In our new series Elon In Power, we’re digging into the billionaire’s history to find out how he got to this point and what his past tells us about who he is today. For our first episode, Bloomberg senior reporter and author of The Contrarian Max Chafkin joins the show to give us the scoop on Elon Musk’s time at PayPal and the ups and downs of his long relationship with Peter Thiel.Subscribe to Paris’s newsletter Disconnect.Subscribe to Brian’s newsletter Blood in the Machine. Support the show

Donald Trump finally launched his trade war on Canada and Mexico. For two days. Some tariffs remain, and they could all be back in April, and who knows what happens then. As Trump abandons allies, there’s a lot of uncertainty—but there’s also opportunity. Silicon Valley wants its alliance with Trump to cement its global power, but what if the actions of the United States actually push them to end their dependence on US tech and begin building an alternative set of technologies? In the second half, writer and podcaster Ed Ongweso Jr. joins to talk about the Silicon Valley Consensus that could be unraveling, then Paris and Brian dig into OpenAI’s new tiers, ad spending on X, and the LA Times’ new AI bot.You can read Ed’s newsletter over on The Tech Bubble.Subscribe to Paris’s newsletter Disconnect.Subscribe to Brian’s newsletter Blood in the Machine. Support the show

The hosts reflect on the 50th anniversary of a pivotal biotech conference, discussing AI's role in shaping the industry's future. They critique the deregulatory mindset prevalent at such gatherings. The conversation also touches on a controversial email from federal workers, digital service taxes under Trump, and Apple’s massive investment in the U.S. Meanwhile, Elizabeth Holmes seeks an early release from prison, and intriguing anecdotes about a British monkey movie add a humorous twist to the discourse.

In this discussion, Alex Winter, an actor, director, and activist known for his critical stance on technology, shares insights on the rapidly growing Tesla Takedown protests he's helped organize. He highlights the surprising turnout and diverse voices opposing Elon Musk's influence on democracy. The conversation also touches on the silencing of Alphabet AI workers, the rise of meme coins in politics, and labor issues in tech companies. Winter emphasizes grassroots activism's vital role in challenging corporate power and fostering community engagement.

Delve into Peter Thiel's bizarre manifesto and its implications for today's political landscape. The hosts blend sharp analysis with playful banter, exploring how Thiel's beliefs reflect the extremes of Silicon Valley. From humorous debates over mispronunciations to deeper critiques of tech ideologies, this discussion reveals the stark divide between public perception and the radical ideas held by influential figures. Prepare for a journey through the quirky mindset that shapes modern power dynamics.

Silicon Valley is increasingly intertwining with government, raising concerns about power dynamics. Elon Musk is leveraging his influence, while JD Vance speaks of American dominance in AI. Meta's stock prices surge as it shifts focus to AI, sparking discussions about ethical implications and monopolistic behavior. The need for grassroots resistance against tech oligarchs is highlighted, alongside controversies involving Tesla and Google. The role of community action becomes vital in countering these trends and addressing societal issues.

Cory Doctorow, a Canadian writer and tech critic, dives into Elon Musk's impact on digital governance and the looming threat of 'enshittification.' He explores the significance of public engagement in tech policy and the erosion of digital public space due to automated censorship. Doctorow also discusses his upcoming historical techno thriller about empowered women in the 1980s and critiques the polarized ideologies surrounding public health measures. The conversation balances hope and activism in the face of a chaotic political landscape.

In this engaging discussion, tech PR guru Ed Zitron, host of Better Offline, dives into the transformative impact of DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup challenging U.S. giants with cheaper solutions. He explores the unsettling implications for established players and the potential shift toward more accessible AI technologies. The conversation also touches on the disillusionment with current AI investments, the waning hype around generative AI, and the need for clearer expectations as the industry navigates a complex landscape.

Jacob Silverman, tech journalist and author of "Gilded Rage," joins to dissect the chaos surrounding Trump's second inauguration and the tech titans in attendance. He unveils the details of Trumpworld’s new crypto coins, exploring the alarming ties between big tech and politics. The conversation dives into the rise of a Silicon Valley oligarchy and critiques the tech elite's visions clashing with reality. Expect provocative commentary on the implications of AI governance and the ethical dilemmas in the cryptocurrency landscape.

Jason Koebler, co-founder of 404 Media and co-host of the 404 Media Podcast, dives deep into Meta’s evolving relationship with Donald Trump. He highlights the implications of the possible TikTok ban and how it reflects broader issues of censorship. The conversation critiques Meta's monopolistic practices and the challenges of creating decentralized alternatives. Koebler also discusses the right to repair movement and the impact of AI expansions on technology and privacy, revealing the intricate balance between innovation and regulation.