The Big Tech Show
Technology
About
Irish Independent Tech Editor Adrian Weckler hosts this award-winning business podcast which dives deep into the biggest industry advances and tracks the key movers and shakers behind the innovation. From interviewing Big Tech CEOs to investigations into how tech affects our working lives, the show has become Ireland’s most listened-to technology podcast.
Episodes
- The EU tries to regulate deepfake porn and AI
This episode of The Big Tech Show discusses the EU AI Act's approach to regulating deepfake pornography. It explores how the EU aims to tackle this challenge by targeting the applications used to create such content.
- Was Tim Cook good or bad for the world?
On The Big Tech Show, Adrian Weckler and author Patrick McGee discuss Tim Cook's fifteen-year tenure as Apple CEO. They explore his legacy, the company's financial success, criticisms regarding lost creative edge, his successor John Ternus…
- AI music, bot farms and fraud — why we can't tell the difference and how one Irish company is fighting it
On this episode of The Big Tech Show, Adrian Weckler interviews John Corley, CEO of Spanish Point Technologies. They discuss the rise of AI-generated music, bot farms, and fraud, and the difficulties in differentiating AI from human creati…
- Trump, Pope Leo and Peter Thiel's obsession with the Antichrist
This episode of The Big Tech Show explores Peter Thiel's discussion of the Antichrist in Rome. Dr. Massimo Faggioli discusses how ancient religious ideas are being reshaped by modern tech elites and the viewing of technology as a path to s…
- From tech to social media influencer: how @WineListGuy Jonathan Staunton pivoted career at age 50
Jonathan Staunton, known as Wine List Guy, joins The Big Tech Show to discuss his career change from technology to wine influencing. He shares how he built an online following and turned his passion into a career.
- Apple at 50: hits, misses and the AI dilemma in journalism
Adrian Weckler and Darragh Nolan discuss 50 years of Apple, including its hits, misses, and ongoing success. They also examine the role of AI in journalism.
- Richie Sadlier on the manosphere
Richie Sadlier joins Adrian Weckler on The Big Tech Show to discuss why teenage boys are drawn to online influencers and what they are looking for. They explore the appeal of figures like Andrew Tate.
- Dodgy boxes: a new era begins as end users face legal action
This episode of The Big Tech Show features JJ Clarke and Adrian discussing the legal aspects of "dodgy boxes" and the possibility of legal action against end users. The conversation explores what this new era means for individuals.
- How a floppy disk gave me ransomware
This episode of The Big Tech Show discusses the first ransomware attack and its continued relevance in today's cybersecurity landscape. It examines how this initial attack set a precedent for future cyber threats.
- From property deals to AI: Oisín Hanrahan’s €60m startup bet on food
Entrepreneur Oisín Hanrahan joins Adrian Weckler on The Big Tech Show to discuss his career, from founding the startup Handy to his current venture, Keychain. They explore his path from property investments in Budapest to launching an AI-f…
- Are Anthropic really AI's good guys? Measuring ethics in a time of chaos
This episode of The Big Tech Show features Rupert Goodwins and Adrian Weckler discussing Anthropic's position in the AI industry, the significance of AI ethics, and the competition among Anthropic, OpenAI, and Google. They also explore cha…
- Hands on with Apple's new MacBook Neo, a competitor-destroying bargain at €699
This episode of The Big Tech Show reviews Apple's new MacBook Neo. Darragh Nolan and Adrian discuss its value, comparison to the MacBook Air, and the overall Mac experience for €699.
- Who is Sam Altman? Inside his life and his ChatGPT empire
This episode of The Big Tech Show explores the life and influence of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, focusing on his views on AI risks and the controversies surrounding OpenAI and ChatGPT. Ellen Huet from Bloomberg News joins Adrian Weckler to disc…
- Monty Munford: How I lost £25,000 in crypto with one bad security decision
Monty Munford shares his experience of losing £25,000 in cryptocurrency due to a security error, detailing how hackers accessed his private keys and the lessons learned about online security. The discussion covers his entry into crypto, ch…
- Dings, pings and WhatsApp voice notes - other people’s tech habits that drive us mad
This episode of The Big Tech Show discusses irritating tech habits, potential generational gaps, and ways to address these issues. Saoirse Hanley from the Irish Independent joins Adrian.
- Stranded in the wild: when your EV breaks down
This episode of The Big Tech Show features Darragh Nolan discussing the challenges of electric vehicle breakdowns, particularly in rural settings. The conversation covers technician availability and the dependability of breakdown services…
- Power, platforms, and policy: Minister James Lawless on the challenges of big tech
Minister James Lawless joins The Big Tech Show to discuss the future of AI in Ireland, digital sovereignty, and the potential banning of social media for under-16s. He shares his insights on key topics in technology policy.
- Inside the system designed to keep you hooked
This episode of The Big Tech Show features Johnny Ryan, who explains what recommender algorithms are, if they should be switched off, and how they create toxic narrative bubbles.
- Spies, lies and Irish cybersecurity with Professor Richard Aldrich
Professor Richard Aldrich discusses online espionage and cybersecurity, focusing on potential vulnerabilities in internet-connected devices. He also addresses concerns about Ireland's role in European cybersecurity.
- The world according to Mark Little
In this episode, Mark Little shares his perspectives on various topics including online polarization, Trump, Elon Musk, AI, media, Ireland, and startups. He also discusses his current plans.
- Billionaire tears over California’s new tax. Also: guessing the winners and losers of 2026
Adrian and Blake Montgomery of The Guardian discuss the US tech world, covering rising and falling figures, predictions for 2026, and the reaction to the Grok AI scandal. Montgomery explains that the US reaction to X's Grok AI tool has bee…
- The Jeff Bezos story: from billionaire Amazon founder to midlife crisis to space missionary
Christian Davenport discusses Jeff Bezos, his founder of Amazon, and his ventures into space. The episode explores aspects of Bezos' career and his involvement in the space industry.
- The Grok AI scandal — what happens now? Plus: why Ireland’s plan to link national ID to social media access is dystopian
This episode of The Big Tech Show discusses the Grok AI scandal and Ireland's plan to link national ID to social media access. TJ McIntyre from Digital Rights Ireland joins Adrian to explore these topics.
- My life as a CEO: Stephen Cluskey on raising €4m and being paralysed
Stephen Cluskey, CEO of Mobility Mojo, shares his personal journey after an accident left him paralyzed. He discusses his work as an accessibility advocate and social entrepreneur, as well as his experience raising €4m.
- How tech will change your life in 2026: our 10 predictions
Adrian Weckler and Dee Reddy of The Big Tech Show make 10 predictions for how technology will change lives in 2026. They also review their predictions from the previous year. Topics include AI and tech regulation.
- Early Rising - Ireland’s newly minted Excel world champion Diarmuid Early
Diarmuid Early, from Ireland, won the Global Excel Champion 2025 title. The Big Tech Show discusses his achievement in the world of e-sports.
- How I Made It: Sean Blanchfield’s journey to the top of tech and his new AI startup, Jentic
On The Big Tech Show, Irish tech entrepreneur Sean Blanchfield discusses his new AI startup Jentic. He shares his insights on the future of AI, its potential impact on jobs, and the landscape of European regulations.
- A folding iPhone in 2026? Apple’s hits and misses in 2025 and what it will do in 2026
Adrian Weckler and Stuart Miles review Apple's 2025 performance, discuss the possibility of a folding iPhone and enhanced AI in 2026, and evaluate the iPhone Air's reception. They also explore potential future replacements for Apple device…
- Christmas gift guide – from digital cameras to coffee machines to social media blockers and more
This episode of The Big Tech Show features a Christmas gift guide. Topics include digital cameras, coffee machines, and social media blockers, with specific product examples like the Kodak Pixpro FZ55 and The Brick.
- Is crypto crashing or is there something else going on?
This episode of The Big Tech Show explores the current state of the cryptocurrency market, analyzing why Bitcoin and other digital currencies are experiencing a downturn. Adrian and Katie Byrne also discuss the impact of AI on investments…
- How Severance, Slow Horses and Pluribus have put Apple TV on top
This episode of The Big Tech Show discusses streaming platforms, focusing on Apple TV, subscription costs, and content quality. Adrian is joined by Dave Hanratty of the Irish Independent and the No Encore podcast.
- From bullied kid to world’s richest man — how Elon Musk made it
Kurt Wagner, Senior Reporter at Bloomberg, joins The Big Tech Show to discuss Elon Musk's path to becoming the world's richest man. Wagner is the author of 'Battle for the Bird: Jack Dorsey, Elon Musk, and the $44 Billion Fight for Twitter…
- It’s time to go nuclear in Ireland
The episode from The Big Tech Show podcast discusses the topic of going nuclear in Ireland. The podcast emphasizes its commitment to earning trust and adherence to ethics policies.
- Stablecoins will be bigger than crypto, says Aave founder Stani Kulechov
Stani Kulechov, founder of Aave, joins Adrian on The Big Tech Show to discuss stablecoins, their uses, and their advantages and disadvantages. He shares his perspective on why stablecoins could become larger than cryptocurrency.
- Is Dublin’s ‘smart city’ promise just waffle?
This episode of The Big Tech Show discusses what a smart city is and whether Dublin qualifies as one. Ruth Freeman explains how smart cities use technology and data to enhance urban living, service efficiency, and sustainable development.
- Who is Jensen Huang and why has Nvidia become so powerful?
This episode of The Big Tech Show features journalist Stephen Witt discussing Jensen Huang and Nvidia. The conversation covers Huang's background, leadership, and Nvidia's significant valuation and influence in the tech industry, particula…
- Apple plan budget laptop and Trump says China won’t get Nvidia top chips
This episode of The Big Tech Show discusses Apple's rumored budget laptop, former President Trump's actions regarding Nvidia's advanced chips, and the development of Amazon's new high-speed transatlantic "Fastnet" cable from Cork to Maryla…
- ChatGPT most popular in Ireland and how AI became a therapist
This episode of The Big Tech Show discusses ChatGPT's popularity in Ireland, with new figures showing its dominance in AI queries. Maeve McTaggart and JJ Clarke also explore the increasing use of AI chatbots for therapeutic purposes.
- Dodgy boxes, fines and a new plan to come after Irish users
This episode of The Big Tech Show explores the possibility of Irish "dodgy box" users facing fines, mirroring actions taken in Italy. Darragh Nolan from the Irish Independent discusses new plans by broadcasters and copyright authorities to…
- AI deepfake videos hit the Irish presidential election
This episode of The Big Tech Show discusses AI deepfake videos in the Irish presidential election. Topics include identifying deepfakes and the recent synthetic videos targeting presidential candidate Catherine Connolly.
- AWS outage fallout: a taste of things to come?
This episode of The Big Tech Show discusses the recent AWS outage, how it happened, and potential future implications. Producer JJ Clarke joins Adrian to analyze the event.
- How to use Chat GPT for total beginners
Darragh Nolan and JJ Clarke discuss AI chatbots and videos for beginners, as well as the impact of EU regulations on the tech industry.
- The AI bubble is real, but is it all that bad?
On The Big Tech Show, journalist Saoirse Hanley joins Adrian to discuss the AI bubble, its potential threat to content creators, and broadband options. They explore the impact of AI-generated videos, prompted by recent statements from YouT…
- Will Microsoft bend to Trump’s pressure and tell Monaco “you’re fired”?
This episode of The Big Tech Show discusses Microsoft's navigation of pressure from the Trump administration and its potential impact on "digital sovereignty" in Europe. It also touches on AI transforming jobs and Nigel Farage's views on "…
- Scratchgate -- does the iPhone 17 Pro mark too easily?
This episode discusses "Scratchgate" and accusations of the iPhone 17 Pro's susceptibility to marks. It also covers how to set up an eSIM with Irish operators and Apple's reasons for not launching certain new features in Ireland and the EU.
- Which iPhone 17 and Apple Watch to pick, and why
Adrian and JJ Clarke discuss the new iPhone 17, Apple Watch, and AirPods Pro. Adrian offers his top recommendations for these Apple products.
- Dull machines or paranoid androids? Robots today and the near future
Conor McGinn, CEO at Akara Robotics and professor of Robotics at Trinity College Dublin, joins Adrian to discuss the current state of robotics and what to expect in the coming years.
- Thin is in: hands on with the new iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Pro
This episode of The Big Tech Show features Adrian and CCS Insight analyst Ben Wood discussing the new iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and AirPods Pro language translation. They cover the new phone designs and features.
- Samsung Fold7 vs Honor Magic V5 — there’s one clear winner in the folding phones war
This episode of The Big Tech Show compares the Samsung Fold7 and Honor Magic V5 folding phones. It explores the advantages and disadvantages of different folding phone types and discusses their cost compared to standard phones, with guest…
- Paedophiles, fascists and nihilists: How unsafe is Roblox for kids?
This episode of The Big Tech Show discusses allegations against Roblox and how the gaming platform is addressing user safety concerns. Reporter David Gilbert from WIRED magazine joins the show to share insights.