Best Interrupt This Program Podcasts (2025)

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NEAT | TECH: Is Blue Sky the X-Killer? The digital landscape is shifting beneath our feet, and nowhere is this more evident than in the migration from X to Blue Sky | Whiskey and Tech Disruption 19:57

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2d ago19:57

19:57

The digital landscape is shifting beneath our feet, and nowhere is this more evident than in the migration from X to Blue Sky. Our latest episode dives deep into this phenomenon while comparing it to another "killer" debate - Smoke Eye Barrel Proof versus George T. Stag bourbon. With Blue Sky reaching 32 million users against X's 570 million, raw n…

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The Politics Hour: D.C. Council Chair Phil Mendelson on budget cuts and Trayon White's re-election 49:31

6d ago49:31

49:31

The D.C. Council advanced a budget this week with deep cuts to social services, no tax increases, and $500 million to help build a new football stadium at the RFK site. It also includes funding to implement ranked choice voting in the District next year. D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson got behind the mic to break down the budget negotiations..…

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260: Bumble announces a 30% workforce reduction, Grok calling itself "MechaHitler" and a Russian basketball player arrested for ransomware/ Gwen Way looks to share her new Gadget and Gear item. | Air ... 1:02:34

9d ago1:02:34

1:02:34

Ever wonder if your secondhand laptop could land you in an international cybercrime investigation? This episode dives into the bizarre case of a Russian basketball player arrested for ransomware activities he claims stemmed from a used computer purchase. Was he an unwitting victim or a sophisticated criminal? The hosts debate the plausibility of hi…

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The Politics Hour: Md. Rep. Glenn Ivey and Va. Rep. Suhas Subramanyam on the latest federal moves 50:29

13d ago50:29

50:29

The Trump administration recently announced a plan to keep the FBI headquarters in the District, reversing a decision made by the Biden administration in 2023 to move it to a new building in Prince George’s County. Maryland lawmakers are now considering next steps to fight the abrupt turnaround. U.S. Rep. Glenn Ivey, who represents a large portion …

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259: Avoid Wearing Smart Watches to Summer Concerts, and a new trend has emerged. "Rotary Phones". A Dating App that matches users based on search history. Next, Say What? as we Explore Bizarre Technologies ... 58:26

22d ago58:26

58:26

What happens when technology takes a step backward to move forward? This week's episode explores the strange territory where nostalgia, practicality, and innovation collide in unexpected ways. Microsoft is killing off the iconic Blue Screen of Death after four decades, replacing the familiar blue error screen with a simplified black version. While …

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The Politics Hour: D.C. Councilmember Brooke Pinto on controversial changes to the city's violence interruption programs 48:56

28d ago48:56

48:56

The Trump administration's continued shrinking of the federal government continues to have immense ramifications on the region, including jobs, public safety, and the economy. A recent report from Maryland's Comptroller's office shows how deeply tied Maryland's economy is to the federal government, drawing more than $150 billion from federal govern…

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258: ALERT: 16 billion Credentials Leaked, don't panic! We break down why this isn't new at all. Executives from OpenAI, Meta, join the Army Reserve as Lieutenant Colonels. Gaming gets Bizarre with "Date ... 56:51

29d ago56:51

56:51

Cybersecurity headlines might have you worried about the so-called "new" 16 billion credential leak, but don't panic! We break down why this widely-reported security breach isn't actually new at all—we covered it on Tech Time Radio six months ago. Learn why two-factor authentication is your best defense and how this compilation of previously leaked…

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The Politics Hour: Democratic nominee for Virginia Lieutenant Governor Ghazala Hashmi on her primary win 48:41

1M ago48:41

48:41

This week, Virginia Democrats went to the polls for primaries, choosing state Senator Ghazala Hashmi as their candidate for Lieutenant Governor this fall. Sen. Hashmi joined the show to discuss her primary win, what it means for Northern Virginia residents, and how she will approach November's general election, where she will face Republican radio …

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257: Meta using tactics similar to those of digital criminals, AI models being developed for US national security, and Spaceballs 2 announced for 2027. with Guests James Riddle, and Nick Espinosa | Air ... 58:40

1M ago58:40

58:40

Privacy invasions, robot surveillance, and the surprising return of beloved cult classics dominate this week's tech landscape. Meta has been caught red-handed using tactics similar to digital criminals to secretly harvest web browsing data from Android devices through a backdoor approach that even Google wasn't aware of. The technique mirrors malic…

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Courtroom Disruptor Why your Attorney Might Not Be Fighting for You 1:17:05

1M ago1:17:05

1:17:05

n this eye-opening episode of the Black Light Mass Incarceration Show, we sit down with Courtney Teasley, Esq., a nationally respected justice strategist, legal disruptor, and CEO of emeffen., to uncover the hard truths about the criminal justice system and why your lawyer might not truly believe in your innocence. Courtney unpacks how she’s using …

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The Politics Hour: What this weekend’s big military parade means for local residents 49:40

1M ago49:40

49:40

The District is preparing for the military parade celebrating the Army's 250th anniversary and falls on President Trump's 79th birthday. The procession features thousands of soldiers and 70-ton tanks and will require roads to close around the city as well as DCA airport. City officials are worried about what all of this heavy machinery could mean f…

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Tucker & Dale review pt 2: college kids 30:17

1M ago30:17

30:17

Ebony Williams and Vern Cooper delve into the film 'Tucker and Dale vs Evil', exploring its unique blend of horror and comedy. They discuss character dynamics, the role of miscommunication, and the subversion of traditional horror tropes, particularly regarding race and class. The conversation highlights how the film uses humor to address serious s…

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256: Stapling Your Way to Tech Disaster: GameStop's Switch 2 Fiasco, We Explore Nintendo's Power Play: Ownership, Privacy, and the Future of Gaming as Renter Instead of Owners | Air Date: 6/10 - 6/16/2025 ... 55:32

1M ago55:32

55:32

The concept of ownership is rapidly changing in our digital world, raising alarming questions about whether we truly own the technology we purchase. This episode dives deep into Nintendo's controversial Switch 2 terms of service, which grant them the power to render your console "permanently unusable" if you modify it in ways they don't approve. We…

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D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser breaks down her proposed $22 billion budget 49:27

2M ago49:27

49:27

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser unveiled her proposed $22 billion budget last week. Faced with a tough financial outlook, her spending proposal includes cuts to social safety net programs and some business-friendly tax incentives. There's also a billion dollars to help the Washington Commanders build a new football complex and redevelop the old RFK stadiu…

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255: AI Revolution in Gaming: How Grand Theft Auto 6 Will Change Everything, Plus, A Crypto Kidnapping. Then Amazon's Secret "ZeroOne" Team, and our Feature "LETTERS" Navigating the World of Digital Scams ... 1:01:33

2M ago1:01:33

1:01:33

Step into the future of gaming as we explore Rockstar's groundbreaking AI development for Grand Theft Auto 6. This isn't just another game upgrade—it's a fundamental shift in how virtual worlds respond to players. Imagine NPCs that remember your conversations, environments that evolve organically, and gameplay that adapts to your personal style. We…

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Tucker & Dale vs Evil Review: Part 1 31:54

2M ago31:54

31:54

Summary Ebony and Vern explore the film 'Tucker and Dale vs. Evil,' discussing its unique blend of comedy and horror, character dynamics, and the themes of miscommunication, identity, and perception. They delve into how the film plays with horror tropes, the significance of costuming, and the impact of prejudice and stereotypes. The discussion high…

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Decoding "Sinners", pt 2. 29:50

2M ago29:50

29:50

Vern Cooper and Ebony Williams delve into the film 'Sinners,' exploring its themes of colonialism, spirituality, and the cultural significance of music. They discuss the characters' coping mechanisms, the film's moral complexities, and the impact of historical context on contemporary narratives. The dialogue highlights the importance of cultural ap…

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The Politics Hour: How local leaders hope to navigate tough economic times ahead 50:27

2M ago50:27

50:27

As Metro wrestles with a murky financial future, local leaders making up the DMV Moves task force are debating what a dedicated, predictable funding model might look like for the region's public transportation. Options on the table include a regional sales tax, higher vehicle registration fees, and increasing income taxes. Maryland State Delegate M…

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The Last of Us s2 Finale: Wherever you go, there you are 51:50

2M ago51:50

51:50

Vern and Ebony delve into the season finale of The Last of Us, exploring character dynamics, moral dilemmas, and the consequences of Ellie's actions. They discuss themes of parenthood, community, and the cyclical nature of violence, while reflecting on the emotional weight of the narrative and its implications for future seasons. Takeaways The fina…

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254: Military Veterans Are Becoming Cybersecurity's New Frontline Defenders, AI Claude Opus 4 Model Resorts to Bribery, Netflix's Rescue of Sesame Street, With "Two Truths and a Lie" as our Main Segment ... 58:42

2M ago58:42

58:42

Ready for a technological revolution in how we buy and sell stocks? X Stocks emerges as the disruptor traditional financial institutions fear most. This blockchain-powered trading system allows investors to purchase tokenized versions of real stocks with one-to-one backing, enabling 24/7 global trading regardless of when traditional markets close. …

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Decoding "Sinners": A Deep Dive into Ryan Coogler's Latest Film (Part 1) 31:56

2M ago31:56

31:56

Vern Cooper and Ebony Williams delve into the film 'Sinners' directed by Ryan Coogler, exploring its themes of representation, music, colonialism, and identity. They discuss the significance of the Great Migration, the portrayal of monsters as metaphors for societal issues, and the concept of 'sinners' as a reflection of ideological control. The di…

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The Politics Hour: Remembering Virginia Rep. Gerry Connolly, and D.C. prepares for a military parade 50:29

2M ago50:29

50:29

Long-time Virginia Congressman Gerry Connolly passed away unexpectedly this week. He was a fierce advocate for federal workers, a former chair of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, and a frequent guest on The Politics Hour. Former U.S. Representative Tom Davis - and the man who held the 11th congressional district seat before Connolly was ele…

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TLOU2e6: Manful Tears of Pedro Pascal (appreciative) 46:26

2M ago46:26

46:26

Vern and Ebony delve into the emotional complexities of the characters in 'The Last of Us', particularly focusing on Joel and Ellie's relationship. They explore themes of generational trauma, the significance of birthdays, and the challenges of parenting in a post-apocalyptic world. The conversation highlights the characters' growth, the impact of …

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253: AI Gone Wild - Google quietly unveils AI and accessibility upgrades. Phil Hennessy breaks down the unseen power of Large Language Modules. In the nugget, we dig into the secrets behind the upcoming ... 58:03

2M ago58:03

58:03

The boundary between technological innovation and absurdity blurs in this fascinating exploration of AI's growing influence on our lives. We kick off with Google's latest accessibility features for Android and Chrome, where Gemini AI now helps visually impaired users understand images and captures not just what people say, but how they say it—recog…

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The Politics Hour: The politics of data centers and funding schools without raising taxes 49:14

2M ago49:14

49:14

Virginia's primary races are heating up, most notably the lieutenant governor's race. While the Republicans have a presumptive nominee, six Democratic candidates are vying for the post. WAMU's Northern Virginia Reporter Margaret Barthel broke down the lieutenant governor's race, as well as the Democratic candidates for attorney general. She also sh…

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TLOU2e5: What will Ellie choose and where the F*ck is Shimmer 54:16

2M ago54:16

54:16

In this episode review of 'The Last of Us', hosts Vern Cooper and Ebony Williams delve into the intricate character relationships, emotional stakes, and moral dilemmas faced by the characters. They explore the tension between Ellie and Dina, the impact of trauma on their lives, and the choices that lead to consequences. The discussion also highligh…

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252: The Arctic World Archive, a place for your data? Who misused $40,000 to fund mobile gaming addictions. Handbags using reconstructed T-Rex DNA. Gwen Way shares the "Interrupt" device, a network testing ... 58:39

2M ago58:39

58:39

Deep beneath the frigid Arctic landscape, humanity's digital legacy sleeps in a vault carved into frozen rock. The Arctic World Archive, nestled in a decommissioned coal mine near the North Pole, represents our most ambitious attempt to preserve crucial data against time itself. With deposits from over 30 countries—including Vatican manuscripts and…

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Pornography Exposure in the Sixth Grade in Beaverton, Oregon - What's Happening and What Can be Done? 56:25

2M ago56:25

56:25

An 11-year-old in the Beaverton School District in Oregon was exposed to pornography during science class at school. You KNOW if it’s happening in one middle school, it’s happening in many, if not most. This episode is a conversation with the student’s mother. We hear what happened and how the school and school district have responded – spoiler ale…

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The White Iron Barb 3: The Barbenclaw 48:23

3M ago48:23

48:23

Vern and Ebony reflect on their previous discussions about films, particularly focusing on 'Barbie' and 'Iron Claw.' They explore themes of masculinity, patriarchy, and representation in media, discussing how these films critique societal norms. The conversation delves into personal reflections on identity and the impact of media on their lives, as…

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The Politics Hour: What’s next for Prince George’s County if the Washington Commanders leave? 49:04

3M ago49:04

49:04

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser proposed repealing Initiative 82 earlier this week, reigniting the fight over D.C.'s tipped minimum wage law. But given that voters passed the measure twice, the mayor could have trouble getting support from the D.C. Council. Chairman Phil Mendelson got behind the mic to give his thoughts. He said overturning Initiative 82 …

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251: OpenAI CEO Warns Courtesy is Costly. Apple Suffers a Courtroom Defeat over App Store Policies. Scammers Weaponize QR Codes to Hijack Phones. Visa Revolutionizes Payments with AI-Driven Wallet Access ... 1:00:26

3M ago1:00:26

1:00:26

A federal judge has just delivered a stunning blow to Apple's App Store dominance, permanently banning the tech giant from charging commissions on purchases made outside their walled garden. This landmark ruling in Epic Games' ongoing legal battle against Apple not only paves the way for Fortnite's return to iOS but signals a fundamental shift in h…

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TLOU2e4: Ebony is Psychic!! 51:49

3M ago51:49

51:49

In this episode of 'We Interrupt This Program,' hosts Ebony and Vern delve into the latest episode of 'The Last of Us,' exploring themes of psychic predictions, character dynamics, horror elements, childhood development, and the complexities of relationships. They analyze the technical aspects of filmmaking, the emotional depth of the characters, a…

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TLOU2e3: The Who What When Wherewolves of Seattle 53:52

3M ago53:52

53:52

Vern Cooper and Ebony Williams delve into the themes of The Last of Us Season Two, exploring the significance of representation, the impact of grief and loss, and the complexities of character relationships. They discuss the polarized reactions from fans, the importance of community and leadership, and the ongoing exploration of morality and agency…

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250: Navigating Digital Dangers: From Russian Hacks to Privacy Concerns. TikTok-Driven Phenomenon of "Grounding Sheets" to Nick Espinosa's Breakdown of WhatsApp's Misleading "Privacy Features" along with ... 59:37

3M ago59:37

59:37

The digital landscape is constantly shifting beneath our feet, and this week's deep dive into technology's most pressing issues reveals just how unprepared many of us are for what's coming next. Remember when you bought something and actually owned it? Google's decision to end support for Nest thermostats reminds us that in today's connected world,…

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The White Iron Barb: Remember Barbie? Feel old yet? We do! 45:34

3M ago45:34

45:34

Vern and Ebony delve into the themes and cultural implications of the Barbie movie. They explore its campy elements, the portrayal of masculinity and patriarchy, representation and tokenism, emotional depth, and the intersectionality highlighted in America Ferrera's speech. The discussion also touches on class representation through the character o…

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249: Will We Have an AI Avatar Revolution? Digital Deception Happens With a New Wave of Scams in Person, Then Google is on Trial: Monopolies and Innovation. A New Amazon Holiday: "Amazon Primed, Squared ... 1:00:36

3M ago1:00:36

1:00:36

The line between technological innovation and dehumanization grows increasingly blurred as companies embrace AI solutions that fundamentally alter human interaction. At the forefront of this shift is Otter AI founder Sam Liang, who has developed an AI-powered avatar that attends 90% of his business meetings, complete with voice synthesis mimicking …

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WItP: The Last of Us is back! s2e1 review 1:02:47

3M ago1:02:47

1:02:47

In this conversation, Vern and Ebony discuss the premiere of Season Two of 'The Last of Us,' exploring themes of storytelling, character development, violence, moral relativism, and the impact of trauma. They reflect on the dynamics between characters, the introduction of new threats, and the significance of queerness and therapy in the narrative. …

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TLOU2 Episode 2: Abby the Vengeful 58:16

3M ago58:16

58:16

In this conversation, Ebony Williams and Vern discuss the emotional impact of Season Two of The Last of Us, focusing on character development, themes of violence, grief, and the importance of community. They explore the complexities of forgiveness and the evolution of Ellie as a character, while also reflecting on the performances of Pedro Pascal a…

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From The Vault: TLOU Intervention 56:21

3M ago56:21

56:21

Unpublished ep from a year ago. Proof that we never stopped raving about The Last Of Us! And just in time for our regular review eps. Subscribe for Thursday's S2E1 review!By We Interrupt This Program

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EP 248: Klarna has partnered with DoorDash to roll out Buy Now, Pay Later, and it’s stirring up serious debate. OpenAI is suing Elon Musk. Our main segment —LETTERS— is back! A false X post sent the market ... 1:01:40

3M ago1:01:40

1:01:40

When AI turns deadly, who's responsible? This week we explore how a simple "vibe coding" project led to an app generating lethal recipes like cyanide ice cream – highlighting the terrifying lack of safety guardrails in our rush to AI innovation. Meanwhile, financial technology continues its troubling evolution as Swedish firm Klarna partners with D…