The Big Tech Show

What is the future of AI in Ireland? Do we have digital sovereignty? And should social media be banned for under sixteens?   James Lawless, Minister for further and higher education, research, innovation and science, joins Adrian on this week’s episode of The Big Tech Show.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is a recommender algorithm? Should they be switched off? And how do they create toxic narrative bubbles? Johnny Ryan, digital rights campaigner and director of Enforce at the Irish Council for Civil Liberties, joins Adrian on this week’s episode of The Big Tech Show. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is the world of espionage now online? Are the Irish the cyber weak link in Europe? And how is digital sabotage being used today? Richard Aldrich, professor of International Security at the University of Warwick and leading expert on intelligence, espionage and cybersecurity. The security expert explained how bad-acters can hack into the back of the internet connected fridges and get them to overheat on a windy day. Getting fridges to catch fire simultaneously is a contingency that the UK government is just starting to consider as a threat. You can listen to the full episode here, on the Irish Independent website or wherever you get your podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Online polarisation, Trump, Elon Musk, AI, media, Ireland and startups — Mark Little is thinking about a lot of things right now. In this extended episode, he lays out some bare truths about the state of the world and what his own plans are at present.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who is rising and falling in the US tech world? What events will shape 2026? And will Elon weather the Grok scandal?  Blake Montgomery, the Guardian’s US Tech editor, joins Adrian on this week’s episode of The Big Tech Show.   The conversation began by Adrian asking the Guardian’s US tech editor about the reaction in America to the Grok AI scandal. The US-based journalist explained that the reaction to X’s Grok AI tool in the US has been muted and heated than Europe. According to Montgomery, a couple of US lawmakers have voiced their concerns and called for a Grok ban but because the reaction to the AI tool globally, Musk has begun to dial back the AIs capabilities.  You can listen to the full episode here, on the Irish Independent website or wherever you get your podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What makes Jeff Bezos tick? Is he a generational talent who will take us to the stars? Or billionaire tech bro living the high life? Christian Davenport, journalist who spent twenty-five years at the Washington Post and the author of the recently published book, Rocket Dreams: Musk, Bezos, and the Inside Story of the New, Trillion-Dollar Space Race. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Grok AI now being used to undress people online, what do we do? Should government ministers stay off X? And is Ireland about to require digital ID? TJ McIntyre, associate Professor of the Sutherland School of Law in UCD and Head of Digital Rights Ireland joins Adrian on this week’s episode of The Big Tech Show. You can listen to the full episode here, on the Irish Independent website or wherever you get your podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stephen Cluskey, CEO of Mobility Mojo and accessibility advocate, shares his inspiring journey after a life-altering accident left him paralyzed. He discusses his rehabilitation, emotional resilience, and how he turned challenges into a mission for change. Stephen reveals the growth of Mobility Mojo, focusing on workplace accessibility and the impact of technology on disabled employment. He emphasizes global disparities in accessibility and the importance of dignity for disabled travelers, showcasing his commitment to making a difference.

How will tech affect your life in 2026? Will AI win you over with convenience? Could dodgy-box users be fined? And what about a mid-Atlantic rift when it comes to tech regulation? ­ In this episode of The Big Tech Show, Adrian Weckler is joined by Dee Reddy to share his 10 predictions on what to expect next year, as well as rating how our predictions for the last year turned out. ­ The Big Tech Show available is on all podcast platforms.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ireland’s list of global sporting champions is relatively short, which means that when a new one is minted then we like to celebrate their achievements with them. And while Excel spreadsheets is about as niche as e-sports get - there’s no doubt that the competition is heating up when it’s broadcast live from Las Vegas via ESPN. And this year, it looks like it's not just Excel’s logo that proudly wears green - as the title of Global Excel Champion 2025 was won by Ireland’s Diarmuid Early.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.