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Linux Prepper

Living Cartoon Company
Linux Prepper
Latest episode

18 episodes

  • Linux Prepper

    Local Tools, Offline Networking and Building Resilience

    04/03/2026 | 27 mins.
    Why Offline & Local-First

    Rising Cost of Consumer Technology

    Cloudflare Outages - interest in local hosting

    Re-purposing older machines into functional use!

    (00:11)

    Offline Tooling, Local Tooling, Resilience Introduction

    (00:50)

    Sponsor Ameridroid

    LINUXPREPPER code

    (01:14)

    Domain Changes and thoughts after years on .network, xyz and org

    (01:32)

    Forum posts related to simple, resilient setups

    Show notes listed there as well

    (02:21)

    Do you have a device in a drawer that might be useful as-is?

    (04:38)

    KDE Connect - Thoughts after Three Years

    (08:30)

    Unbound, DNSMasq - Local DNS Caching, Recursive DNS and Resolvers

    (09:30)

    Quad9 - Global Public Recursive DNS for Public Benefit, alternative to Cloudflare and Google

    (09:55)

    Local DNS Resilience and Why It Matters

    (12:15)

    Connecting Multiple Services and What DNS Adblocking Actually Does with Pi-Hole, Adguard Home, etc.

    (13:04)

    Dividing IP Ranges for Custom DNS, Adblocking assignments

    (13:55)

    Adding Resilience, Privacy and Speed Most Routers Do Not Offer Natively

    (15:20)

    Challenges You Can Try at Home!

    (15:59)

    Wiki in early development as plain text. Learn more on the forum

    (17:00)

    Low Key Gear Exchange for LFNW. Details for forum users!

    Forum post for registered users

    (17:36)

    100 Selfhosted Services for Low End and 32-bit Hardware

    (19:11)

    HomeLab Episode to be released with Robin Monks. Unedited interview available on Premium

    (19:29)

    Nginx, Caddy - Reverse Proxy via DNS Challenge for Local HTTPS Testing

    (20:00)

    mDNS and Avahi for remote machines gifted to others without https

    (22:35)

    Become a Premium Subscriber to Support the Show

    (23:36)

    How resilient is your setup? Let me know! [email protected]

    (24:05)

    Discord and bridged Matrix Chats for discussing the show! Please Share with Others!

    (24:55)

    LFNW Schedule, should be live shortly. April 24th - 26th

    (25:11)

    AI Scanned My Brainrot, Live only at LFNW, on 04/26 at 3pm!

    (26:17)

    Upcoming Episode on SeaGL, LFNW and Conferences!

    Ways to Support the Show!

    Share it with others!

    Enroll in Linux Prepper Premium as a Patron of Living Cartoon Company to support the show! Gets you access to more content.

    Join #linuxprepper:matrix.org chat on Matrix!

    Follow from the Fediverse: Mastodon, etc.

    @[email protected]

    Lemmy community, which x-posts across the Fediverse.

    Send in anonymous feedback with one click!

    See more detailed notes and info at the forum

    Email feedback to [email protected]

    I do not promise to respond, but I promise to read your words!
  • Linux Prepper

    Approaching Docker, Containers, and Compose for curious Self-hosters

    01/26/2026 | 43 mins.
    This is a bonus Linux Prepper podcast, available as a detailed companion to “A Great Year for Linux”. This is a discussion with HB, stemming from this post on Lemmy learning from admins who avoid container technology. We discuss our experiences with containers, who they are for, and the contexts in which we find them useful. If you are self-hosting, and are container curious, this one is for you!

    (00:00)

    Welcome to Linux Prepper Podcast

    (00:19)

    Bonus episode connected to Season 1 Episode 1: A Great Year for Linux. Time to get technical!

    (01:29)

    This discussion will not cover Permissions, File Systems, or Backups.

    (02:32)

    Lemmy Discussion - What is keeping people away from Containers

    (02:47)

    Ameridroid Sponsor: LINUXPREPPER code

    (03:16)

    What are Containers for?

    (04:05)

    HB describes making a text adventure game (in Docker)

    (04:42)

    MagPi Magazine

    (05:09)

    TTYD: Share your Terminal on the Web

    (06:12)

    Why containerize TTYD?

    (07:05)

    Managing multiple iterations through containers

    (07:47)

    Use of containers, as opposed to Python virtual environments

    (08:53)

    When does it make sense for someone to consider containers?

    (10:30)

    Docker run commands. similar to bash scripting

    (12:30)

    Compose Files, migrating from docker run commands

    (13:03)

    Portainer - WebUI Management for Docker services (HB)

    (13:16)

    docker ps - Management from the terminal (James)

    (13:34)

    James using Docker to test for NextcloudPi and write documentation

    (14:41)

    Using containers in order to define your own image

    (15:50)

    Running a fleet of AI services through Compose: “Ultimate Bacon Cheeseburger”

    (17:17)

    James migrating to Compose files to manage variables across many services

    (18:54)

    Composerize - Turn run commands into compose files

    (18:58)

    Storing compose files to avoid confusion

    (20:21)

    Noisebridge Unicorn services run via compose files on a VPS

    (26:34)

    Docker Networks - connecting services internally, even to a reverse proxy

    (27:46)

    Aria Download Protocol

    (28:04)

    HB describes using multiple, simulateous networks in isolation

    (30:00)

    James describes complexity of modular tools like Nextcloud

    (31:37)

    Testing Locally

    (32:30)

    People leaking their private credentials in their Docker images on the web

    (33:09)

    Docker Secrets

    (33:42)

    HB suggests storing environment variables as files

    (34:52)

    Understanding git.ignore files for people hosting files on public repos

    (35:32)

    Using public sharing to learn, share and problem solve

    (36:31)

    Lemmy comments of those opting out of containers

    (38:03)

    There is nothing wrong with running services directly, aka “bare metal”

    (43:20)

    HB’s Github

    Ways to Support the Show!

    Share it with others!

    Enroll in Linux Prepper Premium as a Patron of Living Cartoon Company to support the show! Gets you access to more content.

    Join #linuxprepper:matrix.org chat on Matrix!

    Follow from the Fediverse: Mastodon, etc.

    @[email protected]

    Lemmy community, which x-posts across the Fediverse.

    Send in anonymous feedback with one click!

    See more detailed notes and info at the forum

    Email feedback to [email protected]

    I do not promise to respond, but I promise to read your words!
  • Linux Prepper

    A Great Year for Linux

    01/24/2026 | 25 mins.
    (00:00)

    Welcome to Linux Prepper

    (00:25)

    Keepass skit

    KeepassXC is recommended for desktop users.

    (01:32)

    Ameridroid Sponsor

    LINUXPREPPER at checkout

    (02:43)

    Lemmy discussions. It looks to be a great year for Linux.

    Those who’ve switched to Linux in the last year, how is it going?

    Lemmy world and Lemmy ML

    Where is Linux not working well in your daily usage? Share your pain points as of 2026, so we can respectfully discuss.

    Lemmy World and Lemmy ML

    Linux Prepper Lemmy community

    (03:13)

    Lutris - Open Gaming Launcher

    Github repo

    (04:57)

    Ubuntu Shutdown from 4 to 2 clicks

    (09:47)

    Mermaids - ASCII Game developed by HB

    Pixel Artwork Tools recommended by HB

    (11:56)

    Who is HB, the guest host?

    (13:17)

    Who is James, the host?

    (14:18)

    Containers, Compose - Good? Who are they for? Bonus episode TBD

    Asking Lemmy about reasons to avoid containers

    (15:19)

    Premium subscriptions available

    Recurring support possible through Ko-fi, backed by Stripe.

    You can now be a Patron of the show!

    Get access to additional content.

    (16:04)

    HB’s Thoughts on show topics and expectations

    (17:02)

    State of the Podcast

    Discussion forum for the show, used for notes.

    Lemmy community

    Discord chat now bridged to Matrix

    Invite to Discord

    Invite to Matrix space for Living Cartoon Company and Linux Prepper

    Podcast now available on Youtube Music

    (18:22)

    Steam Key Giveaway now through March 20th

    Leave a review on your podcast platform to enter!

    (19:15)

    This podcast is now available on Youtube

    (21:30)

    Submit to DURP - DIY Unfinished Resurrection Project

    Now through March 20th

    Work on a project this Winter!

    Accepting audience submissions! Get included in an episode!

    Use this simple form to submit thoughts or an audio recording.

    Discussing Homelabs with Robin Monks of Don’t Forget to FOSS

    (23:15)

    LinuxFest Northwest Performance TBD weekend of April 24th

    Hackerspace AI Scanned My Brain Rot (Working Title)

    SeaGL 2025 Coverage to be posted: Trivia, Open Source Projects, Recap, Interview.

    Ways to Support the Show!

    Share it with others!

    Enroll in Linux Prepper Premium as a Patron of Living Cartoon Company to support the show! Gets you access to more content.

    Join #linuxprepper:matrix.org chat on Matrix!

    Follow from the Fediverse: Mastodon, etc.

    @[email protected]

    Lemmy community, which x-posts across the Fediverse.

    Send in anonymous feedback with one click!

    See more detailed notes and info at the forum

    Email feedback to [email protected]

    I do not promise to respond, but I promise to read your words!
  • Linux Prepper

    Welcome to Linux Prepper Season 1

    01/22/2026 | 1 mins.
    Linux Prepper Season 1 begins. Our focus remains on using Open Source tooling, Self-Hosting, and FOSS tooling in daily life. Linux Prepper podcast is created by James as part of Living Cartoon Broadcasting & Living Cartoon Company.

    We are a welcoming show, which doesn’t waste time judging others; we are all here with a common interest. By engaging in our communities you agree to our rules, which keeps things supportive and family friendly.

    The Matrix chat in Living Cartoon Broadcasting is now bridged to Discord.

    The podcast is now available on Youtube, in addition to directly from the website, Spotify, Amazon Music, Fountain, Podcast Index, etc.

    2025 episodes

    According to DuckDuckGo:

    The Linux Prepper podcast focuses on using open-source technology to enhance everyday life, featuring discussions on self-hosting, Linux, and related topics. It aims to empower listeners to take control of their technology and enjoy a DIY approach to tech.

    Ways to Support the Show!

    Share it with others!

    Enroll in Linux Prepper Premium as a Patron of Living Cartoon Company to support the show! Gets you access to more content.

    Join #linuxprepper:matrix.org chat on Matrix!

    Follow from the Fediverse: Mastodon, etc.

    @[email protected]

    Lemmy community, which x-posts across the Fediverse.

    Send in anonymous feedback with one click!

    See more detailed notes and info at the forum

    Email feedback to [email protected]

    I do not promise to respond, but I promise to read your words!
  • Linux Prepper

    Cyberdeck Cyberwhat Selfhosted VPN networks and is Wireguard Hard

    10/24/2025 | 33 mins.
    (00:00)

    Complete Shownotes at https://discuss.james.network

    (00:40)

    Sponsor

    Ameridroid referral link - US-based distributor of Odroid, Open Hardware and Home Automation

    Third Reality M1 Power Plug w/ Metering with Home Assistant support.

    LINUXPREPPER at checkout

    (02:01)

    State of the Podcast

    Albyhub as a selfhosted Bitcoin Lightning node. Locally hosts wallet and node for podcasting 2.0 donations + Nostr authentication.

    Thank you to those who have sent me donations and messages over the last couple days of it working.

    Send a direct lightning or Nostr donation here.

    Also, a thank you to the helpful Alby team. They have useful step-by-step guides. Only email them because their chat is covered in scammers.

    (02:44)

    Nostr decentralized social network.

    Iris.to webui client for Nostr

    (04:38)

    Events

    SeaGL or Seattle Gnu/Linux Conference at the University of Washington, Seattle, WA from 11/07 - 11/08. Full schedule released. No cost; all are welcome!

    My SeaGL presentation on 11/07 at 5pm.

    Will also be tabling to promote this show. Do stop by and say hello!

    (06:40)

    Self-hosted Tools

    Is Wireguard hard to use? Send your thoughts on an anonymous form.

    Adding authentication services onto Wireguard, specifically ones you can selfhost, and run on a cheap VPS:

    Racknerd Referral link, and select “Reveal Deals” for VPS annual subscriptions at $11. They are friendly bunch with a great reputation; Pangolin recommends them. Minimal VPS is all that is needed for these sorts of services, which are merely providing your authentication, as opposed to the actual wireguard traffic.
    Limited locations:

    Los Angeles, San Jose, Seattle

    Chicago, Dallas, New York, Ashburn

    Strasborg France

    Toronto, Canada

    Asia recommended to use DC-02 out of Los Angeles

    (07:47)

    Netbird - Connect your devices into a secure WireGuard®-based overlay network with SSO, MFA and granular access controls.

    You can try their hosted service or selfhost it, or whatever. Check out

    Pangolin - is a self-hosted tunneled reverse proxy server with identity and context aware access control, designed to easily expose and protect applications running anywhere. Pangolin acts as a central hub and connects isolated networks — even those behind restrictive firewalls — through encrypted tunnels, enabling easy access to remote services without opening ports or requiring a VPN.

    Combines traefik reverse proxy with Single Sign On and Wireguard. Meant to be selfhosted, but they do offer a hosted instance.

    Pin codes, temporary links, password links for exposing services as a “funnel”. Similar to cloudflare tunnels, where users cannot be bothered to sort things out and just want a service exposed.

    Headscale - The main objective of Headscale is to provide a non-proprietary implementation of the Tailscale protocol & control server for hobbyists and self-hosters. Acts as a replacement for the listening servers while allowing you to continue using your existing clients applications. Funnel functionality is currently considered in beta status. Does not include a web ui by default.

    Headscale-ui

    Full listing of various webui implementations for Headscale

    (14:15)

    Self-hosted Tools for when your Nextcloud server goes offline

    Syncthing - peer-to-peer file synchronization utility, designed to sync files between devices on a local network or between remote devices over the Internet. Note: Syncthing project does not directly support Apple Store or Google Play store for mobile.

    Syncthing-fork for Android. Available through Github or F-Droid

    Moebius Sync for iOS. Paid app.

    FileStash - webui designed to sit on top of your own sync service, Git, Google Drive, Database, S3, etc. Now supports arm devices!

    FileBrowser webui

    SFTPGo webui with multi-user and group support!

    Ways to support the show!

    Share with others! Help spread on social media.

    Donate on Paypal

    Donate Directly on Podcasting 2.0

    Steam Key Giveaway drawing continues through 11/01 for reviewing the podcast on a platform of your choice: Apple Podcasts, Podcast Index, etc. Send me a link to enter the drawing.

    (20:01)

    You into Cyberdecks, bro?

    Cyberdore 2064 - 3D print yourself, with Pi Zero and Pi Pico. Looks like a blackberry / cell phone / palm pilot.

    What is a Cyberdeck - A cyberdeck is a portable computing device often associated with the cyberpunk genre, typically used by hackers or “Netrunners” to access and navigate virtual networks.

    Cyberdeck hat from Adafruit $9 and still requires a 3.5“ style touch or non-touch display for another $35. Angled to not be awkward on existing GPIO port in back.

    Cyberdeck Bonnet $8 and a $20 e-ink display or small OLED. Allows a couple pins additional GPIO access. Size of the Pi Zero / GPIO port.

    Pi 400 - $66. Another $20 for the accessories: mouse, power supply, SD Card. Awkward GPIO access requires expander, similar to Cyberdeck or Bonnet. No camera or Touchscreen cable connector. Improved thermals over Pi 4!

    4gb ram is lame if using this with a web browser watching videos.

    Functions as a bluetooth keyboard, as do the other models!

    pi400kb - Use the Pi 400 or 500 as an actual HID USB Keyboard on your existing computer. Will likely require a USB-C splitter to allow power for the device while it acts as your USB keyboard

    Supports an attached mouse as well!

    Pi 500+ support still in development

    OrthoPi - Convert Pi 400 to mechanical yourself with a ~$20 gerber board that supports a rotary encoder.

    Doubles height of the keyboard.

    Repository offline and gerber not available in Wayback Machine. Send a link to the show if you find it!

    Pi 500 lowered heat produced. Regular keyboard. 8gb ram. $90. $30 for accessories.

    Pi 500 + w/ Gateron switches. RGB lighting. m.2 slot. Includes 256gb nvme at $200. $30 for accessories, probably worth it for 5 amp power.

    Is this actually comfortable to type on? Chiclets are ultimate low profile. Raised keys are angled… so, does this thicker keyboard feels uncomfortable?

    (30:00)

    Keybow 2040 by Pimoroni. Pi Pico RGB-lit mechanical 12-key. Python programmed over usb.

    (31:00)

    Dell SK-8115. Turn up at Goodwill. $12 - 20 on ebay. - Bomb-proof, raised keys, and made for decades of abuse. $59.99 retail.

    Ways to Support the Show!

    Share it with others!

    Enroll in Linux Prepper Premium as a Patron of Living Cartoon Company to support the show! Gets you access to more content.

    Join #linuxprepper:matrix.org chat on Matrix!

    Follow from the Fediverse: Mastodon, etc.

    @[email protected]

    Lemmy community, which x-posts across the Fediverse.

    Send in anonymous feedback with one click!

    See more detailed notes and info at the forum

    Email feedback to [email protected]

    I do not promise to respond, but I promise to read your words!

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About Linux Prepper

Selfhosted show on using free and open source technology to DIY everything myself, while still enjoying life. Inspired by Linux, BSD, Open Source and FOSS. Part of https://james.network and Living Cartoon Company If you are interested an episode and want to send me thoughts please email: [email protected] The show is subject to change, depending on how it is received. No hard commitments, just frustration and fun.
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