Tech Won't Save Us

Joanne McNeil, author of "Wrong Way", discusses the human labor behind self-driving cars, the challenges of being a tech critic, and the need for tech critics that aren't insiders. They also touch on the fantasy of self-driving cars and the illusion of automation.

Mike Isaac, a technology reporter at the New York Times, discusses the drama around Sam Altman being temporarily removed from OpenAI, the power dynamics within the company, and the ongoing developments in the OpenAI-Microsoft partnership.

Marwa Fatafta, Palestinian digital rights advocate and researcher, joins the podcast to discuss the Israeli campaign in Gaza, social media's role in sharing ground realities, and ways to support peace. They delve into internet shutdowns in Gaza, manipulation of information, and the Israeli government's treatment of human rights organizations. The episode also explores the impacts of platform automation, censorship, and the development of technologies in an oppressive context.

Jacob Silverman discusses the trial and guilty verdict of Sam Bankman-Fried, delving into the dark side of Silicon Valley, including fake spreadsheets, sociopathy, and lack of empathy. The episode explores the investor class's shift from crypto to AI and its impact on illicit finance.

Elon Musk, a business magnate and entrepreneur, discusses his controversial ideologies and their impact on humanity. Topics include Musk's rejection of empathy and compassion, his motivations and claims, his presentation style, belief in colonizing other planets, transhumanist ideas, politics, and challenges faced by his empire.

Elon Musk, builder of a corporate empire with a controversial legacy, is unmasked in this podcast. Topics include Musk taking credit for Tesla's innovations, spinning deceptive tales, consequences of his interventions, and his vision for a sustainable future.

Elon Musk's crafted character, inflated by the media, played a crucial role in his success. The podcast explores his flamboyant displays, the creation of his own narrative, and his ambitious plans to revolutionize the financial services sector. It also discusses the mythology surrounding Musk, his influence on the character Tony Stark, and the consequences of perpetuating these myths. The episode examines the media's coverage of Musk and the importance of honest representation.

Elon Musk, a billionaire tech entrepreneur with a fascinating origin story, is the guest in this podcast. The most interesting topics discussed include Elon's upbringing, his family dynamics, his fascination with science fiction, and the influences and early years of his success.

Jacob Silverman joins to discuss the trial of Sam Bankman-Fried, the FTX collapse and charges against him. They explore the likelihood of guilt, potential prison time, and the trend of Silicon Valley founders facing consequences. The chapter recaps the FTX collapse, the upcoming trial, and the billions of dollars leaving FTX. It also examines potential complications, logistical points, and the defendant's legal complaints. The government's strategy, banking relationships, and media campaign surrounding Bankman-Fried are analyzed. The podcast also speculates on the involvement of various individuals in the Alameda scandal and explores the allegations against Sam's parents in relation to FTX.

Brian Merchant, technology columnist and author, explores the history and true motivations of the Luddites. He discusses their fight against exploitation enabled by technology, the impact of generative AI on labor, and the need for democratic inputs on technology development. The podcast also highlights the Luddites' campaign for worker's rights and the deliberate misrepresentation of their movement by those in power. The chapter also mentions an upcoming Luddite Tribunal event where the resurgence of modern Luddism will be debated.