Hard Fork
Technology
About
Kevin Roose and Casey Newton make sense of the rapidly changing tech world.
Episodes
- Can the U.S. Rein in Prediction Markets? + Joanna Stern on Her Year of A.I. Experiments + Our Producer Goes to Attention School
This episode of Hard Fork covers the regulation of prediction markets, Joanna Stern's year-long experiment using a chatbot, and a report on the Strother School of Radical Attention.
- OpenAI’s Big Reset + A.I. in the Doctor’s Office + Talkie, a pre-1930s LLM
This episode covers OpenAI's strategic changes, including its partnership with Microsoft and future growth. It also explores the application of AI in medical diagnosis and treatment, and introduces Talkie, an LLM trained on pre-1930s texts.
- Tim Cook’s Legacy + The Future of U.B.I. With Andrew Yang + HatGPT
This episode discusses Tim Cook’s legacy at Apple and the future of Universal Basic Income with Andrew Yang. It also includes a segment on recent tech news called HatGPT.
- A.I. Backlash Turns Violent + Kara Swisher on Healthmaxxing + The Zuck Bot Is Coming
This episode of Hard Fork discusses the backlash against artificial intelligence and data centers, with a focus on recent violent incidents. It also features Kara Swisher discussing Silicon Valley's focus on longevity and speculative discu…
- Anthropic’s Cybersecurity Shock Wave + Ronan Farrow and Andrew Marantz on Their Sam Altman Investigation + One Good Thing
This episode of Hard Fork discusses Anthropic's new AI model, Mythos, and its implications for cybersecurity. The hosts are joined by Ronan Farrow and Andrew Marantz to discuss their investigation into Sam Altman.
- The Future of Addictive Design + Going Deep at DeepMind + HatGPT
This episode discusses the implications of recent legal decisions on social media and AI, featuring an interview with Sebastian Mallaby, author of "The Infinity Machine," about Google DeepMind. The hosts also cover current tech headlines.
- The Ezra Klein Show: How Fast Will A.I. Agents Rip Through the Economy?
This episode of The Ezra Klein Show features Jack Clark, a co-founder of Anthropic. He discusses AI agents, their impact on the economy and work, and policies to address potential job displacement.
- ‘A.I.-Washing’ Layoffs? + Why L.L.M.s Can’t Write Well + Tokenmaxxing
This episode of Hard Fork covers recent tech layoffs and whether A.I. contributes to job loss. It also explores why large language models struggle with creative writing and introduces "tokenmaxxing" in tech companies. Jasmine Sun, a journa…
- A.I. Goes to War + Is ‘A.I. Brain Fry’ Real? + How Grammarly Stole Casey’s Identity
This episode of Hard Fork covers the use of AI in warfare, the phenomenon of "AI brain fry" among AI users, and a situation involving Grammarly using a user's identity without their consent. Julie Bedard, lead author of a survey on "AI bra…
- OpenAI's Fog of War + Betting on Iran + Hard Fork Review of Slop
This episode of Hard Fork discusses OpenAI's deal with the Pentagon and the U.S.-Israel war with Iran. It also covers A.I.-generated content on YouTube with guest Arijeta Lajka.
- At the Pentagon, OpenAI is In and Anthropic Is Out
This episode of Hard Fork explores the recent developments regarding the Pentagon's involvement with A.I. companies, specifically its decision to discontinue the use of Anthropic's systems and its new agreement with OpenAI. The discussion…
- Is A.I. Eating the Labor Market? + The Latest on the Pentagon, OpenClaw and Alpha School
This episode features economist Anton Korinek discussing how artificial intelligence affects the job and stock markets. The hosts also provide updates on the ongoing situation between the Pentagon and Anthropic, as well as developments con…
- The Pentagon vs. Anthropic + An A.I. Agent Slandered Me + Hot Mess Express
Hard Fork discusses Anthropic's refusal to allow govenment use of its technology for autonomous weapons and surveillance. The Pentagon is threatening to cut business ties with Anthropic and declare the company a "supply chain risk." The ep…
- ‘Something Big Is Happening’ + A.I. Rocks the Romance Novel Industry + One Good Thing
This episode of Hard Fork discusses the software-stock sell-off and AI's impact on job displacement and the romance novel industry. Guest Alexandra Alter from The New York Times explains how writers use AI chatbots to create romance novels.
- Elon Musk’s Mega-Merger + We Test Google’s Project Genie + What’s Next for Moltbook Creator
This episode of Hard Fork covers Elon Musk's XAI merger with SpaceX and a test of Google's Project Genie. The creator of Moltbook, Matt Schlicht, discusses his new social media platform for AI agents. The episode also touches on the OpenAI…
- Moltbook Mania Explained
Moltbook, a Reddit-style forum for A.I. agents, has garnered significant attention. This episode explores the platform, discusses interactions between AI agents, and considers the future trajectory of AI in such environments.
- Tech Grapples With ICE + Casey Tries Clawdbot, a Risky New A.I. Assistant + HatGPT
This episode of Hard Fork discusses the tech industry\'s response to federal actions and the federal government\'s social media strategy. It also covers a trial of an A.I. assistant and other tech news, including false posts, data center o…
- Will ChatGPT Ads Change OpenAI? + Amanda Askell Explains Claude's New Constitution
This episode of Hard Fork explores the introduction of ads to ChatGPT and the implications for OpenAI. It also features a discussion with Amanda Askell about Anthropic’s Claude Constitution, focusing on how chatbots are taught ethical guid…
- Jonathan Haidt Strikes Again + What You Vibecoded + An Update on the Forkiverse
Jonathan Haidt speaks about social media's effects on teenagers and his role in a movement against platforms. The episode also features listener projects created with Claude Code and an update on the Forkiverse with PJ Vogt.
- Can We Build a Better Social Network?
Hard Fork and Search Engine collaborated on "The Fediverse Experiment" to create a new social media platform. They explore an alternative to existing social networks, with PJ Vogt as a guest.
- Grok’s Undressing Scandal + Claude Code Capers + Casey Busts a Reddit Hoax
This episode covers the use of Grok's AI chatbot to create sexualized images, experiences with Claude Code, and the debunking of a Reddit hoax concerning the food delivery industry.
- Our 2026 Tech Resolutions + We Answer Your Questions
Hard Fork discusses their 2026 tech resolutions and reflects on previous goals. The hosts also answer listener questions, covering various tech-related topics.
- The Wirecutter Show: Tips for Using A.I. Smartly With Kevin Roose
Kevin Roose discusses AI products, chatbot strategies, and robot vacuums on The Wirecutter Show. This conversation is recommended for Hard Fork listeners.
- Where Is All the A.I.-Driven Scientific Progress?
This episode features Sam Rodriques, founder of FutureHouse and Edison Scientific, who discusses the current role of AI in scientific discovery. He explains how AI tools, such as Kosmos, function and their potential to expedite data analys…
- Why Roomba Died + Tech Predictions for 2026 + A Hard Forkin’ Xmas Song
This episode features iRobot co-founder Colin Angle, who discusses the reasons behind Roomba's decline. The hosts also make their tech predictions for 2026, including who might succeed Tim Cook at Apple.
- Australia Kicks Kids Off Social Media + Is the A.I. Water Issue Fake? + Hard Fork Wrapped
This episode of Hard Fork covers Australia's social media ban for children, examines the issue of AI water usage with blogger Andy Masley, and features a "Hard Fork" Wrapped segment reviewing key statistics and stories from 2025.
- OpenAI Calls a ‘Code Red’ + Which Model Should I Use? + The Hard Fork Review of Slop
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman sent a memo to staff declaring a "code red" effort to improve ChatGPT and delay other initiatives due to pressure from new AI models. This episode discusses why Google and Anthropic models are concerning OpenAI, offer…
- Hard Fork’s 50 Most Iconic Technologies of 2025
Hard Fork discusses the 50 most iconic technologies of 2025. The hosts present their selections and explain why each entry played a significant role in defining the year.
- The Interview: How Wikipedia Is Responding to the Culture Wars
This episode features a conversation with Wikipedia co-founder Jimmy Wales. He discusses the challenges Wikipedia faces from right-wing influencers and AI chatbots that compete with its content.
- We Asked Roblox’s C.E.O. About Child Safety. It Got Tense.
Hard Fork features an interview with Roblox CEO David Baszucki. They discuss child safety concerns on the Roblox platform and new measures being implemented to protect young users.
- Google's Gemini 3 Is Here: A Special Early Look
Hard Fork discusses Google's Gemini 3 large language model. The episode includes an early product briefing and a conversation with Google executives Demis Hassabis and Josh Woodward.
- Data Centers in Space + A.I. Policy on the Right + A Gemini History Mystery
Hard Fork explores Google's initiative for space-based data centers, delves into A.I. policy with insights from former White House adviser Dean Ball, and examines a Gemini model with Professor Mark Humphries.
- We Met NEO, the Viral Humanoid Robot + HatGPT
This episode of Hard Fork features a discussion with Bernt Bornich, CEO of 1X, about their new humanoid robot, NEO. The hosts also meet NEO and share their experience, followed by a tech news segment called HatGPT.
- Character.AI’s Teen Chatbot Crackdown + Elon Musk Groks Wikipedia + 48 Hours Without A.I.
This episode of Hard Fork discusses Character.AI's decision to restrict teen access to its chatbots, Elon Musk's new "Grokipedia," and A.J. Jacobs' experience avoiding artificial intelligence for 48 hours. The hosts examine the implication…
- Celebrities Fight Sora + Amazon’s Secret Automation Plans + ChatGPT Gets a Browser
This episode of Hard Fork covers the backlash against OpenAI's Sora video generation app, Amazon's plans to increase automation in warehouses, and first impressions of new AI browsers including ChatGPT Atlas.
- California Regulates A.I. Companions + OpenAI Investigates Its Critics + The Hard Fork Review of Slop
This episode covers California's new AI and social media regulations, with a focus on AI companions. It also explores OpenAI's investigation into its critics and features "The Hard Fork Review of Slop."
- ChatGPT’s Platform Play + a Trillion-Dollar GPU Empire + the Queen of Slop
Hard Fork discusses OpenAI's DevDay announcements, including apps in ChatGPT and a computing deal between OpenAI and AMD. Additionally, a reporter joins the show to discuss AI-generated video content and its implications.
- Sora and the Infinite Slop Feeds + ChatGPT Goes to Therapy + Hot Mess Express
Hard Fork discusses new A.I.-generated video tools and social media feeds from Google, Meta, and OpenAI. The episode also features psychotherapist Gary Greenberg discussing his essay about treating ChatGPT as a patient and covers various m…
- The Great A.I. Build-Out + H-1B Visa Chaos + TikTok Braces for the Rapture
This episode covers a significant deal between OpenAI and Nvidia, changes to the H-1B visa program and its potential impact on various sectors, and the "Rapture" trend on TikTok.
- Charlie Kirk and Online Rage + Inside Trump’s Chip Flip + This Week in A.I.
Hard Fork discusses Charlie Kirk and online violence. They also cover a New York Times investigation into an investment in Trump’s crypto company and a deal to send A.I. chips to the UAE. The episode concludes with a roundup of A.I. news.
- Are We Past Peak iPhone? + Eliezer Yudkowsky on A.I. Doom
Hard Fork discusses Apple\'s new products and the future of the iPhone. This episode also features Eliezer Yudkowsky, who argues for halting A.I. development.
- A.I. School Is in Session: Two Takes on the Future of Education
This episode of Hard Fork explores the use of artificial intelligence in education. It features discussions with MacKenzie Price, co-founder of Alpha Schools, about personalized learning and D. Graham Burnett, a Princeton historian, on the…
- Intel’s New Deal + Waymo C.E.O. Tekedra Mawakana on Scaling Driverless Cars + Trumps in Tech
Hard Fork discusses the U.S. government's investment in Intel, Waymo's strategy for expanding its driverless car service, and the Trump family's involvement in technology projects. Waymo co-chief executive Tekedra Mawakana is a guest on th…
- Is This an A.I. Bubble? + Meta’s Missing Morals + TikTok Shock Slop
Hard Fork discusses whether there is an A.I. bubble and examines internal Meta policy documents. The episode also covers a new TikTok trend and features guest Jeff Horwitz.
- GPT-5 Backlash + Perplexity C.E.O. Aravind Srinivas on the Browser Wars + Hot Mess Express
Hard Fork discusses the backlash to GPT-5 and user relationships with chatbots. The episode also features an interview with Perplexity AI CEO Aravind Srinivas about his company's AI-powered browser, Comet, and the future of AI in web brows…
- GPT-5 Arrives, and We Try the New Alexa+
This episode of Hard Fork discusses the release of OpenAI's GPT-5, including initial testing and a news briefing with Sam Altman. The hosts also review Amazon's Alexa+ and interview Daniel Rausch, vice president of Alexa and Echo, about th…
- Age-Gating the Internet + Cloudflare Takes On A.I. Scrapers + HatGPT
This episode of Hard Fork examines the impact of internet age-verification laws and Cloudflare's strategy to help publishers fight AI scrapers. Matthew Prince, CEO of Cloudflare, discusses these topics along with a review of tech headlines.
- Trump Fights ‘Woke’ A.I. + We Hear Out Our Critics
This episode of Hard Fork discusses President Trump's A.I.-related executive orders and the federal government's plan to address "political bias" in chatbot output. The hosts also address critiques regarding their coverage of A.I.
- X Hits Grok Bottom + More A.I. Talent Wars + ‘Crypto Week’
This episode of Hard Fork covers xAI headlines, including the departure of X’s CEO, Grok chatbot issues, and A.I. companion Ani. It also explores the acquisition of Windsurf and its potential impact on A.I. labs. Finally, the episode discu…
- Interesting Times: A Mind-Bending Conversation with Peter Thiel
In this episode of Hard Fork, Peter Thiel discusses his theory of technological stagnation. He also debates the impact of President Trump's populism and artificial intelligence on future progress.