Better Offline
Cool Zone Media and iHeartPodcasts
Better Offline is a weekly show exploring the tech industry’s influence and manipulation of society - and interrogating the growth-at-all-costs future that tech’s elite wants to build.
Combining narrative-form storytelling, one-on-one interviews and panel-based discussions, Better Offline cuts through the buzzwords and obfuscation of the tech industry, investigating and evaluating the schemes and scams of everyone from cryptocurrency scumbags to the greediest of the venture capital elite. Tech industry veteran Ed Zitron and a dynamic coterie of guests will help listeners understand the who, how and why of how tech’s most powerful players are changing the world - for better or for worse.
Combining narrative-form storytelling, one-on-one interviews and panel-based discussions, Better Offline cuts through the buzzwords and obfuscation of the tech industry, investigating and evaluating the schemes and scams of everyone from cryptocurrency scumbags to the greediest of the venture capital elite. Tech industry veteran Ed Zitron and a dynamic coterie of guests will help listeners understand the who, how and why of how tech’s most powerful players are changing the world - for better or for worse.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 10, 2026 • 2h 1min
CES 2026: Part Nine (Friday)
In this engaging discussion, Kyle Chouinard, a local reporter for the Las Vegas Sun, reveals how CES impacts Vegas tourism and the city's efforts to cultivate a tech sector. Garrison Davis, a journalist from It Could Happen Here, dives into the pitfalls of AI hype in product design. Robert Evans from Behind the Bastards shares thoughts on CES's emptiness despite flashy innovations. The trio exchanges humorous anecdotes about bizarre gadgets while addressing serious concerns like AI's influence on jobs and healthcare.
7 snips
Jan 10, 2026 • 2h 4min
CES 2026: Part Eight (Friday)
Cory Doctorow, an advocate for digital rights, joins a talented group including YouTuber Michael Fisher, Engadget's Cherlynn Low, tech writer Edward Ongweso, and commentator Garrison Davis. They explore the potential of the Clicks Communicator for focused communication and express concerns over Amazon's surveillance capabilities. Discussions cover advanced eyeglasses like IXI and ethical questions around XR grief therapy. The panel also critiques automation, hardware accessibility, and the latest tech trends shimmering amidst the glitz of CES.
9 snips
Jan 9, 2026 • 2h 13min
CES 2026: Part Seven (Thursday)
Chloe Radcliffe, a comedian and actress, adds humor and sharp observations on the CES floor. Garrison Davis shares quirky insights from the show while Rob Pegoraro offers a seasoned perspective on emerging tech trends. They discuss the lack of major brands this year, the allure of novelty in Eureka Park, and the questionable hype around AI advancements. The group critiques the industry's automation approaches and the ethical implications of surveillance tech, wrapping up with thoughts on CES’s diminishing whimsy and meaningful consumer impact.
Jan 8, 2026 • 2h 2min
CES 2026: Part Six (Thursday)
In this engaging discussion, tech journalist Devindra Hardawar explores Dell's rebranding missteps at CES. Comedian Chloe Radcliffe shares her humorous takes on smart rings and the absurdities of tech trends. Reporter Matt Binder highlights the economic impacts of RAM shortages on consumer prices. The panel critiques AI's marketing hype versus real capabilities, noting the growing costs and diminishing returns in image generation. They advocate for buying used tech and emphasize the importance of real connections in our tech-driven lives.
9 snips
Jan 8, 2026 • 2h 13min
CES 2026: Part Five (Wednesday)
Karissa Bell, a tech journalist from Engadget, shares her insights from the CES floor. Jared Newman discusses industry trends while Chloe Radcliffe brings humor to the table. Ed Ongweso Jr. critiques the growing focus on flashy concepts over practicality. They tackle slow laundry robots, Pebble's nostalgic comeback, and innovative assistive tech. The panel debates the purpose of CES, highlighting both exciting advancements and the recurring issue of vaporware. Expect laughter, candid reflections, and an engaging exploration of tech's future!
Jan 8, 2026 • 2h 10min
CES 2026: Part Four (Wednesday)
Chloe Radcliffe, a stand-up comedian and actress, shares her insights on tech culture at CES, humorously commenting on the absurdities of gendered marketing. Adam Conover, host of Factually, offers a comedic critique of AI products and the peculiar pitch of a BBQ grill with 'agents.' Matt Binder highlights on-the-ground observations about the ethical implications of robotic pets. The panel delves into social issues like male loneliness, emphasizing empathy and introspection over tech solutions, while also discussing the bizarre nature of CES booths.
Jan 7, 2026 • 2h 9min
CES 2026: Part Three (Tuesday)
In this lively discussion, technology journalist Victoria Song dives into the absurd world of CES trends, unveiling bizarre health tech like taint zappers and LED masks. Robert Evans raises alarms over AI's access to sensitive data. Comedian Adam Conover offers a hilarious take on quirky consumer tech and sleep devices, while Chloe Radcliffe shares her fresh takes on unnecessary metrics in pet tech. The group critiques the unrealistic demos and hyped promises of CES, showcasing the gap between innovation and practicality in today's tech landscape.
4 snips
Jan 7, 2026 • 2h 1min
CES 2026: Part Two (Tuesday)
Join Ed Ongweso Jr., a tech culture commentator, Ed Niedermeyer, an automotive analyst, Gare Davis, creator of a tech commentary project, and Henry Casey, a CNN tech reporter, as they dive into cutting-edge highlights from the CES floor. They candidly critique the underwhelming performance of smart glasses and question the ethics of consumer robotics. Discussions reveal the absurdity of marketing tactics, especially for household robots, and the worrying implications of AI children's toys. Expect humor and insightful critiques in this lively tech roundtable!
23 snips
Jan 6, 2026 • 2h 40min
CES 2026: Part One (Monday)
Join a lively discussion with Ed Ongweso Jr., a keen tech journalist; David Roth, a humorous cultural commentator; Matt Binder, a hands-on tech reporter; Scott Stein, a consumer electronics expert; Lisa Eadicicco, who covers mobile innovations; and Robert Evans, known for his critical analysis. They dissect NVIDIA's uninspiring keynote, explore the resurgence of wearables, and debate the practicality of smart glasses. Expect insights into the latest CES trends, including bizarre gadgets, AI pitfalls, and the future of robotics, all served with a side of laughter.
18 snips
Jan 2, 2026 • 29min
CZM Rewind: The Case Against Generative AI (Part 4)
Dive into the financial realities of generative AI as Ed Zitron discusses the staggering costs associated with OpenAI's operations. He debunks myths about industry funding and reveals how optimistic forecasts clash with financial logic. Learn about the pitfalls of GPU investments and how hype surrounding AI fails to reflect true enterprise demand. With insights on media responsibility and the risk of a bubble burst, this captivating discussion highlights the precarious future of AI innovation.
