TRASHFUTURE

The hosts dive into a variety of sharp topics, from a cheeky analysis of cancel culture to a humorous take on societal embarrassments. They tackle the dissonance in corporate AI adoption versus frontline experiences and poke fun at the absurdity of extensive AI use. Delving into hunger strikes related to Palestine Action, they challenge media perspectives and discuss the moral implications of activists’ sacrifices. The conversation balances humor and serious critique, highlighting contemporary social issues and the dynamics of public empathy.

Transport expert Gareth Dennis returns to discuss the intricacies of UK rail and infrastructure policy. He critiques the bureaucratic delays stalling Leeds' transport projects and highlights the UK government's shift from construction to endless studies. The conversation delves into funding cycles and urgent issues like driver shortages impacting supply chains. Despite challenges, Gareth and the team find a glimmer of hope in Green Party momentum while lampooning Labour's outdated car-centric policies.

Patrick Wyman, a historian and podcaster focused on the fall of the Roman Empire, delves into the collapse of the western Roman Empire. He discusses what life was like during this decline, drawing parallels to modern issues. Wyman highlights how Roman advisers were disconnected from reality and how AI now serves a similar purpose by filtering the truth. He vividly illustrates the detachment of emperors in Ravenna, shedding light on the consequences of ignoring real problems. Tune in for a fascinating look at history and its relevance today!

The hosts dive into the media consolidation chaos of 2025, with Paramount and Netflix battling over Warner Bros' remains. They critique studios for mishandling new IP, and question the reliance on AI to replace creative instincts. Warner's tumultuous history is examined alongside the potential fallout from mergers, like price hikes and lower pay. The Ellisons' cinematic ambitions are discussed, highlighting contrasts between private equity and traditional movie culture. Wacky kung fu anecdotes add a humorous twist to their serious industry analysis.

The hosts dive into Nigel Farage's controversial youth, revealing his troubling flirtation with far-right politics that has surprised the media. They riff on Bashar al-Assad's curious ties with Russian celebrity culture, and Fred Durst's failed attempts at obtaining a Russian passport. The absurdity of Trump receiving a FIFA Peace Prize gets a good laugh, while the dangers of gamifying news through prediction markets are dissected. The dynamic interplay of politics and media credulity is explored in relation to Farage's enduring influence.

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.