The Nerd Reich

Join journalist Eoin Higgins, author of "Owned," as he exposes how tech billionaires like Elon Musk and Peter Thiel are reshaping journalism and public discourse. Higgins discusses the alarming trend of influential journalists, such as Glenn Greenwald and Matt Taibbi, shifting to right-wing narratives driven by funding and influence. The conversation dives into the hypocrisy of 'free speech' being weaponized while genuine dissent is suppressed and how traditional media struggles against billionaire-funded platforms. It's a candid look at the evolving landscape of media and democracy.

Jacob Silverman, a journalist and author of the forthcoming book Gilded Rage, and Kate Willett, a stand-up comedian and host of Dystopia Now, dive deep into the influence of tech elites like David Sacks. They discuss Sacks's connections within the PayPal mafia and the authoritarian trends shaping political discourse. The conversation also touches on cryptocurrency's dark side and its ties to crime, while highlighting podcasting's role in modern political discussions. Predictions are made about how these forces could reshape democracy.

Brooke Harrington, an economic sociologist known for her work on wealth and offshore finance, teams up with Dave Karpf, a tech policy expert at George Washington University. They delve into the rise of 'network states,' where tech billionaires seek to replace democratic governance with their own power structures. Their conversation highlights the threats posed by AI-driven governance and the concentration of wealth among elites. They also emphasize the importance of citizen activism and storytelling as resistance against encroaching tech authoritarianism.

Gil Duran announces the forthcoming Nerd Reich podcast about tech billionaire politics and the takeover of the United States government.