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
46 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!
80 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.
32 snips
Nov 27, 2025 • 7min
A Thanksgiving Monologue
In a heartfelt Thanksgiving monologue, Ed Zitron expresses his gratitude for listeners and reflects on the personal significance of the show. He discusses the tension between humanity and machines, highlighting how genuine conversation fuels accountability in tech. Ed critiques the AI bubble, questioning OpenAI's financial practices and alarming revenue reports. He emphasizes the importance of community insights in navigating corporate complexities, and shares personal updates on his health while looking forward to an exciting future with upcoming guests.
36 snips
Nov 26, 2025 • 58min
CZM Rewind: The Truth About Software Development with Carl Brown
Carl Brown, a veteran software developer and host of The Internet of Bugs, shares his insights on the realities of software development. He discusses how writing code is only a fraction of an engineer's job, with critical tasks often undervalued. Carl critiques the reliance on coding LLMs, emphasizing they can't replace experienced engineers and tend to create inconsistent implementations. He warns that management's enthusiasm for AI and shortcuts like 'vibe coding' can compromise software quality. Brown encourages new engineers to focus on testing and understand core systems.
80 snips
Nov 20, 2025 • 42min
What People Actually Use ChatGPT For With Gerrit De Vynck
Gerrit De Vynck, a technology reporter at The Washington Post, dives into his analysis of 47,000 ChatGPT conversations. He uncovers how users often engage in delusional chats and the unanticipated spread of conspiracy theories. Gerrit discusses the risks of misinformation in health advice and the sycophantic tendencies of ChatGPT, highlighting its role in reinforcing user beliefs. He also touches on platform responsibility and the challenges in moderating harmful content, all while exploring practical applications for writing and business insights.
38 snips
Nov 12, 2025 • 7min
Exclusive: Here's How Much OpenAI Spends On Inference And Its MSFT Revenue Share
Ed Zitron dives into OpenAI's staggering $5.02 billion inference spending in early 2025, revealing much higher costs than previously suggested. He uncovers how Microsoft received nearly $494 million from OpenAI's revenue share, prompting questions about sustainability. The discussion highlights rising inference costs and their potential impact on the AI industry's profitability. Zitron's insights on the financial dynamics between OpenAI and Microsoft offer a fascinating look at the future of AI operations.
165 snips
Nov 12, 2025 • 58min
Cory Doctorow and Ed Zitron on Enshittification and the Rot Economy
Cory Doctorow, an author and digital-rights activist, joins Ed Zitron, a tech industry commentator, for an eye-opening discussion on enshittification and the Rot Economy. They delve into how tech platforms have degraded to maximize profits and the implications of monopolization. The duo explores the inevitability of this decay under capitalism and suggests that real change demands collective political action. They also assess the looming AI bubble and offer practical advice for students on skills to pursue in today's job market.
99 snips
Nov 7, 2025 • 7min
Monologue: AI's Desperation Era
The discussion dives into OpenAI's troubling financial losses, hinting at a staggering $12 billion deficit last quarter. Ed scrutinizes a controversial NVIDIA post regarding competition with China and unpacks the public's growing skepticism toward AI hype. There’s also a critical look at the media misrepresenting OpenAI's financing proposals, sparking political backlash. With leaked numbers suggesting deeper financial woes, the AI industry’s stability is under a microscope, leaving listeners questioning the future of tech giants.
156 snips
Nov 5, 2025 • 53min
Vibe Coding is BS w/ Charlie Meyer
Charlie Meyer, founder and CEO of Picode, critiques the concept of vibe coding, arguing it often fails to create real software. He explores the challenges of AI tools like Replit, highlighting how they disrupt educational workflows and can lead to disastrous results. The conversation delves into the hype surrounding scaling laws, the realities of AI capabilities, and the consequences of relying on these technologies without adequate understanding. Meyer offers a contrarian perspective on tech narratives, advocating for a focus on practical skills in software development.
