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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.
Short reviews from the PlayNext desk, based on the episodes we processed.
A careful look at the Epstein files, Elon Musk, and how elite access works.
The episode treats Jeffrey Epstein's name less as a headline flourish than as a way to examine how power protects itself. Pyrus Marks and Ed Niedermeyer work through the emails and meetings with Elon Musk close enough to keep the focus from narrowing to a single figure.
AI, war, and machine accountability.
The episode treats the move from ChatGPT to Claude as more symbol than shift, a gesture that accomplished little while still letting it stand in for a political act.
A sharp look at how gaming and state influence collide.
Saudi Arabia's push into gaming is treated here as a question of culture, leverage, and influence, not just another business deal. Nathan Grayson connects the money to the political stakes in a way that makes the industry's vulnerability feel immediate.
Host Jack Rhysider narrates true hacking, breach, and privacy stories from the people involved.
David Pierce and Verge staffers cover AI industry news, gadgets, and tech policy weekly.
Long-form interviews on AI coding agents, infrastructure, and security, plus a recurring SED News roundup.
Founders and engineers on AI coding agents like Claude Code, and supply chain security.
David Sparks and Stephen Robles dig into Keyboard Maestro, Shortcuts, and Mac automation weekly.
Host Paris Marx interviews Sam Biddle about Iran's attacks on Amazon data centers and the use of AI in warfare, exploring how tech companies like Anthropic and OpenAI collaborate with militaries, the ethical implications of AI-generated targeting, and the broader geopolitical consequences of tech infrastructure becoming war targets.
Host Paris Marx interviews Nathan Grayson about Saudi Arabia's $55 billion acquisition of Electronic Arts, exploring how the kingdom uses sports washing in video games and eSports to clean up its human rights reputation.
The host discusses the dangers of flush electric door handles in cars and promotes the show's Patreon campaign for its sixth birthday.
The host discusses the show's sixth anniversary and the need for critical perspectives on the tech industry.
The host discusses the show's sixth anniversary and critiques the lack of meaningful difference between AI models like ChatGPT and Claude, framing it as a political act that accomplishes little.
Paris Marx and guest Spencer Ackerman discuss the economic and geopolitical fallout of the US-Israel war with Iran, focusing on oil prices and global repercussions.
Host Paris Marx interviews Ed Niedermeyer to dissect the relationship between Elon Musk and Jeffrey Epstein, using the Epstein files to reveal how elite class solidarity, social currency, and hidden dealings shape tech industry power.
Paris Marx interviews Gita Jackson about why the left doesn't hate technology, but criticizes the capitalist tech system.
Paris Marx interviews Chris Person about the intersection of technology, hardware, and consumer culture, touching on retro gadgets and the AI boom.
Host Paris Marx sets the stage for 2026, discussing key topics like reducing dependence on the US and critiquing AI and streaming industries.
Paris Marx interviews music journalist Liz Pelley about the risks of tech companies and music labels determining artistic legitimacy, and discusses moving away from streaming services.
A year-end roundtable discussion with guests Jason Sadowski and Brian Merchant reviewing major tech stories and the worst person in tech contest.
Host Paris Marx reflects on 300 episodes of critically examining the tech industry and its political implications.