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
17 snips
Sep 17, 2025 • 56min
Radio Better Offline: Edward Ongweso Jr. & Allison Morrow
Allison Morrow, a CNN writer known for her Nightcap newsletter, joins Edward Ongweso Jr., the author of the Tech Bubble newsletter, to tackle pressing tech topics. They delve into the current 'AI vibe shift' and scrutinize OpenAI's financial challenges. The duo also critiques AI hallucinations and the misallocation of funds in the tech industry. With a humorous take, they explore the ethical dilemmas of AI and question the sustainability of ambitious projects, while hinting at the potential impact of AI in animation with 'Critterz'.
36 snips
Sep 12, 2025 • 37min
How To Argue With An AI Booster, Part Three
In this enlightening discussion, generative AI is compared to Amazon Web Services, revealing significant differences. The episode dives into media misconceptions surrounding ChatGPT, exposing how hype can mislead the public. It critiques exaggerated claims about AI’s transformative potential, addressing the pitfalls of vague marketing. Attention is drawn to the need for accurate reporting, especially as skepticism about AI grows. Finally, the talk underscores the importance of understanding AI's limitations and the ethical considerations tied to its rapid evolution.
70 snips
Sep 11, 2025 • 33min
How To Argue With An AI Booster, Part Two
In this discussion, listeners dive into the complex economics of AI investments, exposing substantial losses that contrast sharply with traditional tech companies. The conversation debunks myths about the cost and viability of AI, highlighting emerging challenges in GPU affordability and innovation. A critical perspective is offered on the hype surrounding AI technologies, urging a more realistic understanding of their societal impact. The financial landscape is dissected, shedding light on misconceptions regarding open-source versus proprietary AI solutions.
82 snips
Sep 10, 2025 • 35min
How To Argue With An AI Booster, Part One
Dive into the heated debate around AI and its impact on society. Discover the myths versus reality of AI adoption, revealing alarming failure rates in generative AI. Learn how to challenge the optimistic narratives of 'AI boosters' and uncover the strategies behind their arguments. Explore the critical differences between the early internet and today's AI landscape, debunking misconceptions about its progress. Most importantly, cultivate informed discussions that demand concrete benefits from technology.
66 snips
Sep 5, 2025 • 13min
Monologue: Tech Skepticism Is Going Mainstream
The trend of tech skepticism is on the rise, sparking crucial conversations about the emotional and analytical impacts of technology. Advocates are challenging the dominant narratives surrounding AI, pushing for accountability from tech giants. There's a growing unease over the prioritization of profits over people, particularly in startup funding for AI. This critique invites listeners to reassess their engagement with technology, focusing on privacy, data security, and the societal implications of our digital choices.
59 snips
Sep 3, 2025 • 37min
The Black Market for AI GPUs with Steve Burke
Steve Burke, a prominent investigator from Gamers Nexus, delves into the fascinating world of the AI GPU black market. He shares insights on the smuggling of NVIDIA's GPUs into China and the resulting supply chain complexities. The conversation touches on copyright disputes stemming from his investigative work, including a mysterious DMCA complaint. Burke explores how international students navigate pricing disparities and the challenges for legitimate businesses amidst increasing demand and geopolitical tensions in the tech industry.
110 snips
Aug 29, 2025 • 21min
Monologue: What If I'm Right?
In a thought-provoking monologue, the speaker questions the sustainability of the AI boom. He examines NVIDIA's disappointing earnings and the questionable reliability of partners like CoreWeave. The discussion highlights the troubling narratives in journalism that inflate AI expectations. Frustration is aimed at the media for fostering unrealistic views of AI's profitability and job impact. It’s a call for accountability in reporting and a warning about the potential fallout from an unsustainable AI bubble.
37 snips
Aug 27, 2025 • 1h 9min
Radio Better Offline: Kyle Barr, Alex Cranz & Michael Fisher
In a lively chat, Michael Fisher (Mr. Mobile), Alex Cranz, and Kyle Barr share their favorite quirky gadgets. They delve into the evolution of mobile phones, debating the merits of foldable devices vs. practical designs. The trio discusses the challenges and excitement of virtual reality tech, particularly Apple's Vision Pro and Samsung's AR innovations. They also critique the stagnation in innovation among major tech firms and celebrate emerging players like Lenovo. With humor and nostalgia, they reminisce about tech's past while looking to the future.
111 snips
Aug 22, 2025 • 29min
Exclusive: How GPT-5 Actually Works
Discover the intricate architecture and functionality of GPT-5, showcasing its advancements over previous versions. Dive into the critical conversation about the hype versus reality, as mixed public reactions unfold. Explore the complexities of its new routing system and the implications for user experience. Unpack token dynamics and address the challenges faced during the launch. Finally, critique the speculative nature of AI investments while considering the model's potential impact on everyday life.
78 snips
Aug 21, 2025 • 42min
The AI Money Trap, Part Two
In the latest discussion, the focus shifts to how America’s growth is hooked on tech giants' AI investments, revealing alarming economic vulnerabilities. The financial viability of AI companies like OpenAI comes under scrutiny, questioning their unsustainable business models. The landscape of AI infrastructure is examined as massive expenditures transform the tech arena, prompting concerns about future profitability. Additionally, the podcast delves into the looming economic downturn, warning of its impact on tech jobs and growth.
