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
14 snips
Oct 29, 2025 • 50min
The Internet Is The World's Worst Pharmacy w/ Paris Martineau & Ashwin Rodrigues
In this discussion, Paris Martineau, a Consumer Reports journalist known for her investigative work on food safety, teams up with freelance journalist Ashwin Rodriguez, who has expertise in dietary supplements. They delve into alarming findings about lead contamination in protein powders, revealing that 69% contain unsafe levels. The duo emphasizes the regulatory gaps in the supplement industry, likening it to the wild west, and unpack the risks of relying on online health advice. Their insights challenge common supplement practices and highlight the importance of informed choices.
31 snips
Oct 24, 2025 • 13min
Monologue: Don't Be Scared Of Sora
Ed Zitron addresses the fears surrounding generative video, specifically focusing on Sora and its implications. He reveals how the launch stirred panic in Hollywood due to copyright concerns and highlights the costly nature of its output. Cherry-picked clips misrepresent the technology's unpredictable results, proving it more expensive than traditional methods. Additionally, he discusses the challenges of coherence and consistency in generated content, emphasizing the irreplaceable role of human creativity in film-making. Ultimately, he reassures creatives that fear of generative video is largely misplaced.
105 snips
Oct 20, 2025 • 21min
Exclusive: Here's How Much Anthropic Spends on AWS
This episode reveals Anthropic's staggering AWS expenditures, totaling $1.35 billion in 2024. A detailed breakdown shows their costs nearly match revenue, raising questions about profitability for LLMs. The discussion touches on the implications of priority pricing tiers and significant monthly cost spikes. Critically, Ed challenges the sustainable growth narrative of AI companies, arguing against the viability of advertising and improved tech as solutions. He encourages a public discourse on the excessive funding in the AI sector and its real value versus costs.
61 snips
Oct 17, 2025 • 8min
Monologue: ChatGPT's Growth Is Collapsing In Europe
Ed Zitron dives into alarming data showing ChatGPT's subscription growth has stalled in Europe. He explores why European users are hesitant to pay, distancing the issue from GDPR concerns. With advertising seen as an unlikely savior for OpenAI, he questions their partner choices in data center infrastructure. The conversation raises intriguing thoughts on whether the AI bubble is losing air amidst these challenges, hinting at broader implications for the tech landscape.
8 snips
Oct 15, 2025 • 1h 39min
The Interview: Steve Burke of GamersNexus
Steve Burke, founder of GamersNexus, dives deep into the world of PC hardware with Ed. They discuss the evolution of GamersNexus from game reviews to scientific hardware testing that captivates 2.5 million viewers. Steve reveals challenges like technical debt and the importance of community collaboration. He shares insights on the dynamics between Nvidia and Intel, the impact of AI on hardware testing, and the future of Linux gaming. Plus, hear about their unique testing methods and how they maintain integrity by refusing paid testing.
23 snips
Oct 10, 2025 • 29min
The World of AI Regulation with Brian Merchant
Brian Merchant, a writer and author of the insightful newsletter and book "Blood in the Machine," dives into the tangled world of AI regulation. He discusses the recent troubles with California’s AI safety bill, highlighting industry pushbacks and the lackluster reworking of regulations. Brian advocates for legislation that addresses real issues like environmental impact and workplace surveillance. He also tackles the challenge of child safety in chatbot interactions and reveals the influence of lobbying on shaping AI policies. Tune in for an eye-opening conversation about the future of technology regulation!
31 snips
Oct 8, 2025 • 51min
Radio Better Offline: Victoria Song and David Roth
Victoria Song, a staff writer at The Verge, dives into the quirks of the AI companion device Blorbo, showcasing its snarky responses and tech flaws. David Roth, a writer at Defector, joins her to discuss the societal implications of such devices and why they can’t replace real friendships. They explore the balance between loneliness and genuine connection, questioning whether AI companionship can truly enrich our lives. The episode also features hands-on impressions of Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses, revealing both their innovative features and practical limitations.
128 snips
Oct 3, 2025 • 29min
The Case Against Generative AI (Part 4)
In this discussion, Ed Zitron unpacks the unsustainable financial projections of generative AI, highlighting a potential capital shortfall of $1 trillion in four years. He critiques OpenAI's lofty revenue claims, comparing them to established giants and calling for skepticism around AI investments. Zitron also explores the unlikely involvement of government bailouts and the media's complicity in perpetuating inflated narratives, all while questioning the actual demand for generative AI technology.
115 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 27min
The Case Against Generative AI (Part 3)
Exploring the realities of generative AI, claims of AI replacing engineers are debunked as mere myths. Many businesses are losing money due to skyrocketing model costs and unsustainable economics. Microsoft’s AI Copilot has only a fraction of active users, revealing poor uptake among its massive subscriber base. The limitations of code-generating LLMs are highlighted, showing they often resemble inexperienced interns rather than skilled engineers. The hype surrounding AI continues to clash with harsh financial truths, leaving many questioning its future.
135 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 29min
The Case Against Generative AI (Part 2)
The discussion dives into the flawed growth narrative of generative AI and the dubious financial schemes holding it up. Ed Zitron critiques NVIDIA's role in funding unprofitable neoclouds, highlighting their unsustainable debt structures. He explains how these clouds are designed to maintain GPU sales while revealing their reliance on hyperscaler revenues. With concerns about market pressures and the actual demand for generative AI, Zitron raises crucial questions about the industry's financial future.
