
Better Offline
Better Offline is a weekly show exploring the tech industry’s influence and manipulation of society - and interrogating the growth-at-all-costs future that tech’s elite wants to build.
Combining narrative-form storytelling, one-on-one interviews and panel-based discussions, Better Offline cuts through the buzzwords and obfuscation of the tech industry, investigating and evaluating the schemes and scams of everyone from cryptocurrency scumbags to the greediest of the venture capital elite. Tech industry veteran Ed Zitron and a dynamic coterie of guests will help listeners understand the who, how and why of how tech’s most powerful players are changing the world - for better or for worse.
Latest episodes

48 snips
Jun 4, 2025 • 58min
The Truth About Software Development with Carl Brown
Carl Brown, a veteran software developer and host of The Internet of Bugs, dives into the gritty truths of software development. He discusses the gap between media perceptions and real-world challenges, particularly around coding LLMs. Carl emphasizes the importance of communication and problem-solving over just coding. He explains the issues of code quality and the dangers of over-reliance on AI in the industry. Finally, he shares insights on how the evolving landscape of AI could change workforce dynamics, highlighting the need for technical skills and leadership.

29 snips
May 30, 2025 • 7min
Monologue: Don't Buy A Switch 2, Get A Handheld Gaming PC
This week dives into the exciting realm of handheld gaming PCs. Ed critiques Nintendo's marketing strategies, highlighting frustrations with product availability. The discussion compares the power and convenience of options like the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally X against the Nintendo Switch 2. Portable gaming PCs are praised for their superior performance and extensive game libraries, making them a compelling choice for gamers. It's time to rethink your gaming purchases!

27 snips
May 28, 2025 • 42min
The Better Offline Mailbag
Sophie Lichterman, a producer at Coolzone Media, joins Ed Zitron to tackle listener queries covering life, tech, and creative challenges. They dive into the impact of AI on art and programming, revealing both benefits and concerns. Sophie and Ed also discuss the importance of genuine communication in education and the emotional connection fans feel with sports. With humor, they explore the balance of creativity and imperfection, emphasizing the joy of creating without the pressure of perfection.

52 snips
May 23, 2025 • 11min
Monologue: Jony Ive and OpenAI's New BS Machine
Ed Zitron dives into the outrageous $6.5 billion acquisition of Jony Ive's startup by OpenAI, questioning the motives behind this puzzling deal. He unpacks the skepticism surrounding the mysterious collaboration between a legendary designer and a major AI firm, highlighting frustrations over transparency. Concerns about OpenAI's business strategies emerge as Zitron critiques their hardware ambitions amid ongoing financial issues. Meanwhile, there's a nod to innovations in oral health and the importance of mental wellness support.

41 snips
May 21, 2025 • 44min
Saving Games Journalism With Giant Bomb
Dan Ryckert, Jeff Grubb, and Jeff Bakalar, co-owners of Giant Bomb, delve into the future of games journalism and the challenges they face. They share personal stories about transitioning ownership and maintaining journalistic integrity in a corporate landscape. The trio reflects on the decline of traditional media and the importance of independent voices in gaming. They also explore the rise of negativity in the industry, emphasizing the need for collaboration and genuine connections within the gaming community.

32 snips
May 16, 2025 • 9min
Monologue: How Better Offline Saved Me
Ed Zitron shares a compelling personal journey through creativity and mental health struggles. He reveals how writing saved his life during a particularly tough time. The discussion highlights the profound benefits of disconnecting from digital distractions, fostering deeper self-awareness and richer relationships. Personal anecdotes illustrate a transformative shift in understanding both the tech world and personal fulfillment, making for an engaging narrative about finding solace and purpose in the offline world.

88 snips
May 14, 2025 • 52min
Empires of AI With Karen Hao
In this discussion, Karen Hao, author of *Empire of AI*, dives into the complex world of OpenAI and the implications of artificial general intelligence. She draws parallels between historical colonialism and current AI practices, highlighting transparency issues and labor exploitation. The conversation explores tech leadership's ambiguous persona and its impact on industry perceptions. Hao emphasizes the need to reconnect with broader societal issues beyond Silicon Valley, navigating the intricacies of covering the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

30 snips
May 9, 2025 • 12min
Monologue: Sam Altman's BS Eye Scanning Startup
Dive into a critique of a controversial startup that trades cryptocurrency for eye scans, raising eyebrows about its societal implications. The discussion highlights ethical concerns surrounding biometric identity verification and the dubious nature of such technology. As the host questions the startup's practicality and business model, the conversation uncovers the alarming reliance on tech giants and the inherent risks in exploiting biometric data. Buckle up for a thought-provoking exploration of innovation gone awry!

37 snips
May 7, 2025 • 38min
Tariffs and The End Of Affordable Computing w/ Steve Burke
Steve Burke, the founder of GamersNexus, dives into the tumultuous effects of tariffs on the PC gaming industry. He reveals how rising costs are diminishing the era of affordable computing, particularly impacting prices for gaming hardware like NVIDIA graphics cards. The conversation also touches on the shift towards subscription services in gaming, raising concerns about ownership. Burke sheds light on the complexities of global manufacturing, especially amid U.S.-China trade tensions, and emphasizes the need for inspiring leadership in these uncertain times.

35 snips
May 2, 2025 • 28min
I'm Mad As Hell, And I'm Not Gonna Take It Anymore
The discussion dives into the deceptive hype surrounding generative AI, comparing it with Google’s offerings and highlighting ChatGPT's advantages. It raises concerns about the sustainability of corporate investments in AI, revealing financial risks for players like Amazon. The need for robust data protection in an era of rising identity theft is also emphasized. Finally, the importance of community connections through platforms like Discord and financial education for children is celebrated.