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
8 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.
104 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.
89 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.
123 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.
107 snips
Sep 30, 2025 • 25min
The Case Against Generative AI (Part 1)
Dig into the world of generative AI as Ed Zitron dissects its foundational myths and market hype. He highlights how companies misrepresent labor and the dubious growth narratives surrounding AI. Ed critiques the disparity between impressive marketing and actual performance, questioning whether AI can truly replace creative roles. He explores the financial chaos of the AI industry and the bubble brewing beneath its surface, setting the stage for deeper critiques in this enlightening series.
80 snips
Sep 26, 2025 • 10min
Monologue: OpenAI and NVIDIA's Deal Is BS
The discussion kicks off with skepticism towards NVIDIA's $100 billion investment claims, revealing hidden conditions. Ed breaks down the shaky economics behind OpenAI's need for $600 billion, emphasizing the struggles with real data center costs and leasing models. Concerns arise about the opaque structure of GPU leasing and potential risks akin to past financial debacles. The conversation warns of a looming bubble in AI investments, highlighting the dangers of overconcentration of capital on a company facing significant losses.
53 snips
Sep 24, 2025 • 1h 7min
Radio Better Offline: Adam Becker
Adam Becker, an astrophysicist-turned-science-writer, dives deep into the absurdities of tech billionaires and their misguided visions in his talk. He critiques figures like Bezos and Musk, questioning the sincerity behind their futuristic narratives. Becker discusses the pitfalls of AI hysteria, including how it can validate harmful thoughts, and contrasts this with authentic innovations like mRNA vaccines. He also sheds light on the troubling influences of sci-fi on public understanding of AGI and critiques the media's role in amplifying wealthy tech narratives.
58 snips
Sep 19, 2025 • 38min
AI Isn't Making Engineers 10x As Productive with Colton Voege
Colton Voege, a software engineer known for his insights on web application development, discusses the real impact of AI on engineering productivity. He argues that while LLMs can handle boilerplate code, they struggle with systems thinking and maintaining code consistency. Colton highlights the hype surrounding AI, pointing out that it shifts rather than replaces engineering work, and warns of risks like security vulnerabilities in AI-generated code. His candid take challenges the notion that AI can massively boost productivity in software development.
28 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'.
51 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.
