, manage, and customize these areas so they provide useful information without becoming distracting or overwhelming. The segment focuses on practical adjustments that keep important alerts accessible while maintaining a clean, distraction-free experience.

To wrap things up, Matt from TTJTech delivers a segment on Spotlight. He explores both core features and some of the newer capabilities built into the Spotlight interface. Viewers learn how to use Spotlight not just as a simple search tool, but as a powerful hub for launching apps, finding files, performing quick calculations, and more—all from the keyboard.

With multiple presenters and a wide range of topics, this episode covers a lot of ground. By the end, viewers will have practical strategies for customizing their Mac, simplifying their shortcut setup, managing notifications, and using Spotlight more effectively—bringing greater speed, clarity, and control to their VoiceOver experience.

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In this episode of More with the Mac: JP Reloaded, Kliph is joined by special guest Matt Vollbrecht of TTJTech.biz for an in-depth, practical session focused on building confidence and efficiency when navigating macOS with VoiceOver.

Matt demonstrates how understanding predictable patterns, consistent keyboard navigation, and the familiar layout of Mac applications can dramatically improve daily productivity. He walks listeners through how apps are structured, how elements are typically organized, and how recognizing these patterns makes moving around the Mac faster and more intuitive.

Kliph follows with hands-on demonstrations of essential keyboard shortcuts and explains how to use Quick Naveffectively for streamlined navigation. He also explores List View, showing how it can simplify working with files and folders, and demonstrates how to interact with items using Quick Nav for greater control and speed.

Together, Kliph and Matt provide clear, real-world examples that help listeners move beyond basic commands and develop stronger navigation skills. Whether you are new to VoiceOver or looking to sharpen your workflow, this episode delivers practical techniques you can start using immediately.

This episode is ideal for Mac users who want to work more efficiently, understand how macOS is organized, and gain greater independence through smarter navigation strategies.

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Episode Notes

Notes go here

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🎙️ TechTalk: Technology Showdown — One-Time Expert Debate

Join us for a special, one-time episode of TechTalk: Technology Showdown, a professional debate where top accessibility and technology experts go head-to-head to explore the strengths and challenges of today’s major platforms.

Panelists & Platforms:• David Goldfield — Windows• Kevin Ratliff — Android• Matthew Vollbrecht — iPad & iOS• Kliph Miller Sr. — Mac

Each panelist shares years of experience, providing real-world insights, practical workflows, and accessibility-focused perspectives on their platform. As they present their points, listeners will gain a clear understanding of the advantages, limitations, and unique features of each system.

What You’ll Hear:• Head-to-head platform analysis• Productivity and accessibility discussions• Practical insights from veteran trainers• Evidence-based perspectives

By the end of the episode, you’ll have heard directly from the experts and can make your own informed decision about which platform or assistive technology best fits your needs.

Tune in to hear the debate, weigh the insights, and choose the tools that work best for you.

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In this launch episode of **More with the Mac**, Kliph shares his personal technology journey—growing up on Windows, continuing to respect it, and making it clear that this series is not about bashing platforms. It’s about understanding that **you have choices**.

Learning macOS, VoiceOver, Windows, or any new technology does **not** happen overnight. This episode sets the tone for the series by emphasizing patience, taking your time, and allowing yourself the space to learn at your own pace.

The episode also includes a **brief VoiceOver walkthrough**, introducing what it is, how it works, and a few essential keyboard commands to get you started. No pressure, no rush—just practical guidance and realistic expectations.

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Get ready for an exciting season of free tech learning with TTJ Tech and Stir It Up Studios! In this episode, Matt and Cliff reveal their recent and upcoming course offerings, including:

VoiceOver In-N-Out – Our most successful accessibility course, teaching you the fundamentals and advanced skills for iOS.

All-New iPad Course – Completely redesigned for today’s powerful iPads with Mac-like features, starting next month.

More with the Mac: JP Reloaded – Honoring our mentor John Panarese, this revamped Mac course offers deep voiceover and productivity training.

Cafés and Special Topics – Apple TV in the 21st Century, HomePod & Smart Home essentials, and Apple Watch mastery.

Special Event: Technology Face-Off – Join us January 28th at 7 PM Central / 8 PM Eastern for a fun, informative showdown comparing Mac vs. PC (and more!).

Learn how to subscribe, reserve your spot, and never miss a free session. Whether you’re ready to boost your skills with iPad, Mac, or smart home devices, these free courses will help you take your tech to the next level!

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In this episode, we honor the teaching legacy of the late, great John Panarese by exploring System Settings on macOS through the lens of VoiceOver. John believed that understanding System Settings was essential to truly mastering the Mac—not just using it, but controlling it.

Guided by John’s clear, practical teaching style, this episode breaks down how System Settings is organized, how to navigate it efficiently with VoiceOver, and where the most important accessibility, keyboard, sound, and system-level options live. Listeners will learn how these settings directly affect VoiceOver behavior, system performance, and everyday productivity.

The discussion emphasizes developing a mental map of System Settings, using search effectively, and making intentional adjustments rather than relying on defaults. As John often taught, small, well-informed changes in System Settings can eliminate frustration, improve consistency, and make the Mac work the way you think.

Whether you are new to VoiceOver or a seasoned Mac user, this episode reflects John Panarese’s enduring philosophy: the more you understand the system beneath VoiceOver, the more confident, efficient, and independent you become on the Mac.

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In this special episode, we honor the legacy and teaching style of John Panarese by diving deep into one of the most powerful—and often underused—tools on the Mac: the VoiceOver Utility.

Presented through John’s practical, no-nonsense approach, this session explains why the VoiceOver Utility is the key to moving beyond default settings and truly taking control of VoiceOver. Listeners will learn how to customize speech and verbosity to reduce clutter, optimize navigation for real-world workflows, and use keyboard commands to work faster and more confidently on macOS.

The episode also explores how thoughtful adjustments to audio, feedback, and braille settings can transform VoiceOver into a personalized productivity system. Emphasis is placed on revisiting and refining settings over time, a core principle John taught throughout his career.

Whether you are new to VoiceOver or an experienced Mac user looking to sharpen your skills, this episode reflects John Panarese’s enduring belief that mastery comes from understanding how VoiceOver works—and making it work for you.

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John Panarese was a respected mentor, educator, and pioneer in accessible technology whose work empowered countless blind and low-vision users to confidently use the Mac with VoiceOver. Known for his clear teaching style and deep technical insight, John had a unique ability to make complex concepts practical, efficient, and approachable. In honoring his legacy, we are sharing a selection of his classic recordings—timeless resources that continue to educate and inspire.

Getting the Most Out of Your Mac with VoiceOver

In this presentation, John Panarese walks users through practical strategies for maximizing productivity on macOS using VoiceOver. He focuses on efficient navigation, keyboard-driven workflows, customization, and real-world usage tips that help users move beyond basics and truly master their Mac. This session reflects John’s enduring commitment to excellence, independence, and accessible computing.

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