John C. Dvorak, the longtime technology journalist, cultural commentator and co-host of the No Agenda podcast, died unexpectedly on July 20 in Albany, California, a family spokesperson told The Hollywood Reporter.

Dvorak also wrote the influential , long-running column Inside Track for PC Magazine, was a contributor to the 1995-99 CNET Central series, hosted radio shows including NPR’s Technically Speaking and authored more than a dozen books, ranging from tech history titles to “how to” guides.

He and Adam Curry hosted the No Agenda podcast since its October 2007 debut. An episode last week — No. 1,888 — celebrated his legacy with stories and anecdotes from his family and friends.

“John loved doing the show, loved the feedback, good and bad,” a statement from the podcast read. “He was not a man known for affection, but he had a deep appreciation for you all. He enjoyed entertaining you, challenging you, debating you and most of all meeting you. He enjoyed reading your emails and letters more than he would ever admit.”

Born in Fresno, California, on April 5, 1946, Dvorak earned his bachelor’s degree in History from UC Berkley, where he also studied computer science as a graduate student.

He penned a witty column about PCs called Inside Track that started at InfoWorld magazine — it was one of about 20 columns he was writing at the time — before he moved to PC Magazine in August 1986 with considerable fanfare.

Survivors include his wife, Mimi; his children, Jae (and her husband, Brennan) and John (and his wife Jessie); stepson Aric and his wife, Danell; four grandsons; and a nephew, Oscar- and Emmy-nominated nominated producer Dana Brunetti (The Social Network, Captain Phillips, House of Cards).

The family is anticipating the arrival of a granddaughter in October.

“To those who knew him personally, John was far more than his public work,” his family noted. “He was a beloved husband, devoted father, proud grandfather and a loyal friend. Those closest to him will remember a man defined by his strong convictions, his exceptionally sharp wit and an enduring curiosity about the world around him.”