Tech Won't Save Us
Technology
About
Silicon Valley wants to shape our future, but why should we let it? Every Thursday, Paris Marx is joined by a new guest to critically examine the tech industry, its big promises, and the people behind them. Tech Won’t Save Us challenges the notion that tech alone can drive our world forward by showing that separating tech from politics has consequences for us all, especially the most vulnerable. It’s not your usual tech podcast.
Episodes
- Muskism is the New Fordism w/ Ben Tarnoff & Quinn Slobodian
Paris Marx, Ben Tarnoff, and Quinn Slobodian discuss their new book "Muskism", which explores how Elon Musk exemplifies a new economic system similar to Fordism. The episode features authors Ben Tarnoff, co-author of "Internet for the Peop…
- Tim Cook’s Real Legacy at Apple w/ Brian Merchant
Paris Marx and Brian Merchant discuss Tim Cook's history and legacy as CEO of Apple and what might be next for the company. They also touch on Brian Merchant's work, including his books and newsletter.
- The Problem with "CEO Said a Thing" Journalism w/ Karl Bode
Paris Marx and Karl Bode discuss how tech journalists irresponsibly boost tech CEO profiles, eroding public trust in journalism. They highlight the need for publicly funded media organizations.
- Cybertrucks Are a Safety Disaster w/ Dara Kerr
Paris Marx and technology reporter Dara Kerr discuss safety concerns regarding Tesla Cybertrucks and other vehicles, focusing on design features that may hinder occupant escape during emergencies. The episode examines how aesthetic-driven…
- Take A Break From The Feed w/ Amanda Mull
Paris Marx and Amanda Mull from Bloomberg Businessweek discuss the negative effects of constant news and social media consumption. They explore how monitoring live feeds impacts anxiety and offer advice on recalibrating our relationship wi…
- Why Iran is Attacking Data Centers w/ Sam Biddle
Paris Marx and journalist Sam Biddle discuss data centers becoming targets in war and Silicon Valley's role in the US-Iranian conflict. The episode examines the geopolitical implications of these developments and legal perspectives on such…
- The Long History of the US War on Iran w/ Spencer Ackerman
Paris Marx and Spencer Ackerman discuss the historical context and ongoing nature of the US and Israeli war on Iran. Ackerman, author of "Reign of Terror," shares insights on the conflict, referencing his work on regime change and the targ…
- Elon Musk and Jeffrey Epstein w/ Ed Niedermeyer
Paris Marx and Ed Niedermeyer discuss the reported relationship between Elon Musk and Jeffrey Epstein and what it reveals about the behavior of the ultra-wealthy.
- The Left Doesn’t Hate Technology w/ Gita Jackson
Paris Marx speaks with Gita Jackson about the left's perspective on AI, the need for a different approach to technology, and personal reassessments of digital tech use. They also discuss digital music ownership, e-readers, and the Cyberpun…
- Bill Gates and Jeffrey Epstein w/ Tim Schwab
Paris Marx and author Tim Schwab discuss Bill Gates' relationship with Jeffrey Epstein and the implications of billionaire philanthropy on political agendas and public reputation. The conversation explores themes from Schwab's book, The Bi…
- The Luddite Club is For Everyone w/ Amanda Hanna-McLeer & Lucy Jackson
Paris Marx talks to Amanda Hanna-McLeer and Lucy Jackson about the origins and growth of The Luddite Club, from a high school group to an international non-profit movement. The discussion covers the club's development and its perspective o…
- What’s Driving the Push For Humanoid Robots w/ James Vincent
James Vincent discusses the increasing prevalence of humanoid robots with Paris Marx, exploring the motivations behind pursuing an all-purpose robot, the timeline for achieving this goal, and the potential social impacts.
- The Green Transition Needs So Much Mining w/ Thea Riofrancos
This episode features Thea Riofrancos discussing the global push for a green transition, highlighting the extensive mining required, limitations in supply chains, geopolitical factors, and the tech industry's increasing reliance on extract…
- Netflix Buying Warner Would Be a Disaster w/ AS Hamrah
AS Hamrah discusses the potential Netflix-Warner Bros Discovery merger with Paris Marx, exploring its possible impact on the current state of cinema. Hamrah is a film critic and author whose work includes 'Algorithm of the Night'.
- Elon Musk Profits Off Non-Consensual Deepfakes w/ Kat Tenbarge
This episode features journalist Kat Tenbarge discussing the proliferation of deepfakes on X, alleging that Elon Musk profits from sexual exploitation. The conversation also covers the use of Grok for gender-based violence and the need for…
- Bring Back Meddling With Tech Hardware w/ Chris Person
Chris Person discusses the current state of tech hardware and manufacturing with Paris Marx. They cover topics such as hardware hacking, undermining Microsoft's software dominance, and the impact of the AI boom on consumer electronics pric…
- Reimagining Our Relationship with Digital Tech w/ Paris Marx
Paris Marx joins Tech Won't Save Us to discuss digital sovereignty and reassessing our relationship with technology in 2026. The episode encourages a critical view of tech's role in society and advocates for better technology and a better…
- We All Suffer from OpenAI’s Pursuit of Scale w/ Karen Hao [Replay]
This episode features Karen Hao discussing how OpenAI's focus on scale under Sam Altman has led to exploitation of people and the environment, hindering AI innovation and worsening data privacy and surveillance issues.
- How Spotify Remade the Music Industry w/ Liz Pelly [Replay]
Paris Marx and Liz Pelly examine Spotify's transformation of music consumption and its effects on the music industry. The discussion also includes comments on AI music creation and community music initiatives.
- The Year in Tech w/ Jathan Sadowski & Brian Merchant
Paris Marx, Jathan Sadowski, and Brian Merchant reflect on the year in tech, discussing negative aspects of Silicon Valley and looking ahead to 2026. They also touch upon AI legislation, the Department of Education, and deals between Disne…
- How Effective is Australia’s Social Media Age Limit? w/ Cam Wilson
Paris Marx and Cam Wilson discuss the effectiveness of Australia's social media age limit, its rollout, and potential regulatory alternatives. Wilson is an associate editor at Crikey.
- Europe’s Subservience to the United States w/ Ben Wray
Paris Marx and Ben Wray discuss Europe's response to US pressure concerning Nexperia, digital protections, and labor rights. Ben Wray, a researcher on the platform economy, shares insights from his work and recent report.
- Europe is Gutting Its Tech Regulations w/ Aline Blankertz
Aline Blankertz joins Paris Marx to discuss the rollback of EU tech regulations by right-wing governments and corporations aiming to accelerate AI development for economic and geopolitical advantage. The discussion touches on the EU's Digi…
- Data Centers Are a Climate Enemy w/ Ketan Joshi
Ketan Joshi joins Paris Marx on Tech Won't Save Us to explore the climate impact of data centers, their role in increased oil and gas consumption, and the connection between the tech and fossil fuel industries. The discussion highlights co…
- Peter Thiel is the Real Antichrist w/ Gil Duran
Gil Duran discusses Peter Thiel's Antichrist obsession, characterizing it as a diversion from his actions and linking it to Silicon Valley's "apocalypse capitalism." The conversation also touches on related political and financial news.
- Saudi Arabia is Using Games to Improve Its Image w/ Nathan Grayson
The episode features Paris Marx and Nathan Grayson discussing Saudi Arabia's investments in sports, comedy, and video games. They explore how these moves aim to broaden the country's investment portfolio and improve its global reputation,…
- Why We Need a War on Cars w/ Doug Gordon and Sarah Goodyear
Paris Marx speaks with Doug Gordon and Sarah Goodyear about the societal harms of cars, the tech industry's role in perpetuating these issues, and alternative solutions for community mobility. Gordon and Goodyear are hosts of The War on Ca…
- We Need to Cut Our Dependence on US Tech. Here’s How to Start.
Paris Marx on the 300th episode of Tech Won't Save Us advocates for digital sovereignty by reducing reliance on US tech. The episode details how this dependence grants power to US entities and suggests alternative services, encouraging a c…
- Silicon Valley Doesn’t Know What Makes a Good City w/ Joanne McNeil
On Tech Won’t Save Us, Paris Marx and Joanne McNeil discuss the spread of delivery bots and robotaxis. They examine how these technologies recycle flawed arguments about improving transportation.
- Smart Glasses Are Ushering In An Anti-Social World w/ Chris Gilliard
Chris Gilliard joins Paris Marx to discuss the push for new AI-powered smart glasses, arguing that tech companies are marketing them as stylish and essential for workers, masking their function as luxury surveillance devices.
- The Gilded Rage of Tech Billionaires w/ Jacob Silverman
Jacob Silverman joins Paris Marx to discuss Silverman's book, 'Gilded Rage,' which examines the radicalization of Silicon Valley leaders and their increasing, detrimental influence on society. The episode touches on Elon Musk, corruption,…
- The Growing Divide Between MAGA and Big Tech w/ Tina Nguyen
Tina Nguyen joins Paris Marx to discuss the divisions within the American far-right, focusing on the MAGA movement and tech executives. Nguyen, a senior reporter at The Verge, discusses her experiences and observations on the topic.
- Is Tesla Still a Car Company? w/ Ed Niedermeyer
Ed Niedermeyer joins Paris Marx to discuss Tesla's potential shift from car manufacturing to robotics, Elon Musk's wealth, and competition in the EV market. The episode also touches on Tesla's legal issues and regulatory scrutiny.
- Palantir is Thriving Under Trump w/ Caroline Haskins
Caroline Haskins joins Paris Marx to discuss Palantir's business, its expanding role in government and corporations, and its financial success, particularly noted during the Trump era. The episode touches on Palantir's origins and its foun…
- A New Economy Will Deliver Better Technology w/ Aaron Benanav
Paris Marx talks with Aaron Benanav about his concept of a multi-criterial economy. Benanav explains how this economic model could shift societal focus towards human experience and drive innovation in technology and society.
- Will AI Kill Your Job? w/ Brian Merchant
Paris Marx interviews Brian Merchant about the potential for an AI bubble burst and how employers are using AI tools to eliminate jobs and worsen working conditions. Merchant, author of "Blood in the Machine," shares insights from his news…
- How China’s Renewable Push Upends Geopolitics w/ Kate Mackenzie & Tim Sahay
Kate Mackenzie and Tim Sahay discuss the geopolitical implications of China's investments in green technology and electrification, exploring the potential for a renewable energy-based development model. They also touch upon China's lead in…
- Why Countries Must Fight For Digital Sovereignty w/ Cecilia Rikap
Paris Marx and Cecilia Rikap discuss the negative impacts of countries' reliance on US tech companies and the importance of pursuing digital sovereignty. Rikap, an economics professor, co-authored a report on this topic.
- Will the Pope Be An Ally Against AI? w/ Paolo Benanti
Paris Marx interviews Paolo Benanti, an academic and priest who advised Pope Francis on AI ethics. They discuss the Vatican's position on artificial intelligence, referencing statements from Pope Leo XIV and publications under Pope Francis…
- What Google Zero Means for Journalism w/ Matt Pearce
Paris Marx and Matt Pearce discuss how Google's generative AI, known as Google Zero, is reducing website traffic, particularly for news publications. Pearce, Director of Policy at Rebuild Local News, explains that AI scrapers are decreasin…
- Trump’s Crypto Profiteering Is Worse Than You Think w/ Jacob Silverman
Jacob Silverman joins Paris Marx to discuss how Donald Trump is allegedly enriching himself through crypto scams. They cover a $75 million crypto deal and the GENIUS Act, examining the political implications of crypto's increasing mainstre…
- Decomputing For a Better Future w/ Dan McQuillan
Dan McQuillan joins Paris Marx to discuss the urgent global adoption of AI and how citizens can critically analyze their reliance on technology to envision a more equitable future. McQuillan, author of Resisting AI, explores themes of deco…
- Microsoft is Gutting the Video Game Industry w/ Nathan Grayson
Paris Marx and Nathan Grayson discuss Microsoft's significant layoffs in the video game industry, the company's focus on streaming, and the potential impacts of AI on employees, questioning the profitability of Game Pass.
- How the US Weaponizes Tech in the Middle East w/ Laleh Khalili
Laleh Khalili joins Paris Marx to discuss the United States' use of technology to influence global power, with a focus on the Middle East. Topics include Iran's accusations against Meta and the use of AI-assisted weapons by Israel.
- The Geopolitical Fight Over Huawei w/ Yangyang Cheng
Yangyang Cheng joins Paris Marx to explore Huawei's position in China's capitalist model and how geopolitical discussions obscure the realities of surveillance capitalism in both the US and China.
- Chatbots Are Repeating Social Media’s Harms w/ Nitasha Tiku
Nitasha Tiku joins Paris Marx to discuss how AI companies are exploiting users for engagement, repeating the harms seen with social media. The episode critically examines technology's societal impact and the pursuit of better alternatives.
- Brazil's Battle to Rein In Big Tech w/ Laís Martins
This episode features Laís Martins discussing Brazil's recent measures against tech companies like X and Rumble, the nation's challenges with US tech companies' influence, and the ongoing tech policy discussions in Brazil. Martins, a techn…
- We All Suffer from OpenAI’s Pursuit of Scale w/ Karen Hao
Karen Hao joins Paris Marx to discuss OpenAI's pursuit of scale, detailing its negative impacts such as exploitation, diminished research, privacy concerns, and the rise of surveillance capitalism. Hao, author of "Empire of AI," shares ins…
- The New Military Industry Complex w/ Sam Biddle
Sam Biddle joins Paris Marx to discuss Silicon Valley's growing involvement with military contracts, including methods used to suppress employee dissent and shape public perception. The conversation touches on the future of military geopol…
- The Case for a Digital Detox w/ Casey Johnston
Casey Johnston joins Paris Marx to talk about reducing social media, using a simpler phone, and her experiences with online discussions about bodies and fitness, informed by her newsletter and book.