TechStuff
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Behind every innovation is a new kind of power. TechStuff unpacks how technology reshapes influence, creativity, and control, from Silicon Valley’s rising moguls to the cultural forces they create. Because tech is the new religion, economy, and entertainment, all at once.
Each week, Oz Woloshyn and the brightest minds covering tech dig into the weird, funny, and sometimes unsettling ways technology, AI, and the internet shape our daily lives. From AI and social media to privacy, digital burnout, and the creator economy, they ask how all this innovation is changing who we are, how we work, love, and make meaning.
Smart talk, strange stories, and the questions everyone’s Googling: whether AI will replace us, how social media is affecting our kids, and what it all says about us.
Get in touch here: techstuffpodcast@gmail.com
Each week, Oz Woloshyn and the brightest minds covering tech dig into the weird, funny, and sometimes unsettling ways technology, AI, and the internet shape our daily lives. From AI and social media to privacy, digital burnout, and the creator economy, they ask how all this innovation is changing who we are, how we work, love, and make meaning.
Smart talk, strange stories, and the questions everyone’s Googling: whether AI will replace us, how social media is affecting our kids, and what it all says about us.
Get in touch here: techstuffpodcast@gmail.com
Episodes
Mentioned books
Sep 10, 2024 • 43min
Smart Talks with IBM: Education in the Age of AI
Justina Nixon-Saintil, IBM's Chief Impact Officer, and April Dawson, Associate Dean of Technology, shine a light on how AI is revolutionizing education. They emphasize the importance of lifelong learning and ethical AI use in classrooms. The discussion covers initiatives like IBM SkillsBuild, aiming to democratize education and empower 30 million learners by 2030. They also explore how AI enhances legal education and the need for skills-based hiring, ensuring students are prepared for a tech-driven workforce.
Sep 9, 2024 • 41min
The Birth of Paypal
Discover the fascinating origin story of PayPal, from its co-founding by Max Levchin and Peter Thiel to its rise as a digital payment giant. Uncover the competitive spirit of the late 90s fintech landscape, including humorous rivalries. Learn about the merging of Confinity and X.com, highlighting the tension between innovation and traditional finance. Follow PayPal's transformation under eBay's ownership and its eventual successful spinoff, showcasing the challenges and triumphs faced along the way. Delve into how the 'PayPal Mafia' shaped the future of digital finance.
Sep 6, 2024 • 22min
Tech News: Brazil Ditches X and Russia Buys Some Influencers
Brazil's Supreme Court has shut down access to X after Elon Musk defied some questionable court orders. The US Department of Justice says that an American media company was secretly generating propaganda on behalf of Russia. And a musician used bots to both generate and listen to music for nearly a decade before being accused of fraud.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 5, 2024 • 43min
Abandoned Tech Projects
Discover the abandoned dreams of technology from Microsoft's failed Courier tablet to the holographic Atari Cosmos gaming system. Explore how internal conflicts derailed ambitious projects and shifted the landscape of innovation. Dive into the challenges faced by Sinclair's Loki, a competitor in the 80s tech scene, and hear about the smart glasses and children's smart speaker that faced privacy controversies. This journey through forgotten ideas highlights both the ambitions and pitfalls of tech innovation.
Sep 2, 2024 • 21min
What happened to Facebook's digital currency?
Explore the ambitious rise and fall of Facebook's digital currency, originally called Libra. Discover the hurdles of trust and governance that plagued its launch amidst skepticism from a wary public. Delve into the complexities of regulatory scrutiny and corporate withdrawals that led to its rebranding as Diem. The journey illustrates the challenges of integrating digital currencies into existing frameworks, culminating in the asset sale to Silvergate Capital and the chaotic aftermath. A fascinating tale of ambition thwarted by reality!
Aug 30, 2024 • 42min
Elon Musk Gets a Lot of Bad News
This week dives into the challenges faced by Elon Musk's companies, including Tesla's fire incidents and SpaceX's launch delays. Legal troubles loom over X as misinformation clashes with Brazilian authorities. Meanwhile, the MPA cracks down on a huge media piracy ring, highlighting the tech industry's fight against online theft. Discussions also reveal pressing concerns around AI and corporate data safety, emphasizing the implications for privacy and surveillance in our daily lives.
Aug 28, 2024 • 41min
Sending Telegram's CEO to Court
Telegram's CEO, Pavel Durov, known for his commitment to secure communications, finds himself in hot water after his arrest by French authorities. The discussion dives into his journey from founding VK to launching Telegram, balancing privacy against the need to curb illegal activity. Challenges with content moderation and the platform's controversial handling of sensitive material are examined. Durov's insights on the evolving tech landscape reveal the intricate dance between user privacy, regulatory demands, and the future of digital communication.
Aug 27, 2024 • 40min
Smart Talks with IBM: How open source can democratize AI
Mo Duffy, a Software Engineering Manager at Red Hat, shares insights on how open-source technology fuels AI democratization. They delve into the InstructLab project, which empowers users to fine-tune AI models, promoting collaboration and inclusivity. Duffy emphasizes the importance of community input in creating genuinely open-source AI while discussing the balance between resource limitations and security in AI applications. The conversation highlights how embracing openness can drive innovation and enhance user experience in technology.
Aug 26, 2024 • 30min
Rerun: How Podcasting Works
Discover the behind-the-scenes magic of podcasting! The hosts share their journey, highlighting the shift from scripted content to a lively, conversational style. They delve into the essentials of podcasting equipment, emphasizing quality sound and engaging material. Tips for aspiring podcasters include defining a clear purpose, maintaining a schedule, and overcoming common challenges. Enjoy a light-hearted discussion about the evolution of podcasting and the role of AI, along with nostalgic reflections on the connections built through this creative medium.
Aug 23, 2024 • 20min
Tech News: Augmenting (Or Outright Replacing) Reality
Meta and Snap are gearing up to release new AR glasses, but they may remain out of reach for many. Cruise partners with Uber, signaling shifts in the transportation landscape. Google has stirred debate with a new photo editing feature that complicates image authenticity. Meanwhile, a hacker's wild attempt to fake his own death raises eyebrows. Plus, new AI tools spark discussions on ethical implications and corporate controversies.
