Gita Jackson, Alex Sujong Laughlin, and Rusty Foster discuss the evolving media landscape and the need for independent media. They delve into topics such as the challenges and changes in the media industry, the rise and fall of the podcasting industry, the importance of sustainability, and prioritizing mental health in the workplace.

In this engaging conversation, Gita Jackson, a games journalist and co-owner of Aftermath, teams up with fellow journalist Nathan Grayson, author of 'Stream Big.' They discuss how the relentless drive for growth is harming the gaming industry and leading to layoffs. The duo delves into how fandom culture can breed extremism and share how Aftermath approaches journalism differently. Despite industry challenges, they celebrate the creativity and brilliance of new games being developed, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and artistic integrity.

In this episode, the guests discuss the biggest stories of 2023, the AI hype, science fiction's influence on the future, the worst villains in the tech industry, and what to expect in 2024. They also cover topics such as the impact of ketamine use in Silicon Valley, the limitations of AI and automation, Disney's use of stable diffusion in artwork, and the fantastical world of Silicon Valley. The episode concludes with a discussion on the differing reactions to problematic behavior by Kanye West and Elon Musk, and predictions for the future of space programs, social media, and the crypto market.