System Crash
System Crash
Tech giants like Google and Facebook have conquered — some would say killed — the internet. Elon Musk used his platform to help elect Trump, and Silicon Valley elites want to gut the public sector. OpenAI and Microsoft aim to wipe away millions of jobs. Uber is driving down wages. Apple is impenetrable. Amazon is inescapable. All this high tech, and our quality of life is getting lower. The system has crashed. So, System Crash: a weekly tech news show willing to tell the hard truths about how tech — and the titans who own and operate it — is really transforming the world. Co-hosts Paris Marx and Brian Merchant dissect the stories that matter, break news of their own, offer expert commentary, and interview journalists, whistleblowers, authors, and tech workers and ordinary people fighting back.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jul 17, 2025 • 6min
System Crash Is Paused
Some news, as they say: System Crash is going on hiatus as Brian and Paris are overloaded with other projects they need to take care of. Thanks for plugging in, and stay tuned to this feed for updates on what's next.Until then, subscribe to Brian’s newsletter Blood in the Machine, check out Paris’ newsletter Disconnect, and go listen to Tech Won’t Save Us.Support the show
14 snips
Jul 11, 2025 • 34min
Palmer Luckey Wants to Arm the West With AI Weapons
Palmer Luckey's controversial vision for automating warfare is unveiled, shifting focus from virtual reality to AI weaponry. The podcast highlights ethical dilemmas surrounding tech billionaires in defense contracting. Discussions reveal Silicon Valley's pivot from consumer tech to national security, driven by rising global tensions, particularly with China. The unsettling militarization of technology leads to a critique of the normalization of violence and psychological detachment in warfare, raising significant questions about the future of global security.
Jul 4, 2025 • 58min
The Ban on State AI Laws is Dead, Canada Bows to Trump and Big Tech, and the AI Backlash Grows
Canada ditches its digital services tax under U.S. pressure, highlighting the clash between tech interests and public good. The ban on state-level AI regulations has unexpectedly collapsed, sparking a bipartisan uproar. Meanwhile, the AI backlash is intensifying as jobs get replaced, leading to growing fears about emotional dependency on AI for communication. In a lighter twist, tech leaders launch a bank named after a Middle Earth location while layoffs loom in the industry, bringing a mix of humor and serious discussions about the future of tech.
Jul 1, 2025 • 5min
Patreon Preview: Mountainhead Exposes the Minds of the Tech Elite
Dive into the darkly comedic world of tech billionaires as the film Mountainhead unravels their psyches. Discover how humor meets existential crises, showcasing the absurdities of AI misinformation and extravagant lifestyles. A thought-provoking look at Silicon Valley's elite through a satirical lens that entertains while it critiques.
7 snips
Jun 27, 2025 • 58min
AI Has Its Day in Court and Tesla’s Robotaxis Are Already a Menace in Austin
A court ruling allows AI companies to use copyrighted materials under the fair use doctrine, stirring discussions on creators' rights. Meanwhile, Tesla's robotaxi rollout in Austin faces numerous challenges and safety concerns, especially after a demo highlighted flaws in its self-driving tech. The conversation also critiques Tesla's choice to bypass LIDAR, raising alarms about public safety. Additionally, the impact of AI on jobs is explored, notably through personal stories of those affected by these technological shifts.
8 snips
Jun 20, 2025 • 49min
The Rise of the AI Military Industrial Complex, Trump’s Scam Phone, and Israel-Iran Slop
This week, the hosts dive into the absurdity of celebrity phones and the questionable quality of tech tied to political figures. They explore the troubling alliance between AI and the military, examining ethical concerns around military contracts. The dangers of deep fakes and their role in shaping public narratives are also discussed. Plus, there's light-hearted banter about Tesla's production woes and the challenges AI poses to libraries and cultural heritage. Join for insights that blend tech, culture, and geopolitics!
Jun 15, 2025 • 5min
Patreon Preview: Palmer Luckey Wants to Arm the West With AI Weapons
The discussion kicks off with a look at Silicon Valley’s surprising pivot from consumer tech to defense innovation. Tech billionaires are reimagining their roles as they aim to bolster American power in the face of rising global competition. The focus then shifts to a prominent figure in virtual reality who is now shaping the military-industrial sector. His provocative thoughts on creating a 'warrior class' and the ethical dilemmas posed by autonomous weapons spark a fascinating debate.
9 snips
Jun 13, 2025 • 47min
Donald Trump and Elon Musk Clash While Protesters Burn Waymos in Los Angeles
Tensions rise as the feud between Donald Trump and Elon Musk escalates amid Los Angeles protests against Waymo's autonomous vehicles. Ohio's mandate for undergrads to be AI-proficient sparks debate on education's future. Meanwhile, the gaming industry inches toward unionization. In China, tech firms are tightening AI tool restrictions. Public sentiment shifts with frustrations over Apple’s perceived stagnation. The chaotic political landscape is further complicated by controversial alliances and Musk's provocative online presence.
23 snips
Jun 6, 2025 • 55min
What Elon Musk’s “Exit” From White House Really Means and What’s Next for DOGE
Elon Musk's recent exit from a Dogecoin-related role raises eyebrows about his reputation and its impact on the Department of Government Efficiency. Amidst protests and controversies, discover the humorous side of Musk's black eye incident. The discussion delves into Palantir's data practices and the interplay of tech and politics. Meanwhile, explore the humanitarian consequences of policies linked to Musk. The hosts also critique Dogecoin's political implications and dissect the evolution of social media amid labor movements.
May 30, 2025 • 50min
Sam Altman and Jony Ive Are Making an AI Device, OpenAI Gets Desperate, and Trump Goes After iPhones
A future AI hardware collaboration is on the horizon with Sam Altman and Jony Ive partnering up. Donald Trump’s proposed 25% tariff on iPhones stirs up a debate about U.S. manufacturing. BYD edges out Tesla in Europe, while Google’s Veo 3 gains viral fame. Duolingo is facing challenges in its AI strategies, and Marc Andreessen's tech manifesto gets a print edition, sparking discussions about the tech elite shaping narratives. The skepticism around AI innovations raises eyebrows, all while tensions in the smartphone market heat up.
