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
66 snips
Sep 5, 2025 • 13min
Monologue: Tech Skepticism Is Going Mainstream
The trend of tech skepticism is on the rise, sparking crucial conversations about the emotional and analytical impacts of technology. Advocates are challenging the dominant narratives surrounding AI, pushing for accountability from tech giants. There's a growing unease over the prioritization of profits over people, particularly in startup funding for AI. This critique invites listeners to reassess their engagement with technology, focusing on privacy, data security, and the societal implications of our digital choices.
59 snips
Sep 3, 2025 • 37min
The Black Market for AI GPUs with Steve Burke
Steve Burke, a prominent investigator from Gamers Nexus, delves into the fascinating world of the AI GPU black market. He shares insights on the smuggling of NVIDIA's GPUs into China and the resulting supply chain complexities. The conversation touches on copyright disputes stemming from his investigative work, including a mysterious DMCA complaint. Burke explores how international students navigate pricing disparities and the challenges for legitimate businesses amidst increasing demand and geopolitical tensions in the tech industry.
110 snips
Aug 29, 2025 • 21min
Monologue: What If I'm Right?
In a thought-provoking monologue, the speaker questions the sustainability of the AI boom. He examines NVIDIA's disappointing earnings and the questionable reliability of partners like CoreWeave. The discussion highlights the troubling narratives in journalism that inflate AI expectations. Frustration is aimed at the media for fostering unrealistic views of AI's profitability and job impact. It’s a call for accountability in reporting and a warning about the potential fallout from an unsustainable AI bubble.
56 snips
Aug 27, 2025 • 1h 9min
Radio Better Offline: Kyle Barr, Alex Cranz & Michael Fisher
In a lively chat, Michael Fisher (Mr. Mobile), Alex Cranz, and Kyle Barr share their favorite quirky gadgets. They delve into the evolution of mobile phones, debating the merits of foldable devices vs. practical designs. The trio discusses the challenges and excitement of virtual reality tech, particularly Apple's Vision Pro and Samsung's AR innovations. They also critique the stagnation in innovation among major tech firms and celebrate emerging players like Lenovo. With humor and nostalgia, they reminisce about tech's past while looking to the future.
122 snips
Aug 22, 2025 • 29min
Exclusive: How GPT-5 Actually Works
Discover the intricate architecture and functionality of GPT-5, showcasing its advancements over previous versions. Dive into the critical conversation about the hype versus reality, as mixed public reactions unfold. Explore the complexities of its new routing system and the implications for user experience. Unpack token dynamics and address the challenges faced during the launch. Finally, critique the speculative nature of AI investments while considering the model's potential impact on everyday life.
106 snips
Aug 21, 2025 • 42min
The AI Money Trap, Part Two
In the latest discussion, the focus shifts to how America’s growth is hooked on tech giants' AI investments, revealing alarming economic vulnerabilities. The financial viability of AI companies like OpenAI comes under scrutiny, questioning their unsustainable business models. The landscape of AI infrastructure is examined as massive expenditures transform the tech arena, prompting concerns about future profitability. Additionally, the podcast delves into the looming economic downturn, warning of its impact on tech jobs and growth.
110 snips
Aug 20, 2025 • 42min
The AI Money Trap, Part One
The discussion dives into the precarious state of the AI bubble, questioning its sustainability and potential fallout. It highlights the financial illusions surrounding AI startups, which are facing mounting challenges despite their rapid growth. Insights on specific tools like Clawed Code and Cursor reveal the industry’s instability and ethical concerns on wealth distribution. The critique extends to the current investment practices in AI, drawing parallels to historical economic crises and pondering the future of venture capital in this volatile landscape.
72 snips
Aug 15, 2025 • 11min
Monologue: The Agony Of GPT-5
The tumultuous launch of GPT-5 sparks heated discussions around user dissatisfaction and unrealistic expectations. Critics highlight the emotional attachments people have to AI models and the flawed marketing strategies of OpenAI. There’s a deep dive into the misguided trust society places in AI, questioning the clarity of guidance from developers. Yet, amidst the critique, there's a whimsical take on the future of AI, encouraging listeners to embrace financial freedom while navigating this evolving technology.
88 snips
Aug 13, 2025 • 57min
CZM Rewind: The Academics That Think ChatGPT Is BS
Michael Townsen Hicks, James Humphries, and Joe Slater, academics from the University of Glasgow and co-authors of the provocative paper 'ChatGPT is Bullshit,' dive into the shortcomings of AI like ChatGPT. They question its superficial understanding of language and ethics in academia. Discussing the philosophical implications, they dissect how AI-generated content differs from genuine human cognition. The trio raises concerns about AI's limitations in education, emphasizing the risks of over-reliance by students and the societal implications of these technologies.
25 snips
Aug 8, 2025 • 10min
Monologue: The Anker Nebula X1 Is The Best Projector I've Ever Used
A deep dive into the Anker Nebula X1 projector reveals its stunning 4K triple laser technology and compact design. The host discusses its versatility and portability, making it perfect for various settings, even for romantic getaways. While some marketing claims and the user interface fall short, overall, it delivers an enjoyable experience. Listeners also learn about exciting deals and high-quality merch to enhance their offline adventures.
