When the internet collectively zeroes in on a famous butt, chaos ensues for the web admin tasked with keeping the site running smoothly. Experience the heart-pounding thrill of tech challenges and the emotional rollercoaster of meeting tight deadlines. Discover the clever humor of 'weird Twitter,' critiquing society with absurdity. Plus, the importance of digital security shines through with lessons paralleling sports strategies. It's a wild blend of tech, humor, and personal stories!

Acclaimed filmmaker Errol Morris investigates whether his late brother Noel, a brilliant mind, invented email. He reflects on their complex sibling bond and Noel's innovative spirit, which still resonates in today's technology. Through personal anecdotes, Errol highlights the historical journey of email's creation and its pioneers. He dives deep into the emotional challenge of understanding loved ones posthumously, uncovering the intricacies of legacy and personal connections in the digital age.

In the early 80's, way before the world wide web existed, the French government shipped a $200 terminal to every home with a phone line, and created a service that for decades ran alongside the internet. It was called The Minitel. Producer Carla Green speaks to reporter Jean-Marc Manach, who, in the early 90's, made a living posing as a woman in sex chat rooms on Minitel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

At Colgate University, the app Yik Yak unveiled a troubling side of anonymity, leading to a wave of racist harassment. Minority students felt the pressure to confront isolation and bigotry, organizing protests to demand change. The podcast dives into the emotional toll of facing hate while fostering solidarity. It also discusses the aftermath of impactful protests that challenged injustice, revealing the delicate balance between identity and online anonymity in a campus setting. Join the journey of resilience amidst a hostile environment.

Paul Ford, a tech enthusiast and anxiety sufferer, shares his compelling journey with anxiety and the ways he confronts it. He discusses the feeling of pressure in his chest and racing thoughts that accompany daily life. Paul reveals his innovative Anxiety Box website, a digital assistant that humorously confronts his inner critic. He cleverly transforms negative self-talk into comedic 'anxiety bots', highlighting the unique intersection between mental health and technology. Through laughter and reflection, he offers insights into fostering resilience.

This episode features Derek Jeter, a prominent figure in URL purchases, diving into the captivating world of domain sales. The discussion highlights the misadventures of acquiring longform.com, revealing the drama behind its bidding war and dubious offers. Listeners learn about the complexities of domain valuation, including insights from domain marketplace experts. The episode uncovers the unpredictability of online asset transactions and the significant role domain names play in brand protection, making it a thrilling listen for anyone intrigued by digital real estate.

Depending on who you ask, Keith Calder is either a 35-year old film producer, or one of the players in a vast international conspiracy designed to conceal the greatest love story never told. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 1996 Jennifer Ringley started Jennicam.org, where she recorded and broadcast her entire life, 24/7. It made her famous. And then, one day, she disappeared from the internet entirely. What'd she figure out about the perils of living publicly before the rest of us did? Alex Goldman tracks her down. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Writer Chiara Atik has a hobby -- spying on the financial transactions of friends and strangers. She thinks that Venmo, more than any other social media site, is the place you can find actual, accidental truth online. This week we investigate that claim.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Twenty years ago, Ethan Zuckerman did something terrible on the internet. And he's still living with the consequences. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices