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Meghal Janardan shares her journey to reclaim her attention span, revealing her struggles with excessive phone use. Emily Mazo and Mohamed Ali, both advocates of democratic control over technology, discuss the New Luddism movement and its focus on worker agency in tech. They emphasize the importance of unions advocating for AI protections and critique how everyday technology turns users into unpaid workers. The trio explores creating pro-social tech and the various forms of resistance against harmful industry practices.

In this discussion, Paul Levy, a public interest lawyer with Public Citizen, delves into the Pool World v. Prepared Food Photos case, shedding light on internet free speech and combating copyright trolls. He explains how discovery was used as a weapon against the troll's inflated licensing claims. Levy shares insights into PFP's questionable business model and how they relied on intimidation rather than fair practices. The conversation highlights the importance of legal strategies in defending against copyright abuse and the implications for future cases.

Mahigan St. Pierre, a practicing witch and founder of Kitchen Toad, dives into the complex world of online witchcraft. They discuss the motivations behind purchasing spells on Etsy, from desperation to performance, and critique how the platform can make witchcraft feel impersonal. Mahigan shares insights on building thoughtful client relationships and the unexpected burdens of being a public witch. Alex Frampton joins the conversation, sharing how online communities shape witch identities, offering a sense of belonging for marginalized individuals.

The discussion dives into the potential links between generative AI and modern fascism. It explores whether AI's aesthetic could be inherently fascistic. The hosts analyze government use of AI imagery, dubbing it 'slopaganda', while questioning the absence of aura in AI art. They highlight how this might shape public perception and traditional notions of authorship. The episode wraps up with insights on the risks of unchecked AI and a thought-provoking assessment of the political landscape in relation to fascism.

This installment dives into the quirks of listener habits, including the unusual practice of blasting podcasts through phone speakers. The hosts explore nostalgic topics like the history of ringback tones and spark enthusiasm over the idea of musical notifications training the ear. Unique morning alarm routines and the concept of recipes as social signals also come under scrutiny. Plus, a fun debate surfaces about the ethics of AI in family photos, and listeners weigh in with creative graffiti submissions. Tune in for laughter and enlightening discussions!

Tori Dominguez-Peek, a contributing producer and AI education advocate, dives into the contentious topic of AI in classrooms. She explores how AI is changing student engagement and academic integrity, discussing the alarming trend of students relying on tools like ChatGPT for assignments. Tori highlights the emotional and educational value of original writing and shares insights into professors' strategies for enforcing no-AI policies. The conversation raises critical questions about the future of learning and literacy in an increasingly digital age.

Siri Dahl, an adult content creator and activist, shares her insights on age verification challenges and censorship in the adult industry. She highlights the struggles of platforms like Pornhub and OnlyFans under new legislation, emphasizing the resilience of creators. Gabriella Lewis, a James Beard Award-nominated producer, humorously critiques the aesthetic-driven approach to viral recipes that often prioritize looks over taste. Together, they explore how evolving online regulations impact both adult entertainment and culinary content in today's digital landscape.

In a lively discussion with Meghal Janardan, a renowned ceramicist from Brooklyn, the team tackles the futuristic promises of technology, like flying cars and matter replicators. They humorously contrast these dreams with today's reality while addressing society's growing disconnect from nature due to advanced tech. The conversation also touches on beauty technology, communication challenges with translation tools, and nostalgic reflections on childhood design. Ultimately, they explore the balancing act between convenience and deeper human connections.

David Huerta, a senior digital security trainer at Freedom of the Press Foundation, dives into the maze of age verification laws and their impact on minors online. He discusses the recent blocking of Bluesky in Mississippi and the use of VPNs to navigate these challenges. The conversation touches on the implications for smaller tech companies, the legal battles surrounding new regulations, and the pressing need for transparency in data access. Huerta's insights reveal the complexities of balancing online safety with privacy concerns, making for a thought-provoking discussion.

Toby Martin, a contributing producer who investigates social algorithms and gender, joins Justin Jackson, co-founder of Transistor.fm, to dissect how algorithms shape perceptions of identity. They explore the peculiar nuances of hyper-masculine ads experienced by trans men and discuss the challenges of algorithmic targeting. The conversation also dives into the evolution of RSS, highlighting its significance in content distribution and the push for open standards in the digital landscape, making it clear that RSS still has a vital role in media consumption today.