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
28 snips
Dec 26, 2025 • 29min
CZM Rewind: The Case Against Generative AI (Part 2)
In this intriguing discussion, Ed Zitron argues that generative AI is in a bubble, driven by hype and vague promises. He delves into NVIDIA's monopolistic practices and how they're banking on NeoClouds to sustain GPU demand despite financial instability. Ed reveals the fragile economics of NeoClouds, heavily reliant on a few major players for revenue. He also critiques the unsustainable nature of the AI market, as hyper-scalers often lose money on GPU rentals, questioning the long-term viability of the generative AI boom.
19 snips
Dec 24, 2025 • 25min
CZM Rewind: The Case Against Generative AI (Part 1)
In a riveting discussion, Ed Zitron critiques generative AI, exposing the misconceptions surrounding labor in this tech narrative. He dives into the hype surrounding ChatGPT and LLMs, revealing their probabilistic limits and prevalent inaccuracies. The podcast highlights the profitability issues and legal doubts plaguing the industry, coupled with executive misconceptions of labor as mere outputs. Zitron also addresses job displacement due to automation and the flawed media portrayal of AI achievements, setting the stage for deeper insights in future segments.
68 snips
Dec 19, 2025 • 33min
Part Three: NVIDIA Isn't Enron - So What Is It?
The discussion dives into the mystery of millions of Blackwell GPUs gathering dust in warehouses. There’s a deep dive into NVIDIA's heavy reliance on a few major customers like Oracle, unveiling significant risks. The podcast addresses the implications of high AI spending versus meager returns, exposing a looming debt chain fueling GPU purchases. Ed raises alarms about the fragile ecosystem propped by venture capital and warns of potential chaos if funding dries up. Expect a candid verdict on the sustainability of NVIDIA’s future amidst these challenges.
79 snips
Dec 18, 2025 • 30min
Part Two: NVIDIA Isn't Enron - So What Is It?
Dive into the intriguing parallels between NVIDIA's rise and Enron's fall. Discover how the tech industry’s desperation for growth led to reckless GPU investments. Explore the questionable tactics Enron employed and the emotional toll of its collapse. As AI hype takes center stage, delve into critiques of generative AI and its real market potential. Can companies escape the shadow of past failures? This discussion tackles the fine line between innovation and illusion in the tech landscape.
42 snips
Dec 17, 2025 • 31min
Part One: NVIDIA Isn't Enron - So What Is It?
The discussion kicks off with NVIDIA's leaked memo and the misconceptions linking it to Enron. Ed deftly critiques a viral AI finance piece for its inaccuracies. He highlights NVIDIA's emphasis on financial transparency while debunking claims of fraud. Dangerous comparisons to companies like WorldCom and Lucent are examined, showcasing NVIDIA's unique accounting practices and the specifics of its financing deals. Ed argues that NVIDIA's activities are legally sound, suggesting that fears of wrongdoing are overstated.
69 snips
Dec 12, 2025 • 6min
Monologue: The Questions I'm Asking
In a thought-provoking monologue, Ed Zitron dives into critical questions surrounding AI GPU warehousing and operational costs. He seeks insights on Blackwell GPUs, their failure rates, and actual revenue data from major AI companies. The discussion highlights the importance of revealing true AI operating costs to challenge existing industry perceptions. Ed's quest for accurate data aims to reshape funding in AI startups and improve transparency in the tech landscape.
112 snips
Dec 10, 2025 • 33min
The State of Consumer Tech with Lisa Eadicicco
Lisa Eadicicco, CNN's tech editor, dives into the current state of consumer electronics. She shares her favorite gadgets of the year, including the Nintendo Switch 2 and Apple Watch. The discussion heats up with a comparison of Samsung's Galaxy XR and Apple's Vision Pro, highlighting comfort and usability. They express nostalgia for unique phone designs and debate the stagnation in consumer tech innovation. The pair also explore smart glasses' societal impact and the evolving landscape of AI, dissecting the differences between Gemini and ChatGPT.
55 snips
Dec 5, 2025 • 39min
The State of the Games Industry with Nathan Grayson
Nathan Grayson, co-founder of the worker-owned site Aftermath and a seasoned games journalist, joins Ed Zitron to discuss the evolution of independent media in the gaming world. They delve into the challenges of running a worker-owned outlet, the importance of coverage that spans politics and culture, and the pressing labor issues within the industry. Nathan also explores the dynamics of indie versus AAA studios, critiques on gamer culture, and the potential of new gaming technologies like Steam Deck. Tune in for insights into fostering healthier game development practices!
88 snips
Dec 4, 2025 • 10min
Monologue: AI Isn't Getting A Bailout
Ed Zitron discusses the economic irrelevance of AI and why a bailout for large language models is highly unlikely. He critiques NVIDIA's valuation issues, pointing out that its growth expectations can't be supported by a government bailout. Delving into OpenAI, he asserts its collapse won’t destabilize the economy. Ed also highlights how AI's financial impact is modest compared to Big Tech and examines the risks tied to data centers. He concludes with a critique of doomer narratives that exaggerate AI's importance, fueling its marketing.
42 snips
Dec 3, 2025 • 39min
Is Valve Taking On Microsoft? with Steve Burke
Steve Burke, a senior presenter at GamersNexus and an expert in gaming hardware, joins Ed Zitron to explore Valve's ambitious new introductions, including the Steam Machine and Steam Frame VR headset. They discuss the Steam Machine's console-like features, its connection to the Steam Deck, and the innovative design of the new controller. Burke highlights the implications for Xbox amid shifting market dynamics and warns about performance claims needing upscaling. The conversation wraps with intriguing insights into Valve's approach to hardware and future developments.
