Autonomous Airwaves

Michael J Burgess
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  • TECHNOLOGY
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Anonymous Airwaves is a bold, weekly podcast that navigates the edges of the digital frontier, a broadcast from the margins of mainstream tech discourse, where privacy meets protest and decentralisation meets design.

  1. 3D AGO

    Zero-Knowledge Proofs, Privacy Without Trust

    This episode explores how zero-knowledge proofs work, why they matter for privacy and scalability, and how new hardware and tooling are pushing them from theory into everyday systems. Main themes and topics:How zero-knowledge proofs actually workzk-SNARKs vs zk-STARKs and why the differences matterScalability and privacy in blockchainsHardware acceleration and specialised ZK chipsZK proofs for identity, voting, audits, and AIDeveloper tooling, languages, and security challenges Now let’s turn that into a clear, searchable title. Final episode title:Zero-Knowledge Proofs Explained, Privacy, Scalability, and the Hardware Powering ZK Next, the full episode description. Zero-knowledge proofs sound abstract, but they are quickly becoming one of the most important tools shaping the future of privacy-first technology. In this episode, we break down what zero-knowledge proofs actually are, how they allow verification without revealing sensitive data, and why they are becoming essential for blockchains, digital identity, and secure computation. We explore the two dominant approaches, zk-SNARKs and zk-STARKs, looking at their trade-offs around proof size, speed, trusted setup, and long-term security. We also dig into a fast-moving area that rarely gets discussed enough, hardware acceleration. From specialised chips to edge-device optimisations, we look at how new ZK hardware is tackling the heavy computational cost that has historically held these systems back. This opens the door to real-world use cases like private voting, proof-of-reserves audits, confidential identity checks, and even privacy-preserving AI models. Finally, we talk honestly about the challenges. Secure circuit design, arithmetisation, developer-friendly languages like Leo and Noir, and the real risks that come from subtle logic bugs. Zero-knowledge is powerful, but it is not magic, and building it safely matters. This episode uses a bit of AI magic to help research and structure the discussion. If you would ever like to come on for a fully human interview, just email podcast@beitmenotyou.online. You can find everything else I’m working on here:https://beitmenotyou.online If you want to support the project, no pressure at all:Lightning: beitmenotyou@geyser.fundGeyser: https://geyser.fundBTC: bc1qkvc05av9u6ds2w5f8y4yevenqnqlc36zqt7jmpETH: 0xb2ad3d76dc2a6B283422e1B6c6957a1C5Ea857E3SOL: 9pTYuMmU3guipw7Dp3EEuVUxhdVgjMYsFuhsCYbeYYNHBASE: 0xb2ad3d76dc2a6B283422e1B6c6957a1C5Ea857E3BINANCE: 0xb2ad3d76dc2a6B283422e1B6c6957a1C5Ea857E3FIAT: https://revolut.me/beitmenotyou

    38 min

  2. FEB 2

    Docker Explained, Architecture, Security, and 2025 Container Trends

    Docker completely changed how modern software is built, shipped, and run. In this episode of Autonomous Airwaves, we break down what Docker actually is, how containers work behind the scenes, and why they are so much lighter than traditional virtual machines. We explore how Docker uses the host system's kernel, layered filesystems, and isolation features to create consistent environments that behave the same on your laptop, a server, or in the cloud. From there, we zoom out to the wider container ecosystem, including how Docker is often paired with tools like Kubernetes to manage applications at scale. Cloud-native. We also talk honestly about container security, why it matters more than ever, and how the industry is responding. Finally, we look ahead to 2025, covering trends such as cloud-native development, microservices everywhere, AI-driven tooling, and the shift away from purely local workflows. As always, this episode uses a bit of AI magic to help shape the discussion. If you'd ever like to jump on for a fully human interview or conversation, drop an email to podcast@beitmenotyou.online. You can find everything else I'm working on here:https://beitmenotyou.online If you'd like to support the show, no pressure at all, here are a few options:Lightning: beitmenotyou@geyser.fundGeyser: https://geyser.fundBitcoin (BIC): bc1qkvc05av9u6ds2w5f8y4yevenqnqlc36zqt7jmpETH / Base / Binance: 0xb2ad3d76dc2a6B283422e1B6c6957a1C5Ea857E3SOL: 9pTYuMmU3guipw7Dp3EEuVUxhdVgjMYsFuhsCYbeYYNHFiat: https://revolut.me/beitmenotyou

    41 min

  3. JAN 26

    Tailscale Explained: Secure Mesh Networking, WireGuard, and the Future of VPNs

    In this episode, we take a closer look at Tailscale, a modern mesh VPN built on WireGuard, and explain why it has become such a popular alternative to traditional VPN setups. So we break down how Tailscale works by separating the control plane from the data plane, so your traffic stays peer-to-peer and encrypted, without the usual gateway bottlenecks or messy port forwarding. You'll hear how features like MagicDNS, Exit Nodes, and Tailnet Lock make secure networking far more approachable for home labs, cloud infrastructure, and even IoT devices. We also dig into the bigger questions. What are the trade-offs of convenience versus control? How does Tailscale compare to self-hosted options like Headscale or decentralised competitors such as ZeroTier? Should concerns about vendor lock-in and data privacy give you pause? Whether you're running a Raspberry Pi at home, managing Kubernetes in the cloud, or want a simpler way to access your own machines securely, this episode will help you decide if Tailscale fits your idea of digital sovereignty. This episode uses a bit of AI magic to help shape the research and structure. If you'd ever like to join the show for a fully human interview, drop an email to podcast@beitmenotyou.online. Find all my projects, links, and platforms here:https://beitmenotyou.online If you'd like to support the work, no pressure at all, here are a few options:Lightning: beitmenotyou@geyser.fundGeyser: https://geyser.fundBitcoin (BIC): bc1qkvc05av9u6ds2w5f8y4yevenqnqlc36zqt7jmpETH: 0xb2ad3d76dc2a6B283422e1B6c6957a1C5Ea857E3SOL: 9pTYuMmU3guipw7Dp3EEuVUxhdVgjMYsFuhsCYbeYYNHBASE: 0xb2ad3d76dc2a6B283422e1B6c6957a1C5Ea857E3BINANCE: 0xb2ad3d76dc2a6B283422e1B6c6957a1C5Ea857E3FIAT: https://revolut.me/beitmenotyou Main themes and talking points• What mesh VPNs are, and why they matter now• How Tailscale uses WireGuard differently from legacy VPNs• Control plane vs data plane explained simply• MagicDNS, Exit Nodes, and Tailnet Lock in real-world use• Tailscale vs Headscale, convenience vs sovereignty• Tailscale vs ZeroTier, centralised vs decentralised approaches• Where Tailscale fits in a self-hosted or home lab setup• Privacy, trust, and vendor lock-in concerns

    40 min

  4. JAN 19

    Debian: History, Governance, and the Meaning of Trixie

    This episode explores the story of Debian, one of the most influential and quietly radical projects in the Linux world. From its volunteer-led governance model to the release of Debian 13, Trixie, we look at how Debian balances technical conservatism with long-term innovation. Main themesDebian’s origins and valuesHow Debian is governedWhat makes Debian different from other distributionsWhat’s new in Debian 13, TrixieWhy Debian still matters in 2025 Now, a clear and searchable title. Debian Linux Explained: History, Governance, and What’s New in Debian 13 Trixie Here’s the full, listener-facing description. Debian is often described as the quiet backbone of the Linux world, and in this episode we unpack why that reputation exists. We trace the origins of Debian Project, a volunteer-run, non-commercial distribution that has shaped modern Linux more than almost any other project. From its early days and founding principles to its unique governance model, Debian shows what large-scale open collaboration can look like when it is driven by values rather than venture capital. The conversation then turns to Debian 13, Trixie. We break down what this release actually brings, including official 64-bit RISC-V support, the move to 64-bit time formats to avoid the Year 2038 problem, and new tooling such as wcurl. Rather than hype, the focus is on why these changes matter and what they say about Debian’s long-term thinking. We also explore Debian’s package management ecosystem, looking at how dpkg and APT work together to maintain stability across tens of thousands of packages, all guided by the Debian Free Software Guidelines. This leads into a wider discussion about philosophy, including ongoing debates around AI model compliance and software freedom. Finally, we examine Debian’s role as the foundation for countless other distributions, including Ubuntu, and ask a simple question. In a world of fast-moving tech and commercial pressure, how has Debian stayed so consistent for over three decades? This episode uses a bit of AI magic in the background to help research and structure the discussion. If you would like to take part in a future human interview or conversation, you are always welcome to email podcast@beitmenotyou.online. You can find everything else we’re building, writing, and hosting over athttps://beitmenotyou.online If you’d like to support the project, no pressure at all, here are a few options: Lightning: beitmenotyou@geyser.fundGeyser: https://geyser.fundBitcoin (BIC): bc1qkvc05av9u6ds2w5f8y4yevenqnqlc36zqt7jmpETH: 0xb2ad3d76dc2a6B283422e1B6c6957a1C5Ea857E3SOL: 9pTYuMmU3guipw7Dp3EEuVUxhdVgjMYsFuhsCYbeYYNHBASE: 0xb2ad3d76dc2a6B283422e1B6c6957a1C5Ea857E3BINANCE: 0xb2ad3d76dc2a6B283422e1B6c6957a1C5Ea857E3FIAT: https://revolut.me/beitmenotyou

    35 min

  5. JAN 12

    The Genesis and Evolution of the Linux Kernel

    In this episode of Autonomous Airwaves, we explore how the Linux kernel grew from a small personal project into one of the most important pieces of software ever written. What began as a hobby by Linus Torvalds now underpins vast parts of the modern digital world, from cloud servers and supercomputers to smartphones and embedded devices. The conversation moves between history, philosophy, and practical use. Along the way, we unpack why Linux matters, how its ecosystem evolved, and why it continues to attract developers, tinkerers, and organisations looking for freedom, stability, and control. Key topics covered We start with the roots of Linux and its relationship to Unix. The hosts talk through why Unix mattered, what problems Linux set out to solve, and how early internet collaboration helped the kernel spread faster than anyone expected. The discussion then shifts to the modern Linux landscape. We break down what people actually mean when they say “Linux”, and why distributions exist in the first place. Popular options like Ubuntu, Fedora, and Arch Linux are used as examples to explain the balance between stability, innovation, and user control. On the technical side, the episode looks inside the Linux kernel itself. We discuss its architecture, how it is maintained, and why security has become such a central concern. This includes a look at the growing use of Rust for memory-safe development, and what that means for the future of the kernel. Philosophy also plays a big role. The hosts unpack the long-running tension between the free software movement and the open-source model, touching on figures like Richard Stallman and why these ideas still shape how Linux is built and shared today. To round things off, the episode brings things back down to earth with practical advice for newcomers. Desktop environments, basic command-line tools, and package management systems are all discussed in plain terms, with an emphasis on reducing fear and lowering the barrier to entry. Highlights from the conversation • Linux is not an operating system in the traditional sense, it is the kernel at the centre of many operating systems.• Distributions exist because no single setup fits everyone, from enterprise servers to home desktops.• Most people already use Linux daily, even if they have never installed it themselves.• Security is no longer an afterthought, it is shaping how the kernel evolves.• The values behind Linux matter just as much as the code, especially in a world of increasing digital control. Resources and links mentioned • Linux Kernel project: https://www.kernel.org• Ubuntu: https://ubuntu.com• Fedora Project: https://fedoraproject.org• Arch Linux: https://archlinux.org• Free Software Foundation: https://www.fsf.org• Rust programming language: https://www.rust-lang.org About the episode This episode uses a bit of AI assistance to help organise and structure the content. If you would like to take part in a future episode as a human guest, you are very welcome to get in touch at podcast@beitmenotyou.online. You can find all related projects, links, and ways to support the show here:https://beitmenotyou.online

    35 min

  6. TRAILER

    Autonomous Airwaves Trailer: Power, Money, Freedom, and Digital Autonomy

    Welcome to Autonomous Airwaves. This short trailer sets the tone for the show: calm, grounded, and focused on the systems shaping modern life. We talk about power, money, freedom, and the subtle ways control can creep in through “convenience” and quiet policy shifts. Bitcoin and digital currencies come up often, but not as price talk and not as hype. Here, Bitcoin is treated as an idea and a tool, something worth examining honestly. What problems does it actually try to solve, where does it succeed, and where does it fall short? We also explore digital identity, surveillance, censorship, CBDCs, and the wider direction of travel. The goal isn’t panic or blind trust. It’s clear thinking, better questions, and a space where you can form your own conclusions. A bit of AI magic helps shape some episodes and production, but if you’d ever like to do a proper human interview in the future, you’re always welcome to email podcast@beitmenotyou.online. Find everything else I’m building here: https://beitmenotyou.online If you want to support the work (no pressure at all):Lightning: beitmenotyou@geyser.fundGeyser: https://geyser.fundBIC: bc1qkvc05av9u6ds2w5f8y4yevenqnqlc36zqt7jmpETH: 0xb2ad3d76dc2a6B283422e1B6c6957a1C5Ea857E3SOL: 9pTYuMmU3guipw7Dp3EEuVUxhdVgjMYsFuhsCYbeYYNHBASE: 0xb2ad3d76dc2a6B283422e1B6c6957a1C5Ea857E3BINANCE: 0xb2ad3d76dc2a6B283422e1B6c6957a1C5Ea857E3FAIT: https://revolut.me/beitmenotyou

    2 min

  7. JAN 5

    Britcoin Uncapped? The Digital Pound's Promise vs. Your Privacy & Freedom

    the United Kingdom's proposed retail Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), known as the digital pound, with a key focus on the suggested £10,000 to £20,000 holding cap. Authorities support this cap primarily to ensure financial stability and prevent rapid outflows from commercial banks during crises, intending the digital pound for transactions rather than long-term savings. However, the text also explores significant criticisms from privacy advocates and crypto proponents, who fear the digital currency could lead to unprecedented government surveillance and a loss of financial autonomy due to its traceable nature and the imposed limits. Furthermore, the source briefly examines the global context of CBDC adoption, noting the UK's cautious approach compared to other nations, and offers practical steps individuals can take, such as diversifying savings into alternatives like physical cash or stablecoins, to protect their financial freedom. https://beitmenotyou.online

    33 min

  8. 12/29/2025

    Cloudflare Tunnels: Secure Your Raspberry Pi from Anywhere

    These sources collectively explore the practice of self-hosting various applications and services on Raspberry Pi devices. They highlight the benefits of self-hosting, such as enhanced privacy and control over personal data, and address the cost-effectiveness and low power consumption of Raspberry Pis as servers. The texts also detail practical aspects of setting up a self-hosted environment, including installing operating systems, configuring network settings, and utilising tools like Docker and Portainer for application deployment and management. Furthermore, the sources provide examples of specific applications that can be self-hosted, ranging from media servers and password managers to personal cloud solutions and website hosting, while also discussing challenges and considerations like security, network stability, and hardware limitations.

    55 min
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Trailer

About

Anonymous Airwaves is a bold, weekly podcast that navigates the edges of the digital frontier, a broadcast from the margins of mainstream tech discourse, where privacy meets protest and decentralisation meets design.

Information

  • Creator
    Michael J Burgess
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    45
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Michael J Burgess
  • Show Website
    Autonomous Airwaves