What happens when yesterday’s cutting-edge technology becomes today’s forgotten artifact?
In this episode of Mr. Fred’s Tech Talks, Mr. Fred digs through the metaphorical (or maybe not) junk drawer of technology to uncover Lost Tech Treasures, old gadgets, habits, and tools that once shaped how we learned, tinkered, and problem-solved.
From floppy disks and dial-up internet to burned CDs and screen-free creativity, this episode explores what older technology forced us to understand—and what modern technology often hides behind sleek interfaces.
Then we flip the perspective and look ahead to Future Relics: the devices and habits we rely on today that may seem laughably outdated in just a few decades.
Along the way, Mr. Fred connects nostalgia to modern learning, curiosity, coding, and creativity especially for kids growing up in a world where technology increasingly “just works.”
This episode also brings back the Episode Tech Challenge, inviting listeners to rediscover old technology and reflect on what it taught us about thinking, building, and adapting.
Whether you grew up rewinding VHS tapes or handing kids an iPad, this episode is a reminder that technology changes but the mindset behind it shouldn’t.
Find an old piece of technology—a device, cable, disk, or gadget that’s no longer used.
Ask:
Then flip it:
Bonus:
Have a kid explain modern tech to you—or explain old tech to a kid.
That conversation is the lesson.
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow or subscribe to Mr. Fred’s Tech Talks so you don’t miss future conversations.
For hands-on coding ideas, tech challenges, toy guides, and ways to help kids think like creators not just consumers, visit GetMeCoding.com.
You can also follow along on social media for behind-the-scenes builds, experiments, and encouragement as we explore technology together.