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
40 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.
101 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.
77 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.
89 snips
Aug 20, 2025 • 42min
The AI Money Trap, Part One
The discussion dives into the precarious state of the AI bubble, questioning its sustainability and potential fallout. It highlights the financial illusions surrounding AI startups, which are facing mounting challenges despite their rapid growth. Insights on specific tools like Clawed Code and Cursor reveal the industry’s instability and ethical concerns on wealth distribution. The critique extends to the current investment practices in AI, drawing parallels to historical economic crises and pondering the future of venture capital in this volatile landscape.
63 snips
Aug 15, 2025 • 11min
Monologue: The Agony Of GPT-5
The tumultuous launch of GPT-5 sparks heated discussions around user dissatisfaction and unrealistic expectations. Critics highlight the emotional attachments people have to AI models and the flawed marketing strategies of OpenAI. There’s a deep dive into the misguided trust society places in AI, questioning the clarity of guidance from developers. Yet, amidst the critique, there's a whimsical take on the future of AI, encouraging listeners to embrace financial freedom while navigating this evolving technology.
76 snips
Aug 13, 2025 • 57min
CZM Rewind: The Academics That Think ChatGPT Is BS
Michael Townsen Hicks, James Humphries, and Joe Slater, academics from the University of Glasgow and co-authors of the provocative paper 'ChatGPT is Bullshit,' dive into the shortcomings of AI like ChatGPT. They question its superficial understanding of language and ethics in academia. Discussing the philosophical implications, they dissect how AI-generated content differs from genuine human cognition. The trio raises concerns about AI's limitations in education, emphasizing the risks of over-reliance by students and the societal implications of these technologies.
25 snips
Aug 8, 2025 • 10min
Monologue: The Anker Nebula X1 Is The Best Projector I've Ever Used
A deep dive into the Anker Nebula X1 projector reveals its stunning 4K triple laser technology and compact design. The host discusses its versatility and portability, making it perfect for various settings, even for romantic getaways. While some marketing claims and the user interface fall short, overall, it delivers an enjoyable experience. Listeners also learn about exciting deals and high-quality merch to enhance their offline adventures.
39 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.
12 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.
