681: Trough of Disillusionment

In this episode, Brian and Jason kick things off by highlighting the troubling state of the gaming industry, with 11% of developers laid off in 2024, according to a GDC survey. Meanwhile, Elon Musk finds a new way to perplex us all by admitting he pays people to play video games for him.They then unpack a whirlwind of news, including Trump’s controversial pardon of Silk Road creator Ross Ulbricht and his ongoing crusade against perceived social media bias. Elon Musk’s antics take center stage as he mocks America’s tech elite, clashes with Trump over the flashy “Stargate” AI project, and battles AI cost concerns as hype begins to wane. On the corporate front, Amazon halts drone deliveries after crashes, Instagram blocks political hashtags, and Neko, a body-scanning startup co-founded by Daniel Ek, secures a whopping $260M at a $1.8B valuation. In media candy, the hosts revisit the charming chaos of the Lilo & Stitch franchise and dive into music documentaries like Yacht Rock and Echo in the Canyon. And let’s not forget Netflix’s price hikes and yet another mediocre Star Trek installment with Section 31. Dave wraps things up with The Dark Side, covering Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, ham radio tools, and even a shoutout to Morse code. Packed with biting commentary, this episode is a mix of tech absurdity, media nostalgia, and the trademark Grumpy Old Geeks snark!Sponsors:Private Internet Access - Go to GOG.Show/vpn and sign up today. For a limited time only, you can get OUR favorite VPN for as little as $2.03 a month.SetApp - With a single monthly subscription you get 240+ apps for your Mac. Go to SetApp and get started today!!!1Password - Get a great deal on the only password manager recommended by Grumpy Old Geeks! gog.show/1passwordDeleteMe - Head over to JoinDeleteMe.com/GOG and use the code "GOG" for 20% off.Show notes at https://gog.show/681FOLLOW UPEleven percent of game developers were laid off in 2024, according to GDC surveyElon Musk Admits to Paying People to Play Video Games for HimIN THE NEWSJoe Rogan, Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos: Tech Titans, Celebs at InaugurationTrump Orders Government to Stop ‘Trampling’ Conservatives on Social MediaSilk Road Mastermind Ross Ulbricht Seen Leaving Prison Holding a Small PlantPresident Trump Pardons Silk Road Creator Ross Ulbricht After 11 Years in PrisonElon Musk Plays DOGE Ball—and Hits America’s Geek SquadInstagram blocked searches for #democrats and other political hashtagsWhy You May Automatically Be Following Trump and Vance NowAI-Generated Junk Science Is a Big Problem on Google Scholar, Research SuggestsWhat is the ‘Stargate’ AI project?Trump's $500 Billion AI Deal Includes Funding by UAE Royal Family Linked to Astonishing Number of Scandals, Including Human TortureTrump Showing Love to Sam Altman Is Clearly Driving Elon Musk Into a Jealous FurySatya Nadella says he’s ’good for $80 billion’ after Elon Musk claims Stargate Project doesn’t have the cashTrump staff ‘furious’ after Musk trashes AI projectAI Hype Is Dropping Off a Cliff While Costs Soar, Experts WarnAmazon puts its drone deliveries on hold following two crash incidents‘Neo-Nazi Madness’: Meta’s Top AI Lawyer on Why He Fired the CompanyApple must face suit over alleged policy of underpaying female workersAmazon to close Quebec facilities, but says it's not because of that new unionNeko, the body-scanning startup co-founded by Spotify's Daniel Ek, snaps up $260M at a $1.8B valuationMEDIA CANDYLilo & StitchLilo & Stitch 2 - Stitch Has a GlitchLeroy & StitchYacht Rock: A DOCKumentaryThe Wrecking Crew!Echo in the CanyonLolla: The Story of LollapallozaNetflix plans now cost between $8 and $25 after yet another subscription price hikeEverything to Remember Before Star Trek: Section 31Section 31 Is a Mediocre Action Movie, and an Even Worse Star Trek OneFail Better with David Duchovny - Catching Up with Gillian AndersonJames Cameron: Special Video Message at the SCSP AI+Robotics SummitAPPS & DOODADSIntroducing OperatorDeveloper Creates Infinite Maze That Traps AI Training BotsBest Cooking Equipment for Meal Kits (2025), Tested and ReviewedTrump Executive Order GeneratorAT THE LIBRARYThe Breakthrough Effect by Douglas E. RichardsNot Till We Are Lost (Bobiverse Book 5) by Dennis E. TaylorTHE DARK SIDE WITH DAVEDave BittnerThe CyberWireHacking HumansCaveatControl LoopOnly Malware in the BuildingStar Wars: Skeleton CrewHam Radio PrepHam StudyGLAARGGGMorseMorse Code - I Love YouParks on the Air ® (POTA)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.