Episodes

Thursday Feb 27, 2025
Cracking the TikTok Algorithm: Lessons from an Unexpected Viral Moment
Thursday Feb 27, 2025
Thursday Feb 27, 2025
The Viral Nature of TikTok with Todd Maffin | Special Edition of Grey Matters: Episode 75
In this special edition of Grey Matters, host Steve Dotto is joined by Todd Maffin to discuss the viral nature of TikTok. Todd, a former CBC radio show host and digital marketer, talks about his journey from having a modest TikTok account to gaining significant traction by posting content about identifying Canadian goods during trade tensions between Canada and the US. The conversation delves into the TikTok algorithm, the platform's unique engagement features, and strategies for repurposing content across other social media platforms. Tune in for an insightful discussion on content marketing, community growth, and the dynamics of social media virality.
Links:
Tod's website
https://todayindigital.com/
Naniamo Infusion
https://engageq.notion.site/Tod-s-Nanaimo-Infusion-Apr-25-27-19b3dc1abb9480b9a501d697edccf661
00:00 Introduction and Today's Topic
00:24 Meet Todd Maffin: Background and Expertise
01:34 Todd's TikTok Journey Begins
04:20 The Viral Growth Explained
06:09 TikTok Algorithm Insights
09:37 Engagement and Interactive Features
13:43 Cross-Promotion and Repurposing Content
19:16 Future Plans and Final Thoughts
22:10 Conclusion and Call to Action
----------
Sponsored by:
http://dott.to/groundnews
http://dott.to/magai
💻Join us for our live events every week: https://dottotech.com/event-registrat...
🥰Support Dotto Tech on Patreon: / dottotech
👩🏻🎤Learn more from Viveka at https://www.beyondthedreamboard.com/blog
Beyond the Dreamboard
Articles by Post Executive Coach — Beyond the Dreamboard
I will guide you through the process of identifying what that purpose is and how to pivot your life around it. We won’t just focus on business strategy.
📘Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DottoTech/
📸Instagram: https://instagram.com/dottotech/

Thursday Feb 27, 2025
The Power of Personal Introductions: GM 74
Thursday Feb 27, 2025
Thursday Feb 27, 2025
GRAY MATTERS PODCAST NOTES Episode: Strategic Referral Marketing with Joanne Black Guest: Joanne Black (America's leading authority on referral selling) Interviewed by: Viveka von Rosen

Saturday Feb 22, 2025
Kindle Controversy: Amazon sets a deadline for you to "own" your books.
Saturday Feb 22, 2025
Saturday Feb 22, 2025
Amazon's New Kindle Terms of Service Explained | With Mike Vardy
Links from this episode:
https://goodereader.com/blog/kindle/amazon-changes-licensing-text-when-kindle-books-are-purchased
Step by Step walkthroughs to download your books (if it still is possible)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGJDisov240
In this episode of Gray Matters, Steve Dotto and guest Mike Vardy discuss Amazon's upcoming changes to the Kindle bookstore's terms of service, effective February 25, 2025. These changes mean that when you 'purchase' a Kindle book, you are actually only licensing it, similar to how streaming services operate. They explore the implications for users, such as potential removal of books from your library and the challenges of downloading and retaining books. They also discuss the growing distrust in high-tech companies and alternative e-reader options like Kobo. Tune in for important insights and practical tips on navigating these changes.
00:00 Introduction and Overview
00:25 Amazon's New Terms of Service
01:17 Implications of Licensing vs. Owning
02:04 Potential Impact and Concerns
02:38 Discussion with Mike Vardy
05:39 Historical Context and Precedents
09:31 Steps to Protect Your eBooks
12:37 Exploring Alternatives to Kindle
16:32 Final Thoughts and Recommendations
19:09 Conclusion and Engagement
----------
Sponsored by:
http://dott.to/groundnews
http://dott.to/magai
💻Join us for our live events every week: https://dottotech.com/event-registrat...
🥰Support Dotto Tech on Patreon: / dottotech
👩🏻🎤Learn more from Viveka at https://www.beyondthedreamboard.com/blog
Beyond the Dreamboard
Articles by Post Executive Coach — Beyond the Dreamboard
I will guide you through the process of identifying what that purpose is and how to pivot your life around it. We won’t just focus on business strategy.
📘Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DottoTech/
📸Instagram: https://instagram.com/dottotech/

Thursday Feb 20, 2025
When Social Media Becomes Judge and Jury | The Doxxing Dilemma - GM 72
Thursday Feb 20, 2025
Thursday Feb 20, 2025
GRAY MATTERS PODCAST NOTES Episode: Social Media Vigilantism
Host: Steve Dotto Co-Host: Viveka Von Rosen
EPISODE SUMMARY: This episode explores the controversial trend of social media vigilantism and the ethical implications of using social platforms to deliver justice.
*Podcast notes generated by AI (Claude 3.5)

Thursday Feb 13, 2025
Grey Matters Podcast Reboot! - GM 71
Thursday Feb 13, 2025
Thursday Feb 13, 2025
Gray Matters Reboot: Navigating Online Life for Baby Boomers and GenX
Visit us on Youtube
https://www.youtube.com/user/dottotech
Welcome back to Gray Matters! Steve Dotto and co-host Viveka von Rosen reboot the podcast after a three-year hiatus. In this episode, Steve shares his guilt and challenges about pausing the podcast and announces exciting new changes, including the addition of Viveka as co-host. They discuss expanding their content beyond just online business-building for Baby Boomers and Gen X, delving into social issues, health, and the impact of technology. The episode also introduces the podcast's move to YouTube, where listeners can interact and engage in conversations through comments. Join us as we navigate the digital world, address key life transitions, and provide valuable insights with a dose of humour.
00:00 Welcome Back to Gray Matters
00:10 Why We Stopped and Why We're Back
01:09 Introducing the New Co-Host: Viveka von Rosen
01:22 New Focus and Content of the Podcast
04:34 The Importance of YouTube for Podcasts
06:43 Personal Reflections and Guilt of Stopping
08:28 Vivica's New Venture: Beyond the Dream Board
14:42 Addressing Ageism and Social Issues
24:02 Engaging with Our Community
27:44 Commitment to Weekly Episodes----------

Thursday Jun 03, 2021
Figuring Out Your Business Focus - GM70
Thursday Jun 03, 2021
Thursday Jun 03, 2021
Show Notes
This is the episode of Grey Matters that every person thinking about starting a business - or succeeding in their existing business - should listen to right now. The alternative may mean months or even years of focusing in the wrong direction.
The age old question for entrepreneurs, "What should my business look like?" is one where the answer - or at least the correct answer - can elude us for far longer than we were hoping or imagining. Business owners are challenged with the need for customers, the desire to become profitable, and doubts about the right way to proceed.
How do we balance the passions we have with the problems we can solve for customers? How do we identify the right opportunities where our business can be the answer to customer problems? How do we avoid targeting too broadly, or too narrowly, for our ideal audience?
All of these questions are answered by Steve in another helpful episode of the Grey Matters podcast. What are you waiting for? Figure out your business focus - the right one - today.
Links from this Episode
Why We See Ads Online for Items We Were Just Talking About
Twitter Spaces Comes to Desktop, Not Just Mobile
Now You Can Hide Like Counts on Facebook and Instagram
Got a Graphics Card You Aren't Using? You Might Be Able to Cash In
- Weekly live, free tutorials - Webinar Wednesday
- Weekly live, paid business tutorials - Foundational Fridays (Business Building Blocks)
- Grey Zone on Facebook a place for Baby Boomers and GenX to meet, share and learn about online business
-
Grey Matters is made possible through your generous support! Please become a Patron of Grey Matters!
About Us:
Steve Dotto - Host
Canada's favourite geek.
For over 20 years, as host and executive producer of Dotto Tech, a nationally syndicated TV show, Steve entertained and educated millions of Canadians on all aspects of technology.
After spending 20 years in traditional broadcasting Steve reinvented himself learning the world of social media, online community building and Internet Marketing as he built his YouTube channel into his new career.
His passion is teaching Baby Boomers and GenX how to remain relevant in the digital age, how we can reinvent ourselves and grow side hustles into successful online businesses.
Steve has a gift for making complex concepts easy to understand. Steve takes the world of technology and makes it relevant in your life.
Rachel Moore - Producer
From stage to studio, Rachel has honed her skills as an entertainer, producer, and marketer throughout her 20+ year career. As technology and communication has evolved, so she has carried her skills in writing, graphic design, and production forward into digital marketing, livestreaming, and podcasting.
In addition to working as a fulltime content marketer, Rachel hosts her own livestream show Social Glue, publishes helpful how-to videos to her YouTube channel, and produces entertaining and insightful podcasts for Really Social as well as Grey Matters.
Bottom line: if there’s a camera, microphone, and/or stage involved, Rachel can carry the message in a memorable way.

Thursday May 27, 2021
Reality Bites (Literally) - GM69
Thursday May 27, 2021
Thursday May 27, 2021
Show Notes
These week's news updates by Steve and Rachel will really give you something to sink your teeth into (pun intended). In a special episode focused on current events in business, social, and technology, you'll get informed even as you're wondering what exactly this world is coming to today.
First up: Instagram adds a new Drops feature in its Shopping tab, providing a new way to keep shoppers on the forefront of your latest products they can shop for right through the app. (Need to set up your own Shopping feature on Instagram? Check the show Links below for a great how-to.)
Next, Steve takes us back to the earlier days of YouTube to a video which has become today's version of the original Mona Lisa artwork. Whether you're into bitcoin technology or over it already, we dig into how this new type of currency is impacting more than just money.
Want a little light yet meaningful fun? Try out a new online game that lets you battle your way through a series of opt-out dialog boxes and messages to see if you can successfully take your data from the jaws of businesses.
Lastly, we prepare for the long goodbye to a technology staple if the internet world. But don't worry, it's going to be a whole year before we finally see the sun go down on a browser of old.
Get on the rollercoaster that is this week's Grey Matters podcast episode and ponder with us what it all means for the reality we live in today.
Links from this Episode
NFTs: Today's Original Art Ownership?
Internet Explorer’s Imminent Demise
Brave browser (what Steve uses)
Instagram adds Drops to Shopping tab
How to Set Up Instagram Shopping for Your Business
Online game pokes fun at how grabby websites (and we) can be about information capturing
- Weekly live, free tutorials - Webinar Wednesday
- Weekly live, paid business tutorials - Foundational Fridays (Business Building Blocks)
- Grey Zone on Facebook a place for Baby Boomers and GenX to meet, share and learn about online business
-
Grey Matters is made possible through your generous support! Please become a Patron of Grey Matters!
About Us:
Steve Dotto - Host
Canada's favourite geek.
For over 20 years, as host and executive producer of Dotto Tech, a nationally syndicated TV show, Steve entertained and educated millions of Canadians on all aspects of technology.
After spending 20 years in traditional broadcasting Steve reinvented himself learning the world of social media, online community building and Internet Marketing as he built his YouTube channel into his new career.
His passion is teaching Baby Boomers and GenX how to remain relevant in the digital age, how we can reinvent ourselves and grow side hustles into successful online businesses.
Steve has a gift for making complex concepts easy to understand. Steve takes the world of technology and makes it relevant in your life.
Rachel Moore - Producer
From stage to studio, Rachel has honed her skills as an entertainer, producer, and marketer throughout her 20+ year career. As technology and communication has evolved, so she has carried her skills in writing, graphic design, and production forward into digital marketing, livestreaming, and podcasting.
In addition to working as a fulltime content marketer, Rachel hosts her own livestream show Social Glue, publishes helpful how-to videos to her YouTube channel, and produces entertaining and insightful podcasts for Really Social as well as Grey Matters.
Bottom line: if there’s a camera, microphone, and/or stage involved, Rachel can carry the message in a memorable way.

Thursday May 20, 2021
5 Daily Drivers - GM68
Thursday May 20, 2021
Thursday May 20, 2021
Show Notes
Apps come and go, and our daily needs constantly evolve. There are probably a few apps you use on a daily basis that, while you may have never heard of them a year ago, you couldn't imagine living without today.
In this episode of the Grey Matters podcast, Steve Dotto shares five apps that are his new "daily drivers:" tools that support his goals for health, productivity, finance, e-commerce, and creativity.
Listen to Steve share his experiences with Restream for multistreaming his video broadcasts, Quardio for recording and tracking his blood pressure, Wise for managing financial transactions, ThriveCart for consolidating his business shopping carts, and Ayoa for crucial mind-mapping.
Chances are you have your own personal and professional list of daily drivers; once you listen to this episode, come on over to the Grey Zone Facebook group to share what yours are!
Links from this Episode
LinkedIn Sales Navigator adds Champions List capability
- Weekly live, free tutorials - Webinar Wednesday
- Weekly live, paid business tutorials - Foundational Fridays (Business Building Blocks)
- Grey Zone on Facebook a place for Baby Boomers and GenX to meet, share and learn about online business
-
Grey Matters is made possible through your generous support! Please become a Patron of Grey Matters!
About Us:
Steve Dotto - Host
Canada's favourite geek.
For over 20 years, as host and executive producer of Dotto Tech, a nationally syndicated TV show, Steve entertained and educated millions of Canadians on all aspects of technology.
After spending 20 years in traditional broadcasting Steve reinvented himself learning the world of social media, online community building and Internet Marketing as he built his YouTube channel into his new career.
His passion is teaching Baby Boomers and GenX how to remain relevant in the digital age, how we can reinvent ourselves and grow side hustles into successful online businesses.
Steve has a gift for making complex concepts easy to understand. Steve takes the world of technology and makes it relevant in your life.
Rachel Moore - Producer
From stage to studio, Rachel has honed her skills as an entertainer, producer, and marketer throughout her 20+ year career. As technology and communication has evolved, so she has carried her skills in writing, graphic design, and production forward into digital marketing, livestreaming, and podcasting.
In addition to working as a fulltime content marketer, Rachel hosts her own livestream show Social Glue, publishes helpful how-to videos to her YouTube channel, and produces entertaining and insightful podcasts for Really Social as well as Grey Matters.
Bottom line: if there’s a camera, microphone, and/or stage involved, Rachel can carry the message in a memorable way.

Thursday May 13, 2021
Shifting Focus After a Pandemic with Mike Vardy - GM67
Thursday May 13, 2021
Thursday May 13, 2021
Show Notes
What does the guy who lives and breathes productivity do to adapt focus when a pandemic hits? You're about to find out, and possibly feel better about the challenges and solutions you've experienced as the world turned topsy-turvy.
In this episode of the Grey Matters podcast, Steve welcomes Mike Vardy, founder of Productivityist and author of The Front Nine: How to Start the Year You Want Anytime You Want, The Productivityist Playbook, and TimeCrafting: A Better Way to Get the Right Things Done (coming soon!).
The pandemic caused a seismic shift in all of our lives, as well as a shift in what has worked for us focus our time on being productive. Steve and Mike chat about misconceptions about how we all assumed we could focus more, how we all thought we'd spend our time, and how we plan to focus in the future.
You'll recognize the phrases and sayings we've all been hearing for the last 12+ months, which Mike and Steve have some rather particular reactions to as the realities of time management have been anything but simple.
Your challenge? Focus on this podcast and let us know what you get out of it and how you're crafting your time today!
Links from this Episode
Twitter introduces the Tip Jar
Bitcoin worthless? So says the Bank of England.
Instagram adds caption stickers to Stories and (soon) Reels
U.S. taxes YouTube creators from afar
- Weekly live, free tutorials - Webinar Wednesday
- Weekly live, paid business tutorials - Foundational Fridays (Business Building Blocks)
- Grey Zone on Facebook a place for Baby Boomers and GenX to meet, share and learn about online business
-
Grey Matters is made possible through your generous support! Please become a Patron of Grey Matters!
About Us:
Steve Dotto - Host
Canada's favourite geek.
For over 20 years, as host and executive producer of Dotto Tech, a nationally syndicated TV show, Steve entertained and educated millions of Canadians on all aspects of technology.
After spending 20 years in traditional broadcasting Steve reinvented himself learning the world of social media, online community building and Internet Marketing as he built his YouTube channel into his new career.
His passion is teaching Baby Boomers and GenX how to remain relevant in the digital age, how we can reinvent ourselves and grow side hustles into successful online businesses.
Steve has a gift for making complex concepts easy to understand. Steve takes the world of technology and makes it relevant in your life.
Rachel Moore - Producer
From stage to studio, Rachel has honed her skills as an entertainer, producer, and marketer throughout her 20+ year career. As technology and communication has evolved, so she has carried her skills in writing, graphic design, and production forward into digital marketing, livestreaming, and podcasting.
In addition to working as a fulltime content marketer, Rachel hosts her own livestream show Social Glue, publishes helpful how-to videos to her YouTube channel, and produces entertaining and insightful podcasts for Really Social as well as Grey Matters.
Bottom line: if there’s a camera, microphone, and/or stage involved, Rachel can carry the message in a memorable way.

Thursday May 06, 2021
Is Passive Income a Pipe Dream? - GM66
Thursday May 06, 2021
Thursday May 06, 2021
If you're heard the term "passive income," you've probably also imagined yourself relaxing on a private beach while dollar signs float dreamlike above your head. It sounds amazing, but is passive income realistic? In this episode of the Grey Matters podcast, Steve Dotto challenges our perceptions of passive income, which may range all the way from thinking of it as a pipe dream or a promised land for our online business.
Passive income has been on the same level as the Holy Grail or Aladdin's Lamp for years now. As entrepreneurs build our businesses, we repeatedly see assurances and promises online from soothsayers who guarantee they have the secret for how we can also achieve passive income. But it's important to define exactly what passive income is, and specifically what work must be done to try to succeed at.
Because passive income isn't all there is for us. There are several ways and means to make money with your business, and if we focus on passive income we may count ourselves out of other, more reliable methods to earn money through what we know or do.
By the end of this episode, you'll be able to define several ways you can earn income, and they aren't pipe dreams. With the right approach and effort, your income can get you a bit closer to that promised land of entrepreneurial success.
Links from this Episode
They Ask, You Answer by Marcus Sheridan
Steve's Evernote content at DottoTech.com
Steve's News Stories for the week:
The deep fakes that keep Steve up at night
Rachel's News Stories for the week:
EU sues Apple for violating antitrust laws
Tech helps seniors with medication and health
- Weekly live, free tutorials - Webinar Wednesday
- Weekly live, paid business tutorials - Foundational Fridays (Business Building Blocks)
- Grey Zone on Facebook a place for Baby Boomers and GenX to meet, share and learn about online business
-
Grey Matters is made possible through your generous support! Please become a Patron of Grey Matters!
About Us:
Steve Dotto - Host
Canada's favourite geek.
For over 20 years, as host and executive producer of Dotto Tech, a nationally syndicated TV show, Steve entertained and educated millions of Canadians on all aspects of technology.
After spending 20 years in traditional broadcasting Steve reinvented himself learning the world of social media, online community building and Internet Marketing as he built his YouTube channel into his new career.
His passion is teaching Baby Boomers and GenX how to remain relevant in the digital age, how we can reinvent ourselves and grow side hustles into successful online businesses.
Steve has a gift for making complex concepts easy to understand. Steve takes the world of technology and makes it relevant in your life.
Rachel Moore - Producer
From stage to studio, Rachel has honed her skills as an entertainer, producer, and marketer throughout her 20+ year career. As technology and communication has evolved, so she has carried her skills in writing, graphic design, and production forward into digital marketing, livestreaming, and podcasting.
In addition to working as a fulltime content marketer, Rachel hosts her own livestream show Social Glue, publishes helpful how-to videos to her YouTube channel, and produces entertaining and insightful podcasts for Really Social as well as Grey Matters.
Bottom line: if there’s a camera, microphone, and/or stage involved, Rachel can carry the message in a memorable way.