Stuff They Don't Want You To Know Interview: Absolute, with Nick Berardini, Part 2
4 snips
Aug 8, 2025 Nick Berardini, a journalist and filmmaker, dives deep into the controversial world of tasers. He discusses the troubling rise in their use by law enforcement and the increasing fatalities linked to these so-called 'non-lethal' weapons. The discussion uncovers how terms like 'excited delirium' have been manipulated to downplay risks, while also exploring Axon Enterprises' evolution and its ethical dilemmas. With a gripping narrative, Berardini sheds light on technology's impact on justice and accountability, making for a compelling conversation.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Cardiac Capture In Pig Tests
- Researchers used echocardiograms in pig tests and found taser current can override heartbeats.
- Long shocks near the chest raised the risk of ventricular fibrillation and sudden death.
Cult Of Personality Around CEO
- Rick Smith became a messianic figure for investors and police as taser sales exploded.
- That cult of personality fueled a rapid NASDAQ valuation surge despite emerging safety controversies.
Excited Delirium As A PR Shield
- Axon promoted the label "excited delirium" to explain deaths as victim pathology rather than device harm.
- That framing deflected blame and helped maintain police demand for tasers.
