Banish Big Brother - podcast cover

Banish Big Brother

Zach Varnell, Elizabeth Meltonbanishbigbrother.com
Join hosts Elizabeth and Zach as they embark on a thought-provoking journey through the labyrinth of privacy, technology, surveillance, and the digital age's unseen battles. Banish Big Brother isn't just another podcast; it's a mission to unravel the complex web of information that surrounds us, challenge the omnipresent eyes of surveillance, advocate for the sanctity of personal privacy in a world that's growing increasingly transparent, and have fun doing it. Each episode, Elizabeth and Zach dive deep into current events, technological advancements, and the shadowy realms of surveillance and privacy. They bring to light the critical issues that affect us all, from the rise of SMART cities to the subtle encroachments on our personal freedoms. Through engaging discussions, expert interviews, and listener stories, they explore the balance between the benefits of technology and the critical need to protect our digital and real-world selves from prying eyes. But it's not all serious business. Elizabeth and Zach also bring a unique blend of humor, wit, and light-heartedness to the conversation, reminding us that even in the midst of challenging topics, there's always room for laughter, fun, and a shared sense of community. Banish Big Brother promises not just to inform and provoke thought but also to entertain, proving that discussions around privacy and surveillance don't always have to be grim. Whether they're sharing quirky anecdotes, engaging in spirited banter, or exploring the lighter side of technology, Elizabeth and Zach create a podcast experience that’s both enlightening and enjoyable. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, privacy advocate, or just curious about the world of surveillance and digital rights, Banish Big Brother is your guide and companion. So tune in, join the conversation, and be part of a growing movement that believes in the power of awareness, the importance of dialogue, and the enduring value of privacy. Join us for a mix of meaningful dialogue, expert insights, and those unexpected moments of joy that remind us why fighting for our rights is worth it.

Episodes

The Good News Episode

Tired of the endless cycle of dystopian tech headlines? In this special episode of Banish Big Brother, Zach and Elizabeth take a break from the usual doom and gloom to focus on the positives. From victories against government overreach to breakthroughs in privacy tech, every story in this episode has an uplifting twist. While the […]

Feb 24, 20251 hr 12 min

The Fall of CBDCs (For Now) and the Rise of Quantum Threats

We dive into some rare good news—Trump’s executive order banning Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs). But is it really a victory for privacy, or just a sleight of hand favoring private financial giants? We unpack the implications, the risks of private CBDCs, and the looming threat of programmable money. Plus, we explore the latest developments […]

Feb 03, 20251 hr 8 min

New Orleans Pushes for “European Style” Surveillance After Attack & Chicago Ditches ShotSpotter

Elizabeth and Zach discuss the chilling proposal for expanded surveillance in New Orleans following a tragic New Year’s Eve attack, raising questions about privacy, predictive technologies, and the misuse of AI. They also dive into Chicago’s decision to abandon ineffective ShotSpotter gun detection technology and the broader implications of replacing invasive systems with something “new […]

Jan 21, 202549 min

Biden Administration Wanted Total Control of ALL Artificial Intelligence

Meta plans to fill Facebook with AI-generated users designed to mimic real people, raising alarming questions about authenticity, privacy, and ethics. Meanwhile, school zone speed cameras are under fire as legislators expose them as profit-driven scams. In New York City, congestion pricing begins, hitting drivers with steep tolls and raising concerns about economic fallout. Explore […]

Jan 06, 20251 hr 12 min

AI Denies Healthcare Coverage & USA’s Surveillance Iron Dome

UnitedHealthcare faces allegations of using an AI model with a 90% error rate to deny care, forcing elderly patients into financial ruin. Meanwhile, drone detection technology meant for border security raises serious questions about its potential for tracking human behavior. And the push for a U.S. surveillance “Iron Dome” signals a massive expansion in monitoring […]

Dec 19, 20241 hr 4 min

Border Surveillance Towers, AI Legislation Looms, & App Predicts Your Death

Federal surveillance towers are quietly rising along the U.S.-Canada border, equipped with cameras and sensors capable of monitoring miles of private property. AI is becoming a tool for law enforcement, with implications for public safety, privacy, and even your daily life. Meanwhile, a new app claims to predict your exact time of death based on […]

Dec 09, 20241 hr 19 min

DNA Company Vanishes, Australia’s Social Media Ban via Digital IDs, & AI Art vs Human Creativity

A DNA testing company disappears, leaving customers’ genetic data unprotected—what are the risks? Australia proposes a social media age ban with digital ID verification for everyone. Is this a step toward surveillance or safety? We also examine the legal fight against Clearview AI’s data scraping and discuss how AI-generated art and music are shaping the […]

Dec 02, 20241 hr 15 min

Track Your Child… or Go to Jail & Minecraft AI Gone Rogue

A mother in Georgia faces jail time after allowing her 10-year-old son to walk to town alone, sparking a heated debate over parental rights, government overreach, and the role of technology in family life. We dive into the absurdity of mandated tracking apps, the fear-driven policies affecting modern parenting, and the organizations fighting back. Plus, […]

Nov 18, 20241 hr 6 min

JD Vance Hacked via Government Backdoor, FBI Private Messenger Sting Operation, & AI Helping Hackers

JD Vance’s phone breach by Chinese hackers highlights the inherent danger of so-called “backdoor” security measures intended for government use. This episode dives into the revelations surrounding how backdoors, originally designed for surveillance by U.S. agencies, can be exploited by foreign entities, proving once again that there’s no such thing as a “backdoor for the […]

Nov 04, 20241 hr 5 min

Real-World Use of Meshtastic Off-Grid Comms & Lawsuit Takes on Surveillance Tech

TSA’s new facial recognition system is here, and Zach shares his recent experience opting out of it with ease. We dive into how to protect your privacy during routine travel and why so few people realize they can opt out. Next, we cover mesh network radios and Zach’s experience using Mesh-tastic devices at a packed […]

Oct 28, 20241 hr 9 min