Better Offline
Cool Zone Media and iHeartPodcasts
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.
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
9 snips
Aug 6, 2025 • 35min
Building A Newspaper Out of the Internet with Molly White
Molly White, a writer and critic known for her insightful Citation Needed newsletter, joins to discuss the transformative power of RSS in news consumption. She highlights the struggle against the algorithmic grasp of social media, advocating for direct audience connections through innovative digital tools. The conversation dives into the newsletter economy, addressing the challenges of information overload and the importance of maintaining meaningful relationships between writers and readers. Molly's optimism for the future of journalism shines through as she navigates these pressing issues.
6 snips
Aug 1, 2025 • 8min
Monologue: Annualized Revenues Are BS
Dive into the murky waters of 'annualized revenue' metrics that tech giants use to create an illusion of growth. Discover how companies like OpenAI and Anthropic pad their projections to attract investors, despite not hitting their actual targets. The conversation reveals the unsettling truth about AI investments, hinting that the enthusiasm might come crashing down once the financial reality sets in. It's a thought-provoking look at the deceptive practices at play in the tech industry.
Jul 30, 2025 • 1h 9min
Radio Better Offline: Mia Sato & Dave Lee
Mia Sato, a technology reporter at The Verge, and Dave Lee from Bloomberg, delve into the fascinating intersection of technology and culture. They discuss TikTok's chaotic design, which hampers user experience, as well as the pitfalls of its shopping features. The duo explores the addictive allure of collectibles like LaBuboos, drawing parallels to trends like Pokémon cards. They also touch on how social media's infinite scrolling affects content creation and the blurred lines of authenticity in journalism, highlighting the evolving standards of the digital age.
32 snips
Jul 25, 2025 • 42min
The Hater's Guide To The AI Bubble, Pt. 3
Dive into the fascinating world of AI as misconceptions are unraveled, revealing that true AI agents may not exist. Explore the fragile economic landscape that could mirror past financial crises, driven by major players like NVIDIA. Learn about the challenges that generative AI companies face in attaining profitability and how media hype distorts reality. The episode critiques a growth-at-all-costs mindset, urging a balanced approach to technology's role in society. Finally, discover engaging ways to connect with the community while managing personal finances wisely.
31 snips
Jul 24, 2025 • 38min
The Hater's Guide To The AI Bubble, Pt, 2
Delve into the financial struggles of generative AI as major players like Anthropic and OpenAI seemingly undermine their own customers. Uncover the misconceptions equating generative AI with cloud infrastructure, and explore the challenges tech startups face in navigating funding hurdles. The podcast critiques misleading AI marketing narratives, highlighting the gap between hype and actual performance, and calls for careful assessment of AI's future societal impact amid rising skepticism.
31 snips
Jul 23, 2025 • 35min
The Hater's Guide To The AI Bubble, Pt. 1
Dive into the vulnerabilities of the generative AI market amidst a looming collapse. The hype surrounding AI is scrutinized, drawing parallels to historical bubbles. NVIDIA's heavy reliance on a few tech giants raises eyebrows about profitability. Major companies like Microsoft and Amazon face questions about their AI investments' actual returns and sustainability. Skepticism reigns as the discussion critiques inflated growth claims, echoing past doubts about Amazon. The complexities of the AI bubble and its societal impacts are also explored.
22 snips
Jul 18, 2025 • 14min
Monologue: The Updated Pale Horses of the AIpocalypse
Dive into the unstable world of AI where optimism reigns supreme but profitability is elusive. Discover how major players are riding on vibes rather than solid foundations, raising alarms about an impending collapse. Explore the financial risks tied to SoftBank’s high-stakes investments, particularly its impact on tech giants like OpenAI. Unpack the looming consequences of these ventures as signs of economic downturn gather strength in this precarious landscape.
17 snips
Jul 16, 2025 • 1h 16min
Radio Better Offline: Brian Koppelman, Cherlynn Low & Mike Drucker
Brian Koppelman, a versatile actor and writer, joins Cherlynn Low, Managing Editor at Engadget, and comedian Mike Drucker for a lively discussion. They tackle the shifting landscape of the tech industry, from AI's ethical dilemmas to the surprising layoffs in gaming. Brian shares insights on creativity's clash with corporate priorities. Cherlynn highlights technological impacts, while Mike injects humor into serious conversations about social media's role in society. Together, they explore the fine line between innovation and ethics, making for a thought-provoking session!
21 snips
Jul 11, 2025 • 26min
Make Fun Of Them, Pt. 2
Tech media is challenged to see through the empty promises of AI, as hype often overshadows reality. Large investments in fictional tech ventures are questioned, revealing the absurdity behind them. A deeper understanding of software engineering is emphasized, showcasing that developers do more than just code. The financial world is demystified, proving it's accessible to everyone. Engaging with the community on platforms like Discord fosters innovative solutions for everyday challenges, blending finance with fun.
36 snips
Jul 10, 2025 • 11min
Monologue: Is Anthropic Killing Cursor?
In a thought-provoking monologue, the host highlights how new pricing changes from Anthropic are affecting its biggest client, Cursor. This shift showcases the emergence of the Subprime AI Crisis. The discussion dives into user backlash over rising costs and concerns about service quality. Furthermore, financial struggles facing generative AI companies are examined, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable monetization to avoid industry decline.
