Ben Popken, editor of consumer advocacy blog Consumerist.com, rejoins us to talk about computer repair options as well as give some insider insight into the world of big box computer repair.

Chip Heath is a professor at the Graduate School of Business at Stanford. He’s taught a class for five years to managers, teachers, nonprofit leaders, product designers, doctors, journalists, venture capitalists, and film producers on how to make IDEAS translate into SUCCESS. Mario speaks with him on how the simple principles in his recent book, Made to Stick, can help you.

When iPods first appeared, people balked at how expensive they were. Why are they still so expensive, even the older ones? And recently, Apple announced an iPhone, which will be released in a few months, at a price points of $499 and $599. Today on our show to help us figure this out is writer Tim Harford, who recently published The Undercover Economist, a book that demonstrates how ideas of economics can explain every aspect of the world we live in.

Industry speakers, games and tournaments, breakout sessions, and contests serve to educate students, educators, and community members about one of the fastest growing industries in America. Computer Game Day 07 here we come!

The results of a poll released by Zogby International and 463 Communications indicated that only 21 percent of Americans believe the next “Bill Gates” will come from America. Sixty six percent of Americans also believe that within ten years a person will be able to access the Internet from anywhere in the world. Is America losing this important tech race to outsourcing?

Mario speaks with Brian K. Vaughn, creator of critically acclaimed comic Ex Machina. It deals with a superhero who used his powers to communicate with machines to stop Flight 175 from crashing into the World Trade Center and has given up superhero life for civic life, as mayor of New York City.

Feel powerless against corporations that swindle and cheat the customer? Companies not honoring their warranty policies or lying to you to keep you in a money wasting contract? Tune in to find out how The Consumerist is leveling the playing field and can help you get results.

What happens when politicians embrace the web? What happens when the web embraces politicians? How has Hillary Clinton’s web campaigning fared? Some of the answers might surprise you. Tune in and find out how the power of the Internet is helping make, or break careers.

Do you ever feel like tech is making your life harder instead of helping? Mario speaks with Gina Trapani, editor of LifeHacker.com, about tech tricks to make your life easier.

What do you need to know about Microsoft’s new operating system? Is it worth upgrading to?