Crashed

All episodes.

57 episodes · showing the newest 57

Shadow foreign secretary discusses Nvidia, AI regulation and China

Nov 12, 2026 58 min

Shadow Foreign Secretary Tom Tugendhat joins presenters Alex Hudson and Chris Stokel-Walker for an episode of Crashed where the news agenda has exploded. Tugendhat says the Chinese Communist Party is trying to cause him personal harm; addresses the NVidia/spying scandal; says that the Vatican is the only organisation having serious discussions about AI; and a case for AI legislation could be made if it were more about censorship and/or limiting state control rather than data sovereignty. Elsewhere on the episode, The Web Summit gets washed out in Portugal, the EU introduces the Digital Fairness Act, someone flies eight hours to draw the GTA 6 logo in the sky, and the very nature of physics is questioned. It's quite the episode. To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Exclusive: Ofcom explains p*** ban and Online Safety Act

Nov 5, 2026 54 min

The Online Safety Act received royal assent three years ago, and regulators are still implementing its regulations. Jessica Zucker, director of online safety policy at Ofcom, joins Crashed presenters Alex Hudson and Chris Stokel-Walker to talk about how Ofcom is working with Meta, X, and others to keep them in check; how p***ography laws are being made increasingly complicated with new regulations making some types illegal; and how regulators can keep up with information overload. Elsewhere in the episode, what does the Democratic Party taking control back of both the House and the Senate mean for tech policy; why are fridges being hacked? And how does ~20% of North Korea's GDP come from hacking? Ofcom's report on content harmful to children: https://www.ofcom.org.uk/online-safety/protecting-children/report-on-content-harmful-to-children Ofcom's roadmap to the implementation of the Online Safety Act: https://www.ofcom.org.uk/online-safety/illegal-and-harmful-content/roadmap-to-regulation Ofcom's Media Nations 2026 report: https://www.ofcom.org.uk/siteassets/resources/documents/research-and-data/multi-sector/media-nations/2026/media-nations-2026-uk-report.pdf?v=423157 To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Could an early General Election be coming?

Oct 29, 2026 59 min

Investigative journalist Lydia Morrish of the Bureau of Investigative Journalism joins presenters Alex Hudson and Chris Stokel-Walker to discuss the millions of non-consensual deepfakes produced on X's Grok in under two weeks. Elsewhere in the episode, we unpack the UK budget’s technology priorities, including AI investment, cybersecurity, data centres, and support for scale-ups; examine Anthropic’s prospective IPO, the company’s financial disclosures, and what its public offering could reveal about the AI boom. We also spend slightly too long talking about fish and chips. Follow Lydia on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lydmorrish/?hl=en-gb Read her investigation into Grok: https://www.thebureauinvestigates.com/stories/2026-09-29/grok-deepfakes-police-justice And her follow-up: https://www.thebureauinvestigates.com/stories/2026-10-22/grok-deepfake-case-reopened-after-bureau-reporting Or watch it on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDb5ayMG694 To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Green energy is cheaper so why drill for gas?

Oct 22, 2026 58 min

We tried to make a positive-news-only episode of Crashed and ended up talking about climate change, drilling in the North Sea, the collapse of societal norms, and a lot about a receipt printer for reasons only co-presenter Chris Stokel-Walker knows. Co-presenter Alex Hudson and Chris celebrate Crashed's first birthday with a look at how tech has already made life better and how it might be about to in the years and decades to come. Keywords: technology, future, green energy, medical tech, quantum computing, AI, innovation, podcast anniversary Key topics Celebration of the podcast's one-year anniversaryAdvancements in green energy and battery techMedical innovations like AI in cancer detectionQuantum computing and brain interface breakthroughsThe politics of energy and climate changeFuture predictions for technology and societyTo support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Should we let AI kill people?

Oct 15, 2026 58 min

Nobel Peace Prize winner Beatrice Fihn helped pioneer efforts to achieve a treaty-based ban on nuclear weapons. She's now turned her attention to the use of AI in warfare. Presenters Alex Hudson and Chris Stokel-Walker discuss with her how AI is already being used on the battlefield, the parallels with nuclear disarmament and just how much the Geneva Convention stands up to scrutiny. The documentary discussed in the episode, Will We Let AI Kill People, can be watched in full here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLIT00ZHgYE Elsewhere in the episode, we talk about MI5's renewed focus on AI, Mia Goth's AI deepfake issue, and what's the point of Apple's HomeView? keywords: AI warfare, international regulation, autonomous weapons, human control, global coalition, AI ethics, nuclear analogy, treaty negotiationsAI safety, deepfakes, MI5, cybersecurity, biological weapons, AI regulation, tech ethics, AI threats, AI deepfake, AI governance key topics MI5's AI Threat Assessment Centre (AI TAC)AI in warfare and automated weaponsInternational regulation and treatiesThe importance of human control over AI weaponsThe role of global coalitions and civil societyLessons from nuclear and chemical weapons regulationThe potential and risks of AI in military applicationsDeepfake incidents involving Mia GothRisks of AI in biological weapon synthesisRegulation and safety of AI systemsThe AI arms race among global intelligence agenciesThe challenge of verifying AI safety and honestyThe impact of AI on national security and global stabilityTo support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The farlands of TikTok 'where predators meet'

Oct 8, 2026 47 min

***Trigger warning: difficult discussions about sexual predators and child abuse take place in this episode.*** The TikTok farlands are what media studies professor Jessica Maddox calls “the end of the internet where things get weird. You’ve left the mainstream and taken a wrong turn.” This wrong turn is regularly just a weird, glitchy nightmare of surreal AI but there is a darker piece to this puzzle. Presenters Alex Hudson and Chris Stokel-Walker talk to investigative journalist Katherine Denkinson about a Prospect investigation about the darker corners of TikTok. Also in the episode, what price with ASOS's hack have on the brand? And why on either are digital price panels having a moment? Read Kat's piece here: https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/ideas/technology/internet/telecoms/social-media/75143/they-trade-child-sex-abuse-material.-they-find-each-other-on-tiktok Go to Kat's homepage: https://kdenkwrites.com/ To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Everyone should own their own chatbot agent

Oct 1, 2026 51 min

In this episode, Alex Hudson and Chris explore the chaotic intersection of AI, military technology, and the future of media and society, sharing insights from recent research and personal anecdotes. keywords: AI, military tech, quantum computing, media, society, innovation, future trends key topics AI and military technologyQuantum computing advancementsMedia consumption and long-running seriesThe economics of hardware and AI infrastructureThe social implications of technological changeTo support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

50 things you should know about AI

Sep 24, 2026 56 min

Crashed is celebrating its 50th episode, which is silly. Also silly is choosing to celebrate it by trying to fit 50 things you need to know about AI in a single episode. But we did it. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being part of Crashed and making it into the ridiculous thing it has become. If you want cake, email us and we'll try to send you some. In this episode, Alex Hudson and Chris Stokel-Walker explore the latest developments and misconceptions in AI, from superintelligence to AI regulation, water usage, and the future of AI technology. Keywords: AI, superintelligence, AI regulation, water usage, AI ethics, AI models, AI impact, AI safety, future of AI Key topics What Donald Trump means by superintelligence and its implicationsThe reality of superintelligence and its development pathAI safety concerns and containment issuesThe impact of AI on water and energy consumptionRegulatory efforts and international cooperation on AI safetyThe influence of capitalism and geopolitics on AI developmentThe role of open source and corporate AI modelsThe bias and ethical challenges in AI systemsThe potential of AI to reduce conspiracy beliefs and improve productivityThe future of humanoid robots and AI integrationTo support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Q&A special: AI's relation to the nuclear bomb, the solution to spam email and one impossible question

Sep 17, 2026 58 min

In this special Q&A episode, presenters Alex Hudson and Chris Stokel-Walker explore the complex and often alarming intersections of AI, government influence, privacy, technological innovation, and much more besides. They discuss recent developments, historical parallels, and the future implications of AI and tech in society. Keywords: AI, government influence, privacy, technology, innovation, regulation, societal impact, future of AI, surveillance, global cooperation Key topics: AI influence on government decision-making, AI and its historical parallels with the Manhattan Project and financial crises, the role of lobbying and regulation in AI development, privacy concerns with facial recognition and surveillance, global cooperation and AI governance, the impact of AI on jobs and society To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The weaponised selfie and image-based abuse

Sep 10, 2026 1 hr 1 min

Chayn founder and CEO Hera Hussain joins Alex Hudson and guest presenter Dr Carolina Are to discuss the complex issues surrounding image-based abuse, consent, and digital safety, especially in conservative cultures and diaspora communities. She highlights the importance of nuanced policies, community impact, and technological solutions. Also in the episode, have we finally reached late-stage algorithm? And what would it take for the presenters to start dating an LLM? Read Chayn’s report: https://reports.chayn.co/ Follow Carolina on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bloggeronpole Keywords: image-based abuse, consent, digital safety, Hera Hussain, social media, privacy, gender-based violence, tech policy, Pakistan, social media, algorithms, regulation, aura battles, extremism, digital literacy To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The influencers won. Now what? (a Taylor Lorenz's Power User v Crashed collab)

Sep 3, 2026 50 min

In this episode, Alex Hudson and Taylor Lorenz explore the evolving landscape of influence, AI, and digital regulation, discussing the impact of technology on society, politics, and media. They delve into the future of AI, the role of influencers, and the challenges of regulation in a rapidly changing digital world. Follow Taylor Lorenz's Power User on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/taylor-lorenzs-power-user/id1733535260 On Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5iganPXXEoTDB9lIQzY7Fh?si=85fed5daa4ad42e9 Or YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/taylorlorenz keywords AI, influencers, digital regulation, social media, technology, politics, media, privacy, future of AI, influence economy key topics The influence economy and its evolutionThe role of AI in everyday life and workChallenges of regulation and liability in AI systemsThe changing landscape of social media and influenceThe impact of legislation on free speech and digital contentThe rise of agentic AI and its implicationsThe concept of fame in the digital eraThe intersection of technology, privacy, and ethics To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Getting paid to train AI to replace you

Aug 27, 2026 56 min

In this episode, Alex Hudson and Chris Stokel-Walker explore the latest developments in AI, social media trends, and the future of warfare, delving into the ethical, societal, and technological implications of these rapid changes. Keywords AI, social media, warfare, technology, ethics, future of work, TikTok, Vine, Ukraine, autonomous weapons Key topics AI in warfare and defense The resurgence of short-form video platforms like Vine and Divine Social media responsibility and offline consequences The development and risks of autonomous weapons The impact of AI training on jobs and society Takeaways Ukraine has become a key AI battlefield, with data shaping modern warfare. Vine's return signals a shift towards less algorithm-driven, more authentic content. Social media platforms face complex responsibilities for offline actions. AI's role in training and replacing jobs raises ethical and economic questions. The development of autonomous weapons presents profound moral and strategic challenges. To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The death of the computer keyboard

Aug 20, 2026 58 min

In this episode, Bloomberg columnist Dave Lee joins hosts Alex Hudson and Chris Stokel-Walker to discuss if the computer keyboard is on its last legs. Only around half of users see it as a primary device and 20% don't use it at all. What's the future of interfaces, and will typing be entirely unnecessary? We explore the future of interfaces, the role of writing and AI, and the cultural implications of technological change. They debate the significance of the keyboard, voice interfaces, and the enduring value of human storytelling. Find Dave's vibe-coded website: https://www.davelee.me/ keywords future of interfaces, AI and writing, voice technology, keyboard vs voice, storytelling, tech culture, AI tools, communication evolution key topics The evolution of internet access and device usageThe potential decline of the keyboard in favour of voice and AR interfacesThe importance of writing as a thinking tool and its cultural valueThe role of AI in writing, communication, and creative processesThe social and ethical considerations of relying on AI and voice techThe significance of human character and storytelling in a digital ageThe impact of AI on journalism, music, and other creative fieldsFuture trends in human-computer interaction and interface designTo support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Quantum technology will change everything

Aug 13, 2026 50 min

Quantum is about to change the world, so we’re told. It will make computers exponentially faster. It will challenge the cryptographic foundations that underpin security. It has the potential to fundamentally reshape the world, similar to the shift from before the web to after. According to Austrian physicist Erwin Schrödinger of cat-owning/not-owning fame, quantum mechanics requires an entire departure from classical lines of thought: In this episode, Dr Jess Wade, of Imperial College London, joins presenters Alex Hudson and Chris Stokel-Walker to explain the fundamentals of quantum mechanics, its potential to revolutionise technology, and how the UK is positioning itself in the global quantum race. She demystifies complex concepts like quantum entanglement and discusses the societal impact of quantum innovations. Also in the programme, why is the cloud seemingly moving to Slough? And what happens now lovebots are banned? To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is Andy Burnham really the TikTok prime minister?

Aug 6, 2026 54 min

Presenters Alex Hudson and Chris Stokel-Walker discuss "The UK’s first TikTok prime minister", and if Andy Burnham really is channelling New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani as he hit social media. Other ministers, including Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood talking about small boat crossings, or AI minister Kanishka Narayan talking about Backing British while eating a strawberry, are following suit. Even Chancellor John Healey was reviewing pork scratchings with Burnham in a pub in a social video. Why? What's the grand plan here? And what are the 13 new social media hires going to do? Alongside that in this episode, we explore the latest social media trends, political strategies, and bizarre news stories that highlight how digital culture is shaping society. From TikTok's integration with Disney to political social media tactics, we cover it all. keywords social media, TikTok, politics, social media trends, viral stories, digital culture, political strategy, social media influence, bizarre news, online activism key topics TikTok's partnership with Disney and major brandsThe use of social media by politicians for direct engagementThe impact of viral stories and bizarre news on public discourseReddit's role in AI training data and search resultsControversies involving political figures and social media abuse To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lampposts could be spying on you... really!

Jul 30, 2026 59 min

A lampost with facial-recognition capability has been announced. Why? We don't know. But we'll try and find out. In this episode, presenters Alex Hudson and Chris Stokel-Walker explore the latest developments in surveillance technology, AI mishaps, and the implications for privacy and civil liberties. Our guest, Professor Pete Fussey, shares insights from his extensive research on surveillance systems, facial recognition, and the societal impacts of these technologies. Also, the tech angle on the Clicky Ponting cricket cheating scandal, OpenAI admits to more hacking, and former eBay employees have to pay millions for a campaign of abuse and intimidation against a couple who wrote less-than-complimentary things about them. Follow Pete on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-fussey Key topics: The expansion of surveillance infrastructure like CCTV and lamp postsAI errors and privacy leaks in chatbots like Claude and ChatGPTDemographic biases in facial recognition technologyThe impact of surveillance on marginalized communitiesRegulatory challenges and the need for transparency in surveillance techThe societal effects of surveillance and privacy erosionThe role of human rights law in regulating surveillanceThe influence of political ideologies on surveillance policies To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The death of British science, innovation and technology (department)

Jul 23, 2026 1 hr 2 min

In a week of a new prime minister, an OpenAI agentic “hack” and France banning social media for under-15s, presenters Alex Hudson and Chris Stokel-Walker have a lot to get through. They’re joined by investigative journalist Ben Smoke, who has spent the last 18 months investigating alleged corruption in AI policy and the Labour government. This episode delves into the transparency, conflicts of interest, and societal impact of current AI strategies. And talks about Fast and the Furious as an academic pursuit. Subscribe to Ben's Substack: https://wefightthegoodfight.substack.com/ Or follow them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bencsmoke/?hl=en Keywords: AI policy, UK government, industry influence, transparency, AI growth zones, AI minister, political accountability, tech industry, public interest, AI regulation Key topics: UK AI policy and government restructuring; Influence of tech industry and vested interests; transparency and conflicts of interest in AI policymaking; AI growth zones and local economic impact; Role of the AI minister and cabinet dynamics To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Meta narrative: Instagram, shadowbanning, Meta Glasses, and AI redundancies

Jul 16, 2026 1 hr 8 min

Meta is having a moment, laying off 10% of its staff with the help, it's alleged, of AI while maintaining a 40% profit margin. In this episode, we explore the latest developments in Instagram shadowbanning, how Kylie Jenner's Meta Glasses partnership could cause problems, what the Muse Image and NameTag controversies say about Zuckerberg's mindset. social media, and does what copyright is left in the age of AI. Presenters Alex Hudson and Chris Stokel-Walker are joined by academic, campaigner and activist Dr Carolina Are. We discuss shadow banning, AI-generated content, Meta's controversial features, and the future of digital rights. Also, why is Netflix trying to become YouTube? And why did IBM's share price tank? Read Dr Carolina's work: https://bloggeronpole.com/ To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does Burnhamism mean in practice? And is the answer just AI everything?

Jul 9, 2026 1 hr 2 min

The next prime minister is probably Andy Burnham. And this means Burnhamism, Manchesterism and devolution are all hot topics. But what does that mean for economic growth? Technological innovation? And the UK’s second cities catching up. In this episode, presenters Alex Hudson and Chris Stokel-Walker talk to Tom Forth about regional economic disparities in the UK, the impact of devolution, and the potential to transform cities like Leeds and Manchester. We explore how to reduce the North-South divide. Go to Tom Forth’s website: https://tomforth.co.uk/ Follow him on X: https://x.com/thomasforth?lang=en Keywords: UK economy, devolution, regional development, infrastructure, Manchester, Leeds, North-South divide, economic growth, public investment, city regeneration key topics Impact of devolution on regional economiesCase studies of Manchester and LeedsRole of infrastructure projects like tram systemsStrategies for regional growth and prosperityChallenges and opportunities in UK regional developmentTo support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Does AI need a “kill switch”?

Jul 2, 2026 59 min

Sarah Breeden, the Bank of England’s deputy governor for financial stability, has talked about the potential need ot a “kill switch” for markets because agentic AI may force regulators to rethink how the financial system is governed. Presenters Alex Hudson and Christ Stokel-Walker try to unpick the detail from the fantastic tabloid headlines. Also, could we be facing the end of the need for websites? Now that AI and search changes are leaving some news publishers with traffic drops of up to 90%, and online brands are seeing their traffic fall, is this really the end? And will we all just stare at LLMs, social networks and forums? Performance marketing pioneer Neil Patel, of NP Digital, discusses the future of search, AI's impact on SEO, and how businesses can adapt to the evolving digital landscape. This episode offers insights into how AI and LLMs are transforming marketing, content creation, and consumer behaviour. Keywords: Neil Patel, AI Search, SEO, LLMs, Digital Marketing, Future of Websites, Content Strategy, AI in Business Key topics The shift from traditional search to AI-driven searchThe impact of LLMs like ChatGPT and Gemini on SEOStrategies for optimising for AI and LLMsThe importance of product quality over marketing in AI eraThe future of websites and in-platform transactionsThe role of digital PR and content in AI searchThe changing landscape of journalism and content creationNeil Patel's insights on product-led growth and innovation To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The week the world asked the Internet for ID

Jun 25, 2026 55 min

Britain is changing prime minister again, which would be funny if the policy consequences were not so bleak. So this week on Crashed, Alex Hudson and Chris Stokel-Walker ignore the Westminster cosplay and ask the question that actually matters: what tech agenda does the next government inherit? From under-16 social media bans to VPN age-gating, facial age estimation at the border, AI regulation, digital ID, Anthropic’s incoming checks, bot paranoia and the collapsing line between public safety and private life, this is an episode about the same pattern appearing everywhere. Every new demand for safety seems to need another identity check. Every new AI panic seems to need another database. Every new political crisis seems to produce another reason why privacy has to give way. Also: hot podium guy, the King of the North, World Cup heat stress, whether blockchain can prove you are human, and the increasingly urgent question of what level of real-world harm society is prepared to tolerate to preserve a private digital life. To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Social media ban could mean more state surveillance

Jun 18, 2026 1 hr 5 min

In this episode, presenters Alex Hudson and Chris Stokel-Walker delve into the complexities of social media regulation, government policies on youth online safety, and the influence of AI at the G7 summit. They explore the implications of recent policies, the role of framing in public opinion, and the future of tech regulation. They're joined by Genevieve Broadhead, global industry lead at cloud database platform MongoDB, to discuss who owns the information architecture underneath every AI answer, retail interaction and customer decision To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Royal Mail can't even deliver parcels to the Post Office

Jun 11, 2026 58 min

Royal Mail can't even deliver mail to Post Offices... and there's literally no way to speak to a Parcelforce customer service operator directly, no matter how hard you try. Wasn't the delivery revolution meant to make everything better? The regulator keeps fining them for all the targets being missed. Presenters Alex Hudson and Chris Stokel-Walker talk about expensive stamps, the demise of Post Office branches and how hard it is to deliver post to the Post Office. Maybe they could organise a p*** up in a brewery? In the episode, we also cover the "aggressive" investment in British industry and why the iPhone is being blamed for the drop in birth rate. To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Elon Musk’s trillion-dollar gamble and the extended reality (XR) of it all

Jun 4, 2026 55 min

This episode explores the recent experiences at South by Southwest (SXSW) London, the state of XR and AI markets, and the implications of upcoming IPOs in the tech industry, including the $135-a-share gamble with SpaceX that would make it the largest IPO ever and worth nearly $1.8 trillion. Hosts Alex Hudson and Chris Stokel-Walker share insights, critiques, and future predictions about the cultural and economic impact of these technological trends. Keywords: South by Southwest London, XR, AI, IPOs, tech industry, cultural impact, market analysis, innovation, technology trends key topics South by Southwest London experienceThe state of XR and extended realityUpcoming IPOs of AI and tech giants OpenAI, Anthropic and SpaceXMarket concentration and valuation concernsCultural and societal implications of XR and AI To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shadow banning on social is real (and so is the AI Pope)

May 28, 2026 59 min

This episode explores the complex issues of shadow banning, content moderation, and the influence of AI and religion on digital society. Featuring Dr. Carolina Are, of the LSE, presenters Alex Hudson and Chris Stokel-Walker get deep into platform policies, free speech, and the moral implications of AI development. Oh, and what “don’t be evil” did (or didn’t mean) to Google, how North Korea might be using AI and what on earth the UK might be doing about all this. Follow Dr. Carolina Are: https://www.instagram.com/bloggeronpole/?hl=en Keywords: shadow banning, social media moderation, AI ethics, free speech, platform regulation, digital rights, online harms, social media censorship, AI morality, religious influence on technology key topics Shadow banning and content suppressionThe influence of AI and algorithms on societyThe role of religion and morality in AI developmentTo support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

HS2: How difficult is it to build a £100bn railway?

May 21, 2026 49 min

Britain’s next-generation high-speed rail network (HS2) was going to lay 530km of track, offer speeds of up to 225mph, cost around £33bn, and launch in 2026, when it was announced in 2012. Now in 2026, it’ll cost up to £103bn, be under half the length (225km), slower, and won’t be completed until, potentially, 2043. It’s gone laughably wrong. Even the government calls it “the world’s most expensive slow-motion car crash”. Presenters Alex Hudson and Chris Stokel-Walker interview transport expert Adam Tyndall about how a slow-motion car crash is possible on a railway, exactly what’s gone wrong and why a bat tunnel costs £100m (yes, it does relate to HS2). Elsewhere, how much EU can an EU EU if an EU is in the EU? Brussels is preparing the Chips Act 2.0 for a reported launch on 27 May, as part of the wider Tech Sovereignty Package. They want to double Europe’s global semiconductor market share to 20% by 2030. Chris is heading to Europe to find out if that’s possible (though we both think we know the answer). Follow Adam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamtyndall/ To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shein takes on Temu in fast fashion showdown

May 14, 2026 54 min

Shein, the fast-fashion brand accused by many of stealing designs and ignoring copyright, accuses fast-fashion brand Temu of stealing designs and ignoring copyright. What is going on? And what does this mean for the future of copyright law? Presenters Alex Hudson get into that, the latest developments in AI regulation, the ongoing UK and EU legislative efforts, and whether Minstrels belong in popcorn (answer: they do). Alex and Chris explore complex topics with humour and insight, making sense of a rapidly evolving landscape. keywords AI regulation, UK ICO, EU AI Act, fast fashion, copyright infringement, tech legislation, AI ethics, political predictions key topics UK ICO AI guidance and regulation gaps / EU AI Act delays and industry carve-out / Fast fashion industry and AI-driven IP theft / Political landscape and leadership uncertainties / Cultural biases in AI systems, Japan obsession To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Surveillance state expands as police roll out AI facial recognition

May 7, 2026 59 min

Presenters Alex Hudson and Chris Stokel-Walker explore the rise of surveillance technology, particularly by police, with investigative journalist Mark Wilding, of Liberty Investigates. They also discuss digital ID systems, what self-sovereign identity would mean in practice, why nobody should say “purdah” any more, and the cultural significance of moustaches. Keywords: surveillance, digital ID, facial recognition, government policy, privacy, societal impact, technology ethics Key topics: Facial recognition and privacy concerns. Digital ID and government surveillance. To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who wins in a fight between Elon Musk and Sam Altman?

Apr 30, 2026 51 min

The trial between Elon Musk and Sam Altman has reached the courtroom. Well-known philanthropist Musk claims that OpenAI, which was set up as a charity, has been stolen, is no longer open source and is sufficiently non-profit. The tail is wagging the dog, Musk has said. Presenters Alex Hudson and Chris Stokel-Walker look at how this case might actually have a huge impact on the future of AI, the future of charity law and whether or not Musk has any chance of winning. We also get into why the Lib Dems need a sub editor, why all the major parties appear to agree on new AI sovereignty plans, and something about how terrible apps allowing to switch off social media are. *Editor's note: The Liberal Democrat press office responded to us after the recording. They didn't respond to the points raised but did say they are calling for "a National Online Crime Agency to combat the surge in AI-enabled fraud (fraud, more widely, now accounts for 44% of all reported UK crime)." This is different from the press release, but they also "attached the proposal too, which is correct." It was.* To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pollsters recording AI respondents rather than humans

Apr 23, 2026 59 min

Presenters Alex Hudson and Chris Stokel-Walker explore the emerging role of AI in polling and market research, examining its accuracy, ethical considerations, and future potential. Damian Lyons Lowe, CEO of polling company Survation, shares insights on synthetic data, the challenges of traditional polling methods, and how AI might reshape the industry. So can public polling work without the public? And if you asked the public, what would they think? Would it be the same as it you asked the AI? Also, are big AI firms struggling with growing (and profit) pains? And what does all this have to do with trying to buy Malted Milk biscuits in a supermarket? You can find Survation's research here: https://www.survation.com/ Keywords: AI polling, synthetic data, market research, political polling, polling accuracy, ethical AI, AI bias, polling industry, data science, future of polling Key topics: AI in polling and market research, synthetic data and its limitations, polling accuracy and bias, ethical considerations in AI-driven polling, future trends in polling technology To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Has Spotify killed the musical star?

Apr 16, 2026 57 min

The UK has not created a new music genre in a decade, DJ/producer Lo-Wu tells Crashed. As AI now accounts for around 40% of music uploads, what happened to innovation in music? Where’s the next garage, the next grime, the next dubstep coming from? If streaming doesn't work, and live music doesn't work, if record sales don’t work, and if AI music, as Nick Cave says, is a “grotesque mockery of what it is to be human”, what happens now? Did Spotify kill music? Did Thatcher? Did the internet? Or is music still a thriving industry that pays out $11bn to artists each year (as Spotify says)? And now that anyone can create an album (as TV presenter/tech journalist Spencer Kelly did with his 10-year-old daughter), is that a good thing or a bad one? Presenters Alex Hudson and Chris Stokel-Walker are joined by Spencer Kelly and South London DJ/producer/dot connector Lo-Wu to try and work out where music goes next. Follow Spencer Kelly on Substack: https://spencerkelly.substack.com/ or visit his website: https://www.spencerkelly.com/ Follow Lo-Wu on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lowusounds, subscribe to his Substack https://substack.com/@lowusounds , or book tickets to his event, LO-WU LIVE: The Lost Art of The Sound Man, here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/lowusoundsltd/2160317 To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bitcoin's secrets unveiled, space junk discarded, and the world's oldest tortoise duped

Apr 9, 2026 50 min

Crashed, the tech podcast about everything else, discusses how the creator of Bitcoin, the pseudonymous Satoshi Nakamoto, has been unveiled as British entrepreneur Adam Back. Is it correct? Also, presenters Alex Hudson and Chris Stokel-Walker discuss Elon Musk’s power in the space race, and just how that impacts the race to Mars. We also discuss the Iran/Israel/US peace deal and how it tech matters in these negotiations, and, somehow, how all this relates to the world’s oldest tortoise, Jamiroquai, and 90s TV host Dave Benson Phillips. To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will journalists survive AI? (featuring Sophia Smith Galer)

Apr 2, 2026 59 min

Welcome to Crashed, the tech podcast about everything else. Today, that means the myth of journalism collapsing, the myth of politicians being anywhere near up-to-date with anything, and the myth that data centers are fine We’re currently in the web traffic apocalypse, the jobpocalypse, the quantum apocalypse, and the wars on many fronts actual apocalypse, with the media collapsing, trust in democracy collapsing, and journalists only being trusted more than estate agents. Can journalism be saved? And, given there are over twice as many journalists than in the 1970s, is the media industry just panicking over nothing? We're joined by the fabulous Sophia Smith Galer (https://www.instagram.com/sophiasgaler/?hl=en) to discuss where journalism might go next. To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Instagram and YouTube do damage teenagers' mental health

Mar 26, 2026 58 min

Presenters Alex Hudson and Chris Stokel-Walker dissect the many court cases facing Facebook/Instagram/WhatsApp owners Meta and Google-owned YouTube. What does a multi-million dollar fine mean? What about many of them? Also, the AI battle for supremacy (pun intended) takes a number of steps forward in a few days, and what on earth happened to Google Zero? Oh, and something about the Lord Voldemort of Facebook. To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The AI 'jobpocalypse' is coming... as is the AI apocalypse between the US and China

Mar 19, 2026 58 min

Presenters Alex Hudson and Chris Stokel-Walker are joined by journalist Ellen Scott to talk about the so-called “jobpocalypse” caused by AI and how the workforce is changing. Alex and Chris also cover how encryption has become a dirty word at Meta and just what a Cold War between the US and China looks like in the new age of AI. Follow Ellen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellencscott/?hl=en Subscribe to her Substack: https://workingonpurposenewsletter.substack.com/ Buy her book: https://www.awesomebooks.com/book/9780349443980/working-on-purpose To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Taylor Lorenz makes the positive case for social media

Mar 12, 2026 58 min

Is social media a good thing or a bad thing? Presenters Alex Hudson and Chris Stokel-Walker and guest tech journalist Taylor Lorenz get into the details of mental health, online censorship. algorithmic overreach, and just what Pivot's Scott Galloway says about it all. Follow Taylor on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/taylorlorenz To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Tierification" means things are getting worse, more expensive, or both... and it starts with airport lounges

Mar 5, 2026 59 min

Presenters Alex Hudson and Chris Stokel-Walker interview financial psychology expert and journalist Hanna Horvath about the ‘tierification of everything”, discuss how airport lounges could be a metaphor for the downfall of the whole global economy, report from on the ground in Barcelona at Mobile World Congress (MWC) and try to work out if a robot is fighting someone but nobody is around to watch it, is it really a fight? Follow Hanna on Substack: Your Brain On Money To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How did the right wing win the internet?

Feb 26, 2026 57 min

Presenters Alex Hudson and Chris Stokel-Walker are joined by academic Dr. Robert Topinka to discuss why the Right is so much better at the internet than the left, why AI could beckon the downfall of the British government, how social media is beckoning the downfall of democracy, and the internet beckoning the downfall of liberal thought… until the fightback. To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What's wrong with the internet? Can somebody fix it?

Feb 19, 2026 47 min

Everything online feels a little bit off. Whether it’s deepfakes, the great meme-reset, or analogue communities posting about it on Instagram, presenters Alex Hudson and Chris Stokel-Walker try to get to the bottom of what’s wrong with the internet. Also, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that deepfakes are to be thought of as the same category of crime as terrorism, and we discuss that viral essay comparing COVID-19 to the AI revolution that everybody, maybe literally everybody, has read. To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The end of doomscrolling? the end of Airbnb? And the end of free WiFi?

Feb 12, 2026 53 min

Presenters Alex Hudson and Chris Stokel-Walker try to work out how addictive social media (and doomscrolling) really is, try to understand how Airbnb bookings keep going up despite governments trying to shut them down, and a couple of exclusives about the BBC and just how bad Chris's WiFi is. To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The UK’s first AI "Tech Town", Germany's 24 years of censorship, and one million satellites in space?

Feb 5, 2026 1 hr 6 min

Presenters Alex Hudson and Chris Stokel-Walker try to understand why Barnsley has been picked as the UK’s first Tech Town (spoiler: it’s a Reform target seat, so Alex thinks it might have something to do with it). They speak to Barnsley council leader Sir Stephen Houghton. Also… campaigner, performer, and all-around titan Paulita Pappel talks about tech innovations, censorship, and the patriarchy’s role in the adult industry. Follow Paulita here: https://www.paulitapappel.com/ Finally, they discuss Elon Musk's plan to get one million satellites in orbit, and start a fight with students about the role of AI in media. To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is AI Kool-Aid and FOMO driving UK tech policy?

Jan 29, 2026 57 min

Presenters Alex Hudson and Chris Stokel-Walker interview data politics and social justice academic Dr Elinor Carmi, of City St George’s, about the government wanting 10 million workers to get trained on AI… run by Google, Amazon, and others. Is this a good thing, or, as some critics say, letting economic growth supersede democratic values? Follow Dr Carmi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elinorcarmi/?originalSubdomain=uk Learn more about The Society for Hopeful Technologists: https://societyforhopefultechnologists.org/ Elsewhere, adult sites start removing themselves from the UK market, a cricket app that’s finally good, VPN regulation, and what a dumb phone can actually be used for. To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

AI could mean "the eyes of the state... on you at all times" according to the home secretary

Jan 22, 2026 52 min

Presenters Alex Hudson and Chris Stokel-Walker discuss how Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has sparked a media storm over her views on the surveillance state. Her view? "To achieve, by means of AI and technology, what Jeremy Bentham tried to do with his Panopticon. That is that the eyes of the state can be on you at all times.” We also discuss what Trump is doing in Iceland... we mean Greenland, and what, if anything, trust has do with prosperity. To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

AI girlfriends to fix loneliness, AI content to fix journalism, and AI influencers to fix politics

Jan 15, 2026 59 min

Presenters Alex Hudson and Chris Stokel-Walker investigate how AI is transforming our relationships, from best friends to husbands and wives and even therapists, the death spiral of the global media and whether it’s AI to blame, and how Keir Starmer is attempting to influence the influencers. This includes an interview with the author James Muldoon, whose new book Love Machines looks at how AI is changing relationships (you can buy his book here: https://www.faber.co.uk/product/9780571399277-love-machines/) We also discuss the “death spiral” of journalism and the media industry, which executives still seem to underestimate despite the bleak outlook; Westminster finally catching up with the influence of influencers; and how David Attenborough is the secret victim of a Reddit bug. Keywords: technology, podcast, economics, AI, big tech, UK technology, democracy, social media To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Elon Musk plays with fire, politicians play in sandboxes, and nobody's playing at CES

Jan 8, 2026 50 min

Crashed is the tech podcast about everything else, Today, hosts Alex Hudson and Chris Stokel-Walker discuss whether the controversy around Grok (Groktroversy if you will) and AI-editing images is really the beginning for real regulation, the end of X, or both? They also discuss British politicians playing with AI sandboxes, and all the latest updates from CES. Follow us: Instagram: Alex: https://www.instagram.com/alexhuds Chris: https://www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker TikTok: Alex: https://www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: https://www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1zO7Ll6SY7W3qBrjhMCQXb?si=9d4dc1a7bcbd4f9b Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/crashed/id1846834434 RSS feed: https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/68f22ac7ca0e7f7545c5ecea Keywords: technology, podcast, economics, AI, big tech, UK technology, democracy, social media To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens in 2026? From LinkedIn's death to quantum meh and flying cars, we have it all

Jan 1, 2026 1 hr 5 min

Welcome to Crashed, the podcast about how tech is at the centre of everything, whether that be economics, politics, philosophy, ethics, community, law, religion, education, or literally anything else. Presenters Alex Hudson and Chris Stokel-Walker take 10 predictions on what’s coming for tech in 2026. From trying to work out if anyone still uses LinkedIn, to whether podcasting might have its cancellation moment, there are a lot of things very likely to happen, and a lot of things not really that likely to. Our contributors: Olly Mann: The Week Unwrapped podcast: https://theweek.com/the-week-unwrapped-podcast Everything else he does: https://www.ollymann.com/ Ellen C. Scott Working on Purpose Substack: https://workingonpurposenewsletter.substack.com And her book Working On Purpose: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/working-on-purpose-ellen-scott/7788609 H Alan Scott: Their Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/halanscott/?hl=en Dr. Carolina Are: Her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bloggeronpole/ Chris Hamilton: Albie’s website https://www.albie.ai/ Chris’s LinkedIn https://uk.linkedin.com/in/chrishams Paulita Pappel: Her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulitapappel/?hl=en Hardwerk’s Instagram (discretion advised): https://www.instagram.com/hardwerk_studio/?hl=en Rowan Ferguson: Molly Rose Foundation homepage: https://mollyrosefoundation.org/ And on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mollyrosefoundation/?hl=en Robert Forrest Robert’s LinkedInwww.linkedin.com/in/rforrest1 Deep Design Systems www.deepdesignsystems.com Jo Eckersley Jo’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeckersley/ Alex Voica - Synesthesia Alex’s blog: https://www.synthesia.io/blog/authors/alexandru-voica His Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandruvoica/ Follow us: Instagram: Alex: https://www.instagram.com/alexhuds Chris: https://www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker TikTok: Alex: https://www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: https://www.tiktok.com/@st0kel S...

It's Christmas! A sincere thank you and the best bits

Dec 25, 2025 34 min

Welcome to Crashed, the podcast about how tech is at the centre of everything, whether that be economics, politics, philosophy, ethics, community, law, religion, education, or literally anything else. Presenters Alex Hudson and Chris Stokel-Walker take a second over Christmas to thank everyone for listening across the first 10 episodes of a ridiculous experiment before fobbing listeners off by not recording an original episode for Christmas Day and instead looking back at the best bits of the pilot phase of the podcast. We'll be back next week with a cracking episode of 2026 predictions. Instagram: Alex: https://www.instagram.com/alexhuds Chris: https://www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker TikTok: Alex: https://www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: https://www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1zO7Ll6SY7W3qBrjhMCQXb?si=9d4dc1a7bcbd4f9b Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/crashed/id1846834434 RSS feed: https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/68f22ac7ca0e7f7545c5ecea Keywords: technology, podcast, economics, AI, big tech, UK technology, democracy, social meda To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is every politician being paid by an AI firm now?

Dec 18, 2025 47 min

Presenters Alex Hudson and Chris Stokel-Walker discuss whether a MAGA whisperer will become US ambassador for the sake of a tech deal, our reflections on whether anything actually happened in 2025, and whether there are any politicians who aren’t working for an AI firm. Follow us: Instagram: Alex: https://www.instagram.com/alexhuds Chris: https://www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker TikTok: Alex: https://www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: https://www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1zO7Ll6SY7W3qBrjhMCQXb?si=9d4dc1a7bcbd4f9b Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/crashed/id1846834434 RSS feed: https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/68f22ac7ca0e7f7545c5ecea Keywords: technology, podcast, economics, AI, big tech, UK technology, democracy, social meda, 2026 predictions To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will social media kill democracy or will democracy kill social media?

Dec 11, 2025 40 min

Presenters Alex Hudson and Chris Stokel-Walker decide whether Australia banning social media for children under 16 is a good or bad thing, whether “fascion” right wing fashion means that fascism is inevitable, and if under 10% of the world’s population living in free democracies means that everything is doomed. Follow us: Instagram: Alex: https://www.instagram.com/alexhuds Chris: https://www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker TikTok: Alex: https://www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: https://www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1zO7Ll6SY7W3qBrjhMCQXb?si=9d4dc1a7bcbd4f9b Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/crashed/id1846834434 RSS feed: https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/68f22ac7ca0e7f7545c5ecea Keywords: technology, podcast, economics, AI, fascism, big tech, UK technology, fashion, democracy, social media To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pop music gets AI treatment, crypto bros gets comeuppance, and who pays for ransomware attacks

Dec 4, 2025 55 min

What happens when all music is automated? When all our currency is on the blockchain? When all the tech companies own everything? Presenters Alex Hudson and Chris Stokel-Walker unpack whether a single crypto bro can be responsible for the Bitcoin crash, if music really can be automated, and whetehr the overreporting of the reactions to the AI bubble could make the bubble popping more likely. Follow us: Instagram: Alex: https://www.instagram.com/alexhuds Chris: https://www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker TikTok: Alex: https://www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: https://www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1zO7Ll6SY7W3qBrjhMCQXb?si=9d4dc1a7bcbd4f9b Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/crashed/id1846834434 RSS feed: https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/68f22ac7ca0e7f7545c5ecea Keywords: technology, podcast, economics, AI, cryptocurrency, music production, big tech, UK pension funds, Bitcoin, ransomware To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.