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
20 snips
Feb 14, 2025 • 9min
Monologue: The Super Bowl Showed That Generative AI Is Washed
The Super Bowl highlighted the shortcomings of generative AI through lackluster commercials that struggled to resonate with viewers. Critics dive into the confusing messages and exaggerated claims made by AI companies, revealing a growing consumer skepticism. Discussions reveal a stark contrast between authenticity and automation, questioning whether marketing gimmicks can truly deliver value. Overall, there's a poignant critique of the generative AI industry’s credibility and its real impact on consumers.
53 snips
Feb 12, 2025 • 1h 25min
How Sports Gambling Apps Are Rotting Society
Arif Hasan, a writer for Wide Left with a knack for dissecting sports culture, joins Caleb Wilson, host of Western Kabuki, to unravel the murky world of sports gambling. They highlight how apps have permeated sports, altering viewing experiences and fostering addiction. From the deceptive marketing strategies targeting vulnerable audiences to societal normalization during big events, they reveal the alarming connection between gambling and emotional ties to sports. The discussion paints a vivid picture of how these practices exploit fans and challenge the integrity of the games we love.
6 snips
Feb 6, 2025 • 10min
Monologue: What Happened With DeepSeek?
The podcast dives into the intriguing world of DeepSeek, exploring how its innovative AI models challenge industry giants like OpenAI. It highlights the competitive R1 reasoning model and questions the sustainability of traditional tech infrastructures. Additionally, the conversation uncovers the complex relationship between investors and technology companies, prompting listeners to reflect on the broader implications of funding in shaping our digital future.
47 snips
Feb 3, 2025 • 42min
How DeepSeek Showed That Silicon Valley Is Washed
The podcast dives into how a new generative AI model threatens giants like OpenAI and Anthropic. It paints a bleak picture of innovation's decline in Silicon Valley, spotlighting the financial struggles of established tech firms. The rise of DeepSeek, with its efficient open-source model, challenges traditional companies and raises questions about the sustainability of AI investments. Additionally, the discussion touches on the intricacies of NFL contracts and SoftBank's shaky tech bets, revealing the broader implications for the future of technology.
30 snips
Jan 31, 2025 • 33min
What The Hell Is DeepSeek?
Discover how DeepSeek, a little-known Chinese AI company, is shaking up the generative AI landscape and sending shockwaves through the US startup scene. Explore the controversies surrounding its training practices and the competitive tension with giants like OpenAI. The discussion also critiques unethical tech monopolies and how DeepSeek might disrupt established firms. Enjoy some insightful commentary on engagement strategies and sponsorships while navigating this rapidly evolving tech terrain.
36 snips
Jan 29, 2025 • 46min
Radio Better Offline: Jeremy Kaplowitz of the Quorators
Jeremy Kaplowitz, co-host of the Quorators podcast, dives into the bizarre world of Quora, labeling it "Reddit with a gas leak." He explores the site’s quirky culture, where odd inquiries and questionable user intentions thrive. With tales of AI absurdities, they reflect on the challenges of finding authentic content amidst commercialization. From humorous anecdotes about a 'pervert zone' to the evolution of online communities, Jeremy and Ed share insights on how technology shapes knowledge-sharing in delightfully absurd ways.
24 snips
Jan 24, 2025 • 42min
The Slop Society
Delve into the world where lax tech regulations meet an uncritical media, as Ed Zitron discusses how Mark Zuckerberg's companies profit at the expense of user experience. The conversation critiques the media's relationship with Facebook and calls for journalistic integrity. Highlights include the importance of identity protection amid rising theft and the need to challenge the profit-driven 'rot economy' in tech. Listeners are urged to reclaim their digital presence and engage with communities that foster better online interactions.
30 snips
Jan 22, 2025 • 36min
Facebook Was Already Zucked
Join the intriguing conversation about Meta's alarming shift toward prioritizing right-wing content on its platforms. The discussion highlights the company's questionable product choices and the detrimental impact of its algorithms on user experience. Learn about the decline in fact-checking initiatives and how economic trends influence social media dynamics. The analysis dives into user safety concerns, exposing the thin line between profit and responsibility in today's digital landscape.
18 snips
Jan 15, 2025 • 1h 25min
Radio Better Offline: Paris Martineau, Jeff Jarvis
Paris Martineau, an investigative tech journalist at The Information, and Jeff Jarvis, a renowned media critic and professor, dive into the implications of dating apps like Sniffies, highlighting user safety and the risks to teens. They critique the information-sharing responsibilities of big tech and discuss the future of media in a digital age dominated by AI and subscription models. Their conversation paints a vivid picture of the evolving landscape, raising critical questions about ethics and accountability in the tech industry.
12 snips
Jan 12, 2025 • 1h 4min
Better Offline CES 2025: Day 6 - Epilogue
Ed Ongweso Jr., a tech industry expert and contributor to The Tech Bubble Newsletter, shares insights from CES 2025's vibrant floor. He delves into the emotional impact of innovations and the essence of health and wellness in tech. Conversations range from the challenges of navigating luxury environments to the importance of genuine connections among attendees. Humor and reflection pepper discussions on media authenticity, urging a human-centered approach in tech reporting. Plus, plans for future growth in podcasting are highlighted, fostering community engagement.
