Click Here

Allison Nixon, Chief Research Officer at Unit 221B and expert in online predator networks, dives into the disturbing world of digital extremism. She highlights how groups like 764 seduce marginalized youth through emotional manipulation and economic incentives. The conversation addresses the evolution from belief-based radicalization to nihilistic violence for visibility. Nixon reveals grooming tactics like love bombing, and explains how the pandemic intensified these predatory networks, making the need for effective interventions more urgent than ever.

Kamel Ghali, a white-hat automotive hacker in Japan, dives into the alarming world where cars have transformed into high-tech computers on wheels. He shares his journey from a fateful pizza moment that sparked his interest in cybersecurity to revealing the real threats that hackers pose, like eavesdropping and data theft. Kamel explains how automotive companies are adopting cybersecurity more seriously, the risks of advanced features, and the fascinating intersection of tech and safety. His insights highlight the urgent need for robust vehicle security.

In this engaging discussion, automotive systems engineer Florian Rode explains the complexities of software testing in vehicles, revealing how easy it is for glitches to emerge. Retired radiologist Peter Rothschild shares a chilling tale of how a software update almost sent him off a cliff in his Volvo. Together, they explore the risks of treating cars like tech products, the implications of over-the-air updates, and the urgent need for better cybersecurity standards in the automotive industry.

Stephen Vladeck, a Georgetown Law professor and national security law expert, delves into the Espionage Act's evolution from its World War I origins to its current controversial use against leakers and the press. He discusses the law's expansive reach, citing cases like the Pentagon Papers that shifted focus to insiders. Vladeck raises concerns about potential threats to journalists, the Supreme Court's silence on protections, and recent policy changes under the Trump administration that risk journalists' freedoms. He also offers practical advice for reporters navigating this precarious landscape.

Reality Winner, a former NSA contractor who infamously leaked a classified report in 2017, shares her journey in the podcast. She discusses the emotional toll of remote intelligence work and the pressures of secrecy. Winner describes her motivations behind leaking the Russia report and the naive belief that her actions would go unnoticed. With an eye on the future, she raises concerns about the Espionage Act and its implications for whistleblowers, reflecting on how her experience has altered her view of America.

Shannon Wait, a former Google data center technician turned union organizer, shares her eye-opening journey from studying Egyptology to the realm of data centers. She vividly describes the sensory chaos and pressures of working within these high-tech facilities. A simple request for a water bottle cap spiraled into a significant labor dispute, leading to her posting about pay and conditions online, which resulted in her unexpected removal from the site. Shannon's transition to union organizing highlights the complex economic landscape of data center jobs and their impact on small-town communities.

Scott Stratton Henderson, a college student from St. Charles, Missouri, spearheaded community resistance against the proposed Project Cumulus data center. He shares how he rallied locals through a Change.org petition, leading to packed council meetings and a withdrawal of the development proposal. Joined by technology policy expert Asad Ramzanali, they discuss the economic implications of such projects, highlighting concerns over water use, tax breaks, and long-term local benefits. Their story reveals the power of grassroots activism in addressing tech's impact on small towns.

Francisco Chavo Romero, a Southern California community activist with Unión del Barrio, discusses the rise of neighborhood patrols aimed at monitoring ICE activities. He explains the grassroots tools that have replaced traditional apps for tracking, driven by his Chicano heritage and commitment to protecting undocumented neighbors. Francisco shares insights into ICE's tactics, the impact of their raids, and how his organization conducts lawful observations while preparing for militarized operations. He also addresses the risks of criminalization and the importance of community solidarity.

In this enlightening discussion, guest Joshua Aaron, an app developer and tech entrepreneur behind the IceBlock alert app, shares his journey to empower communities with digital tools against ICE raids. He explains IceBlock’s innovative crowdsourcing features, designed to keep users informed without compromising data privacy. Joshua reveals the unexpected fallout from governmental scrutiny, including his wife’s firing from the DOJ, and the app's removal from major platforms. Despite setbacks, he notes how such challenges have fostered greater community resilience and activism.

Kuba Gretzky, a Polish developer, dives into the world of cybersecurity, revealing how he created Evilginx to bypass multi-factor authentication. Initially designed for good, the tool's misuse by hackers raises ethical questions. He discusses his transition from game bot creator to a sought-after security researcher, emphasizing the importance of openness in defending against cyber threats. Discover how tools intended to enhance security can sometimes backfire, turning a well-meaning project into a double-edged sword.