The Big Tech Show
Irish Independent
Irish Independent Tech Editor Adrian Weckler hosts this award-winning business podcast which dives deep into the biggest industry advances and tracks the key movers and shakers behind the innovation. From interviewing Big Tech CEOs to investigations into how tech affects our working lives, the show has become Ireland’s most listened-to technology podcast.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jun 24, 2025 • 25min
Scrub your social media and texts: a lawyer advises how to get through US border control
Can your social media posts stop you from entering the US? Should you scrub your online history? And is it easier for those with a tech background to get visas? Caro Kinsella, US Immigration Attorney joins Adrian on this week’s episode of The Big Tech Show. The immigration attorney started by stating categorically that a person’s social media posts can stop them from gaining entry into the US. Immigration officials at ports of entry to the US have the right to request access to a person’s electronic devices. 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.
Jun 19, 2025 • 21min
On the frontline in the LA riots: running from flash grenades and the tech used by protesters
How did the No Kings protest happen? How did demonstrators organise online? And what was Adrian’s experience of the LA riots? Reporter for WIRED magazine, David Gilbert, joined Adrian on The Big Tech Show today. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 17, 2025 • 27min
When is it okay to ignore a text from your boss?
Should you respond to work texts after hours? Why is underage phone use more prevalent in less advantaged areas? And what policies could help parents with this issue? JJ Clarke, producer, joins host Adrian on this week’s episode of The Big Tech Show. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 11, 2025 • 21min
What Apple announced for iPhones, Macs, iPads and Watches at WWDC, and its minimalist position on AI
What is the latest from Apple’s WWD conference? Is the tech giant behind on AI? And are there any exciting new features? Adrian is currently in Cupertino at Apple Park, California, where Apple just showcased their latest product upgrades. There were three main areas of focus; iOS 26, Liquid Glass and AI features. CCS Insight analysts, Ben Wood and Leo Gebbie, joined Adrian to discuss the new suite of Apple updates. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 6, 2025 • 28min
How Kilmacud Crokes’ corner forward became CEO of payments giant Sumup
How did Niall Mac an tSionnaigh go from selling Christmas trees to CEO of SumUp? What’s his leadership style? And why is cash a thing of the past? Niall Mac an tSionnaigh, CEO of SumUp joins Adrian on this week’s episode of The Big Tech Show. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 3, 2025 • 33min
Cheat, blackmail, threaten: how AI models could turn bad
Could AI potentially blackmail humans in the future? Would it be a help or hindrance to schools? And will it lead to mass unemployment? Conor Kelly, head of growth at Human Loop, joins Adrian in this week’s episode of The Big Tech Show. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 29, 2025 • 25min
From cookery demos to Ford's first female UK-Ireland boss, Lisa Brankin has a plan to revive Ford's sales with EVs
How did Lisa Brankin go from home economics to managing director? What lessons did she learn from her parents? And why are we a long way off autonomous vehicles? Lisa Brankin, chair and managing director of Ford in Britain and Ireland, joins Adrian Weckler on this episode of the Big Tech Show. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 22, 2025 • 25min
Google’s new AI features: fitter, faster, stronger, hungrier
Joining Adrian Weckler is JJ Clarke, a producer shaping discussions in tech journalism. They delve into Google's latest AI innovations, like a shopping agent that can check out on behalf of users. Imagine trying on clothes virtually—could that become standard? The two also navigate the debate around AI's role in creativity, questioning its impact on the arts. They touch upon environmental concerns with AI's energy footprint and Google’s re-entry into mixed reality with smart glasses, sparking thoughts on sustainability in tech.
May 13, 2025 • 22min
Worried about US border control checking your phone? Steps to get you through
What are the steps to navigating tech at US border control? How can we learn from Lithuania’s cyber defence? And what is the new sport of sperm racing? JJ Clarke, producer, joins host, Katie Byrne, standing in for Adrian on this week’s episode of The Big Tech Show. Katie began by discussing an article that featured in the Irish Independent about navigating US border control phone checks at the airport. The article written by tech editor, Adrian Weckler, explained that you can delete your WhatsApp, Gmail and other social media with no loss of data as long as you back it up before you delete the apps. This will stop US border control agents checking these apps but may look suspicious as the phone won’t have any social media apps. 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.
May 8, 2025 • 25min
Amazon’s new warehouse robots to replace workers; the single best ultra budget phone revealed
What does Amazon new Vulcan robot do? Why is the new Nothing phone the best affordable option? And how should the DPC respond to TikTok storing data on Chinese servers? JJ Clarke, producer, joins host Adrian on this week’s episode of The Big Tech Show. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
