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
48 snips
Jul 19, 2024 • 56min
The Academics That Think ChatGPT Is BS
Academics from the University of Glasgow discuss their paper classifying ChatGPT's outputs as 'BS'. They explore AI communication nuances, language learning, ChatGPT's limitations, and the challenges of using AI in academia. The conversation dives into the shortcomings of AI models and the dangers of overhyping them, emphasizing the importance of human intelligence in problem-solving.
24 snips
Jul 17, 2024 • 50min
Pop Culture
Goldman Sachs economists critique generative AI for its limited productivity, high power demands. Podcast discusses challenges of AI models in training, women's sports. Debunks hype around AI automation in fast-food ordering. Emphasizes value of human creativity over AI in creative process. Calls for accountability in tech industry against unethical practices.
13 snips
Jul 12, 2024 • 56min
How Shareholders Are Destroying The Tech Industry
Ed Zitron discusses how shareholder supremacy is destroying the tech industry, leading to pursuit of unsustainable ideas like generative AI. Reflects on disconnected managers, layoffs, and CEOs prioritizing growth over product quality. Explores the negative impact on creative jobs and society as profit trumps values.
21 snips
Jul 10, 2024 • 34min
The Shareholder Supremacy
Ed Zitron discusses the impacts of Shareholder Supremacy on capitalism and tech companies. Topics include the history of growth-at-all-costs economy, Jack Welch's influence on capitalism, toxic management practices, layoffs, and prioritizing shareholders over innovation.
29 snips
Jul 3, 2024 • 45min
I Will Piledrive You If You Mention AI Again Ft. Nik Suresh & Robert Evans
Tech worker Nik Suresh and Robert Evans discuss AI hype in the tech industry, critiquing grifting, hiring practices, and misuse of technology. They explore challenges in data science and management, emphasizing ethical concerns and societal needs over AI development.
30 snips
Jun 26, 2024 • 1h 34min
Where Did Tech's Magic Go? feat. Alex Cranz and Michael Fisher
Tech writer Alex Cranz and YouTube influencer Michael Fisher discuss the tech industry's stagnation in innovation, AR devices, AI technology limitations, and the importance of honest reviews in a lively podcast episode.
33 snips
Jun 21, 2024 • 49min
The Onion Knight Ft. Ben Collins
Former NBC disinformation reporter Ben Collins, now CEO of Global Tetrahedron, discusses saving The Onion with Jeff Lawson. They emphasize AI tech importance, patience in media transition, and empowering writers in journalism. Ads for products like NYX period underwear are included.
10 snips
Jun 19, 2024 • 34min
Let Tim Cook
Explore Apple's AI integration at WWDC, privacy concerns in new updates, and the implications of ChatGPT on iOS devices. Criticisms on data sources, privacy, and control over AI. Advertisements for various products and services interspersed throughout the podcast.
22 snips
Jun 14, 2024 • 55min
Sam Altman Is Dangerous To Silicon Valley
Criticism of Sam Altman's AI promises in Silicon Valley by Ed Zitron and Bloomberg's Ellen Huet. Discussion on Altman's rise to power, challenges at OpenAI, manipulative power plays in tech, and reflections on innovation.
45 snips
Jun 12, 2024 • 56min
The Talented Mr. Altman
Guests Sam Altman, Ed Zitron, and Tom Dotan discuss the controversial rise of Sam Altman in Silicon Valley, his risky investment strategy with over 400 companies, conflicts of interest in venture capital, and the potential impact of his influence in the tech industry.
