Best Brian Merchant Podcasts (2025)

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Week in Tech: My Deepfake, My Choice 30:38

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21h ago30:38

30:38

Are we starting to sound like ChatGPT? This week, Oz and Karah explore a new AI-powered recipe tool and test whether mustard and pasta actually go together. Then, a new study suggests AI may already be changing the way we talk. Plus, impersonations of U.S. politicians and the Danish bill that would give people legal rights to their digital selves. …

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System Crash Is Paused 5:40

1d ago5:40

5:40

Some news, as they say: System Crash is going on hiatus as Brian and Paris are overloaded with other projects they need to take care of. Thanks for plugging in, and stay tuned to this feed for updates on what's next. Until then, subscribe to Brian’s newsletter Blood in the Machine, check out Paris’ newsletter Disconnect, and go listen to Tech Won’t…

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#330: Leadership, Legacy, and Launching the Total Force Plus Conference with Brian Kelly, CEO of MOAA 26:50

1d ago26:50

26:50

Need financing for your next investment property? Visit: https://www.academyfund.com/ Want to join us in San Francisco, CA on October 7th & 8th? Visit: https://www.10xvets.com/events ____ Brian Kelly is the President and CEO of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), a nonprofit organization focused on advocating for military personnel…

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Microsoft is Gutting the Video Game Industry w/ Nathan Grayson 55:09

2d ago55:09

55:09

Paris Marx is joined by Nathan Grayson to discuss the latest round of Microsoft layoffs and how the company’s ambition to remake the video game industry around its streaming service has had significant consequences. Nathan Grayson is a co-founder of Aftermath and author of Stream Big: The Triumphs and Turmoils of Twitch and the Stars Behind the Scr…

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The Story: User-Centered AI at Google w/ David Webster 37:55

2d ago37:55

37:55

David Webster is the head of UX at Google Labs, the company’s experimental AI division. When he stepped into the role in 2022, the tech world was scrambling to respond to the rise of ChatGPT — and Google Labs was no exception. Since then, the team has launched several high-profile projects, including the viral NotebookLM. Webster joins Oz to share …

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Crazy Town Classics - Lord of the Swans: The Tragedy of the Enclosure of the Commons 57:02

3d ago57:02

57:02

The “tragedy of the commons” is an idea that has so thoroughly seeped into culture and law that it seems normal for people and corporations to own land, water, and even whole ecosystems. But there’s a BIG problem: the “tragedy” part of it has been debunked – it really should be the triumph of the commons. Learn the origin story of privatization and…

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L’Oréal and IBM: AI-Powered Beauty 27:20

2d ago27:20

27:20

This week, the show takes you behind the scenes at L'Oréal’s research center in New Jersey. Malcolm Gladwell delves into the complexities of cosmetic formulation and the AI partnership with IBM. Learn how AI is poised to revolutionize the creation of beauty products, to make them even more sustainable and innovative. This is a paid advertisement fr…

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‘Mark Twain’ with Ron Chernow 56:56

1d ago56:56

56:56

Russillo is joined by Ron Chernow to dive deep into his new book, ‘Mark Twain’. Plus, they discuss why Twain’s life made for an interesting story, his struggles throughout his life, and even touch on other historical figures like Alexander Hamilton. Check us out on YouTube for exclusive clips, livestreams, and more at https://www.youtube.com/@RyenR…

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Les Schwab: Why Real Ownership Outperforms Experience, Capital, and Credentials (Outliers) 1:00:42

4d ago1:00:42

1:00:42

They weren’t employees. They were partners. Les Schwab didn’t build a company. He built a culture. This episode reveals how one small-town tire dealer scaled to $3 billion by turning customers into evangelists and employees into owners. Somewhere between changing his first flat tire and opening his 410th Les Schwab Tire Center, Les discovered somet…

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Palmer Luckey Wants to Arm the West With AI Weapons 33:33

8d ago33:33

33:33

Brian is out this week, so we’re dropping one of our bonus episodes to give you a preview of the benefits of supporting the show over on Patreon. In the episode, Brian and Paris dig into Anduril CEO Palmer Luckey’s scary vision for the future of warfare — and how he plans to profit off the whole thing. Arming countries to the teeth with automated w…

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Week in Tech: Hot Maps and AI Judges 38:09

8d ago38:09

38:09

Is betting on current events the ‘future of news’? This week in the News Roundup, Oz and Karah ask AI if their favorite restaurants are hot or not and why Gen Z is nostalgic for a world without the internet. They also discuss Wimbledon’s new AI judges and how drones are impacting beach days. Plus, we want to hear from you! If you’ve found yourself …

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Dan Brian | Dentalscapes Marketing 29:30

8d ago29:30

29:30

Keywords Local SEO, Google Business Profile, Link Building, Dental Marketing, Content Creation, Online Reviews, SEO Strategies, Digital Marketing, Dental Practices, Marketing Partnerships Summary In this conversation, Dan Brian and Monica Cappelli discuss the critical role of local SEO for dental practices, emphasizing the importance of Google Busi…

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Best and Worst Teams in the NFL With Albert Breer. Plus, Craig Kilborn on His New Podcast Venture. 1:49:49

8d ago1:49:49

1:49:49

Russillo is joined by Albert Breer to discuss the best and worst teams in the NFL this season, which QBs are in a prove-it year, and what rookies to keep an eye on (0:29). Then, Craig Kilborn comes on to preview his new podcast with 30 for 30, discuss his preparation for the role, and talk about KAT’s playoffs (40:16). Plus, Life Advice With Kyle (…

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How the US Weaponizes Tech in the Middle East w/ Laleh Khalili 53:32

9d ago53:32

53:32

Paris Marx is joined by Laleh Khalili to discuss how the United States uses its control of key technologies to shift global power dynamics, and how that specifically plays out in the Middle East. Laleh Khalili is Professor of Gulf Studies at the University of Exeter and author of the forthcoming book Extractive Capitalism. Tech Won’t Save Us offers…

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The Story: Roblox and the ‘Prehistoric Era’ of Gaming w/ David Baszucki 31:21

10d ago31:21

31:21

David Baszucki is the co-founder and CEO of Roblox, the gaming platform that’s become a digital playground for millions of kids around the world. Baszucki sits down with Oz to talk about how Roblox became one of the most beloved tech platforms for the younger generations, and why he believes gaming is still in its “prehistoric era.” They also dive …

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160. Marrying Anarchism and Liberalism -- Alexandre Lefebvre 49:46

10d ago49:46

49:46

Alexandre Lefebvre, author of Liberalism as a Way of Life, joins me to discuss the many ways that anarchism and liberalism are compatible. Later this month, you'll here Alexander back on the show, as we try to divorce the two traditions.By Graham Culbertson

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The End of the World, Criticizing NBA Player Criticism, and Top Workout Songs with Van Lathan 1:18:00

10d ago1:18:00

1:18:00

Russillo is joined by Van Lathan to discuss female relationships, religion, the end of the world, basketball criticism, and more (0:43). Plus, Life Advice with Kyle (49:18)! Do I rat out my neighbor's son for stealing? Check us out on YouTube for exclusive clips, livestreams, and more at https://www.youtube.com/@RyenRussilloPodcast. The Ringer is c…

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Harley Finkelstein: You Must Requalify for Your Role, Every Year 1:49:56

11d ago1:49:56

1:49:56

Shopify President Harley Finkelstein talks with Shane Parrish about treating every role in your life like a job you have to earn again each year. Harley shares why stepping down as COO was his hardest choice, the family motto that guides his daughters, and what makes someone good at storytelling. They discuss AI's real advantage, the calendar syste…

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Cheryl McKenna | Merchant Advocate 30:18

11d ago30:18

30:18

Keywords merchant services, credit card processing, business costs, fee passing, cost savings, healthcare, high-risk industries, business management, financial advice, entrepreneurship Summary In this episode of the Dental Business Hub, Cheryl McKenna discusses her journey into the merchant services industry and the importance of managing costs for…

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"4 Questions Journalist Spotlight" with DorMiya Vance, WABE Radio 32:18

13d ago32:18

32:18

This week, our "4 Questions Journalist Spotlight" shines on DorMiya Vance, WABE News radio! Her beat is to "cover all things culture and social justice on the Southside of Atlanta." Coolest Thing About DorMiya: She's a big fan of horror movies and TV show. Anything that's gory and grotesque! One of her favorite franchises is the "Saw" series. Last …

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#329: Unlocking the Power of Breathwork with Kevin Raney, USAFA ‘02 28:19

13d ago28:19

28:19

Need financing for your next investment property? Visit: https://www.academyfund.com/ Want to join us in San Francisco, CA on October 7th & 8th? Visit: https://www.10xvets.com/events ____ Kevin Rainey is a certified breathwork coach, former Air Force officer, and seasoned project manager with over 20 years of experience leading programs around the …

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#328: Transforming the Future of Property Valuation with AI with Richard Kenny, USAFA ‘09 25:46

13d ago25:46

25:46

Need financing for your next investment property? Visit: https://www.academyfund.com/ Want to join us in San Francisco, CA on October 7th & 8th? Visit: https://www.10xvets.com/events ____ Richard Kenny is the founder of Falcon Capital Real Estate and Valuation Pro, bringing together decades of valuation expertise with a focus on innovation in comme…

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The Ban on State AI Laws is Dead, Canada Bows to Trump and Big Tech, and the AI Backlash Grows 57:30

15d ago57:30

57:30

This week on System Crash: Canada drops its digital services tax under pressure from Trump, the 10-year ban on state-level AI regulation is dead, and the backlash to generative AI just keeps growing. Plus, Peter Thiel and his buddies are starting a new bank named after something else from Middle Earth, Microsoft is cutting thousands of jobs, and pe…

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TechStuff Classic: The Story of the Sony Walkman 46:08

15d ago46:08

46:08

This week, we’re revisiting one of our favorite episodes — all about the Sony Walkman. Jonathan Strickland dives into why Time named the portable device number 47 on a list of the 50 most influential gadgets of all time. How did the Walkman become a thing, and what influence has it had on how we experience music? See omnystudio.com/listener for pri…

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Ranking the Bucks Offseason, LeBron’s Future in LA, and What’s Next for the Nets With Bobby Marks 1:27:47

15d ago1:27:47

1:27:47

Russillo is joined by Bobby Marks to share their thoughts on the Bucks signing Myles Turner, preview what the future could hold for LeBron James, and again try to make sense of the Pelicans’ draft-day trade (0:39). Plus, Life Advice with Kyle (52:55)! Should I send a poem to the one that got away? Check us out on YouTube for exclusive clips, livest…

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The Geopolitical Fight Over Huawei w/ Yangyang Cheng 54:05

16d ago54:05

54:05

Paris Marx is joined by Yangyang Cheng to discuss how Huawei became one of the most powerful companies in China and how current geopolitical narratives distract from the issues at the heart of surveillance capitalism in the US and China. Yangyang Cheng is a Research Scholar in Law and Fellow at Yale Law School’s Paul Tsai China Center. Tech Won’t S…

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David Lopes DDS | Growing Your Practice: The Story and the Technology 49:40

17d ago49:40

49:40

Summary In this conversation, Dave Lopes discusses the evolution of dental practice, emphasizing the importance of storytelling, technology, and patient-centered care. He highlights the role of dental hygienists as oral health coaches and the significance of team dynamics in providing exceptional patient care. The discussion also covers the necessi…

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The Story: Selfhood in the Digital Age w/ Vauhini Vara 34:33

17d ago34:33

34:33

Writer and journalist Vauhini Vara has been entangled with the tech world for most of her life — first as a kid in the Seattle suburbs and a college student in the Bay Area, and then as a reporter covering Silicon Valley for The Wall Street Journal. But it wasn’t until she turned to creative writing that Vara began to see just how deeply technology…

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Will Trump's Tariffs Fuel or Foil the Degrowth Movement? 47:52

17d ago47:52

47:52

As Trump’s tariffs kick in, the Republican party is suddenly spouting anti-consumerist rhetoric that would make the Lorax smile. Should we cheer on this accidental experiment in economic shrinkage, or will this ham-fisted set of trade policies cause a backlash against the proponents of degrowth? As political confusion reigns, we offer eco-localism …

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NBA Free Agency Roundup. Plus, the Maclean Brothers on Their Journey Across the Pacific Ocean. 1:23:22

17d ago1:23:22

1:23:22

Russillo starts the show by sharing his thoughts on the biggest signings to start free agency (0:48). Then, the Maclean brothers come on to explain why they’re rowing across the Pacific Ocean, how logistics work aboard the boat, and what they’re most looking forward to once they finish (20:27). Plus, Life Advice with Kyle (41:53)! Should I tell my …

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Jimmy Pattison: Building a $16B Empire Without Connections, Capital, or Credentials (Outliers) 1:13:12

18d ago1:13:12

1:13:12

At 96 years old, Jimmy Pattison still runs his $16 billion empire personally. He’s built it over 63 years without outside capital or a college degree. He owns 100% of car dealerships, billboards, radio stations—even Ripley’s Believe It or Not—with a philosophy of: "No partners, no shareholders, no relatives." This episode reveals the principles beh…

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Patreon Preview: Mountainhead Exposes the Minds of the Tech Elite 4:36

18d ago4:36

4:36

This is a preview of System Crash’s monthly bonus episode, where Paris and Brian present the first System Crash Culture Club by interrogating the new film Mountainhead and how it gets into the minds of our Silicon Valley oligarchs. To get the full bonus episode, become a supporter on Patreon. Support the show…

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#327: Unlocking Real Value in Small Business Acquisitions with Dave Lam, USAFA ‘11 43:29

19d ago43:29

43:29

Dave Lam is a seasoned investor, veteran, and strategic operator focused on unlocking value in microcap and lower-middle market companies. A former U.S. Air Force contracting officer, he offers deep expertise on execution, strategy, and operational excellence. As a Principal at Phalanx Partners, he helps lead independent sponsorship and advisory ef…

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"4 Questions Journalist Spotlight" with Michelle Hall, Forsyth County News 28:40

20d ago28:40

28:40

This week, our "4 Questions Journalist Spotlight" shines on Michelle Hall, Managing Editor of the Forsyth County News. Coolest Thing About Michelle: Acted and did commercials when she was young and loves dancing and comedy shows! Last Book Read: Nate Bargatzy "Big Dumb Eyes: Stories from A Simpler Mind" Favorite Local Restaurant: PITA Mediterranean…

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AI Has Its Day in Court and Tesla’s Robotaxis Are Already a Menace in Austin 57:56

22d ago57:56

57:56

This week on System Crash: A court rules Anthropic can train on copyrighted works as long as they’re not pirated, and Elon Musk rolls out Tesla’s Robotaxi service in Austin — with all the problems you’d expect. Plus, Australia’s social media ban for under 16s moves forward, a new Fairphone is coming soon, Brian has a new series, and more! Subscribe…

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Week in Tech: The Music Industry Strikes Back 35:49

22d ago35:49

35:49

How can you detect AI music? This week in the News Roundup, Oz and Karah unpack the music industry's scramble to build tech that labels AI-generated tracks. And the MIT study that took the internet by storm. On TechSupport, Politico’s Maggie Miller explains how the conflict between Iran and Israel was fought in cyberspace. See omnystudio.com/listen…

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159. The Folksinging Anarchist Tradition -- Willi Carlisle 57:24

22d ago57:24

57:24

In celebration of his new album Winged Victory, Folksinger Willi Carlisle joins me to discuss the connections between folk music and leftism, especially anarchism. I love all of Willi's albums. Here's his website: https://www.willicarlisle.com/By Graham Culbertson

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What Were the Pelicans Thinking? Plus, Full NBA Draft Breakdown With Jay Bilas. 1:17:42

22d ago1:17:42

1:17:42

Russillo starts the show by trying to make sense of the Pelicans trading up for Derik Queen (1:56). Then, Jay Bilas comes on to share his favorite picks, what to make of the Nets' five selections, and who tops his big board heading into Round 2 (14:53). Plus, Life Advice with Kyle (47:59)! I’m a sexual athlete but I’m not satisfied with my partner.…

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Chatbots Are Repeating Social Media’s Harms w/ Nitasha Tiku 53:48

23d ago53:48

53:48

Paris Marx is joined by Nitasha Tiku to discuss how AI companies are preying on users to drive engagement and how that’s repeating many of the problems we’re belatedly trying to address with social media companies at an accelerated pace. Nitasha Tiku is a technology reporter at the Washington Post. Tech Won’t Save Us offers a critical perspective o…

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The Story: Big Tech, Small Town w/ Yasmin Green 37:53

24d ago37:53

37:53

When Yasmin Green joined Google almost two decades ago, she knew she wanted to focus on the complex problems facing humanity in a technological world – from violent extremism to political censorship. As the CEO of Jigsaw, a unit within Google that’s dedicated to understanding global challenges and applying technological solutions, she’s been able t…

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Simons-Holiday Trade Thoughts and the Value of a Top-10 Pick. Plus, Kevin Boyle on the Draft. 1:23:06

25d ago1:23:06

1:23:06

Russillo starts the show by looking at the impact that the Anfernee Simons–Jrue Holiday trade will have on both teams (1:54). Then, Kevin Boyle comes on to share what it was like coaching Cooper Flagg, analyze Derik Queen’s game, and explain why he’s stayed at the high school level (18:52). Plus, Life Advice with Kyle (45:14)! Can I mow my lawn shi…

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Indra Nooyi: Lessons from the Top of PepsiCo—and the Cost of Getting There 1:36:38

25d ago1:36:38

1:36:38

On her first day as CEO of PepsiCo, Indra Nooyi fired her general counsel. Then rehired him before dinner. It wasn’t a stunt. It was a signal. She ran a $200 billion empire the same way she ran her life: with surgical precision, uncompromising standards, and an allergy to corporate theater. But here's what separates this conversation from every oth…

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Pacers Dominate to Force Game 7! Plus, Full NBA Draft Breakdown With Sam Vecenie and Rutgers Coach Steve Pikiell 1:52:39

29d ago1:52:39

1:52:39

Russillo starts the show by looking at how the Pacers were able to dominate in Game 6 (1:55). Then, he’s joined by Sam Vecenie to break down Cooper Flagg’s game, share their favorite prospects, and discuss which team has the most trustworthy front office (13:33). Next, Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell comes on to explain what it was like having two lott…

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The Rise of the AI Military Industrial Complex, Trump’s Scam Phone, and Israel-Iran Slop 48:49

29d ago48:49

48:49

This week on System Crash: A new player is about to take the smartphone world by storm, the AI industry is forging deeper partnerships with the military, and the Iran-Israel conflict is already overrun with AI slop. Plus, Tesla pauses production again, AI is creating problems for libraries, some Danish governments want to get off Microsoft, and mor…

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Week in Tech: There's No Place Like AI 32:20

29d ago32:20

32:20

What does Google Search sound like? This week in the News Roundup, Oz explores Google’s new AI-generated audio summaries — and why a simple question like “what’s two plus two?” triggered a two-minute podcast. Then, Wikipedia tried its own AI experiment and faced backlash from editors. On TechSupport, Semafor’s Reed Albergotti recasts Big Tech as ch…

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Putting the Thunder’s Season in Historical Context With Bob Ryan. Plus, Keegan Bradley From the Travelers Championship. 1:32:07

29d ago1:32:07

1:32:07

Russillo is joined by Bob Ryan to discuss Rick Carlisle’s brilliance, the best NBA teams of all time, and the sale of the Lakers (1:53). Next, Keegan Bradley joins from the Travelers Championship to share his thoughts on his early career, winning a major championship, and the difficulties of the U.S. Open (33:54). Plus, Life Advice With Kyle (51:52…