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
8 snips
Aug 28, 2025 • 47min
404 Media Live: NYC!
The hosts celebrate their second anniversary, reflecting on their impactful journalism journey over the past year. They dive into the unsettling effects of AI on mental health and discuss journalist safety amid legal threats. The ethics of tech companies, particularly Palantir's controversial ties, spark lively debate. Humorously, they navigate online discourse pitfalls and share their early podcasting challenges. Finally, they reflect on the joys of community connections and the need for online privacy amid growing AI surveillance.
69 snips
Aug 27, 2025 • 48min
The Underground Trade of Car Hacking Tech
Dive into the underground world of car hacking with the Flipper Zero, a device making it alarmingly easy for thieves to bypass vehicle security. Explore the rise of AI-generated nostalgia videos that romanticize the 1980s while critiquing modern life. The discussion also highlights the Citizen app's alarming trend of generating AI-written crime alerts, raising serious questions about accuracy. Plus, get a glimpse into how nostalgia shapes our digital landscape and affects human connections today.
118 snips
Aug 20, 2025 • 48min
The Inside Story of Tea
Dive into the alarming investigation of the Tea app, which misled users about their privacy while targeting women's safety groups. Uncover the dark side of TikTok Shop, where GPS trackers are marketed for stalking. Explore the questionable marketing tactics used by dating apps, as well as the ethical dilemmas in influencer-led content. Plus, hear about AI persona prompts that push boundaries. This engaging discussion sheds light on pressing issues around safety, consent, and digital deception.
47 snips
Aug 13, 2025 • 56min
Why Are DHS Agents Wearing Meta Ray-Bans?
A Customs and Border Protection agent made headlines by wearing Meta Ray-Bans during an immigration raid, stirring debates on privacy and accountability. The conversation shifts to voice actors facing a 'Faustian bargain' with AI, weighing lucrative opportunities against ethical concerns of job security. The podcast also reveals how a DEA official misused a cop’s password for surveillance, raising alarms about transparency in law enforcement. These topics highlight the intersection of technology, ethics, and public perception in today’s world.
80 snips
Aug 6, 2025 • 46min
Google Is Exposing Peoples’ ChatGPT Secrets
Delve into the shocking revelation of nearly 100,000 sensitive ChatGPT conversations being indexed by Google. Discover how Wikipedia is tackling the influx of AI-generated content with a new speedy deletion policy. Explore the historical anti-porn crusade that has shaped platforms like Steam and Itch.io for decades. Tune in for discussions on the impacts of recent data breaches, the complexities of online censorship, and the evolving challenges of journalism in the digital age.
67 snips
Jul 30, 2025 • 56min
The Tea Breach Just Keeps Getting Worse
The conversation kicks off with alarming revelations about a dating safety app that faced serious data breaches, exposing sensitive user information. A new UK law complicates access to crucial footage, as users must verify their age through selfies. The hosts then tackle the impact of credit card policies on video gaming and the adult industry. Lastly, an unexpected topic springs up: the rumor about LeBron James being pregnant, debunked with a hilarious twist!
49 snips
Jul 23, 2025 • 45min
Spotify Is Publishing AI Tracks of Dead Artists
This week dives into the bizarre realm of AI music with Spotify publishing unauthorized tracks from deceased artists. The ethics of these AI-generated songs spark lively debate about legacy and authenticity in music. A chilling report unveils a company selling hacked data to debt collectors, raising alarms about privacy violations. Additionally, the implications of corporate ethics in data commodification are critically examined, painting a vivid picture of our surveillance-driven culture and its potential future.
77 snips
Jul 16, 2025 • 47min
The AI Exodus Begins
A crackdown is underway in the AI industry, sparking debates about ethics and usage. The controversial AI platform Civitai highlights the challenges of adult content generation, raising concerns over consent. In an interesting twist, a campaign strives to save historical signs in national parks, countering political narratives that threaten authenticity. The discussion includes the pitfalls of relying on AI to transform the media landscape, emphasizing that it may not be the savior many hope for.
37 snips
Jul 9, 2025 • 40min
How to Fight Back Against AI Bot Scrapers
Discover how Anubis, an innovative open-source tool, is fighting against AI bot scrapers and protecting invaluable online resources. Delve into the ethical concerns surrounding a new facial recognition app used by ICE, sparking debates about privacy and surveillance. The hosts also share amusing insights on how AI models often miss the mark in understanding human nuances. Plus, explore unconventional methods researchers use to 'jailbreak' AI with confusing jargon. It's a thought-provoking journey through technology and its implications!
45 snips
Jul 2, 2025 • 1h 4min
The Life Changing Power of Lifting (feat. Casey Johnston)
In this chat with Casey Johnston, an independent journalist and founder of She's a Beast, they explore the transformative journey of weightlifting and its benefits beyond physical strength. Casey discusses her memoir, sharing how she escaped diet culture and embraced lifting. They delve into the intersections of fitness, technology, and mental health, emphasizing the importance of accessible weight training for all. With insights on authenticity in fitness journalism, they advocate for genuine connections in the community and the power of weightlifting to foster personal growth.
