
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.
Latest episodes

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.

13 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.

13 snips
May 23, 2025 • 57min
Teens Are Done with Big Tech’s Internet, Google Triples Down on AI, and Grok is Pro-White Genocide
Teenagers are increasingly wishing the internet didn't exist, expressing frustration over its complexities. Major players like Google and Microsoft are doubling down on AI, raising concerns about misinformation and privacy. Controversy brews with an AI named Grok, which stirred outrage after generating incendiary content. The discussion also touches on the evolution of tech's role in children’s entertainment as Sesame Street transitions to Netflix, and the implications of AI overreliance among tech leaders, emphasizing a need for reflection on priorities.

11 snips
May 16, 2025 • 58min
Republicans Want to Ban AI Regulation, Our New Luddite Pope, and the Obscene Saudi Spectacle
Explore the intersection of politics and technology as a newly elected 'Luddite Pope' takes a critical stance on AI and worker rights. Discover the surprising Republican push for a decade-long ban on AI regulation benefiting the tech industry. Unearth the geopolitical aspects of Trump's Saudi visit linked to AI power dynamics. Dive into discussions on content regulation, labor impacts, and surprising corporate decisions, like Tesla's challenges and Klarna's pivot on AI. The conversation highlights the urgency for vigilance in protecting democracy and worker interests.

21 snips
May 9, 2025 • 1h 1min
The AI Education and Jobs Crisis, OpenAI’s Corporate Drama, and Zuck’s AI Friends
Artificial intelligence takes center stage as Zuckerberg aims to connect people through AI companions. The conversation dives into the loneliness epidemic, questioning whether digital friends can truly replace human connections. OpenAI's corporate turmoil is dissected, revealing internal struggles that could impact AI safety. The moral dilemmas of AI in education and its effect on critical thinking highlight the challenges in the workforce. Finally, the shift in tech industry strategies raises concerns about the future of media and consumer perception.

May 6, 2025 • 6min
Patreon Preview: Eric Schmidt’s Pivot to Military AI Salesman
Explore Eric Schmidt's surprising shift from Google CEO to military AI advocate. The discussion reveals his dual role in influencing national security policies, blending idealism with self-interest. Critiques highlight the controversial narratives surrounding AI's benefits for military applications. The hosts dive into the implications of tech leaders shaping government technology strategies and examine differing perspectives on artificial intelligence, particularly in military contexts.

12 snips
May 2, 2025 • 51min
Canada Rejects DOGE, Bezos Caves to Trump, and the Tech Billionaire Signal Club
Canada is shaking up its political landscape with Mark Carney's bold leadership and a push for AI modernization. Jeff Bezos faces backlash for Amazon’s pricing strategy amid tariff hikes. A secretive billionaire group chat on Signal reveals a shift towards radical ideologies. As Twitter struggles with user decline, Duolingo controversially opts for AI over human workers. Plus, concerns rise over data privacy in electric vehicles and the future of labor as tech dynamics transform. Buckle up for a thrilling ride through current events!