Best USP Content Podcasts (2026)

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Luminar claims founder Austin Russell is dodging a subpoena in the bankruptcy case; plus, Can a social app fix the ‘terrible devastation’ of social media? 6:37

Play Pause

9m ago6:37

6:37

Lidar-maker Luminar says its founder and former CEO Austin Russell has been evading requests for information — including a subpoena — that the company needs in order to decide whether it should take legal action against him. Twitter co-founder Biz Stone and Pinterest co-founder Evan Sharp have raised new funding for their social media startup West …

1
India orders Musk’s X to fix Grok over ‘obscene’ AI content; plus, Tech billionaires cashed out $16 billion in 2025 5:34

1h ago5:34

5:34

India's IT ministry has given X 72 hours to submit an action-taken report. Also, Jeff Bezos led the way. The Amazon founder sold 25 million shares for $5.7 billion in June and July, right around the time he was getting hitched to Lauren Sanchez in Venice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

1
In 2026, AI will move from hype to pragmatism 8:38

4m ago8:38

8:38

In 2026, here's what you can expect from the AI industry: new architectures, smaller models, world models, reliable agents, physical AI, and products designed for real-world use. This audio was produced using AI. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesBy TechCrunch

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#502 - Cheating Shoes, A 46% Complaint Ratio and New Year Old John 1:15:02

12m ago1:15:02

1:15:02

It may be a new year, but it’s an old John we find on today’s podcast. An attempted new year’s resolution meant the odd tear was shed, and now he’s in hell. But it’s not all bad, because he does have the cleanest crotch in show business thanks to a hand sanitiser mishap. Spirits get lifted by a visit from our in-house statistician, our very own And…

1
OpenAI bets big on audio as Silicon Valley declares war on screens, plus, European banks plan to cut 200,000 jobs as AI takes hold 5:06

3d ago5:06

5:06

The form factors may differ, but the thesis is the same: audio is the interface of the future. Every space -- your home, your car, even your face -- is becoming an interface. Also, the bloodletting in the European banking industry will hit hardest in back-office operations, risk management, and compliance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit po…

1
Investors predict AI is coming for labor in 2026 4:22

10m ago4:22

4:22

The exact impact AI will have on the enterprise labor market is unclear but investors predict trends will start to emerge in 2026. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesBy TechCrunch

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The phone is dead. Long live . . . what exactly? 7:48

7m ago7:48

7:48

"We're not going to be using iPhones in 10 years," Callaghan says flatly. "I kind of don't think we'll be using them in five years." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesBy TechCrunch

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VCs predict enterprises will spend more on AI in 2026 — through fewer vendors 4:42

12m ago4:42

4:42

Enterprises have been experimenting with AI tools for a few years. Investors predict they will start to pick winners in 2026. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesBy TechCrunch

1
Meta just bought Manus, an AI startup everyone has been talking about 3:54

19m ago3:54

3:54

Meta Platforms is acquiring Manus, a Singapore-based AI startup that’s become the talk of Silicon Valley since it debuted last spring with a demo video that showed an AI agent doing things like screening job candidates, planning vacations, and analyzing stock portfolios. Manus claimed at the time that it outperformed OpenAI’s Deep Research. Learn m…

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Why the electrical grid needs more software 5:18

18m ago5:18

5:18

The electrical grid is facing unprecedented stress from the addition of new data centers. Software could offer a cost-effective way to boost reliability and capacity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesBy TechCrunch

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#501 - The Best of 2025 1:03:48

1d ago1:03:48

1:03:48

The year 2025 will forever be remembered as the year of Elis and John. It will be remembered for John's wins and losses, for Elis's car antics. It will be remembered for Tim Key's John snub, for Elis cementing the Cymru Connection into the Welsh psyche. It will be remembered for James Acaster's searing takedowns, for Dave's alarm disaster, and for …

1
You’ve been targeted by government spyware. Now what? 8:40

10m ago8:40

8:40

Tech companies are increasingly warning their customers that they have been targeted by governments with advanced government spyware, such as NSO's Pegasus or Paragon's Graphite. What happens after receiving a threat notification? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesBy TechCrunch

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Meet the team that investigates when journalists and activists get hacked with government spyware 6:52

23m ago6:52

6:52

For years, Access Now’s Digital Security Helpline has been aiding journalists and dissidents who have been targeted with government spyware. This is how they operate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesBy TechCrunch

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‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ is expanding fast, and that should worry everyone 14:44

11m ago14:44

14:44

As Nigel Morris watches his BNPL investments from the other side of the table, he seems to understand the warning signs better than most. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesBy TechCrunch

1
How would the Netflix-Warner Bros. deal reshape Hollywood? 5:59

3m ago5:59

5:59

The $82.7 billion deal to acquire Warner Bros., and the acquisition has already been described as sending Hollywood into “full-blown panic mode,” “possibly a death blow to theatrical filmmaking,” and maybe even “the end of Hollywood” itself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

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OK, what’s going on with LinkedIn’s algo? 9:46

7d ago9:46

9:46

TechCrunch's Dominic-Madori Davis writes about women who ran an experiment to see if LinkedIn's new algo was being sexist and thought they proved it. But experts say there's more complexity involved. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesBy TechCrunch

1
Pirate group Anna’s Archive says it has scraped 86 million songs from Spotify; plus, OpenAI says AI browsers may always be vulnerable to prompt injection attacks 8:17

13d ago8:17

8:17

Pirate group Anna’s Archive says it has scraped 86 million songs from Spotify. Also, OpenAI says prompt injections will always be a risk for AI browsers with agentic capabilities, like Atlas. But the firm is beefing up its cybersecurity with an 'LLM-based automated attacker.' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

1
Alphabet to buy Intersect Power to bypass energy grid bottlenecks; also, Trump admin halts 6 GW of offshore wind leases again 4:42

13d ago4:42

4:42

Alphabet is set to pay $4.75 billion in cash, plus debt, for the data center and clean energy developer. Also, the move is the latest attempt by the Trump administration to delay the construction of 6 gigawatts of offshore wind near a hotspot of data center development. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

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#500 - Elis and John’s Christmas Cracker 1:21:39

2d ago1:21:39

1:21:39

Put the wrapping paper down, turn off Home Alone and stop stressing about a glorified Sunday roast… the true meaning of Christmas has finally been revealed to us, and would you believe it, it’s Elis and John! Yes, everything in this festive period has been leading up to Elis and John’s Christmas Cracker, and boy does it deliver on festive cheer. Be…

1
New York Governor Kathy Hochul signs RAISE Act to regulate AI safety; plus, Sequoia partner spreads debunked Brown shooting theory 6:33

14d ago6:33

6:33

The bill will require large AI developers to publish information about their safety protocols and report safety incidents to the state within 72 hours. Also, the newest episode raises questions about whether Sequoia's new leadership -- managing partners Alfred Lin and Pat Grady, who took over last month -- can or will rein in Maguire's social media…

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As EU waters down 2035 EV goals, electric startups express concern 5:50

14d ago5:50

5:50

The future may be electric, but that future is being postponed. The European Commission, citing the need for flexibility, has softened its ambitious plan to ban the sale of gas-powered cars by 2035. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesBy TechCrunch

1
Netflix acquires gaming avatar maker Ready Player Me; plus, Meta is developing a new image and video model for a 2026 release 6:45

6d ago6:45

6:45

The gaming startup will allow Netflix subscribers to create avatars that can extend across gaming titles. Also, Meta is working on an image and video model and new text-based model, which aids with coding. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesBy TechCrunch

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#499 - Digital Oil, Peak Christmas and Love Shakes Piles 52:28

6d ago52:28

52:28

John's eaten two helpings of pancakes and we’re in a race against time. Can this bantercast cram in enough badinage before one of its hosts succumbs to a sugar crash? It’s a question that’s been asked many times before, and one that will no doubt be asked again, but it’s a critical question nonetheless. Elis has spent the week telling his wife Isy …

1
Instacart to pay $60M to settle FTC claims it deceived consumers; plus Apple becomes a debt collector 8:25

15d ago8:25

8:25

The FTC alleged Instacart misled consumers with unlawful tactics, causing them to pay higher fees while also denying refunds. Also, Apple says it can now collect any money a developer owes the tech giant at any time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesBy TechCrunch

1
Adobe hit with proposed class-action; plus, Instacart’s AI-driven pricing tool attracted attention from the FTC 6:12

7d ago6:12

6:12

The lawsuit is just the latest in a string of copyright-related legal complaints aimed at the AI industry. Also, in an economy where everyone's feeling squeezed, AI-driven price testing of kitchen essentials was bound to attract attention. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

1
Jared Isaacman confirmed as next head of NASA; AWS exec Peter DeSantis to lead new AI org; and YouTube doesn't like Billboard’s ranking formula 7:39

18d ago7:39

7:39

Isaacman will run the space agency at a time when Trump is trying to both downsize it and task it with returning astronauts to the Moon. Also, DeSantis has spent 27 years at Amazon, including eight years as an SVP for AWS, the cloud provider that powers about one-third of the internet. And, Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com…

1
Skana Robotics helps fleets of underwater robots communicate with each other 5:37

12d ago5:37

5:37

Skana Robotics built a decision-making algorithm that helps unmanned vessels react and adapt to data from other vessels. Also, Amazon reportedly in talks to invest $10B in OpenAI as circular deals stay popular Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesBy TechCrunch

1
Coursera and Udemy enter a merger agreement; plus, Mozilla’s new CEO says AI is coming to Firefox 5:49

8d ago5:49

5:49

Coursera and Udemy, two of the biggest names in online learning, are combining platforms next year. Mozilla has appointed Anthony Enzor-DeMeo as its CEO, as the Firefox developer scrambles to adapt in a rapidly changing browser market. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

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#498 - Chilli Rice, Grieving Upside Down and Thames! 1:09:01

9d ago1:09:01

1:09:01

You might detect a slight difference in Elis’s demeanour this week; a bolstered confidence, an increased self-worth, a man with a purpose. Elis has tasted power, and he ain’t looking back. This is the new Elis, Elis 2.0, Elis ‘You’ll Do What I Say’ James. Because Elis has looked after 4 children on a school trip to The Monument. This feels signific…

1
Hacking group says it’s extorting Pornhub after stealing users’ viewing data. plus, Everbloom built an AI to turn chicken feathers into cashmere 7:32

20d ago7:32

7:32

The Scattered Lapsus$ Hunters hacking collective stole Pornhub premium users’ data, including email addresses and viewing history. Also, Everbloom has also developed a chemical process to transform waste fibers and feathers into upcycled materials that resemble everything from polyester to cashmere. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastch…

1
Tesla starts testing robotaxis in Austin with no safety driver; also, Netflix responds to concerns about WBD deal 6:30

20d ago6:30

6:30

It's one of the last big steps before the company can truly claim it's operating a robotaxi service, and start to take on Waymo.Industry Also, concerns over Netflix acquiring Warner Bros has led executives to address fears regarding jobs and theatrical releases. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

1
Data center boom bad news for other infrastructure projects; plus, a data breach at 700Credit affects nearly 6 million, and Microsoft buys 3.6M metric tons of carbon removal from bioenergy plant 4:16

21d ago4:16

4:16

-Improvements to roads, bridges, and other infrastructure could take a hit as data center construction accelerates. That’s according to a report from Bloomberg. -At least 5.6 million people had their names, addresses, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers stolen in a data breach at Seven Hundred Credit, a company that runs credit checks and i…

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Zevo wants to add robotaxis to its car-share fleet; plus, Reddit argues it isn’t like other social platforms 7:50

24d ago7:50

7:50

As robotaxi adoption continues, wild ideas like personal ownership and renting them out are starting to pop up again. Also, Reddit, one of the world's largest social platforms, is arguing that it doesn't meet the definition of "social media platforms" as it seeks to overturn Australia's law banning children under 16 years of age from social media. …

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#497 - Badiography, Gunge Limitations and Snippy WhatsApps From The 1pm Bath 1:02:32

13d ago1:02:32

1:02:32

Today we ask the question: what would a world without Dave look like? A Daveless world. Imagine a sliding doors moment where a sterner producer was given the reins in 2014. Fast forward to late 2025 and in the studio, almost certainly, Elis would still be eating or have forgotten to come in. John would have vape hot boxed himself into a coma. Do no…

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Google launched its deepest AI research agent yet — on the same day OpenAI dropped GPT-5.2 8:21

13d ago8:21

8:21

For the first time, developers can embed Google's Deep Research tool, based on Gemini 3 Pro, into their own apps. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesBy TechCrunch

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Opera wants you to pay $20 a month to use its AI-powered browser; plus, Rivian going big on autonomy 7:24

25d ago7:24

7:24

Following a couple of months' testing, Opera has finally made its AI-powered browser, Neon, available to the public — though you'll have to shell out for a $19.90-per-month subscription to use it. Also, Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe laid out his plan for how Rivian's vehicles will increasingly drive themselves, in a bid to match or exceed the capabilities…

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Overview Energy wants to beam energy from space to existing solar farms; plus Nvidia is reportedly testing tracking software 5:34

14d ago5:34

5:34

The stealthy startup plans to use a network of satellites to harvest sunlight and send it to Earth using infrared lasers. A new software option could make it possible to see the approximate location of some of Nvidia's AI chips. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesBy TechCrunch

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Google launches managed MCP servers that let AI agents simply plug into its tools 5:26

15d ago5:26

5:26

Google is rolling out managed MCP servers to make its services “agent-ready by design,” starting with Maps and BigQuery, aiming to simplify messy integrations and help AI agents use real tools. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesBy TechCrunch

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Three in ten U.S. teens use AI chatbots every day, but safety concerns are growing; also, Why Cursor’s CEO believes OpenAI, Anthropic competition won’t crush his startup 11:01

26d ago11:01

11:01

While teenagers may start out using AI chatbots for basic questions, their relationship with chatbot platforms has the potential to turn addictive. Plus, Anysphere CEO Michael Truell explained the features his company is focused on building out after reaching $1 billion in annualized revenue,. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.…

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Google’s first AI glasses expected next year; plus, Ford and Renault team up on cheaper EVs and Truecaller now lets users protect households from scam calls 7:27

27d ago7:27

7:27

Google will compete with Meta with its own line of AI-powered smart glasses. Also, Ford and Renault in a ‘fight for our lives.’ The automakers will work together to bring two Ford-branded less expensive EVs to European dealerships in 2028. And, Truecaller's Family Protection will be rolled out widely in the first quarter of 2026. Learn more about y…

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#496 - Cloud 7, 40 Guffs and Elements of Edmonds 1:19:01

16d ago1:19:01

1:19:01

What does an already packed show need to make it feel complete? That’s right, it’s an 8 minute intro (or just under a 5th of an Edinburgh show...) and an 8 minute Noel Edmonds apologia. This show is nothing if not disciplined. Once we’re all intro’ed and up-to-date on the elements of Edmonds, it’s content content content. John does some winning and…

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FTC upholds ban on stalkerware founder Scott Zuckerman 4:56

16d ago4:56

4:56

Zuckerman, who used to run the stalkerware apps SpyFone and SpyTrac, claimed the ban is hurting his unrelated business. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesBy TechCrunch

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‘ONE RULE’: Trump says he’ll sign an EO blocking state AI laws despite bipartisan pushback; also, Paramount's hostile bid for WBD 8:10

28d ago8:10

8:10

“I will be doing a ONE RULE Executive Order this week,” Trump posted on social media. “You can’t expect a company to get 50 Approvals every time they want to do something.” Paramount Skydance on Monday launched a hostile, $108.4 billion bid to buy Warner Bros. Discovery, days after Warner Bros. agreed to be acquired by Netflix for $82.7 billion. Le…

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#495 - Oil Gangs, Fiddler of the Roof and Bags In The Sex Shop 56:15

20d ago56:15

56:15

Oil rises to the top of the content liquid again, primarily because of its lower density. It’s hard to remove as we know, so there’s a slick across the episode clogging our feathers. So what are your oils? More importantly, what are Adrian’s oils? And will John insist on going through all the smoke points of all the oils? Questions that are all ans…

1
The New York Times is suing Perplexity for copyright infringement; while Meta signs commercial AI data agreements with publishers to offer real-time news on Meta AI 8:36

1M ago8:36

8:36

The New York Times filed a copyright lawsuit against Perplexity, joining other publishers using legal action as leverage to force AI companies into licensing deals that compensate content creators. Also, Meta is partnering with CNN, Fox News, Fox Sports, Le Monde Group, the People Inc. portfolio of media brands, The Daily Caller, The Washington Exa…

1
Musk says new Tesla software allows texting and driving, which is illegal in most states; plus, Feds ask Waymo about robotaxis repeatedly passing school buses in Austin 6:36

1M ago6:36

6:36

Texting while driving is banned in nearly every state, even with the use of advanced driver assistance systems like Tesla's Full Self-Driving (Supervised) software. Also, the agency already opened an investigation in October over Waymo's performance around school buses. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

1
California’s ban on self-driving trucks could soon be over; also, Amazon may drop USPS and build a competing service 5:43

1M ago5:43

5:43

Revised rules in California would allow self-driving trucks to test on public highways. The rules also close a loophole allowing police to issue tickets for driverless vehicles. Also, Amazon is the USPS' biggest customer, and the e-commerce giant's potential break from the postal agency comes as the two sides are negotiating a new deal. Learn more …

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Andy Jassy says Amazon’s Nvidia competitor chip is already a multi-billion-dollar business 4:51

1M ago4:51

4:51

Can any company, big or small, really topple Nvidia's AI chip dominance? Maybe not entirely but Amazon is already making big bucks trying. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesBy TechCrunch

1
Another bid to block state AI regulation has failed…for now; plus, Autolane is building ‘air traffic control’ for AVs 7:05

1M ago7:05

7:05

The latest bid to squeeze a ban on states regulating AI into an annual defense bill has reportedly been rejected after facing bipartisan pushback. Also, backed by VC firms like Draper Associates and Hyperplane, Autolane said it will start by coordinating pickup and drop-off points for companies that want to let robotaxis come onto their private pro…

1
A data breach at analytics giant Mixpanel leaves a lot of open questions 7:56

27d ago7:56

7:56

We sent over a dozen questions to Mixpanel's CEO about the company's data breach. Here's what we want to know. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesBy TechCrunch