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In this engaging discussion, technology journalists Kevin Roose and Casey Newton explore their ambitious project, the Forkiverse, an alternative social media platform. Kevin, the technical lead, shares insights on server setup, while Casey highlights the potential of the Fediverse in decentralizing social media. They debate the challenges of moderation and the user experience of a non-algorithmic feed. The duo passionately argues for experimentation over cynicism, inviting listeners to join their journey towards a more open digital landscape.

Gregor faces a heartfelt dilemma as his elderly parents resist downsizing from their Victorian home, leading him to hatch a bold plan. Amidst safety concerns, Etta's love for collecting sparks intriguing discussions on attachment to objects. A wild idea to turn a barn into a museum takes shape, but humor and family dynamics complicate things. When a health scare arises, it's a catalyst for change, prompting Etta to part with her cherished items, leading to deep reflections on letting go and the legacy we leave behind.

Doug McMakin, a research engineer behind millimeter-wave body-scanning technology, shares insights into how and why these scanners might flag certain body parts. Frequent traveler Travis recounts his bizarre experiences being consistently flagged on his trips, sparking a curious investigation. The duo discusses theories ranging from clothing geometry to moisture affecting scan results, even humorously experimenting with wetting clothes to see if it triggers alarms. The conversation dives into privacy issues and the realities of automated detection, leaving many questions unanswered.

The team shares insights from their unique board meeting, diving into the challenges of podcasting in today's landscape. They discuss their commitment to long-form audio despite the lure of video and big budgets. Metrics reveal growth patterns, and their top episodes highlight the value of returning advertisers. Excitingly, a series has been optioned for a feature film! They also explore the use of AI in production and the balance between narrative structure and conversation, all while reminiscing about cherished, unfinished ideas.

Joseph Cox, an investigative tech reporter and author of Dark Wire, dives into the fascinating world of criminal communication technology. He reveals the rise and fall of the AN0M phone, a favorite among criminals for its clever features and secure messaging. Joseph shares stories of how organized crime evolved with encrypted phones and discusses the FBI's undercover operation that turned the tide on such technologies. The conversation also touches on the ethics of surveillance, the impact on criminal markets, and recommendations for privacy-conscious users.

Ezra Klein, a prominent journalist and host of The Ezra Klein Show, shares insights on navigating political discussions during family holidays. He discusses the challenges posed by differing political views in family settings, emphasizing listening over combative persuasion. Ezra argues that it's unlikely to change family members' minds but suggests focusing on understanding instead. He also highlights the importance of improving communication skills and fostering respect to ensure productive dialogues, making listening an active form of political engagement.

Miles Krupa and Sam Hardiman, insightful industry reporters, dive into the contentious intersection of AI finance and local community impacts. They explore Elon Musk's ambitious plans for data centers, revealing the tangled web of debt linked to GPU hardware. Krupa raises concerns about the financial viability of NVIDIA chips as collateral. Meanwhile, Hardiman shares firsthand accounts from Memphis residents facing pollution from XAI's operations, spotlighting their fears and frustrations over community health versus corporate promises.

Explore the fierce competition in AI as tech billionaires make record investments. Visit Loudoun County, the hub of data centers, and learn how they contribute to local economies. Delve into the transformation of data centers into AI training grounds post-ChatGPT. Experience the ambitious plans for Colossus, a massive supercomputer in Memphis, including its rapid construction and technological complexities. The podcast reveals the excitement and concerns surrounding this AI arms race and its impact on communities.

Daniel Kolitz, a writer for Harper's Magazine, dives into the intriguing subculture of gooning, where young men bond over intense porn consumption. He shares his personal journey into this world, revealing the elaborate aesthetics of 'goon caves' and the fascinating dynamics of the community, including practices like 'wank battling.' Kolitz explores the implications of constant access to porn on youth sexuality and its connection to broader internet trends, shedding light on how these behaviors reflect our digital age.

Dan Wang, author and research fellow at the Hoover Institution, shares insights from his life in China and the contrasts with America. He reveals common misconceptions Americans have about China and discusses the country's rapid engineering prowess. Wang explains how China's governance relies on large-scale projects for legitimacy, while highlighting the U.S.'s legalistic approach that often hinders infrastructure. He advocates for a blended approach, suggesting the U.S. could benefit from more engineering focus while adopting stronger legal protections.