TRASHFUTURE

Dan Boeckner, a Canadian musician known for his work with Wolf Parade and Handsome Furs, shares his insights on AI's encroachment into the music scene. He debates the merits of tools like Suno, questioning if they really democratize creativity or just churn out mediocre results. The discussion ventures into wild ideas about audience-controlled AI performances and the implications of Warner Music's recent settlement with Suno. Ultimately, they explore the precarious balance between technology and artistic integrity in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Join Ed Campbell, a journalist known for his insights into cryptocurrency culture, as he shares his wild experiences from BitFest. He dishes on a bizarre Bitcoin-branded marmalade and discusses the controversial clash between Peter McCormick and Tommy Robinson. Ed dives into the cult-like devotion surrounding Bitcoin and its intertwining with libertarian ideals, reflecting on how belief shapes identity. The conversation also covers the unique educational perspectives of Bitcoin communities, while offering a comedic critique on Bitcoin culture.

Ed Zitron, a critical voice in the tech industry and PR professional, joins to dissect Nvidia’s bizarre assurance that they’re not Enron. He critiques the stock compensation narratives pushed by skeptics like Michael Burry while the hosts poke fun at Nvidia's dramatic PR response. Discussions cover corporate denial, tech firms' inflated asset valuations, and GPU lifespan controversies. Get ready for some sharp insights and a few laughs as they navigate corporate behaviors and the absurdities of modern tech narratives.

Dr. Jess Green, a climate scientist and author specializing in climate policy, joins the conversation to unveil the ineffectiveness of UN climate accords. She critiques the COP frameworks for focusing on metrics rather than confronting fossil asset power and highlights the struggle between fossil owners and vulnerable communities. Green discusses the flaws in carbon markets and emphasizes the urgency of transitioning to genuine climate solutions, promoting her book, Existential Politics, along the way.

Dive into the world of 'weaponized geoguessr' with Grey Lark's GeoSpy, where law enforcement employs social media images to track suspects. Explore the controversial rollout of Palantir in the NHS and hear the concerns of healthcare workers over its adoption. There's also a discussion on the implications of Euan Blair's cozy ties with Louis Mosley and the hype surrounding meme stocks. Skepticism runs high as the hosts critique the influence of the Blair family and question the reliability of surveillance technology.

Sasha Baker, a freelance investigative journalist known for her incisive reporting on the Bayswater Group, dives deep into the controversial political landscape around Wes Streeting. She highlights Streeting's connections to gender-critical parent organizations and the implications for policy. The discussion also critiques Labour's asylum measures and their perceived cruelty. As they analyze Streeting's potential as a future leader, they question media narratives and his stance on pressing issues like the NHS and civil unrest.

Ed Zitron, a tech journalist focusing on big tech's business and politics, joins to explore the AI bubble. He dives into OpenAI's financial uncertainties and its quest for government support for data center funding. Zitron highlights the misleading nature of reported revenues versus high inference costs. The conversation also touches on the risks of fragile economic structures and the potential fallout if banks retreat from speculative AI investments. Plus, they kick off with new Epstein revelations, adding an unexpected twist!

Dr. Eleanor Janega, a historian specializing in medieval apocalypticism, joins the discussion to analyze Peter Thiel's controversial Antichrist lectures. She critiques Thiel's view that technology could usher in an Antichrist savior, contrasting it with historical narratives. The conversation touches on Thiel's erratic reasoning and how he misapplies Girardian theory to scapegoat activists. The panel also explores themes of surveillance, the absurdity of AI companionship, and Thiel's bizarre numerology, resulting in a mix of humor and critical insight into elite culture's impact on society.

Ben Clarkson, a comics creator behind the Justice Warriors project, and Matt Bors, cartoonist and co-creator of the same, tackle the chaotic blend of gambling, culture, and AI. They dive into the disturbing rise of social gambling and prediction markets, exploring how these trends seep into media and everyday life. The duo also discusses the precarious landscape of monetized dares and its potential for real-world harm. Their insights on crypto-backed gigs raise eyebrows about the future of work, making for a thought-provoking yet humorous conversation!

Rob Smith, a Financial Times journalist known for his expertise in corporate finance, delves into the $4.5 trillion private credit bubble. He explains how a seemingly mundane Ohio auto parts distributor highlights deep systemic risks in non-bank lending. The discussion reveals the shift of lending to off-balance-sheet structures and how this impacts investors. Smith also uncovers alarming practices in private credit involving opaque financing and community investment networks, painting a picture of financial fragility.