

Never Post
Charts & Leisure
A podcast about and for the internet, hosted by Mike Rugnetta
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 4, 2025 • 51min
Reanimator: AI and Shared Histories
Don Carlton, a historian specializing in news media and historical photographs, dives into the technological and ethical implications of using AI to animate still images. He examines the emotional weight of iconic photos, like the infamous 'Saigon Execution,' and how they shape our collective memory. The discussion highlights the balance between nostalgia and shared history, while also reflecting on the unsettling effects of AI-generated visuals on storytelling. Carlton encourages listeners to consider the evolving nature of imagery in the digital age.

May 23, 2025 • 55min
Hentai and the Post-Platform Internet
Delve into the fascinating world of hentai and its cultural implications in the digital sphere. Discuss the impact of tariffs on fashion microtrends and the urgent rush to buy amidst rising prices. Explore genetic data privacy via the acquisition of 23andMe and the complexities of the reintroduced Kids Online Safety Act. This thought-provoking conversation navigates the regulatory hurdles surrounding online content, advocating for a freer internet while examining the future of creative media. Don't miss the whimsical anecdotes and insights!

May 7, 2025 • 54min
A Remembrance of Things Flash
Dr. Martin Shelton tells us what Signal is, and how end-to-end-encryption works. Then: was this show always going to devolve into a poetry reading? Probably. Finally: contributing producer Tori Dominquez Peek wonders what happened to the COUNTLESS FLASH GAMES of the early aughts. Also: Wildflowers!–Become a Never Post member at https://www.neverpo.st/ for access to extended and bonus segments, and our side shows like “Slow Post”, “Posts from the Field” and “Never Watch”–
Call us at 651 615 5007 to leave a voicemail
Drop us a voice memo via airtable
Or email us at theneverpost at gmail dot com
–Intro Links
Suspected 4chan Hack Could Expose Longtime, Anonymous Admins
Next steps for Privacy Sandbox and tracking protections in Chrome
Google won’t kill third-party cookies after all
Firefox could be doomed without Google search deal, says executive
Congress approves a revenge porn bill backed by first lady Melania Trump
Shein and Temu will cost more, thanks to massive tariffs going into effect
Epic v. Apple Contempt order
A judge just blew up Apple’s control of the App Store
–What Is Signal?
Dr. Martin Shelton at Freedom of the Press Foundation
Signal, the secure messaging app: A guide for beginners
–Are You There, Chat? It’s Me, Mike.
Because one once willed you…, Rilke
Culture and Value, Wittgenstein
–A Remembrance of Things Flash
Flashpoint Archive
Video Game History Foundation
Tori Dominguez Peek
–Never Post’s producers are Audrey Evans, Georgia Hampton and The Mysterious Dr. Firstname Lastname. This episodes contributing producer was Tori Dominguez Peek. Our senior producer is Hans Buetow. Our executive producer is Jason Oberholtzer. The show’s host is Mike Rugnetta.You are so opaqueto me your brief momentsof apparent transparencyseem fraudulent windowsin a Brutalist structureeveryone admiresThe effort your liferequires exhausts me.I am not kiddingExcerpt of They Were Not Kidding in the Fourteenth Centuryby Maureen N McLaneNever Post is a production of Charts & Leisure

6 snips
Apr 30, 2025 • 59min
Roundtable: Is The Internet Driving You To The Brink?
A lively roundtable discussion dives into the mental health effects of the internet, with humor and personal anecdotes highlighting coping strategies. The hosts share their screen time stats, revealing their struggles with technology reliance. They candidly explore the chaotic nature of social media, marking the fine line between connection and information overload. Engaging topics range from dog breeds and nostalgic tales to the complexities of navigating credible news online, fostering a rich dialogue about balance in the digital age.

Apr 23, 2025 • 57min
Smooth Moves
Jason talks with Hannah Pivo about charts, graphs, truth and proof; Georgia talks with Julian Chokkattu about where all the buttons went. And also: DATA CENTERS–Become a Never Post member at https://www.neverpo.st/ –
Call us at 651 615 5007 to leave a voicemail
Drop us a voice memo via airtable
Or email us at theneverpost at gmail dot com
–Intro
Google loses ad tech monopoly case
[2022] Judge says FTC’s antitrust case against Facebook can proceed
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg wraps up testimony in antitrust case
Risks to children playing Roblox ‘deeply disturbing’, say researchers
Nvidia to produce AI servers worth up to $500 billion in US over four years
France and Germany unveil Docs, a homegrown alternative to Google Docs
–Charts & CurvesFind Hannahhttps://arthistory.columbia.edu/content/hannah-pivo
–Where Have All the Buttons Gone?
Find JulianWired
Touchscreen rollback on cars
Car and Driver
Automotive News
The Verge
The LA Times
Haggerty
–Never Post’s producers are Audrey Evans, Georgia Hampton and The Mysterious Dr. Firstname Lastname. Our senior producer is Hans Buetow. Our executive producer is Jason Oberholtzer. The show’s host is Mike Rugnetta.The aim of constructive uncertaintylies in the corner between two windows. Such thatwe, welcoming the indistinct, unlocks the doorbecause it likes the sound.We abstracts the whistled bodyof the world. The hazards of this oppositionbecome clear: the ear listens to whatbecomes it, the blood flowing through it.Excerpt of Among the Living by Gary SullivanNever Post is a production of Charts & Leisure, and is distributed by Radiotopia

Apr 9, 2025 • 1h 2min
Any Rigid Idea About Yourself Is a Prison
Youngna Park, a product consultant and researcher, discusses the unique language and emotional challenges of LinkedIn. She dives into the impact of the platform on professional identity and the psychological toll of job searching in today's climate. Kurt White, a clinical psychotherapist, explores how the internet shapes our self-perception and mental health. Together, they analyze the relationship between social media algorithms and identity formation, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and community in navigating the digital landscape.

Apr 2, 2025 • 50min
Mailbag #7: On Ads, The RSS Resurgence and More
In this lively discussion, the hosts dive into listener feedback, blending heartwarming karaoke stories with serious insights on podcast advertising ethics. They tackle the nuances of music and its intersection with podcasting, while exploring the implications of Section 230 on internet governance. The conversation also addresses surveillance culture and critiques social media ad algorithms, showcasing personal anecdotes and intriguing listener experiences. The whimsical trend of creatively reimagined 'Garfies' adds a fun twist, encouraging audience participation.

6 snips
Mar 26, 2025 • 1h 9min
The Hardest Thing To Do Is Nothing
Mike Masnick, founder of TechDirt and Section 230 expert, dives deep into the complexities of online speech and platform regulation. He shares insights on the significance of Section 230, dissecting its role in balancing free speech with content moderation. Masnick humorously addresses bipartisan misconceptions about the law and explores its implications for digital rights. Additionally, the conversation touches on the evolving landscape of social media politics and the challenges posed by current legislative efforts, making for a thought-provoking discussion.

Mar 19, 2025 • 10min
Never Post is joining Radiotopia
We're very excited to let you know that as of today, Never Post is distributed by Radiotopia. We wanted to tell you what that means for us (hopefully a lot), for you (hopefully not too much) and what it changes about the kind of show we make, and how (almost nothing).–
Call us at 651 615 5007 to leave a voicemail
Drop us a voice memo via airtable
Or email us at theneverpost at gmail dot com
–Never Post’s producers are Audrey Evans, Georgia Hampton and The Mysterious Dr. Firstname Lastname. Our senior producer is Hans Buetow. Our executive producer is Jason Oberholtzer. The show’s host is Mike Rugnetta.Never Post is a production of Charts & Leisure and – of this upload – distributed by Radiotopia.

15 snips
Mar 12, 2025 • 1h 4min
F*cking Around, and Finding Out
In this engaging discussion, journalist Stephen Harrison examines how authoritarian governments view Wikipedia as a threat. He analyzes the platform's role in shaping reliable information against rising misinformation. Meanwhile, Kyle Chayka offers insights into the joys of internet creativity, challenging social media's algorithm-driven culture. They explore navigating platforms like TikTok and the way users can foster genuine community engagement. With candid anecdotes, they urge listeners to support individual creators and think critically about the content they consume.


