Grumpy Old Geeks - podcast cover

Grumpy Old Geeks

Jason DeFillippo & Brian Schulmeister with Dave Bittnergog.show

We dissect the tech news train wrecks of the week, calling out what went wrong and who’s to blame. Think of this podcast as if Kurt Cobain threw down with Tom from MySpace, Elon Musk, and Mark Zuckerberg in a back alley brawl. No mercy, no filter—if tech had a walk of shame, this would be it.

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Episodes

718: Net Unhelpful

This episode delves into the chaotic world of tech, from California's groundbreaking AI chatbot regulations and ChatGPT's foray into erotica to global anxieties about artificial intelligence. Discussions also cover Elon Musk's Boring Company's environmental violations and Starlink satellites contributing to orbital debris. The hosts explore the practical failures of 'vibe coding' for software development, the ethics of AI-enhanced real estate listings, and an amusing Waymo robotaxi prank. Media recommendations and Windows 10's impending end-of-life also feature in this tech-filled rundown.

Oct 18, 20251 hr 16 minEp. 718

717: Quantum of Nope

The Dutch courts finally did something useful: they told Meta to quit force-feeding algorithmic slop to everyone, so Facebook and Instagram users might actually see posts from friends again—if they can remember who those are. Meanwhile, OpenAI’s Sora 2 rollout is the kind of chaos that makes you wonder if the company replaced QA with a TikTok filter, as outrage videos flood the internet faster than you can say “deepfake meltdown.” Apple banned ICEBlock for being too effective while ICE now wants...

Oct 10, 202557 minEp. 717

716: Release the CrackerBot!

The hosts delve into California's new AI safety bill and NVIDIA's strategic responses, alongside the dismissal of the "Nirvana Baby" lawsuit. They discuss significant corporate changes at Spotify and Meta's ad-free UK offering, the rise of digital ID cards, and the widespread issue of bot-driven online outrage. The conversation also covers OpenAI's expanding influence, Disney's copyright battles with AI, and the declining appeal of classic film pacing for contemporary audiences.

Oct 03, 20251 hr 13 minEp. 716

715: Our Wizard Lies

This episode covers a wide array of perplexing tech and societal issues, from the ongoing ambiguity of the TikTok deal and the impacts of AI on the workforce to concerning developments in cybersecurity and online misinformation. Discussions range from Peter Thiel's provocative AI warnings and Deutsche Bank's economic outlook to Disney's experimental tech and the curious world of meme coins. The hosts also dive into media reviews, including new films and documentaries, and offer their signature grumpy takes on the absurdities of modern life.

Sep 26, 20251 hr 8 minEp. 715

714: Crossfade This

The geeks navigate the internet's ongoing chaos, discussing a potential TikTok deal, LimeWire's bizarre acquisition of the Fyre Fest brand, and widespread corporate AI layoffs at companies like Fiverr and Google. They explore the implications of new age verification laws in California and New York, Elon Musk's public image issues, and the NHTSA's investigation into Tesla's fire-prone door handles. Media discussions cover popular shows like 'Wednesday' and 'Foundation,' the 'Lilith Fair' documentary, and a surprisingly good musical within the Carrot weather app, rounding off with book recommendations and tributes to Robert Redford and Clayton Kershaw.

Sep 19, 20251 hr 23 minEp. 714

713: Ourovibeos

This week on Grumpy Old Geeks, we're diving headfirst into the digital dumpster fire, starting with follow-up that will make you wonder if the rich are finally getting their comeuppance. It seems Tesla's market share is plummeting, and Elon Musk has been unceremoniously knocked off as the world's wealthiest person. Meanwhile, OpenAI and Microsoft are flirting with new partnership terms, and OpenAI is also reportedly cozying up with Oracle for a cloud computing deal. Are they figuring it all out ...

Sep 12, 20251 hr 23 minEp. 713

712: Preparation WTF

This episode of Grumpy Old Geeks delves into current tech woes, from Intel's CHIPS Act leniency to the shaky job market. They discuss Elon Musk's ongoing Tesla controversies, including a massive Autopilot verdict and vague "master plans," alongside Meta's problematic celebrity AI chatbots and Midjourney's copyright infringement lawsuit. OpenAI's foray into an AI hiring platform and chip production, an AI-automated cybercrime spree, and Finland's innovative sand battery are also covered. The hosts lighten the mood with movie and TV reviews, K-Pop analysis, and share personal stories about spicy food, old internet relics, and disappointing tech gadgets.

Sep 05, 20251 hr 13 minEp. 712

711: Oh Thank Heaven

This episode delves into the evolving landscape of AI, questioning its progress beyond basic utility and highlighting market concerns, particularly with Nvidia. The hosts explore critical legal and ethical issues, including a wrongful death lawsuit against ChatGPT for allegedly encouraging suicide, and OpenAI's admission of degrading safety controls. They also cover the US government's tech investments, Trump's controversial "National Design Studio," Meta's licensing of MidJourney, and the Citizen app's error-prone AI, concluding with streaming updates and a personal review of books and fitness.

Aug 29, 202545 minEp. 711

710: Mass Delusion Events

Remember all that "AI is gonna change everything" nonsense the kids were screaming about just a few months ago? Yeah, about that. It turns out 95% of corporate generative AI pilots are, to use a technical term, completely shitting the bed, according to a report from MIT. This shocking revelation has sent Wall Street into a tizzy, wiping trillions off the market as investors suddenly realize they've been sold another bill of goods. Even Sam Altman, the high priest of the AI cult, is now trying to...

Aug 22, 20251 hr 17 minEp. 710

709: Grumpy Old Gardeners

The geeks critique Elon Musk's struggling Tesla Diner and the Cybertruck's poor build, alongside the massive exaggerations of his "Doge" project. They extensively discuss the chaotic GPT-5 launch, its negative impact on users and businesses, and the broader societal fears of AI-driven job displacement and a looming dystopia. The episode also covers tech billionaires' elaborate collapse preparations, Meta's ethical lapses with AI chatbots, Google's search woes, and a range of media, gadgets, and cultural observations.

Aug 15, 20251 hr 12 minEp. 709

708: Spicy Mode

The Grumpy Old Geeks dive into the chaotic world of AI, covering everything from federal exemptions for driverless cars and the ban of AI therapists in Illinois to the alleged data scraping by Perplexity and Apple's talent exodus. They also discuss Grok's controversial "spicy" mode, Tesla's failed Dojo project, and a ChatGPT security flaw affecting user data. Beyond AI, the hosts touch on Amazon's Wondery restructuring, the absurdity of Windows XP Crocs, and a wide array of media, including Star Wars, Netflix show updates, and classic 80s films. The episode highlights the challenges and absurdities of our increasingly AI-driven world.

Aug 08, 20251 hr 9 minEp. 708

707: Someone Spilled the Tea

This episode covers Gen X's challenges and teens turning to AI for support. It delves into significant tech issues like the Tea dating app data breach, AI's job impact, and Meta's AI training lawsuit. The hosts also discuss battling over-tourism, new age verification laws, and Tesla's legal and neighbor troubles. A key segment offers a heartfelt tribute to the late musical satirist Tom Lehrer, celebrating his wit and legacy, alongside a tech talk about new camera gear.

Aug 01, 202544 minEp. 707

706: Let There Be Scams

This episode dives into a series of tech misadventures, beginning with Elon Musk's latest controversies involving Tesla, Neuralink, X, and SpaceX. The hosts critically examine the practical failures and ethical dilemmas of AI, from database deletions and hallucinated features to the concerning rise of "AI psychosis" and the looming AI investment bubble. The discussion extends to crypto scams, new ride-sharing features, and a "Media Candy" segment that navigates Netflix's AI use, film nostalgia, and the impact of AI on the music industry.

Jul 25, 20251 hr 7 minEp. 706

705: Vibe Defunding

The Grumpy Old Geeks delve into tech product failures, from Jack Dorsey's flawed BitChat app to the shady Fyre Festival brand sale. They explore the evolving world of AI coding, its societal implications like job displacement, and critical ethical concerns surrounding AI therapy and control. The episode also highlights corporate missteps, cybersecurity vulnerabilities in US trains, and Meta's energy-hungry data centers, before shifting to pop culture with Emmy nominations and streaming show reviews. Finally, Dave Bittner takes a nostalgic look at Star Trek tech, early computers like the Apple II, and debates on copyright and technology's delivered promises.

Jul 18, 20251 hr 22 minEp. 705

704: I’m Lovin’ It

This episode dives into the latest tech news, covering Billy McFarland's failed Fyre Fest sale, AI's impact on jobs at Indeed and Glassdoor, and safety concerns with Tesla robotaxis and AI drug development. It also explores Elon Musk's Grok chatbot controversy, Linda Yaccarino's departure from X, regulatory battles over data privacy and consumer protection, and cybersecurity lapses. Media discussions include new trailers, show reviews, and documentaries, while a deep dive into AI-assisted coding highlights its potential and job market implications. The hosts also share experiences with retro game emulation and reflect on classic game music.

Jul 11, 20251 hr 22 minEp. 704

703: None More Black

This week, we saddle up for another bumpy ride through the dystopian tech clown show. We kick off with the surveillance state’s greatest hits: ICE raids sweeping L.A., a website literally called FuckLAPD.com that lets you ID cops by their mug shots, and a Norwegian tourist who learned the hard way that having a JD Vance chipmunk meme on your phone is now grounds for deportation. Pro tip: if you’re traveling to the U.S., you might want to wrap your phone in lead and bury it in a cornfield. In the...

Jun 27, 20251 hr 17 minEp. 703

702: TikTaco

In this week’s episode, Trump delays the TikTok ban for the third time—because procrastination is the new policy—and Twitter’s old sign finds new purpose as desert firewood. Tesla continues its streak of “hold my beer” engineering by blowing past a school bus in FSD tests, then mysteriously dumps Cybertrucks in Jersey parking lots while prepping a July 4th factory nap. Meanwhile, Elon’s xAI is incinerating a billion bucks a month and allegedly poisoning Memphis, OpenAI and Microsoft are beefing ...

Jun 20, 20251 hr 25 minEp. 702

701: Dancing in the Streets

Brian and Jason tackle Molly White's take on public apathy amidst political chaos and skewed media narratives of LA protests. They dive into transportation tech like Uber's "new" bus service and robotaxis, analyze Tesla's delays and a unique French lawsuit, and dissect major AI developments from Google, Meta, and the Trump administration, including concerns about AI therapy bots and China's exam ban. Media news covers show updates, Star Trek, Spaceballs, and Warner Bros leadership, while the Dark Side explores AI-generated media, the "AI is frozen pizza" metaphor, and a deep dive into Atari and retro gaming hardware, concluding with listener shout-outs and tributes to departed figures in music and tech.

Jun 13, 20251 hr 18 minEp. 701

700: Going Antiquing

This episode covers the latest antics of Elon Musk and Donald Trump, including their social media feud, Trump's crypto wallet launch, and the resulting market impact. They also discuss Ukraine's effective drone attack using open-source tech and the escalating drone arms race. The episode delves into concerning AI developments like chatbots giving harmful advice, Meta using AI for risk assessment, and an alleged AI startup revealed as human engineers. Media reviews include TV shows, documentaries, and podcast news, while the dark side of mindfulness is also explored.

Jun 06, 20251 hr 19 minEp. 700

699: TACO 2025

The episode dives into recent tech blunders, from Google's "Is it 2025?" AI faceplant and RFK Jr.'s report citing fake studies to Meta's policy changes increasing harassment and violent content. They also cover a shocking crypto kidnapping in NYC, Trump Media's controversial Bitcoin investment, and global attempts at tech regulation like Texas's social media ban and Germany's digital tax. The conversation shifts to media reviews, app updates, book recommendations, cyber news including a CIA Star Wars fan site op, and humorous personal anecdotes about high school graduations and Star Wars fursonas.

May 30, 20251 hr 18 minEp. 699

698: Watch Out for That Tree!

This week, the geeks tackle the downsides of tech, from Elon Musk's interview fails and 23andMe selling genetic data to Coinbase's internal breach and OpenAI's questionable acquisition of Jony Ive's startup. They dive into AI gone wrong, including fake news generated by algorithms and unsettling AI behaviors. The episode also features reviews of current media and a deep dive into theme park news and nostalgic toys.

May 23, 20251 hr 21 minEp. 698

697: Office of Defects

This episode of Grumpy Old Geeks covers a wide array of topics, from Elon Musk's tunneling firm and Tesla's safety probes to Microsoft layoffs, AI limitations, and streaming service updates. They also discuss social issues, such as the impact of AI on jobs, the Pope's stance against AI, and customer service failures. The geeks also dive into media commentary, including Star Wars Andor, new TV shows, and streaming service strategies.

May 16, 20251 hr 17 minEp. 697

696: Googliearchs

The Grumpy Old Geeks dissect algorithm-driven realities, crypto crackdowns, and AI's impact on kids and relationships. They cover tech acquisitions, Elon Musk's ventures, and the ethics of AI resurrection, plus new streaming content. Dave Bittner delves into cybersecurity, and they revisit Industrial Light & Magic and classic rock.

May 09, 20251 hr 25 minEp. 696

695: Mad Hatter

The Grumpy Old Geeks discuss Apple trade-in issues, Trump's meme coin, and Doge's influence on housing regulations. They delve into AI's role in coding, Meta's chatbot controversies, and the questionable economics of Bitcoin mining. The episode also covers media recommendations, app updates, and book reviews, ending with shout-outs and sad news.

May 02, 20251 hr 10 minEp. 695

694: Hammers Don’t Hallucinate

This episode covers a range of tech and culture news, including Fyre Festival's potential return, AI developments at Google and OpenAI, and Meta's VR struggles. The hosts also discuss Uber's deceptive practices, Adam Neumann's latest venture, and a sperm racing event. Dave Bittner joins for The Dark Side, covering topics like Andor, arcade games, and language pet peeves.

Apr 25, 20251 hr 24 minEp. 694

693: Let Them Eat Space

This episode of Grumpy Old Geeks covers a range of tech and internet-related news, including the postponement of Fyre Fest 2, corporate surveillance, celebrity space flights, and Elon Musk's controversial management of his personal life. They also discuss AI's impact on various sectors, from customer service to elections, and review media like Black Mirror and the documentary Bringing Down a Dictator. The hosts close with shout-outs and a tribute to the late DJ Jed the Fish.

Apr 18, 20251 hr 24 minEp. 693

692: Confabulation and Frivolity

This episode of Grumpy Old Geeks dives into the absurdities of modern tech and politics, from Fyre Fest 2's impending doom to AI-driven surveillance and the Justice Department's retreat from crypto fraud. The hosts explore the latest developments in AI, including ChatGPT's memory feature and the UK's AI-powered crime prediction, while also reviewing new media like Black Mirror and Tron: Ares. Listen for a grumpy yet insightful take on the chaotic state of the digital world.

Apr 11, 20251 hr 27 minEp. 692

691: Cry Me A River (to Cool Off My AI)

This episode of Grumpy Old Geeks covers a range of tech and political issues, including protests against Tesla, privacy concerns with private jets, and the latest developments in AI. The hosts also discuss the implications of Trump's executive order on data silos, review media content, and share updates on Apple's upcoming products. Dave Bittner shares the passing of his father.

Apr 04, 20251 hr 20 minEp. 691

690: An Insult to Life Itself

This episode of Grumpy Old Geeks dives into the week's tech and news fails, from government officials' security blunders to AI's shortcomings and ethical concerns. They explore the Dunning-Kruger effect in action, discuss the latest crypto scams, and review media like Severance and hacker documentaries. The hosts also touch on listener feedback, highlighting their community's engagement and diverse opinions.

Mar 28, 20251 hr 8 minEp. 690

689: What Would Dave Do?

The Grumpy Old Geeks discuss AI's dark side, Tesla's woes, government surveillance, and more tech news. They delve into copyright issues, streaming services, and listener feedback. Dave Bittner joins to share his insights on cybersecurity and current events, while the hosts debate the merits of clicky keyboards.

Mar 21, 20251 hr 17 minEp. 689
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