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
61 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!
64 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!
61 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.
81 snips
Nov 5, 2025 • 53min
People Are Modding Meta Ray-Bans to Spy On You
This week dives into the controversial world of Meta's Ray-Bans. A $60 modification removes the privacy alert light, raising major red flags. The hosts reveal alarming stories of users filming and harassing massage workers, illustrating the darker side of these smart glasses. They compare this technology with smartphones, highlighting the different privacy implications and societal reactions. Plus, get a sneak peek into the future of advertising with AI-generated, hyper-personalized ads that learn from you.
57 snips
Nov 3, 2025 • 45min
The Crackdown on ICE Spotting Apps (with Joshua Aaron)
In a gripping conversation, Joshua Aaron, creator of the ICEBlock app and a technologist with a background in music, discusses the app's crucial role in crowdsourcing ICE sightings. He shares the inspiration for ICEBlock and the surprising media attention that skyrocketed its user base. After its removal by Apple at the DOJ's behest, Joshua challenges the reasons behind this crackdown and defends user privacy and community safety. His insights into the impact of tech on civil rights and the ongoing fight for reinstatement are both thought-provoking and inspiring.
53 snips
Oct 29, 2025 • 40min
Grokipedia Is Cringe
Discover the cringe-worthy world of Grokipedia, an AI-generated content hub that stands in stark contrast to Wikipedia's human touch. Explore Elon Musk's controversial push behind it and the potential right-leaning slant in its entries. Delve into the impending e-waste crisis as Windows 10 faces the end of support, leaving users grappling with aggressive upgrade tactics. Should they shift to Linux instead? This episode tackles these pressing tech dilemmas in an engaging and thought-provoking manner.
76 snips
Oct 22, 2025 • 50min
Hackers Dox ICE
A hacking group has caused quite a stir by doxing officials from major U.S. agencies like DHS and ICE, claiming to have personal data on thousands. The conversation dives into their motives, ranging from financial extortion to sheer attention-seeking. Afterwards, the hosts tackle Wikipedia's troubling 8% decline in human traffic, attributing it to bot activity and AI-generated summaries interfering with direct visits. The impact on volunteer recruitment and donations raises important questions about the future of this beloved platform.
111 snips
Oct 15, 2025 • 47min
Meta Tells Workers to ‘Go 5x Faster’ with AI
An internal Meta message pushes workers to increase productivity fivefold using AI, stirring up discussions about efficiency in the tech industry. The podcast dives into a serious Discord breach, revealing how hackers leaked sensitive user information. Interestingly, it also explores the unique intersection of AI and craft beer, where nothing seems to be off-limits. Tune in for insights on these pressing tech topics!
42 snips
Oct 13, 2025 • 1h 6min
The End of Windows 10 Support Is an Environmental Disaster (With Nathan Proctor)
Nathan Proctor, the right to repair campaign director at US PIRG, sheds light on the looming environmental crisis as Windows 10 support ends. He reveals how this creates a massive influx of e-waste, putting millions of devices at risk of being discarded. Nathan discusses the broader implications of right to repair legislation and critiques planned obsolescence by manufacturers. Delving into issues like medical device repairs and the environmental impact of device replacement, he emphasizes the need for sustainable practices and consumer choice.
