For this report, TLC visited a Talking Tech with Wayne discussion group to learn more about their work supporting older adults.
Author: Andy Stutzman
August 28, 2025
As I walked through Vernon Park and into the Center in the Park community center, I was excited to see Wayne Hunter in action with his Tuesday discussion group. Wayne was standing tall with his iconic long white beard and pork pie hat. The meeting room was full of older adults eager to learn the next tech tidbit and share their experiences.
Wayne has worked with technology for most of his life, both as a hobby and in his career. As the founder of the tech support company Cyberhood Solutions Inc, Wayne began to see that the people who most needed his business were the ones that couldn’t afford it. Having spent time as a social worker early in his career, Wayne has always had a passion for helping people. In 2017 he launched Talking Tech with Wayne as a discussion group for older adults, a population he noticed that was being left behind as basic digital skills were becoming a necessity to participate in day-to-day life.
When asked about why he labeled his business as “Talking Tech” and not “Teaching Tech”, Wayne commented that, “people often have a hesitancy with learning something new. They lack confidence or have a resistance to technology. However, having a conversation about their experiences allows them to open up and see the possibilities.”
“I’m frequently rewarded when I see people succeeding when they had expected to fail.”
– Wayne Hunter
Wayne started with a single discussion group in Germantown and has since expanded to six senior centers, four residential buildings, and Jewish community centers. His website lists several discussion groups including:
- Center in the Park in Germantown
- Parkway Central branch of the Free Library
- Southwest Senior Center in SW Philadelphia
- Star Harbor Senior Community Center in West Philadelphia
- Kleinlife in Elkins Park
While visiting the discussion group in Germantown, Wayne called on different people to assist others who were learning critical thinking skills for deciphering quality and secure mobile apps before installing them. These helpers are part of Wayne’s Digital Ambassadors, a twelve week program that trains participants to be peer tech mentors. Digital ambassadors assist with current meetings and have branched out to create discussion groups in their own communities.
However, Talking Tech with Wayne is so much more than their discussion groups and ambassadors. Wayne continually produces content through his video tutorials, podcast, TV series, information bank, and FAQ. He also hosts a tech hotline and supports community members on individual projects as they seek to apply the knowledge they’ve learned over time. Recently, Wayne has also branched out into AI through the development of an Answerbot that is trained to provide participants answers utilizing the content on his website.
I asked Wayne what has surprised him the most about his work over time. He first mentioned his foray as an author and the development of several books over time. However, his attention quickly turned back to the community. He was surprised how beaten down the senior community was regarding technology. Folks were fearful, hesitant, and had become resistant to learning. He frequently tells his ambassadors that they aren’t teaching technology; they’re giving people hope. Wayne said, “I’m frequently rewarded when I see people succeeding when they had expected to fail.”
Examples of this success are Warren R. who told Wayne, “I own a computer but haven’t turned it on in two years.” He’s since used his new digital skills to publish two books. Another participant, Gladys, has gone on to found her own nonprofit that supports women. And, Fred L., who thought technology had passed him by, recently co-hosted his own Zoom meeting with family.
Talking Tech with Wayne is the exemplar of a grassroots community program. Wayne saw a critical need and knew that he could make a difference. Talking Tech with Wayne is a program that inspires older adults to learn more than just basic digital skills. Wayne has given them security, inspiration, and most of all, hope.
Learn more about Talking Tech with Wayne through his website and YouTube channel.