TRASHFUTURE

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.

Josh Boerman, a cultural analyst focusing on faith-based AI and online right-wing narratives, joins the hosts for an insightful discussion. They dive into the emergence of Grokipedia as a controversial reference point for right-wing ideology. Josh critically examines how its framing of events, like George Floyd's story, distorts reality and minimizes violence. The conversation also touches on the implications of AI in shaping public beliefs and conspiracy theories, as well as the dangers of manufactured narratives in today's digital landscape.

Emiliano Mellino, an investigative journalist from the Bureau of Investigative Journalism, dives deep into the failures of the UK employment tribunal system. He highlights the shocking number of unpaid awards, delays in hearings, and the alarming tactics employers use to avoid accountability. The conversation also touches on the dangers faced by migrant workers in high-profile projects like NEOM and the growing trend of gamified sports betting, revealing how these modern apps prey on vulnerable users and blur the lines between socializing and gambling.

A lively banter kicks off with musings on aging, aches, and the hilarity of reverse mortgages. The duo reflects on how shared bodily grievances can bridge political divides. In a thought-provoking segment, they discuss the political mobilization of older generations. Ezequiel Bistoletti joins to dissect the controversial figure of Javier Milei in Argentina. The conversation also critiques Palmer Luckey’s provocative cultural positions and illustrates the absurdity of nostalgia for smoking, linking it to contemporary reactionary sentiments.

Séamus Malekafzali, host of the Turbulence podcast and a keen commentator on Middle East politics, dives into the complexities of the Gaza ceasefire and its precarious dynamics. They discuss the political implications of hooliganism in UK politics and the troubling normalization of these groups. Séamus also examines how international actors like Trump influence ceasefire negotiations and outlines the daunting challenges of Gaza's reconstruction amidst the chaos. Plus, a quirky segment on the controversial use of CO2 inhalers highlights the bizarre intersections of wellness and risk.

Riley, Nova, and Hussein chug some down some heavy metals, talk about rare earths, ChatGPT’s OTHER other detour into porn (before curing cancer), and the slow death of neoliberalism. Then, Wired does some crucial journalism: talking to Cybertruck owners who all need to find polite ways of saying they have a “getting yelled at” fetish. Get the whole episode on Patreon here! TF Merch is still available here! (We can't ship to the US right now but we're working on it!) MILO ALERT Check out Milo’s tour dates here: https://www.miloedwards.co.uk/liveshows Trashfuture are: Riley (@raaleh), Milo (@Milo_Edwards), Hussein (@HKesvani), Nate (@inthesedeserts), and November (@postoctobrist)