Use the Internet Better: The Tools and Tactics You Need with Steph Smith

#198: Learn to find anything online quickly, effectively and securely with Chris and Steph Smith. We discuss essential tools and tips for navigating the web, from uncovering hidden information to leveraging AI and keyboard shortcuts to validating sources. Whether you’re a seasoned researcher or a casual browser, you’ll gain practical strategies to unlock the internet’s full potential.

Steph Smith is a writer and the host of the a16z and Sh*t You Don't Learn in School podcasts. She builds online projects like Internet Pipes and Trends, and has launched several websites that topped Product Hunt. Previously, she led HubSpot’s Creator Program and worked at The Hustle.

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Resources Mentioned

Steph Smith: Website | X | Podcast

Internet Pipes (Get $200 off with code ALLTHEHACKS)

Browser Extensions

Keepa
Honey
Capital One Eno
Points Path
Keywords Everywhere
Grammarly
Library Extension
Similarweb
Ghostery
Wappalyzer | changedetection.io | Distill
Text Blaze
OneTab

Tools

Syften
Arc
Rectangle
Superhuman (Use code ALLTHEHACKS for a free month)

Search Engines

Reddit Search: GigaBrain | Redditle
Academic Search: Google Dataset Search | Consensus

AI Tools

Email Contact Searches: Lusha | Hunter | Muck Rack

RadRunner Electric Utility Bikes

Unclaimed Money Database

Supplement Validators: Examine | Pillser

Tools for Storing Info

Audio and Video Editing: Descript

Business Ideas

Web Scraping: Web Scraper | Browse AI

ATH Podcast

Chris' Newsletter: Sign Up | Past Issues
Ep #78: Action List: Everything You Can Do To Protect Your Identity, Accounts, Credit and Family
Ep #85: Building a Second Brain to Organize Your Digital Life with Tiago Forte

Full Show Notes

(00:00) Introduction

(02:16) Most Common Mistakes in Finding Information Online

(04:45) Browser Extensions for Better Research

(09:47) Steph's Online Research Tools

(11:49) The Importance of Learning Keyboard Shortcuts

(14:54) The Different Types of Search Engines

(19:45) Why Reddit Is the Most Underutilized Search Engine

(23:51) How Information Available on Each Platform Differs

(25:05) AI Search Engine: Globe Explorer

(28:38) Ways to Leverage ChatGPT

(36:33) Features on Google's New Notebook LM

(44:47) How to Effectively Search for People's Email Addresses

(46:30) How to Delete Your Personal Information Online

(50:07) The Importance of Digital Privacy

(53:03) Ways to Validate Online Sources and Information

(55:52) Validating Expertise

(58:27) The Most Efficient Ways to Store Information

(1:06:08) Internet Pipes: Researching Business Ideas and Trends

(1:09:24) The Amazing Results of Web Scraping

(1:11:21) Steph's Final Piece of Advice for Online Research

(1:14:17) Where to Find Steph and Her Work

Connect with Chris

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