Frequently asked questions

Got questions? Let’s patch that up.

Get to know Geek Strong

  • Geek Strong is a lifestyle system that covers planning, nutrition, movement, stress, relationships, and sleep. We help geeks build healthier habits with a 21st-century system—not willpower or gimmicks. Geek Strong creates fun, approachable, science-informed stories, tools, and programs that blend technology and design with playful storytelling, making behavior change easier to start and stick.

  • Yes, the Patches and Patch Notes newsletter is free. No need to use an ad blocker. 😀

  • Geek Strong is for geeks who spend a lot of time at desks, on screens, or deep in their own heads. Maybe planning feels overwhelming, meals are inconsistent, movement is rare, stress runs high, social connections feel draining, and sleep is all over the place. If you want more energy, strength, focus, and longevity—but need a system that actually fits your lifestyle—you’re in the right place.

  • Geek Strong is an independent digital publishing business based in the greater metropolitan Atlanta area. All content is created and distributed online for a global audience.

  • patchOS is a lifestyle system built around six core habits that support long-term wellbeing—Plan Ahead, Eat Well, Move Often, Stress Less, Love More, and Sleep Deep. These default habits form the foundation of a healthy, balanced life. That’s why we consider patchOS an operating system for living. When the core habits run smoothly, everything else works better.

  • PatchBot is the official Geek Strong mascot. It’s your friendly guide through the patchOS system, helping you install better habits and stay motivated along the way.

Patches

  • Patches are short, story-driven guides that bring patchOS to life. They show how habits play out in the messy, funny, and frustrating moments of everyday life—and how to navigate those moments with confidence. That’s the Geek Strong way. 🤓💪

  • A typical Patch is a short, visual story built around a single habit, idea, or moment from everyday life. It usually includes a short narrative, dialogue, a clear takeaway, and a simple action or reflection to help you apply the idea in your own life.

  • Visual guides are faster to read, easier to remember, and more engaging than long articles. They’re designed for busy geeks who want clear, quick guidance. Each Patch focuses on a single idea, making it easier to absorb and apply.

  • Yes. The ideas in the Patches are grounded in well-established health and behavior research, but presented in a simple, practical way.

  • Partially. The characters are created with AI-assisted illustration tools, guided by the Geek Strong style and story direction. Every Patch is conceptualized, written, and designed by Geek Strong, with AI serving as a creative sidekick to help bring scenes to life, alongside elements such as shapes, backgrounds, colors, and typography.

  • Patch characters are everyday people from around the world who appear in the Patches. They face common challenges and learn how to reboot or upgrade their habits using the patchOS system. These characters are fictional and created to represent typical situations. Any resemblance to real people, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

  • Start by reading a few Patches that match your current challenges. You can also subscribe to Patch Notes to get weekly guidance and updates.

  • A Patch is a short, visual story that is part guide, part spark, and part real-life lifestyle moment. Each one introduces a practical habit, thought, feeling, or situation. Read it and see if it sparks an idea or motivates you to reflect on how you’re living.

  • Up to you. One Patch at a time tends to work best. Otherwise, it can become noise that blends in with everything else online and gets forgotten like a closed browser tab. Soak it up and see where it takes you. No pressure.

  • No. Start with one habit that feels manageable. Small upgrades done consistently are more powerful than big changes that don’t last. If you feel comfortable doing more, go for it. It’s all about you.

  • New Patches are released every Saturday, with updates announced in the Patch Notes newsletter.

Patch Notes

  • Patch Notes is the weekly Geek Strong newsletter. It includes new Patches, Patch Previews, Patch Picks, Side Quests, and other helpful (and fun) resources delivered straight to your inbox. You may also receive occasional updates from the Geek Strong global community.

  • Yes. Patch Notes is completely free. No strings attached.

  • When you subscribe, you instantly receive a downloadable, habit-powered crossword designed to gently mess with your defaults. After that, you’ll receive Patch Notes in your inbox each Saturday.

  • Every Saturday (Eastern Time, UTC−5/UTC−4). That’s it. No spam. Geek promise. 🤝

  • Absolutely. Every email includes an unsubscribe link. Unsubscribe or resubscribe anytime—no hard feelings. 😉

Patch Picks

  • Patch Picks are curated tools, gear, food, and resources that support the six default habits. They reflect Geek Strong values like quality, transparency, thoughtful design, and genuine care for people and the planet. Buy fewer things. Buy better things. Patch with purpose.

  • Products are chosen based on usefulness, design, quality, simplicity, and how well they support the six default habits.

  • Patch Picks are things Geek Strong uses and trusts. They are optional upgrades, not requirements. We’re picky and opinionated because quality and value are hard to find.

  • Most Patch Picks use affiliate links. This means Geek Strong may earn a small commission if you buy through the link, at no additional cost to you.

  • No. The price is the same for you.

  • No. Patch Picks are optional tools that can make certain habits easier or more enjoyable. You can still follow patchOS using simple, low-cost, or everyday alternatives.

Health and safety

  • No. Geek Strong provides educational information about healthy habits, not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It’s designed to support everyday lifestyle improvements, not replace guidance from a qualified healthcare professional. For health-related concerns, consult a qualified healthcare professional. Read Terms

  • Yes—especially if you have existing health conditions, injuries, or concerns. A healthcare professional can help you make safe, appropriate changes. Read Terms

  • Start slowly and modify activities as needed. Not every habit works the same way for every person. Listen to your body and consult a healthcare professional before making major changes.

  • Skip it, adjust it, or try a different one. patchOS is flexible by design. The goal is progress, not perfection.