Big Technology Podcast

Pranav Dixit, a BuzzFeed News reporter based in India, discusses alarming threats from the Modi government against Twitter, demanding the blocking of around 250 accounts. He delves into the implications for free speech and the escalating tensions between social media and government control. Dixit highlights Twitter's pushback against censorship and reflects on how this situation impacts global social media dynamics. The conversation also touches on the role of social media in mobilizing protests and the importance of thoughtful journalism in politically charged environments.

Join Jason Del Rey, a Recode senior correspondent and Amazon expert, as he reflects on Jeff Bezos's exit and what lies ahead for the e-commerce giant. They discuss the impact of incoming CEO Andy Jassy, exploring whether a kinder culture might emerge. The conversation also highlights Amazon's antitrust challenges and evolving worker treatment amidst government scrutiny. Del Rey shares insights on Amazon’s rivalry with Walmart, offering a glimpse into how these dynamics will shape the future of retail and technology.

In a compelling chat, Glenn Greenwald, a journalist known for his incisive work on national security and civil liberties, shares insights on his leap to Substack from The Intercept. He delves into the tension between content moderation and censorship, dissecting its implications for smaller platforms. Glenn reflects on the benefits of independence in journalism, the evolving financial models enhancing journalistic integrity, and the controversial choices faced by podcasters like Joe Rogan regarding misinformation. The conversation illuminates the future of dialogue in digital spaces.

Ranjan Roy, co-author of The Margins newsletter, dives into the craziness of the GameStop saga and its impact on market dynamics. He explores the influence of zero interest rate policies and the rise of retail trading platforms like Robinhood. The conversation highlights the gamification of stock trading and how platforms like Reddit have empowered individual investors. Roy also critiques the ethics of trading practices and discusses the volatile relationship between retail investors and Wall Street, revealing the complexities behind modern finance.

Marshall Kosloff and Saagar Enjeti, co-hosts of The Realignment podcast, dive into the shifting political landscape of the U.S. post-Trump. They examine how Biden's presidency has altered voter demographics and party dynamics. The duo discusses the complexities of populism, the implications of tech in politics, and the evolving role of tech companies as focal points for conservative concerns. They stress the need for honest dialogue about technology's impact on political discourse, urging for more engagement on these critical issues.

Bradley Tusk, Founder and CEO of Tusk Ventures and host of the Firewall Podcast, shares his insights on the evolving regulatory landscape for tech under the Biden administration. He discusses the potential fallout of revoking Section 230 and how both parties are motivated to regulate social media platforms. Tusk also highlights the challenges posed by shifting social media dynamics, the importance of mental health in online spaces, and his creative pursuits, including a satirical novel and gaming ventures.

Ryan Mac, a senior reporter at BuzzFeed News with deep insight into Facebook's inner workings, joins the conversation following the suspension of Donald Trump’s accounts on social media. They delve into the motivations behind these platforms' drastic actions and the pressures influencing their decisions. Ethical dilemmas in tech journalism are discussed, alongside the challenges of content moderation. Mac also highlights the implications of these bans on public discourse and the evolving landscape of social media governance amid growing scrutiny over Facebook's practices.

Kevin Roose, a New York Times reporter known for his work on online radicalization, and Mark Ledwich, a software engineer and researcher, engage in a thought-provoking debate about YouTube's influence. Roose discusses a chilling case study of radicalization through YouTube, while Ledwich counters with evidence suggesting the platform's role is overstated. They dive into YouTube's recommendation algorithms, media bias, content moderation challenges, and even touch on the competition with TikTok, leaving listeners pondering the complexities of technology's societal impacts.

Rick Alan Ross, the leading expert on cults and head of the Cult Education Institute, dives into the alarming decline of community in today's society. He explores how technology and isolation leave individuals vulnerable to cults like NXIVM and extremist movements such as QAnon. Ross discusses the defining traits of destructive cults and the psychological factors that lure people in during tough times. He emphasizes the importance of awareness, supportive networks, and the dangers of manipulation, revealing how online spaces can foster harmful ideologies.

Emma Lovewell, a full-time fitness instructor for Peloton, shares her insights on the explosive growth of at-home fitness during the pandemic. She discusses how over three million users have embraced the platform, averaging 24 workouts a month, and the sense of community that has flourished online. Lovewell also reflects on her personal challenges, including balancing a family health crisis while navigating her career. Listeners will find her take on transforming fitness in the digital age and the evolving dynamics of live classes particularly engaging.