The 404 Media Podcast
404 Media
Welcome to the podcast from 404 Media where Joseph, Sam, Emanuel, and Jason catch you up on the stories we published this week. 404 Media is a journalist-owned digital media company exploring the way technology is shaping–and is shaped by–our world. We bring you unparalleled access to hidden worlds both online and IRL through investigative reporting, smart blogging, and breaking news. At 404 Media you’ll read, and hear, stories you can’t find anywhere else written by journalists who are leading experts on their beats. Subscribe to 404 Media at 404media.co to gain access to an ad-free version of this podcast, as well as a bonus podcast episodes. Subscribers are the bedrock of building a sustainable business for our journalism.Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
22 snips
Dec 10, 2025 • 42min
Zines Are Back
Get ready for some zine excitement as independent media makes a comeback! Discover the meticulous process behind creating a 16-page zine, aimed at bypassing digital algorithms. Meanwhile, strange changes on Instagram are generating random, misleading SEO headlines, leaving creators frustrated and misrepresented. Plus, a bold lawsuit from ICEBlock against the U.S. government adds a touch of intrigue. A fascinating blend of print revival and digital mischief awaits!
53 snips
Dec 8, 2025 • 56min
How AI Porn Isolates Us with Noelle Perdue
Noelle Perdue, a writer and producer known for her insights on porn and sexuality, dives into the intricate world of AI and its impact on intimacy. She discusses how AI porn isolates users and reduces community, often leading to shame. Their conversation touches on the evolution of AI in adult content and the implications of current legislation threatening sexual expression. Noelle also critiques the danger of chatbots validating harmful beliefs while highlighting the need for authentic human connections through community and creativity.
66 snips
Dec 3, 2025 • 41min
This Podcast Will Hack You
Matthew Galt, a reporter specializing in geopolitics and markets, dives into some provocative topics. He explains how a manipulated map of Ukraine influenced a Polymarket bet, raising ethical questions about betting on war. Before that, the hosts discuss a bizarre issue with Apple Podcasts mysteriously playing random episodes, revealing potential security risks. The conversation takes a sharp turn as they explore the implications of requiring face or ID scans to access adult content in the U.S.
59 snips
Dec 1, 2025 • 51min
Inside the Biggest Sting Operation Ever (with Michael Bobbitt)
Michael Bobbitt, a former FBI official who was pivotal in Operation Trojan Shield, shares his thrilling insights into the largest sting operation ever conducted. He reveals how encrypted communications were exploited to uncover vast criminal networks and massive drug shipments. Michael discusses the complexities of working with international partners, including Europol, and managing safety while executing covert strategies. Their conversation also covers the significant implications of this operation on trust in encrypted platforms and organized crime tactics.
71 snips
Nov 26, 2025 • 55min
A Massive Breach Reveals the Truth Behind 'Secret Desires AI'
A massive leak exposed an AI chatbot turning ordinary women’s yearbook photos into non-consensual porn, sparking serious discussions on privacy and victim impact. The hosts dig into how the FaceSwap workflow operates and the alarming scale of the generated content. Later, a new feature on X reveals global grifters targeting American audiences with tailored AI content for higher profits. The episode highlights the troubling intersection of technology and ethics, leaving listeners questioning the implications of such AI misuse.
63 snips
Nov 24, 2025 • 1h 3min
Luxury Surveillance (With Chris Gilliard)
In this engaging discussion, Chris Gilliard, a surveillance justice expert and Just Tech fellow at the MacArthur Foundation, dives into the concept of luxury surveillance and its implications. He explores how companies like Ring and Flock perpetuate inequalities through voluntary surveillance. Gilliard highlights the risks of 'friction-free racism' tied to face-scanning technologies and the societal harms amplified by generative AI. He advocates for community organizing and alternative choices as powerful responses to these surveillance practices.
78 snips
Nov 19, 2025 • 57min
The Epstein Email Dump Is a Mess
A chaotic release of Epstein emails raises eyebrows, with hosts questioning the lack of organization and accessibility. They delve into a surprising recruitment on LinkedIn where random individuals are hired to track immigrants for $300 each. The conversation shifts to the implications of outsourcing such critical tasks to private contractors. Finally, discussions around a new adult industry code of conduct highlight the ongoing evolution of ethical standards within the sector. Tune in for a mix of investigative insights and eye-opening revelations!
75 snips
Nov 17, 2025 • 1h 5min
The Video Game Industry’s Existential Crisis (with Jason Schreier)
This week, investigative reporter Jason Schreier shines a light on the shifting landscape of the video game industry. He breaks down Microsoft’s push for higher profit margins at Xbox and the implications for its future in console gaming. Jason discusses the leveraged buyout of Electronic Arts and what it signals about growth prospects in the industry. He also explores how player habits are evolving, the role of Game Pass, and whether AI will solve or complicate development challenges. Prepare for a thought-provoking dive into gaming's uncertain future!
62 snips
Nov 12, 2025 • 50min
Inside a Small Town's Fight Against a $1.2 Billion AI Datacenter
Matthew Gault, a journalist covering the local fight against a $1.2 billion AI data center, sheds light on Ypsilanti's community pushback against this project linked to nuclear research. He highlights concerns about environmental strain on resources and noise, framing the grassroots opposition as a David-and-Goliath struggle. The conversation also touches on the implications of AI data centers nationwide. Additionally, Joseph discusses 3D-printed whistles in Chicago aimed at alerting communities about ICE activities, showcasing innovative grassroots responses to local issues.
34 snips
Nov 10, 2025 • 46min
A Massive Archiving Effort at National Parks (with Jenny McBurney and Lynda Kellam)
Join Jenny McBurney, a government publications librarian, and Lynda Kellam, leader of the research data team at Penn, as they dive into their crowd-sourced project, Save Our Signs. They discuss the alarming threat to national park signage posed by a recent executive order, which could erase vital historical context. Their efforts have led to the collection of over 10,000 images from more than 300 parks. The duo reflects on the importance of preserving these signs, emphasizing their role in community history and public engagement.
