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The podcast that tells true stories about the people making and breaking our digital world. We take listeners into the world of cyber and intelligence without all the techie jargon. Every Tuesday and Friday, former NPR investigations correspondent Dina Temple-Raston and the team draw back the curtain on ransomware attacks, mysterious hackers, and the people who are trying to stop them.
Latest episodes

9 snips
Feb 18, 2025 • 27min
Could AI help ER doctors and medics make better decisions?
In this enlightening discussion, ER doctor Kevin Menace, who played a vital role during the Las Vegas mass shooting, shares his insights on high-pressure medical decision-making. Alongside him is Matt Turek from DARPA, exploring the revolutionary use of AI in emergency care. They dive into how AI can enhance triage processes, improve decision quality, and navigate ethical dilemmas during crises. The conversation also touches on innovative training methods for medics, paving the way for a new era in critical medical care.

6 snips
Feb 14, 2025 • 13min
Mic Drop: The man behind a Binance exec’s Nigerian detention
A Binance executive's unexpected detention in Nigeria reveals a tangled web of corruption and power struggles. Experts discuss the implications of this incident amidst Nigeria's economic challenges and the fight against corruption. The podcast dives into the contrasting views on cryptocurrency regulation by former officials transitioning into new roles. It also highlights the fraught dynamics of Nigeria's judicial system, where accountability is often elusive, as authorities target Binance while blaming external factors for domestic issues.

10 snips
Feb 11, 2025 • 28min
The Company Man: Binance exec detained in Nigeria breaks his silence
Nick Fountain, the insightful host of Planet Money, joins Dina Temple-Raston for a gripping conversation with Tigran Gambaryan, a former IRS investigator turned Binance executive. Tigran recounts his harrowing eight-month detention in Nigeria, revealing shocking conditions in prison and the psychological toll of isolation. He discusses the complexities of navigating crypto regulations and the U.S. diplomatic efforts that led to his release. This story sheds light on the personal and political challenges at the intersection of cryptocurrency and international relations.

8 snips
Feb 7, 2025 • 14min
Mic Drop: The algorithm will see you now - AI and psychiatry
Discover how a seasoned psychiatrist looks to AI for innovative mental health solutions, especially for veterans. The conversation dives into the shift from traditional assessments to dynamic AI-enhanced interviews. Learn about the transformative potential of technology in personalized care, while addressing the delicate balance between AI and human empathy. The discussion also explores how AI can alleviate pressures on overwhelmed healthcare systems, particularly in underserved areas, enhancing overall treatment outcomes.

7 snips
Feb 4, 2025 • 24min
SPECIAL FEATURE: ‘With AIs Wide Open’ from IRL: Online Life is Real Life
Bridget Todd, host of the IRL: Online Life is Real Life podcast and advocate for responsible AI, dives into the fascinating world of open-sourcing AI technology. She discusses the groundbreaking Stargate initiative and its potential in healthcare. The conversation unveils the ethical complexities surrounding large language models, emphasizing transparency and bias concerns. Todd also highlights the urgent need for regulation to tackle internet toxicity and ensure inclusivity in AI's development, advocating for collaborative, ethical practices.

6 snips
Jan 31, 2025 • 12min
Mic Drop: Tracking a Ghost
In a riveting discussion, a cybersecurity expert shares a humorous tale from the early internet, highlighting the growth of technology. The podcast dives into cryptic apps like Ghost, designed for anonymity but raising alarms over misuse. It sheds light on the Australian Federal Police's Operation Kraken, which successfully infiltrated encrypted communications used by criminals. The conversation also touches on the ongoing battle between law enforcement and sophisticated tech, alongside intriguing insights into the vulnerabilities of cybersecurity initiatives.

7 snips
Jan 28, 2025 • 25min
Knights of Old and a ransomware joust
Discover the resilient history of a U.K. logistics company that has weathered wars and Brexit, only to face a modern threat in the form of a ransomware attack. The podcast draws parallels between knights in battle and the company's tech team as they navigate chaos. It delves into the devastating effects of data loss and the harrowing decisions that follow, including the moral dilemma of paying a ransom. With a spotlight on the notorious Akira group, the discussion uncovers the evolving landscape of cybercrime and its impact on established enterprises.

Jan 24, 2025 • 14min
Mic Drop: Australia’s attempt to keep kids off social media
John Pane, a privacy advocate at Electronic Frontiers Australia, discusses Australia's controversial social media age-gating aimed at keeping kids under 16 offline. He argues this plan poses risks not only to youth privacy but also to broader human rights. Pane highlights the ineffectiveness of age verification methods and warns about the potential increase in surveillance. He emphasizes the importance of balancing child safety with privacy rights, raising alarms about how such regulations could impact marginalized communities.

15 snips
Jan 21, 2025 • 30min
Australia takes aim at encrypted apps
Alex Linton, one of the creators of the encrypted messaging app Session, discusses the app's vital role during protests in Iran and its unique features for secure communication. He delves into the challenges posed by Australia's controversial TOLA law, risking user privacy in favor of law enforcement. Linton highlights the tensions between individual privacy rights and national security, including a crucial Supreme Court case. He also shares how Session's relocation to Switzerland aims to combat global privacy erosion and the ongoing battle for encrypted communications.

Jan 17, 2025 • 11min
Mic Drop: Elon Musk, come and get your space junk.
Jordan Hobbs, an Australian cattle farmer and newfound local celebrity, shares his unexpected encounter with SpaceX debris on his property. He recounts the bizarre moment he discovered a charred metallic object among his cattle. Jordan discusses the challenges of space junk, the broader implications for space exploration, and even jokes about potential compensation from Elon Musk. His journey reflects the fascinating intersections of rural life and modern technology, offering a humorous yet thought-provoking look at how space debris impacts our world.