System Crash

The chaos of tariffs has sent markets into a tailspin, with unpredictable policies leaving analysts bewildered. Elon Musk is not holding back his anger as trade tensions escalate, impacting big tech and everyday electronics. There's humor in the administration's attempts to navigate trade wars, even involving AI-generated plans. The hosts dive into the absurdity of how these tariffs affect American workers, while reflecting on the evolving landscape of the tech industry amidst geopolitical shifts.

After a few weeks of digging into Elon Musk’s past, Brian and Paris are taking a little break to dig into recent tech developments. They discuss the troubles facing Tesla, OpenAI’s new funding round, and the despicable display of AI-generated Studio Ghibli images circulating on social media. Plus, they discuss some important labor stories and how Google’s AI Overviews are hurting website traffic.Brian mentioned an article called “AI: The New Aesthetics of Fascism.”Subscribe to Paris’s newsletter Disconnect.Subscribe to Brian’s newsletter Blood in the Machine.Support the show

In this engaging discussion, Ed Niedermeyer, author of 'Ludicrous' and co-host of Autonocast, dives into the fascinating history of Tesla and Elon Musk's impact on the company. He explores how Musk shaped Tesla through bold strategies and high-pressure tactics, especially during critical production periods. The conversation also addresses the tension between Musk's public image and Tesla's fluctuating stock performance. Niedermeyer highlights the pivotal role of government loans and marketing in Tesla's success, along with the evolving challenges the company faces today.

Dive into the intriguing world of cryptocurrency as experts dissect how the Trump administration shaped its policy. Discover the role of the 'crypto czar' and the surprising backing from the crypto community during Trump’s campaign. Additionally, get a sneak peek into reflections from South by Southwest, with journalists and tech figures sharing their experiences and challenges in the tech landscape, particularly regarding AI and labor issues.

Lora Kolodny, a CNBC Digital tech reporter known for her insights into Elon Musk's ventures, joins to unravel the story of SpaceX. She delves into Musk's ambitious drive for affordable space travel and how reusable rockets revolutionized the industry. Discover the intense work culture at SpaceX and its safety implications, and explore Musk's influence on global communications via Starlink. Kolodny also highlights the complex relationship between SpaceX and NASA and the political challenges surrounding astronaut safety.

Max Chafkin, a Bloomberg senior reporter and author of "The Contrarian," dives into the intriguing world of Elon Musk and his connections to Silicon Valley. He unpacks Musk's journey from PayPal to tech titan, revealing the complexities of his partnership with Peter Thiel. Chafkin discusses Musk's political maneuvers and the mythos he has built around himself. The conversation also touches on the influence of the PayPal mafia and how these tech titans shape political landscapes, particularly in alignment with ambitions and ideologies.

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.