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
22 snips
Oct 30, 2024 • 33min
A Nobel Economist's Plan To Tax Digital Ads
Daron Acemoglu, an esteemed MIT economist and Nobel Prize winner, shares his bold plan to tax digital advertising revenue over $500 million at 50%. He discusses the negative implications of unchecked digital ad monetization on mental health and competition. Acemoglu advocates for this tax not just to manage big tech, but to inspire innovation and promote healthier content models. The conversation also touches on the need for better regulatory frameworks and the societal impact of digital advertising, highlighting pressing social issues.
20 snips
Oct 25, 2024 • 19min
A Requiem for Prabhakar Raghavan
The podcast dives into the recent removal of a key Google figure, exploring the implications for the tech giant's future. It highlights concerns about the declining quality of search results and links this to profit-driven strategies. There’s a humorous look at the cultural references surrounding the individual's controversial legacy. The discussion touches on the broader challenges facing Google amid the rise of AI competition and management turmoil, likening its current state to the fall of a mighty empire.
26 snips
Oct 23, 2024 • 38min
Data Vampires with Paris Marx
In this engaging conversation, Paris Marx, author of the Disconnect Blog and host of Tech Won't Save Us, critiques the rise of hyperscale data centers by tech giants and their impact on society. He discusses the alarming energy consumption and data collection practices that accompany this tech expansion. Delving into the intersection of technology and authoritarianism, Marx raises concerns about its implications for democracy and community resources. His insights challenge us to reflect on the environmental ethics of our digital future.
12 snips
Oct 16, 2024 • 38min
Zephyr Teachout On Corruption
Zephyr Teachout, a Fordham Law professor and author of "Break 'Em Up," dives deep into the themes of corruption and corporate power. She highlights the critical need for reforms to promote integrity in politics and businesses. The conversation reflects on historical perspectives of corruption and advocates for anti-monopoly measures to protect democracy. Teachout also critiques Silicon Valley’s power dynamics and emphasizes the importance of effective regulations to address labor rights and national security concerns, while expressing hope for AI's positive impact.
30 snips
Oct 11, 2024 • 48min
The Subprime AI Crisis
Explore the brewing subprime AI crisis as the generative AI market faces significant financial instability. Discover the limitations in AI models, including Microsoft's struggles and OpenAI's disappointing advancements. Uncover the illusion of progress in generative AI, questioning the hype and profitability of major tech investments. The podcast delves into the disconnect between corporate ambitions and actual user needs, raising concerns about a potential industry collapse fueled by stagnant innovation.
40 snips
Oct 9, 2024 • 47min
Why OpenAI Is A Terrible Business
OpenAI's valuation might be sky-high, but beneath the surface lies a troubling financial reality. The discussion highlights the disconnect between massive investments in generative AI and disappointing results. Concerns about unsustainable pricing models and projected losses paint a bleak picture for the company's future. As major tech players jump into the AI arena, questions arise regarding OpenAI’s viability and ethical implications in a rapidly evolving landscape.
8 snips
Oct 2, 2024 • 31min
The Department of Justice V Google Ads: Part 4
Jason Kint is the CEO of DCN, a digital media expert, and Arielle Garcia serves as the Director of Intelligence at CheckMyAds, focusing on ad transparency. They delve into the Department of Justice's antitrust case against Google, discussing the allegations of anti-competitive practices in advertising. Key topics include the intricacies of Google’s defense, courtroom strategies, and implications for the digital advertising landscape. They also touch on how these legal challenges might affect consumers and the broader market dynamics.
24 snips
Sep 27, 2024 • 44min
How To Break the Internet with Chris Stokel-Walker
In this engaging conversation, journalist Chris Stokel-Walker, known for his sharp insights into technology's societal impacts, dives into the fragile underpinnings of the internet. He discusses the catastrophic potential of cybersecurity failures and the vulnerabilities of open source software crucial for digital infrastructure. Stokel-Walker highlights the precarious balance between profit-driven tech models and the need for robust, funded open-source contributions. He sheds light on the accountability of cloud providers and the urgent necessity for technological literacy in navigating modern online complexities.
8 snips
Sep 25, 2024 • 42min
The Department of Justice V Google Ads: Part 3
Jason Kint, CEO of DCN with a keen focus on digital content, joins Arielle Garcia, Director of Intelligence at CheckMyAds, to tackle the Department of Justice's antitrust case against Google Ads. They delve into the controversial Admeld acquisition and Google's manipulation of real-time bidding. Legal challenges are laid bare, spotlighting the ramifications for consumers and the advertising sector. The pair share courtroom insights from the ongoing trial, emphasizing Google's monopolistic practices and the courtroom dynamics that could reshape the digital landscape.
10 snips
Sep 18, 2024 • 33min
The Department of Justice V Google Ads: Part 2
Join Ed Zitron and Jason Kint, the CEO of DCN and a keen expert on digital ad technologies, as they dive into the Department of Justice's landmark antitrust case against Google. They dissect key arguments about Google's alleged monopoly in ad tech, including auction manipulation tactics and the controversial 'Last Look' bidding strategy. Kint shares insights on how these practices impact advertisers and publishers, raising ethical questions about transparency in digital advertising. Tune in for a compelling discussion on the future of competition in tech!
