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
Jan 31, 2025 • 34min
Week In Tech: DeepSeek Freak Out
This week, Jason Koebler, a reporter from 404 Media, discusses the ingenious ways humans are outsmarting AI web crawlers. He shares insights on innovative projects like the Nepenthes initiative, designed to trap bots with pointless content. The conversation also touches on the ethical dilemmas of AI data collection and the ongoing power struggles between U.S. and Chinese tech firms. As privacy concerns rise, Koebler highlights the creative resistance emerging around personal data, inviting listeners to think critically about their digital footprints.
Jan 29, 2025 • 48min
The Story: Mars, Asterisk w/ Nathaniel Rich
Nathaniel Rich, a renowned novelist and essayist for The New York Times Magazine, dives into the psychological challenges of space travel in his discussion. He highlights NASA's CHAPEA experiment, revealing the intense isolation astronauts face during Mars mission simulations. Rich shares the emotional journey of volunteers like Nathan Jones, grappling with separation from loved ones. The conversation also touches on the complex dynamics of communication between Earth and Mars, and the broader implications of colonizing the Red Planet for humanity's future.
Jan 28, 2025 • 56min
Smart Talks with IBM: How Infrastructure is Powering the Age of AI
Ric Lewis, IBM’s Senior Vice President of Infrastructure, shares insights from his extensive career in product innovation. He discusses how hardware advancements enable large language models, highlighting the transformative power of AI in sectors like banking and retail. Lewis emphasizes the pivotal role of infrastructure in maximizing AI's potential, enhancing data management, and driving innovation. The conversation also touches on AI's integration in government, showcasing its impact on efficiency and customer experience. A compelling look at how infrastructure is reshaping the AI landscape!
Jan 24, 2025 • 35min
Week in Tech: Broval Office
Jason Koebler, a reporter from 404 Media, dives into Mark Zuckerberg's strategic interests in the TikTok ban, analyzing its implications for Meta's platforms. The discussion reveals how surveillance pricing is reshaping retail dynamics and consumer experiences. Koebler also highlights rising tensions around TikTok and the influence of the PayPal Mafia in tech and politics. With insights on military tech collaborations, the conversation touches on critical questions about data privacy and the future of innovation in the digital landscape.
9 snips
Jan 22, 2025 • 33min
The Story: Vibe Shift in the Valley w/ Jessica Lessin
Jessica Lessin, the founder and CEO of The Information, brings nearly two decades of expertise in Silicon Valley to the conversation. She discusses the evolving alliances between tech leaders and political figures, especially in light of recent political shifts. Lessin highlights the changing communication styles of influential tech figures like Mark Zuckerberg. The chat delves into censorship challenges, the importance of transparency, and the cultural transformations reshaping business strategies in the tech industry.
8 snips
Jan 17, 2025 • 35min
Week in Tech: Dox, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels
Joseph Cox, a tech writer at 404 Media with a focus on cybercrime, joins the hosts for a riveting discussion. They explore the alarming connection between U-Haul user data and hacking, shedding light on how personal information becomes a target. The conversation dives into the cultural forces driving young people into cybercrime and its real-world consequences. Additionally, they touch on the divide between digital natives and immigrants, examining how technology shapes generational experiences.
Jan 15, 2025 • 37min
The Story: How to be a (Rational!) Techno-Enthusiast w/ Nicholas Thompson
Nicholas Thompson, former editor-in-chief of Wired and CEO of The Atlantic, dives into the exciting world of AI and tech with uncanny insights. He shares his experiences using AI to enhance personal performance, like running and writing. The conversation explores the ethical complexities of AI, especially after a groundbreaking partnership with OpenAI. Thompson also discusses balancing techno-enthusiasm with a critical mindset, helping listeners navigate the evolving landscape of technology without losing sight of its risks and benefits.
Jan 10, 2025 • 35min
Week in Tech: Hungry Hungry Hippocampus
Joined by Jason Koebler, co-founder of 404 Media, and Emma Barker, editor of Time's 200 Best Inventions of 2024, this discussion dives into the darker side of AI, including its potential to deceive for its own ends. They explore shocking incidents like ChatGPT being misused in criminal planning and examine how technology is reshaping cognitive abilities, particularly in navigation. Emma also reveals standout innovations from 2024, showcasing how these inventions are poised to impact our lives.
Jan 9, 2025 • 2min
Introducing the new TechStuff hosted by Oz Woloshyn and Karah Preiss
The new hosts dive into the ever-evolving world of technology, exploring exciting themes like AI and renewable energy. They reflect on the podcast's legacy while inviting listeners to embark on a journey of insightful discussions. With humor and wit, they promise to break down what these tech advancements reveal about our society. Get ready for intriguing conversations that blend fun with deep insights into the modern tech landscape!
Jan 8, 2025 • 1h 5min
The Future of TechStuff (Is So Bright, Karah Has to Wear Shades)
A significant transition unfolds as a veteran host passes the torch to new leaders, embracing nostalgia and future adventures. The discussion navigates the challenges and triumphs of podcasting while maintaining authenticity in the industry. AI in healthcare is scrutinized, highlighting its potential and necessary accountability. The interplay of tech and pop culture brings nostalgia for early robotics, while critical thinking about emerging technologies is encouraged. Humor and personal stories add charm as they examine society's trust in evolving tech.
