TechStuff
iHeartPodcasts
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
Aug 21, 2024 • 18min
Disney's Multiplane Camera
Dive into the fascinating world of animation as engineers at Disney devised the multiplane camera, a groundbreaking innovation that introduced depth to 2D films. Explore how this technology transformed animation, enhancing perspective and realism in scenes. Learn about the traditional methods of filmmaking, their limitations, and the impact of reliable tech services. Plus, get inspired with ideas on building your own simplified version of this iconic camera for a hands-on experience!
Aug 19, 2024 • 45min
Rerun: Space Suit Evolution
Explore the fascinating history of space suits and how they evolved from early flight suits for aviators. Discover the Cold War rivalry that spurred advancements in astronaut safety and technology. Learn about the unique features of the Russian TP-82 firearm designed for space missions. Delve into the challenges of developing new suits for the Artemis Program and their critical role in upcoming space exploration.
Aug 16, 2024 • 28min
A Bad Hack and a Great Guest
Shannon Morse, a cybersecurity expert, dives into the serious implications of a staggering data breach that exposed 2.9 billion records. She dispels common media misconceptions about data protection and offers practical advice to enhance personal security. The conversation extends to ethical concerns surrounding AI in hiring and voice duplication, as well as the impact of cyber threats on political campaigns. Finally, Shannon shares insights about NASA's astronaut safety and innovations in digital technology.
Aug 14, 2024 • 31min
AI and Price Fixing
Dive into the intriguing world of AI and its role in price fixing. Discover how businesses use dynamic pricing to adapt to demand and local events. Learn about the ethical dilemmas facing grocery pricing amid economic challenges. Uncover the impact of AI on rental prices, particularly with software like RealPage, amid legal scrutiny. Finally, explore the risks of collusion as companies adopt similar AI tactics, highlighting the need for regulation to protect consumers.
Aug 13, 2024 • 34min
Smart Talks with IBM: An AI advantage for the US Open
In this conversation, Brian Ryerson, the Senior Director of Digital Strategy at the US Tennis Association, shares insights on how AI is reshaping the fan experience at the US Open. He discusses innovative features like AI commentary and real-time match reports that enhance engagement. The importance of storytelling in sports and the role of data in crafting narratives also take center stage. Ryerson emphasizes how these advancements deepen connections with fans, whether they are at the venue or enjoying from afar.
Aug 12, 2024 • 48min
The Tale of the RCA VideoDisc
Dive into the world of nostalgia and innovation as the RCA CED takes center stage. Discover how this failed media format aimed to compete with giants like VHS and LaserDisc. Explore the unique capacitance encoding method that made it distinctive and the design hurdles the team faced. Personal anecdotes add charm, while reflections on RCA's ambitious journey illuminate the influence of historical figures like David Sarnoff. Ultimately, uncover how this quirky technology remains a fascinating relic in the story of video history.
Aug 9, 2024 • 21min
It's Just a Matter of (Anti)trust
Elon Musk, a visionary entrepreneur and CEO known for his groundbreaking work in electric vehicles and aerospace, shares his insights on the latest antitrust challenges facing tech giants like Google and Amazon. He discusses the implications of these lawsuits on the advertising landscape and his own legal battles involving AI. Musk also addresses the complexities of tech mergers and the transformation of space travel technology. With a mix of legal scrutiny and innovative advancements, this conversation is a must-listen for tech enthusiasts.
Aug 7, 2024 • 36min
Hitting the Road with GPS
Explore the fascinating evolution of navigation from traditional maps to GPS technology. Discover how the launch of Sputnik in 1957 sparked advancements in satellite navigation. Learn how satellites pinpoint your location using time and distance calculations. Dive into the role of atomic clocks and relativity in enhancing accuracy. The transition to GPS has changed how we travel, but map-reading skills remain essential for unexpected detours. Plus, see how historical events, like the Cold War, have shaped this modern technology.
13 snips
Aug 6, 2024 • 39min
The Global Economy and the Hype on Artificial Intelligence
As global economies tremble on the brink of recession, the podcast examines the ripple effects on financial markets, particularly in tech. It scrutinizes the Gartner Hype Cycle, revealing how AI hype contrasts starkly with actual revenue outcomes. Listeners learn that AI's integration into business mirrors a gradual onboarding process rather than an overnight revolution. The discussion highlights the tech sector's vulnerability amid economic uncertainty, urging a blend of optimism and caution as industries navigate the evolving landscape.
Aug 2, 2024 • 38min
Tech News: Is the Honeymoon Over for AI?
In a world growing impatient for AI breakthroughs, discussions reveal shareholder skepticism about hefty investments without immediate returns. The impact of a controversial online safety bill fades, while Reddit tightens AI access policies. Tech politics heat up with investigations into NVIDIA and fluctuating net neutrality regulations. Meanwhile, misinformation thrives on social media, and challenges emerge in space exploration. As industries grapple with AI's role, the future remains a hot topic filled with both excitement and concern.
