After six weeks of letting AI help shape NetHeads, Will finally reached a conclusion he wasn't expecting.

The experiment worked... sort of.

Titles improved. Packaging improved. Focus improved. Engagement even improved. But the results revealed something much bigger than whether AI can help a podcast grow.

This week, Will and Trent break down what happens when you stop asking whether AI can optimize your content and start asking whether you're trying to solve the right problem in the first place. Along the way, they discuss the realities of podcast growth in 2026, the difference between serving an audience and chasing an algorithm, and why some projects are worth doing even when they don't maximize views.

Also this week:

The six-week AI experiment and what it actually revealed

Why long-form podcasts struggle as discovery content

The strengths and limitations of AI as a creative tool

The future of NetHeads and its evolving format

Creator burnout, value, and audience expectations

Daredevil: Born Again and why Charlie Cox owns the role

Progress on Will's full Mandalorian armor build

Security, passwords, and protecting yourself online

Patreon Supporter of the Week: Sean Dempsey

This episode is sponsored by Sliceworx. Go to https://www.sliceworx.com/?ref=WILLWILKINS and use offer code THATWILLWILKINS for 5% off your purchase. Whether you're printing cosplay armor, functional parts, or your next passion project, Sliceworx offers premium filament, NeoDipped build plates, and monthly subscription boxes packed with useful extras for makers and creators alike.

A trip to Disneyland used to mean grabbing a map, picking a direction, and seeing where the day took you. Today, it means mobile apps, Lightning Lane reservations, ride-stacking strategies, Magic Bands, mobile ordering, and a surprising amount of planning.

So here's the question: has technology made Disneyland better, or has it quietly turned the Happiest Place on Earth into a pay-to-win experience?

This week, Will shares the experience of watching his daughter perform in a Disneyland parade while diving deep into the technology that now shapes nearly every part of a Disney vacation. From Lightning Lane strategy and app-based planning to the growing divide between park guests who know the system and those who don't, the conversation explores whether convenience is enhancing the magic—or replacing it.

Also this week:

• Disneyland vs. Disney California Adventure crowd strategies

• The rise of Lightning Lane and ride stacking

• Disney's growing "haves and have-nots" problem

• Rainy-day park hacks and planning tips

• After-hours experiences and exclusive events

• What Is My Purpose? returns with a Disney-themed 3D printing project

Patreon Supporter of the Week: Nathan Hupman

This episode is sponsored by Sliceworx. Go to http://www.sliceworx.com/?ref=WILLWILKINS and use offer code THATWILLWILKINS for 5% off your purchase. Whether you're printing cosplay armor, functional parts, or your next passion project, Sliceworx offers premium filament, NeoDipped build plates, and monthly subscription boxes packed with useful extras for makers and creators alike

Andy Weir's *Project Hail Mary* may be science fiction, but some of the technology and ideas behind it are starting to look a lot more familiar than we'd like to admit.

This week, Will and Trent dive into the ways artificial intelligence, automation, scientific breakthroughs, and our increasingly connected world are beginning to resemble concepts once reserved for science fiction. Are we closer to *Project Hail Mary* than we realize, or are we just seeing what we want to see?

Along the way, they discuss the upcoming film adaptation, the challenges of predicting future technology, and why some of the most unbelievable ideas in science fiction have a habit of becoming reality.

Also this week:

• The latest developments in AI and emerging technology

• How science fiction shapes innovation

• The growing relationship between humans and intelligent machines

• What *Project Hail Mary* gets right about problem solving and collaboration

• The geeky tangents you've come to expect from NetHeads

Patreon Supporter of the Week: Mark Lamb

This episode is sponsored by Sliceworx. Go to https://www.sliceworx.com/?ref=WILLWILKINS and use offer code THATWILLWILKINS for 5% off your purchase. Whether you're printing cosplay armor, functional parts, or your next passion project, Sliceworx offers premium filament, NeoDipped build plates, and monthly subscription boxes packed with useful extras for makers and creators alike.

In this episode of NetHeads, we break down what really makes your digital life vulnerable, why most people are unprepared for account loss, and what you can actually do before it happens to you.

If you lost access to everything tomorrow… would you be able to get it back?

Topics Covered:

• How easy it is to access someone’s accounts with physical devices

• What actually happens when your account gets hacked

• Why platforms like Meta are nearly impossible to contact

• Real steps to protect and recover your digital life

• The hidden risks most people ignore

What would you do if you lost everything?

Drop it in the comments.

Support the Show — Sliceworx

Use code THATWILLWILKINS for up to 5% off at https://www.sliceworx.com/?ref=WILLWILKINS

For nearly a decade, a technical problem resisted every expert solution — until AI solved it.

►►Go to: www.sliceworx.com/?ref=WILLWILKINS and code THATWILLWILKINS for 5% off your purchase.

In this episode of NetHeads, we unpack what happens when tools cross the line from “helpful” to “trusted,” and how that shift changes our relationship with expertise, systems, and authority.

When machines outperform experts, where does trust actually live? Is AI replacing expertise — or redefining it?

PATREON SUPPORTER OF THE WEEK: Thomas Townley

It’s never been easier to make content — and never felt more fragile to build an audience.

This week on NetHeads, we talk about the uncomfortable reality of the creator economy: platforms can change overnight, audiences aren’t portable, and even massive followings don’t mean stability. From TikTok uncertainty to AI tools like OpusClip, to whether creators should even invest in better gear, we ask the big question: is the creator economy actually built on sand?

Do creators really own anything anymore?

►►This episode is sponsored by: SLICEWORX

Go to https://www.sliceworx.com/?ref=WILLWILKINS and use the Coupon Code THATWILLWILKINS for up to 5% off your purchase.

Join the Discord: https://discord.gg/TbXXBkbj64

Patreon Supporter of the Week: ►► Chris Duncan

In which the NetHeads dive into PLUR1BUS, debate whether we’re living in a Golden Age of Television while superhero movies are stuck in their awkward teen phase, check out the latest Kickstarter gadgets designed to separate Will from his money, and reveal a highly questionable “What Is My Purpose?” 3D print.

We also ask the big nerd question: do we actually care about the Avengers: Doomsday Clock?

►►Go to https://www.sliceworx.com/?ref=WILLWILKINS and use the Coupon Code THATWILLWILKINS for up to 5% off your purchase.

Join the Discord: https://discord.gg/TbXXBkbj64

Patreon Supporter of the Week: ►► Brian Poll

In which the NetHeads talk about 3D printing a display wall, they really want you to stop disparaging the Stranger Things Series Finale, they discuss these Avengers: Doomsday NOT teaser trailers, and what TV shows we're excited for in the near future (Wonder Man).

►►Go to www.sliceworx.com/?ref=WILLWILKINS and use the Coupon Code THATWILLWILKINS for up to 5% off your purchase.

Join the Discord: discord.gg/TbXXBkbj64

Patreon Supporter of the Week: ►► Brian Poll

Happy New Year and welcome to this first of the year show in which the NetHeads discuss what they got for Christmas, probably a little PLURIBUS talk and of course we have to discuss the series finale of STRANGER THINGS.

►►Go to https://www.sliceworx.com/?ref=WILLWILKINS and use the Coupon Code THATWILLWILKINS for up to 5% off your purchase.

Join the Discord: https://discord.gg/TbXXBkbj64

Patreon Supporter of the Week: ►► Sean Dempsey

Hell-ho-ho-ho NetHeads! It's the NOG-A-THON for 2025! If you're at home and your Christmas Eve isn't poppin' off the way you'd like drop in on the stream as two grown men drink and discuss building or printing things. Yule love it!

►►Go to https://www.sliceworx.com/?ref=WILLWILKINS and use the Coupon Code THATWILLWILKINS for up to 5% off your purchase.

Join the Discord: https://discord.gg/TbXXBkbj64

Patreon Supporter of the Week: ►► Dianae Weeks

In which the NetHeads gather again to talk about the excitement for Stranger Things Season 5 (NETFLIX), PLUR1BUS (Apple TV), Tony tells us where he's been, talk about that WHO news, and we get caught up on what Will's been 3D printing.

Join the Discord: discord.gg/TbXXBkbj64

Patreon Supporter of the Week: ►► Ryan Connolly

►►Go to https://www.sliceworx.com/?ref=WILLWILKINS and use the Coupon Code THATWILLWILKINS for up to 5% off your purchase.

IIn which the NetHeads intend to recap CHRONIC CON 2025, the PEACEMAKER SEASON 2 Finale, Will's new KPOP DEMON HUNTERS obsession, and lots of 3D prints to be guessed in WHAT'S MY PURPOSE?

Join the Discord: https://discord.gg/TbXXBkbj64

Patreon Supporter of the Week: ►► THE Chris Davis

►►Go to https://www.sliceworx.com/?ref=WILLWILKINS and use the Coupon Code THATWILLWILKINS for up to 5% off your purchase.

In which the NetHeads drop it on a Saturday night to hear Trent's Kirby adoration thoughts on Fantastic Four, Will drops some Peacemaker Season 2 theories, a terrifying installment of "WHAT IS MY PURPOSE?", and we may finally find out tonight if Will's Galactus Helmet actually fits.

Join the Discord: https://discord.gg/TbXXBkbj64

Patreon Supporter of the Week: ►► THE Chris Davis

►►Go to https://www.sliceworx.com/?ref=WILLWILKINS and use the Coupon Code THATWILLWILKINS for up to 5% off your purchase.

In which the NetHeads gather to give their long overdue thoughts about SUPERMAN, the FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS, and Will's first thought's on the new season of PEACEMAKER.
►►Go to https://www.sliceworx.com/?ref=WILLWILKINS and use the Coupon Code THATWILLWILKINS for up to 5% off your purchase

Join the Discord: https://discord.gg/TbXXBkbj64
Patreon Supporter of the Week: ►► Chris Duncan

In which the NetHeads gather to see if Trent has seen Fantastic Four: First Steps yet, get a San Diego Comic-Con 2025 recap from the perspective of Buddy the Elf (@batpool97), discuss the giant Galactus Head that Will's holding in the artwork and every other random thing that comes up!

Patreon Supporter of the Week: ►► Brian Nielsen

►►Go to https://www.sliceworx.com/?ref=WILLWILKINS and use the Coupon Code THATWILLWILKINS for up to 5% off your purchase.

In which we once again talk about a movie minutes after seeing it, this time it is the much anticipated first family of Marvel, THE FANTASTIC FOUR! Come for our spoiler free review, stay for a man being completely baffled by the size of his own head.

Join the Discord: discord.gg/TbXXBkbj64

Patreon Supporter of the Week: ►► Mark Wright

►►Go to www.sliceworx.com/?ref=WILLWILKINS and use the Coupon Code THATWILLWILKINS for up to 5% off your purchase.

In which a NetHead talks fresh out of the theater after seeing the latest cinematic rendition of the Man of Tomorrow, SUPERMAN.

Join the Discord: discord.gg/TbXXBkbj64

Patreon Supporter of the Week: ►► Nick King

►►Go to www.sliceworx.com/?ref=WILLWILKINS and use the Coupon Code THATWILLWILKINS for up to 5% off your purchase.

In which the NetHeads talk about the latest and greatest in tech, pop culture, superhero stuff, and 3D printing. Plus, finally hear Tony's THUNDERBOLTS review here on NETHEADS.
Join the Discord: discord.gg/TbXXBkbj64

Patreon Supporter of the Week: ►► Zachary Stewart

►►Go to https://www.sliceworx.com/?ref=WILLWILKINS and use the Coupon Code THATWILLWILKINS for up to 5% off your purchase.

n which a NetHead is here if you need to talk about that season finale of Doctor Who, The Reality War.

Join the Discord: discord.gg/TbXXBkbj64

Patreon Supporter of the Week: ►► Miranda Janell

►►My productivity hack: www.magicmind.com/NETHEADLT20
Use my code NETHEADLT20 for getting an additional 20% off your subscription

In which the NetHeads discuss the STEAM leak, ANDOR Season 2 finale, that THUNDERBOLTS* name change, DC and MARVEL going head-to-head with trailers for SUPERMAN and IRON HEART, that RED GUARDIAN helmet, and can Trent guess what the 3D print is for?

Patreon Supporter of the Week: ►► Geek Renderer

►►My productivity hack: www.magicmind.com/NETHEADLT20
Use my code NETHEADLT20 for getting an additional 20% off your subscription

In which the NetHeads let ChatGPT tell them how to do a successful podcast.

Patreon Supporter of the Week: ►► Mark Lamb

►►My productivity hack: www.magicmind.com/NETHEADLT40
Use my code NETHEADLT40 for getting 40% off your subscription (available only for the first 10 orders)

In which the NetHeads talk about getting your life organized with 3D printing, go deep into the Meraki Espresso Machine, and catch up with one another.

Patreon Supporter of the Week: ►► Kevin Conroy

►►My productivity hack: www.magicmind.com/NETHEADLT40
Use my code NETHEADLT40 for getting 40% off your subscription (available only for the first 10 orders)

In which the NetHeads talk about that extended Avengers: Doomsday cast announcement, discuss just how secure messaging apps and texting really is, go deep on John Cena, and talk about the baffling problems when your smart home is acting dumb.

Patreon Supporter of the Week: ►► Kevin Conroy

►►Get your Magic Mind subscription here : www.magicmind.com/NETHEADLT20
You get 20% for one time purchase and up to 48% off for subscriptions with my code: NETHEADLT20

In which the NetHeads talk about 3D printing helmets and car accessories, talk a little Daredevil: Born Again, and make a special announcement.

Patreon Supporter of the Week: ►► Ryan Connolly

►►Get your Magic Mind subscription here : https://www.magicmind.com/NETHEADLT20
You get 20% for one time purchase and up to 48% off for subscriptions with my code: NETHEADLT20
►►Link to Daredevil Helmet file and more here: https://direct.me/thatwillwilkins

In which the NetHeads get together on this day of celebrating Irish culture to discuss their family traditions for the day, try so hard to stay away from bad Irish accents, and get into the latest in tech and entertainment.

Patreon Supporter of the Week: ►► Buddy the Elf

►►Get your Magic Mind subscription here : www.magicmind.com/NETHEADLT20
You get 20% for one time purchase and up to 48% off for subscriptions with my code: NETHEADLT20

In which ALL of the NetHeads gather to talk about getting to 400 episodes, the deep cuts, and get all sappy at the end.

Go Fund Me for The Whim ►► https://www.gofundme.com/f/fight-the-dark-side-of-cancer-with-john-wimmer

Patreon Supporter of the Week: ►► Zachary Stewart

►►Get your Magic Mind subscription here : https://www.magicmind.com/NETHEADLT20

You get 20% for one time purchase and up to 48% off for subscriptions with my code: NETHEADLT20

►►Get your Magic Mind here : https://www.magicmind.com/NETHEADLT20
You get 20% for one time purchase and up to 48% off for subscriptions with my code: NETHEADLT20

In which the NetHeads talk about the latest additions to the Marvel Cinematic Universe including Captain America: Brave New World, Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, and which Captain America Popcorn Bucket is the best.

Patreon Supporter of the Week: ►► Zach Byerly

In which the NetHeads talk about how old tech is making things new again with DeepSeek's use of older GPU's for it's AI and the possible return of one of the original smart watches: The Pebble!

Patreon Supporter of the Week: ►► Miranda Janell

Neptune App Discord Invite: https://discord.gg/tEQpzmRU

SPONSOR ►►Get 45% off the Magic Mind bundle with with my link:

https://www.magicmind.com/NETHEADSJAN

In which the NetHeads talk about name pronunciation, how 3D printing is once again sowing chaos, ponder if TikTok really is back or not, and just how many robot pets Will has.

Patreon Supporter of the Week: ►► Mark Wright

SPONSOR ►►Get 45% off the Magic Mind bundle with with my link:
www.magicmind.com/NETHEADSJAN

In which the NetHeads were there when the lights went out, and now are reacting to it.

Patreon Supporter of the Week: ►► Mark Wright