The 404 Media Podcast

I would recommend this podcast and the associated written content created by 404 Media for anyone who wants to keep abreast of the changing landscape of technology. Thank you to the show creators.

I appreciate this podcast because it’s refreshing to hear knowledgeable, level-headed folks talking about tech news and related topics without too much formality or meandering. The more recent interview episodes with knowledgeable expert guests are especially interesting and informative—and quite succinct compared to similar interview-style podcasts.

This is the only podcast which I subscribe to but don’t listen to. I read the transcripts. The vibe is very much disaffected snobby valley girl with lukewarm lefty takes (ie Gawker). It says something about culture that we can talk about greatly consequential societal transformations being manifested by technocrats with a “uh, yah, like, this sucks, right?” tone and not be overwhelmed by cognitive dissonance. Tbh, I’d bet the hosts and listeners will put up little to no resistance before settling into a “uh, yah, I guess this is our new technocratic reality, and like, I don’t know, it could obviously go really bad, but … maybe it won’t?” It is depressing neoliberalism dressed up as anti-authoritarianism. No substance in terms of original analysis, but they serve the basic function of shining a light on topics I’m interested in, so I skim the transcripts and skip the sound of their pseudo-opinionated whining and vocal fry.

Not talky, even though it’s talk. The intelligent questions turn up. Weary of banter, this was a breath of fresh air.