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
38 snips
Dec 30, 2024 • 30min
FTC Chair Lina Khan: The Better Offline Interview
Lina Khan, Chair of the FTC, dives deep into the challenges of regulating big tech and maintaining fair competition. She discusses the ongoing antitrust actions against Amazon and the worrying trend of 'shittification' affecting consumers. The conversation also touches on the regulatory hurdles presented by AI advancements and the need for transparency in emerging markets. Khan emphasizes the importance of community voices in shaping policies and shares the FTC's successes in consumer protection, from lowering costs to advocating for data privacy.
17 snips
Dec 25, 2024 • 1h 35min
CZM Rewind: Where Did Tech's Magic Go? feat. Alex Cranz & Michael Fisher
In this engaging discussion, tech journalist Alex Cranz and YouTube influencer Michael Fisher dissect the fading allure of modern technology. They explore nostalgic feelings toward past innovations, the stagnation of genuine excitement in new tech, and the struggles of devices like Meta Ray-Bans. The duo critiques the current focus on profits over creativity, calling for authentic innovation. They also touch on the consequences of digital archival challenges and the evolution of consumer technology from early days of Napster to today's AI hype.
31 snips
Dec 18, 2024 • 59min
Watching the Watchmen with Jason Koebler
Jason Koebler, a journalist at 404 Media, shares insights on the shifting landscape of tech media and the challenges facing independent outlets. He discusses the decline in quality of major social platforms and the rise of AI-generated content, advocating for more grassroots journalism. Koebler reflects on the impact of influential figures like Elon Musk and Donald Trump on media dynamics. The conversation highlights the need for deeper, more responsible reporting and the importance of holding tech executives accountable in an ever-evolving industry.
6 snips
Dec 11, 2024 • 41min
Everything Is Advertising with Ryan Barwick
Ryan Barwick, a contributor to Marketing Brew, dives into the intricate relationship between ads and the tech ecosystem. He discusses how companies like OpenAI and Perplexity grapple with revenue challenges amid an advertising monopoly, particularly dominated by Google. The conversation touches on evolving advertising practices in social media, the implications of the Google Ads antitrust case, and the role of generative AI in shaping future advertising models. Barwick's insights highlight the complex balance between innovation, integrity, and monetization in today’s digital landscape.
18 snips
Dec 6, 2024 • 32min
The Coming Generative AIPocalypse
The podcast dives into the crumbling infrastructure of generative AI, scrutinizing the limitations and challenges facing this technology. Insights into NVIDIA's struggles with new GPUs and the impact on future job security reveal cracks in the industry's glossy facade. With hefty investments yielding little innovation, skepticism looms over the sustainability of current business models. Amid the frustration, there’s a glimmer of hope as innovative platforms emerge, emphasizing creativity and honesty in a tech landscape yearning for genuine contributions.
37 snips
Dec 4, 2024 • 20min
Yep, We're At Peak AI
The discussion dives into the disillusionment with generative AI, revealing how tech giants are facing diminishing returns on their investments. The host critiques the media's hype surrounding AI advancements, spotlighting the limitations of transformer-based models. Financial losses at major companies like Microsoft and OpenAI signal a troubling trend, raising questions about the viability of continued investment. Listeners are encouraged to rethink tech investment strategies as the future of AI hangs in the balance.
15 snips
Nov 27, 2024 • 32min
CZM Rewind: The Man That Destroyed Google Search
Discover the dramatic tale of how Prabhakar Raghavan’s leadership led to chaos within Google’s search operations. Uncover the 'code yellow' alert that revealed serious issues in revenue and search growth. The conversation also dives into the blurry lines between ads and search results, raising ethical concerns in tech. Reflect on the decline of Google Search and insights on leadership turmoil at Yahoo, highlighting how corporate decisions can reshape the digital landscape.
16 snips
Nov 20, 2024 • 38min
The Rot Society
This podcast tackles the troubling intersection of technology and authoritarianism. It critiques media biases, highlighting their neglect of ordinary people's struggles in favor of corporate interests. Listeners hear about unchecked digital manipulation and its consequences, especially for vulnerable groups. Engaging discussions delve into the need for accountability among tech giants, advocating for a more responsible media narrative. The hosts spark hope for reclaiming digital autonomy amidst this chaotic landscape.
26 snips
Nov 13, 2024 • 54min
William Lazonick on How The Stock Market Killed Tech
In this discussion, William Lazonick, a noted professor emeritus of economics and co-founder of the Academic-Industry Research Network, dives deep into the pitfalls of shareholder capitalism. He explains how stock buybacks stifle tech innovation, replacing genuine progress with value extraction. Lazonick critiques corporate strategies, particularly in firms like Apple, and advocates for legislative reforms to prioritize sustainable practices. He emphasizes the urgent need for grassroots movements to empower workers and tackle economic inequality in the face of stagnation.
27 snips
Nov 6, 2024 • 54min
The Streisand Effect with Mike Masnick
Mike Masnick, CEO of Techdirt and the mind behind the 'Streisand Effect,' shares fascinating insights on information control in the digital age. He discusses the irony of attempts to suppress knowledge leading to greater public interest. The conversation transitions into the evolution of blogging and the legal hurdles faced in tech. Masnick also addresses the tension between free speech and content moderation, and envisions a decentralized future with initiatives like Bluesky, emphasizing user empowerment and community over corporate profit.
