Endless Thread

Last week, we introduced you to the wildly popular, albeit controversial, streamer and self-declared socialist Hasan Piker — what he’s all about, how he’s delivering his message to millions of followers, and who he’s reaching and resonating with. When we talked to him in November, Hasan had a lot to say about the Democratic Party, about the streaming platform Twitch, and about what’s further dividing Americans right now. So here's more of our conversation with him.

Hasan Piker, a prominent political commentator and popular Twitch streamer, dives into the impact of streaming on political discourse. He discusses how his engaging style attracts a broad audience, including young men, and challenges traditional media narratives. With a focus on empathy and community, Piker explores the responsibilities of online influencers to inspire political activism. He also highlights the tensions between progressive ideals and the realities faced by working-class communities, urging a more compassionate approach in today's digital landscape.

"Should I be joking at a time like this?" That's the question then 33-year-old Brooke Eby asked herself when she uploaded her first piece of TikTok comedy in 2022, about being diagnosed with a terminal illness. Brooke's since built an audience of hundreds of thousands of people who are rooting for, and laughing with, her. Sometimes it gets weird. Brooke talks to Ben and Amory about how facing death changed her relationship with social media and online community. Show notes: Brooke Eby's TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube ALSTogether When Your Terminal Illness Makes You a TikTok Star (The New York Times) This episode was written and produced by Grace Tatter. It was co-hosted by Amory Sivertson and Ben Brock Johnson. Mix and sound design by Emily Jankowski.

Dive into the colorful 90s world of 'Space Jam' and its iconic website that refuses to fade away! Discover the hilarious journey of its creators as they share funny anecdotes and the challenges of coding in a pre-digital age. The quirky design of the site is a nostalgic blast, filled with behind-the-scenes gems. Fans and media alike celebrate its unexpected resurgence, sparking connections that bridge generations. Join the reunion of the team behind the site and relish their camaraderie and creative spirit that brought the film to life!

James Grimmelmann, a professor of digital and information law at Cornell Tech, joins Brewster Kahle, founder of the Internet Archive. They dive into the vital role of the Internet Archive and its Wayback Machine in preserving digital history. The discussion highlights the looming copyright lawsuits that threaten its existence. Grimmelmann unpacks the complexities of digital lending and the struggles between archival accessibility and copyright laws. Their insights emphasize the need to protect our digital heritage in an increasingly legal battleground.

Wanda Brewer's journey through grief leads her to an unexpected love: 60-second soap opera dramas on Instagram. These bite-sized vertical shorts, featuring mafia bosses and werewolves, are captivating millions. The podcast delves into their rise in America, exploring the lucrative industry behind them and their emotional appeal to younger audiences. As viewers binge on cliffhangers and romance, the show examines how this format reshapes entertainment consumption, relationship dynamics, and the industry challenges faced by creators.

The conversation dives into the rise of DeepSeek, an intriguing AI app from China challenging giants like OpenAI. It explores the implications of its open-source model versus proprietary systems. The hosts discuss DeepSeek's controversial data sourcing and its handling of sensitive topics like Tiananmen Square. The playful banter turns into a rap battle where DeepSeek and ChatGPT are humorously compared, showcasing their strengths and flaws. It's a fascinating blend of tech insights and rap culture, revealing the complex dynamics of AI and censorship.

Dive into the cultural significance of Xiaohongshu, also known as RedNote, as it becomes a surprising new hub for American and Chinese users. Explore how this platform fosters unexpected social connections, bridging language barriers with humor and relatable content. Discover personal stories that reveal the echoes of China's Cultural Revolution in today's social media landscape. The podcast also unpacks the challenges faced by tech companies amidst shifting regulations and the evolving dynamics of user trust in the online world.

Delve into the intriguing question of Steven Seagal's martial arts prowess as hosts dissect his action-hero persona. They blend humor with critical insights into 1990s pop culture and the complexities of celebrity authenticity. Explore the stark contrast between Seagal's impressive on-screen martial arts and the realities of his techniques. As experts weigh in, the discussion touches on broader themes of character, responsibility, and the fluidity of truth in both personal narratives and public images.

In a humorous start, hosts reminisce about their favorite moments from the Dune franchise. They delve into the Butlerian Jihad, drawing intriguing parallels to today’s AI challenges. The discussion includes Samuel Butler’s critique of Victorian norms from his novel 'Erewhon' and his futuristic views on machines. Historical perspectives on humanity's relationship with technology spark engaging philosophical and ethical debates. These insights highlight the importance of diverse thoughts in navigating our technological future.