
Better Offline
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.
Latest episodes

64 snips
Apr 4, 2025 • 10min
Monologue: OpenAI's Albatross
Dive into the tumultuous world of OpenAI, where the new image generator is causing significant strain on resources. The hosts spotlight the melting GPUs as a troubling sign for the company's future. They humorously connect generative AI with social finance, while also unpacking the financial hurdles OpenAI faces in a competitive landscape. The pressing need for a sustainable and profitable model amidst soaring service demand adds another layer of urgency to their discussion.

20 snips
Apr 2, 2025 • 1h
Radio Better Offline: David "Shingy" Shing
David 'Shingy' Shing, a famed digital prophet and creative omnivore, shares his insights into the future of advertising and technology. He discusses the dichotomy between AI-driven creativity and authentic craftsmanship, raising questions about the role of generative tools. Shingy dives into nostalgia's place in today's digital landscape, highlighting society's yearning for authenticity amidst rapid technological evolution. He also addresses the transformation of advertising in digital spaces and the challenges faced by creatives in an era dominated by AI.

33 snips
Mar 28, 2025 • 13min
Monologue: High Noon for CoreWeave & AI
Ed Zitron discusses the shaky financial landscape surrounding CoreWeave's IPO and OpenAI's funding struggles. He highlights Microsoft's decision against investing heavily in CoreWeave, revealing deeper issues within AI infrastructure. The monologue critiques the ethical considerations of tech investments and the unsustainable business models of generative AI companies. Zitron also encourages listeners to rethink AI's financial narratives while adding a surprising twist with a conversation about adult products and intimacy.

23 snips
Mar 26, 2025 • 1h 6min
Radio Better Offline: Andy Richter
Join comedian Andy Richter, known for his work on Late Night with Conan O'Brien, as he shares his comedic journey and insights on the evolution of humor in the digital age. He humorously reflects on the chaotic early internet, discussing its impact on community and comedic expression. Richter dives into the challenges of modern comedy, touching on the balance between political discourse and humor. He also critiques the rapid content generation required today, revealing how the comedic landscape is adapting in a world filled with social media and AI.

39 snips
Mar 21, 2025 • 9min
Monologue: We Need To Talk About CoreWeave
In this monologue, the focus is on CoreWeave, the first IPO amid the AI boom. The discussion explores its shaky finances, overwhelming debt, and over-reliance on Microsoft. There’s a candid look at its questionable partnerships, particularly with a struggling cryptocurrency mining firm. Delving into the company's expansion plans reveals the myriad risks it faces as it navigates this precarious landscape.

44 snips
Mar 19, 2025 • 1h 27min
Radio Better Offline: Cherlynn Low, Alex Cranz & Victoria Song
Joining the show are tech reporters Alex Cranz, known for insightful critiques in technology journalism, Cherlynn Low, and Victoria Song. They dive into the reality of generative AI and its inflated promises, humorously addressing its absurdities. Discussions cover quirky tech anecdotes, the limitations of AI in capturing emotional depth, and privacy concerns linked to personal data. They also reflect on the evolution of communication with the iPhone while critiquing language translation's challenges, blending humor with keen observations about tech's role in our lives.

24 snips
Mar 14, 2025 • 34min
SoftBank and OpenAI's Dangerous Game
The podcast dives into the precarious financial partnership between SoftBank and OpenAI, highlighting the dangers of pouring funds into a struggling startup. It sheds light on OpenAI's Stargate project and the complexities of building AI infrastructure amid looming debts. Critical reflections question the sustainability of their deal and mention the societal implications of AI advancements. Furthermore, the discussion uncovers the challenges of securing funding while addressing the disconnect between innovation and practical application in the tech landscape.

5 snips
Mar 13, 2025 • 7min
Monologue: How Does This End?
In a thought-provoking monologue, Ed Zitron dismantles the inflated AI bubble perpetuated by the media. He highlights OpenAI’s troubling financial ties and diminishing support from partners like Microsoft. The discussion scrutinizes the industry's obsession with data centers and larger models, questioning the motives behind these choices. Zitron also examines the gap between lofty AI promises and the reality, touching on potential job losses and the impact on tech valuations.

31 snips
Mar 12, 2025 • 25min
Microsoft Cuts The Power To AI
The discussion kicks off by exploring AI's impact on various industries and the pressing need for businesses to embrace it. Microsoft's recent withdrawal from extensive data center investments raises eyebrows regarding its confidence in generative AI's future. Tensions simmer between OpenAI and Microsoft, as reliance on each other becomes a contentious topic. The financial complexities revealing concerns for sustainability in the AI realm add more twists to the plot, leaving listeners contemplating the future of technology.

31 snips
Mar 7, 2025 • 9min
Monologue: OpenAI Is Getting Desperate
This week, the monologue dives into OpenAI's GPT-4.5, revealing skepticism over its advancements and hinting at financial instability reflected in a new pricing scheme. After that, frustrations with major tech companies like OpenAI are explored, emphasizing their struggles with communication and accountability. The discussion also highlights the potential for video game technology to spark innovation across various industries, especially with an upcoming conference on the horizon.