Best Close Reads Podcast Network Podcasts (2025)

1
Fri. 05/02 – GTA 6 Delayed To 2026 16:49

1d ago16:49

16:49

The big cultural event of maybe the decade is going to take a little while longer to get here. Earnings from Apple and Amazon. More signs of the impending death of the password. More signs of self-driving rapidly becoming reality. And in the longreads, what happens when AI completely changes your field? The AI researchers were the first to experien…

1
Henry V: Act IV (rerun) 1:12:32

7h ago1:12:32

1:12:32

Welcome back to The Play's the Thing! Join David and Heidi as they continue their conversation about Shakespeare's legendary history play, Henry V. Conversation touches on the build-up to the battle, stage/film interpretation of Henry's famous speech, the historical context of the battle and Shakespeare's take on it, Henry finally showing some emot…

1
Thu. 05/01 – Judge Refers Apple For A Criminal Investigation 17:39

2d ago17:39

17:39

Apple basically got held in contempt of court in the Epic case. Rumors about Elon staying at Tesla. Meta and Microsoft earnings. Xbox price increases. Would you wear a smart ring that proves you’re not cheating on your significant other? Links: Apple Dealt Stinging Court Defeat on App Store Sales Commissions (Bloomberg) Tesla Board Opened Search fo…

1
521 // True Crime Garage Crossover - Maura Murray, Brian Shaffer - Part 1 1:17:20

1d ago1:17:20

1:17:20

In this new episode, Tim Pilleri and Lance Reenstierna speak with Captain and Nic Edwards of True Crime Garage. In part one we discuss the cases that have stuck with us over the years. We speak a bit about Maura Murray's disappearance in part one and about Brian Shaffer's disappearance in part two. This is part one of two. Follow True Crime Garage:…

1
Wed. 04/30 – ChatGPT Just Wants To Please 17:24

3d ago17:24

17:24

Meta has launched a standalone competitor to ChatGPT. But is ChatGPT bending too far backwards in an attempt to please you? Even OpenAI thinks so. Waymo and Toyota cut a deal. And concerns about sovereign tech stacks rear their head again. Sponsors: Go to my sponsor https://venice.ai/techmeme and use code techmeme to enjoy private, uncensored AI. U…

1
Tue. 04/29 – OpenAI Shopping? 16:13

4d ago16:13

16:13

Is Amazon about to start showing tariff prices in listings? Armageddon has finally come for Temu and Shein. Is OpenAI getting into the shopping game because their web search usage is exploding? And Project Kuiper finally gets off the ground in a literal and meaningful way. Links: 042925 (PunchBowl News AM) Kickstarter Introduces ‘Tariff Manager Too…

1
520 // Updates on Possible Active Serial Killer in New England 46:34

3d ago46:34

46:34

In this new episode, Tim Pilleri & Lance Reenstierna discuss updates on the possibility of a new and unidentified serial killer in New England. On March 6th, 2025 the remains of Paige Fannon are found near Norwalk, Connecticut by Norwalk police scuba team and fire rescue team. Authorities located clothing and personal items left on the bank of the …

1
Mon. 04/28 – The Prompt Engineer That Never Was… 22:39

5d ago22:39

22:39

Is Apple’s 20th Anniversary iPhone the reason they can’t quit China just yet? That Chinese AI Manus just raised a big round. Is Prompt Engineer the job title that never was? And what really goes on in those powerful, behind the scenes Silicon Valley group chats? Sponsors: Freshbooks.com Links: Apple Begins Breaking Up Its AI Team With Robotics, Sir…

1
Episode 25: Unfair Expectations - "When Enough Is Enough" Reddit Stories 40:11

5d ago40:11

40:11

In this episode of Yapping Schnauzers, we explore the messy world of Unfair Expectations — and wow, are people expecting way too much! 🫣 From family members furious over who had the first grandkids 👶, to a husband's wardrobe war that sparks a neighborhood showdown 👖, to bringing your own allergy-safe food and being labeled "disrespectful" 🍱 - the d…

1
519 // Lewis Lent & Hidden Demons of the Berkshires 1:09:56

4d ago1:09:56

1:09:56

In this episode, Tim Pilleri & Lance Reenstierna are joined by author Margery Metzger to speak about her new book Hidden Demons. In Hidden Demons Margery writes about child serial killer Lewis Lent and much more. This episode was previously published on Crawlspace January 4th, 2023. Get Hidden Demons here: https://wildbluepress.com/hidden-demons-ma…

1
Fri. 04/25 – Zuck Trying To Make Fetch Happen 17:23

8d ago17:23

17:23

Alphabet earnings. Intel earnings. Apple is making moves to make sure all iPhones heading to the US are no longer manufactured in China. Zuck seems bound and determined to revive his original baby. Sexy looking new Motorola Razr phones. And, of course the Weekend Longreads Suggestions. Links: Alphabet shares rise on stronger-than-expected revenue g…

1
518 // Is There a New Serial Killer in New England? 47:01

7d ago47:01

47:01

In this new episode, Tim Pilleri and Lance Reenstierna discuss the possibility of a new and unidentified serial killer in New England. Since March of 2025 at least six bodies have been found and people have starting wondering if there was a serial killer. We discuss each case and weigh the possibilities of foul play. On March 6th, 2025 the remains …

1
Henry V: Act III (rerun) 1:18:44

7d ago1:18:44

1:18:44

Welcome back to The Play's the Thing! Join David and Heidi as they continue their conversation about Shakespeare's legendary history play, Henry V. Conversation explores the way Shakespeare brings the artifice of the play to the fore, the double meaning of the word "breach," Henry's obsession with duty (and chivalry), the way act three treats the h…

1
Thu. 04/24 – The AI Coding Wars Are Upon Us 16:41

9d ago16:41

16:41

More fallout from those EU fines yesterday. A whole slew of self driving car news. The AI Coding Wars have officially begun. The back to the office wars continue. Is Chrome worth $50 billion? And let me tell you about the AI app that wants to help you cheat at everything. Links: Apple and Meta Are First to Be Hit by E.U. Digital Competition Law (NY…

1
517 // Bennington Triangle - Part 2 - Paula Welden 1:44:33

8d ago1:44:33

1:44:33

In this new episode, Tim Pilleri and Lance Reenstierna speak with Worcester State University archives librarian Ross Griffiths about the mysterious Bennington Triangle disappearances of Vermont and the disappearance of Paula Welden on December 1st, 1946. Paula Welden was last seen on the afternoon of December 1st, 1946. She left the campus that aft…

1
Wed. 04/23 – Meta And Apple Fined By The EU 17:00

10d ago17:00

17:00

That delayed action from the European Commission finally came down on Apple and Meta. Would OpenAI be a logical home for the Chrome web browser? Massive layoffs coming to Intel. Anysphere turned down an acquisition offer from OpenAI. And are the tariff wars coming for Elon Musk’s robots? Sponsors: Shopify.com/ride Links: Apple, Meta Fined by EU, Or…

1
Tue. 04/22 – FTC As Today’s Main Character 16:59

11d ago16:59

16:59

As the US v. Google remedy trial begins, the FTC also sues Uber and makes Airbnb disclose all fees. Looks like tech regulation is still very much a thing. Bluesky begins rolling out verification. Meta is using AI to find if kids are lying about their age on Instagram. And Microsoft is forging ahead with that Recall feature. Sponsors: Udacity.com/ri…

1
Mon. 04/21 – Trump Helps Zuck Get A Reprieve In Europe 16:44

12d ago16:44

16:44

Meta and Apple were about to go to the woodshed in Europe, but it looks like Trump’s tariffs have run interference for them. Everyone wants in on stablecoins, example number 23. Beware of phishing emails from Google.com. And are OpenAI’s latest models good, bad, or just “jagged”? Sponsors: QualiaLife.com/ride and code RIDE Links: EU Delayed Punishi…

1
Episode 24: Fizzy Lies & Sparkling Regret - Sippin’ the Tea on Reddit’s Wildest Confessions 29:31

12d ago29:31

29:31

Short episode for this week, we had a busy Easter Weekend! We hope you enjoyed yours with your family (: 🥚 From “That’s my sister” to “That’s my girlfriend now,” we discuss Reddit’s most chaotic relationship twists. In this episode, we break down: A boyfriend who lied for three years about his "sister" 🤯 A miscarriage overshadowed by a selfish husb…

1
516 // The Unsolved Murder of Karen Bodine - Part 2 55:39

11d ago55:39

55:39

In this new episode Tim Pilleri and Lance Reenstierna speak with Karlee Bodine, daughter of Karen Bodine, about her mom's unsolved murder and her family's fight for justice. Karen's body was found the morning of Jan 22nd, 2007 at a gravel pit adjacent to Littlerock Road Southwest in Olympia, Washington. For more information or to submit tips to the…

1
Fri. 04/18 – The Google Antitrust Snowball 18:12

15d ago18:12

18:12

Google is ruled an illegal monopoly. Again. But for a different reason this time. Switch 2 pre-orders are back on. Americans are flocking to Temu and Shein alternatives. And in the Weekend Longreads Suggestions, what if I told you 25 percent of community college applicants are now AI bots? And not only that, the bots are now “attending classes” in …

1
Henry V: Act II (rerun) 1:25:52

14d ago1:25:52

1:25:52

Welcome back to The Play's the Thing! Join David and Heidi as they continue their conversation about Shakespeare's legendary history play, Henry V. Conversation explores the role of the commoners in the play, The Falstaff-effect, Henry vs the French Prince, Henry's rejection of his passions, Shakespeare's enduring legacy, and much, much more. Remem…

1
Thu. 04/17 – Mooooaaar Models! 17:20

16d ago17:20

17:20

OpenAI has a new reasoning model, and more lower cost models as well. Is OpenAI about to acquire a coding startup? Is Perplexity turning to Samsung for distribution and branding? A Neuralink rival gets FDA approval. And why is Jensen Huang on a code-red mission to China at the moment? Sponsors: 1Password.com/ride Links: OpenAI's new o3 and o4-mini …

1
515 // New Trenny Gibson Updates w/ Laura Riste 1:33:11

15d ago1:33:11

1:33:11

In this new episode, Tim Pilleri and Lance Reenstierna speak with Laura Riste about the mysterious disappearance of Trenny Gibson from the Smoky Mountain National Park on October 8th, 1976. This is part 8 of our series on Trenny Gibson. Laura's site: www.canadiangurl77.com. Laura's FB page for Trenny: https://www.facebook.com/searching.for.trenny. …

1
Wed. 04/16 – Why Does OpenAI Want A Social Network? 18:37

17d ago18:37

18:37

Well, it looks like DOGE has finally come for cybersecurity. It sounds like the tariff stuff is already biting Nvidia to the tune of $5 billion. Why is OpenAI building a social network? The government would have settled the antitrust case with Meta to the tune of $30 billion. And why did Mark Zuckerberg consider spinning off Instagram voluntarily? …

1
Tue. 04/15 – Why Is OpenAI Going Backwards (Name-Wise)? 19:05

18d ago19:05

19:05

OpenAI releases its latest next gen models but you wouldn’t know it by the nomenclature because the numbers are going backwards. What’s up with that? Apple is tying itself in a pretzel to train on user data but still stick to privacy. And a big rundown of the first day of the big Meta antitrust trial. Sponsors: MackWeldon.com promocode BRIAN Links:…

1
514 // Teresa Ann Davidson-Murphy - Part 2 51:13

17d ago51:13

51:13

In this episode Tim Pilleri, Lance Reenstierna, and Jennifer Amell speak about the mysterious disappearance of Teresa Ann Davidson-Murphy from Rainier, Oregon in October of 1999. Included are clips from Jennifer's interview with Teresa's mother Yvonne. This is part 2 of a 2 part episode. This episode was previously published on February 17th, 2022.…

1
Mon. 04/14 – Tariff Groundhog Day 17:14

19d ago17:14

17:14

You know that meme of Ebenezer Scrooge shouting out the window? “Hey boy, what tariff regime is it today?” Sam Altman again implies ChatGPT usage has exploded. If you’re coding with AI, a big new vulnerability you need to know about. And is Apple pivoting the Vision Pro to the type of product I thought they should have done all along? Sponsor: Fres…

1
Episode 23: From “Congrats!” to “WTF?” – Reddit's WORST Celebrations 48:36

19d ago48:36

48:36

This week on Yapping Schnauzers, we’re howling over moments that were supposed to be special… until someone else made it all about them. From a birthday dinner turned self-congratulatory roast 🥂, to a delivery room showdown complete with MIL meltdowns and unauthorized birth footage 📹, to a "romantic" kidnapping proposal gone full-on pepper spray pa…

1
513 // Teresa Ann Davidson-Murphy - Part 1 55:11

18d ago55:11

55:11

In this episode Tim Pilleri, Lance Reenstierna, and Jennifer Amell speak about the mysterious disappearance of Teresa Ann Davidson-Murphy from Rainier, Oregon in October of 1999. Included are clips from Jennifer's interview with Teresa's mother Yvonne. This is part 1 of a 2 part episode. This episode was previously published on February 10th, 2022.…

1
Fri. 04/11 – Why COULDN’T Apple Make An iPhone In The US? 17:33

22d ago17:33

17:33

Europe says it could tax social media ads if the tariff wars get really nasty. Why COULDN’T Apple make an iPhone in the US as President Trump wants? Is OpenAI cutting corners on safety in order to stay ahead in the AI race? And as always, the Weekend Longreads Suggestions. Sponsors: Oracle.com/techmeme Links: EU could tax Big Tech if Trump trade ta…

1
Henry V: Act I (rerun) 1:15:05

21d ago1:15:05

1:15:05

Welcome back to The Play's the Thing! Join David and Heidi as they kick off a conversation about Shakespeare's legendary history play, Henry V. Conversation touches on the historical background behind the story, the role of the church in the play, the complicated nature of the character of King Henry, and much more. Remember: Subscribe, rate, revie…

1
Thu. 04/10 – JK, JK, JK 17:27

23d ago17:27

17:27

At the time of this writing, the tariffs are back off, but who know what will happen by the time you hear this. OpenAI sues back. Google wants a framework for AI agents to talk to each other. Oh, and how many iPhones can you pack in a jumbo jet? Sponsors: Acorns.com/ride Links: Trump temporarily drops tariffs to 10% for most countries, hits China h…

1
512 // Diane Augat 59:29

22d ago59:29

59:29

In this new episode, Tim Pilleri and Lance Reenstierna discuss the mysterious disappearance of Diane Augat from Hudson, Florida on April 10th, 1998. This episode was researched by Kathleen Studer. If you have any information about what happened to Diane Augat, please contact The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, Detective Mark Celeste at (727) 847-587…

1
Wed. 04/09 – Instagram iPad App But For REAL This Time? 17:45

24d ago17:45

17:45

Google unveils its new TPU’s, this time with inference! Temu and Shein officially get nuked from orbit. More signs of pullback in AI datacenter buildout. Are we actually, for real, about to get an iPad Instagram app? And a cute little home robot from ages ago, looks like it’s finally coming to a house near you this summer. Sponsors: Shopify.com/rid…

1
Tue. 04/08 – It’s Already Starting… 17:21

25d ago17:21

17:21

Uh oh, it looks like the tech price hikes are already starting! People are accusing Meta of doing some weird things with those latest AI models. Shopify tells workers that they need to embrace AI for everything. Is AI killing web traffic? And how AI is being used to automatically create sequels for books. Sponsors: Kinsta.com/brian LinkedIn.com/rid…

1
Macbeth: Q&A (rerun) 53:35

25d ago53:35

53:35

In which David, Tim, and Heidi answer listener questions about Macbeth. Remember: Subscribe, rate, review. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Mon. 04/07 – Will Tech Raise Prices Cause Of Tariffs? 17:14

26d ago17:14

17:14

TikTok lives! Again. Again. At least for another 75 days. Meta’s big new Llama models are out. AI coding assistant Cursor has become the big breakout hit of the AI moment. And then yes, we get into the tariff situation, including, me polling tech execs who make consumer facing gadgets: do you plan to raise prices? Here’s what they told me. Sponsors…

1
Episode 22: Say Yes to the Mess - Reddit Stories That'll Make You Say "I Don't" 56:41

26d ago56:41

56:41

This week on Yapping Schnauzers, we bring you the drama-filled world of wedding season, Reddit style. 💍 From selfish sisters to overbearing in-laws, the only thing messier than the cake is the family group chat. We bark through some of the juiciest AITA threads, including: 👗 A bride’s heartbreak when her brother’s fiancée demands to wear her late m…

1
511 // Crawlspace Bonus - Infiltrating The White Supremacy w/ Scott Payne 1:11:49

25d ago1:11:49

1:11:49

In this episode of Crawlspace, Tim Pilleri & Lance Reenstierna are joined by Scott Payne, aka - Pale Horse. Scott spent years infiltrating hate groups and white supremacy cells in the United States in an attempt to eradicate as much hate as possible. He made it out alive and shares some of his most harrowing stories in this episode. To pick up your…

1
(BNS) The Legality Of The AI Stuff 31:18

28d ago31:18

31:18

Is what happened with the Studio Ghibli ChatGPT image generation stuff even legal? I spoke with AI lawyer Rob Rosenberg, former general counsel at Showtime Networks and founder and principal of Telluride Legal Strategies about it, and what he told me was very interesting. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice…

1
Fri. 04/04 – Has Intel Found A Way Out? 17:06

28d ago17:06

17:06

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

1
Macbeth: Act V (rerun) 1:23:29

29d ago1:23:29

1:23:29

Welcome to the conclusion of this series on Macbeth. In this conversation David, Heidi, and Tim explore the madness of the play's primary characters, discuss the question of evil, and contemplate the collision of the natural and the supernatural in the play. Remember: subscribe, rate, review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informat…

1
Thu. 04/03 – How Tariffs Might Impact Tech 16:32

30d ago16:32

16:32

Well we gotta talk about this tariff thing because the early indications are this could impact almost every nook and cranny of the tech industry. Could we get an announcement about TikTok within days? I think I figured out why CoreWeave’s stock popped back up. And how Nintendo plans to fight the scalpers. Links: Trump’s New Tariffs Test Apple’s Glo…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Close Reads Podcast Network

Podcasts Worth a Listen