TechStuff
iHeartPodcasts
TechStuff is getting a system update. Everything you love about Tech Stuff now twice the bandwidth with new hosts, Oz Woloshyn (Sleepwalkers) and Karah Preiss (Sleepwalkers).
Oz and Karah bring humour and wit to the table as they break down what's happening in tech...and what it says about us.
TechStuff is the podcast where technology meets culture.
We speak to the folks building the future to understand what tomorrow will look like and how our technology is changing us: how we live, how we love, how we work and even how we die. With a healthy dose of drama, too, as tech titans clash over their interstellar ambitions.
Get in touch here: techstuffpodcast@gmail.com
Oz and Karah bring humour and wit to the table as they break down what's happening in tech...and what it says about us.
TechStuff is the podcast where technology meets culture.
We speak to the folks building the future to understand what tomorrow will look like and how our technology is changing us: how we live, how we love, how we work and even how we die. With a healthy dose of drama, too, as tech titans clash over their interstellar ambitions.
Get in touch here: techstuffpodcast@gmail.com
Episodes
Mentioned books
Sep 23, 2024 • 20min
A Quick Chat About CAPTCHAs
Discover the intriguing origins of CAPTCHAs and their role in distinguishing humans from automated bots. Learn how these tests tie back to Alan Turing’s concepts of machine intelligence. Explore the evolution of CAPTCHA design, which has become increasingly complex to stay ahead of advances in automation. Delve into the challenges of making CAPTCHAs both secure and user-friendly, all while enhancing AI through user interactions. It’s a fascinating look at the intersection of technology and security!
Sep 20, 2024 • 38min
Tech News: Exploding Pagers and Nuclear-Powered AI
An intriguing discussion unfolds about Israel's alleged use of exploding pagers in a Hezbollah attack, raising questions about modern warfare. Microsoft is considering reopening a nuclear power plant to meet the soaring energy demands of AI data centers, blending technology with sustainable energy. The episode also highlights urgent calls for reform in data privacy regulations amid growing concerns over social media surveillance and data security practices, making for a thought-provoking conversation on the intersection of tech, ethics, and global regulations.
Sep 18, 2024 • 40min
Social Networks and Mental Health
Dive into the intriguing connection between social media use and mental health, exploring both positive and negative effects. Discover personal stories about stigma and societal perceptions, as well as the challenges in establishing clear causal links through research. The discussion highlights the evolution of online interactions and how algorithms impact relationships. With mixed findings and calls for deeper investigation, the complexities of this relationship are unveiled, challenging intuitive beliefs and emphasizing the importance of nuanced understanding.
Sep 16, 2024 • 48min
Rerun: The Ghost in the Machine
Delve into the intriguing concept of 'the ghost in the machine', spanning from philosophy to AI. Uncover the haunting tales woven into tech stories during the spooky season. Explore HAL 9000’s crisis, ponder AI consciousness, and tackle philosophical quandaries from Asimov's work. Discover the complexities of Generative Adversarial Networks and the ethics behind black box AI systems. The discussion also touches on procrastination, linking technology with human behavior and self-awareness in an entertaining manner.
Sep 13, 2024 • 41min
Tech News: AI Stalks Us on Friday the 13th
Artificial intelligence takes center stage with exciting advancements, including OpenAI's new model that tackles complex queries. Meanwhile, the gaming world faces layoffs at Xbox and the launch of a new PS5 model. Space news is thrilling as private citizens embark on a spacewalk for the first time. Ethical concerns over AI biases and data privacy also spark debate, alongside updates from Meta and the latest in tech innovations. Plus, a lighthearted look at the quirky Ig Nobel Prizes adds some fun to the mix!
Sep 12, 2024 • 44min
The One About Plasma Televisions
Ever wondered what happened to plasma televisions? Dive into the rise and fall of this once-revolutionary technology. Discover the unique mechanics behind plasma displays, including advancements and challenges that led to their decline. Learn about the historical context that shaped educational computing and how plasma's advantages over CRTs paved the way for modern TVs. Plus, hear personal anecdotes reflecting the sentimental value of plasma screens, highlighting their fascinating journey from innovation to obsolescence.
Sep 10, 2024 • 43min
Smart Talks with IBM: Education in the Age of AI
Justina Nixon-Saintil, IBM's Chief Impact Officer, and April Dawson, Associate Dean of Technology, shine a light on how AI is revolutionizing education. They emphasize the importance of lifelong learning and ethical AI use in classrooms. The discussion covers initiatives like IBM SkillsBuild, aiming to democratize education and empower 30 million learners by 2030. They also explore how AI enhances legal education and the need for skills-based hiring, ensuring students are prepared for a tech-driven workforce.
Sep 9, 2024 • 41min
The Birth of Paypal
Discover the fascinating origin story of PayPal, from its co-founding by Max Levchin and Peter Thiel to its rise as a digital payment giant. Uncover the competitive spirit of the late 90s fintech landscape, including humorous rivalries. Learn about the merging of Confinity and X.com, highlighting the tension between innovation and traditional finance. Follow PayPal's transformation under eBay's ownership and its eventual successful spinoff, showcasing the challenges and triumphs faced along the way. Delve into how the 'PayPal Mafia' shaped the future of digital finance.
Sep 6, 2024 • 22min
Tech News: Brazil Ditches X and Russia Buys Some Influencers
Brazil's Supreme Court has shut down access to X after Elon Musk defied some questionable court orders. The US Department of Justice says that an American media company was secretly generating propaganda on behalf of Russia. And a musician used bots to both generate and listen to music for nearly a decade before being accused of fraud.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 5, 2024 • 43min
Abandoned Tech Projects
Discover the abandoned dreams of technology from Microsoft's failed Courier tablet to the holographic Atari Cosmos gaming system. Explore how internal conflicts derailed ambitious projects and shifted the landscape of innovation. Dive into the challenges faced by Sinclair's Loki, a competitor in the 80s tech scene, and hear about the smart glasses and children's smart speaker that faced privacy controversies. This journey through forgotten ideas highlights both the ambitions and pitfalls of tech innovation.
