All TWiT.tv Shows (Audio) Episode: This Week in Tech 1044: Elephants on the Moon
Release Date: August 11, 2025
Hosts: Leo Laporte, Owen Thomas, Doc Rock, Wes Faulkner

Introduction

In Episode 1044 of "This Week in Tech," titled "Elephants on the Moon," Leo Laporte hosts a lively discussion with guests Owen Thomas from the San Francisco Business Times, Doc Rock, a YouTube personality and Director of Strategic Partnerships at ECAMM, and Wes Faulkner, who announces his new venture, WorksNotWorking.com. The episode delves into the latest developments in artificial intelligence, particularly focusing on the launch of ChatGPT 5.0, controversies surrounding AI companies like Perplexity, and broader tech industry news.

ChatGPT 5.0: Hopes and Hurdles

Leo Laporte kicks off the main discussion with the introduction of ChatGPT 5.0, highlighting the mixed reactions following its release.

• User Reception: While some users like Leo report positive experiences, stating, "I've been playing with it and I have had good results" (11:51), others express skepticism. There have been significant complaints about accessibility and reliability, especially concerning the rollout process, with Leo noting, "I can't see it. I can't. I think it's just taking a while to roll out" (07:28).

• Technical Challenges: The new version faced issues such as reduced model choices, leading to user frustration. Doc Rock humorously remarks, "They didn't even question it. And I'm like, fam, I don't know if you know how business works" (17:41).

• Factuality Improvements vs. Risks: Owen Thomas praises the improved factuality of ChatGPT 5.0, stating, "So I'm mostly impressed that they have delivered improved factuality" (11:31). However, Leo shares concerning anecdotes about the AI's medical advice, including a dangerous suggestion to replace sodium chloride with sodium bromide, underlining the risks of over-reliance on AI for critical decisions (13:35).

• Public Perception and Hype: The team discusses the ongoing debate about whether ChatGPT 5.0 represents a significant leap towards Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) or if it's overhyped. Leo reflects, "I think it's not obviously AGI... Sam Altman overhyped it" (14:07).

Notable Quote:

Owen Thomas (11:31): "I'm mostly impressed that they have delivered improved factuality. That's a great product feature to tout in their blog post."

Perplexity AI: Controversies and Challenges

The conversation shifts to Perplexity AI, an emerging player in the AI search engine space, facing criticism and skepticism.

• Operational Issues: Perplexity has recently become the official AI for Truth Social, training an AI exclusively on Fox News content. This move raises concerns about bias and the reliability of information provided by the AI (35:30).

• Cloudflare Conflict: Perplexity's methods of web scraping are under scrutiny by Cloudflare, which accuses them of violating norms by ignoring robots.txt files. Doc Rock debates this stance, likening Perplexity's actions to standard browser behavior (42:39).

• Rumored Acquisition: There are rumors, mentioned by Owen Thomas, that Apple may be interested in acquiring Perplexity to bolster its AI capabilities, though skepticism remains high regarding the viability of such an acquisition (41:09).

Notable Quote:

Doc Rock (21:27): "Gary Marcus almost gloating that ChatGPT was so bad. I wouldn't gloat about it. And I don't think it's so bad."

WorksNotWorking.com: A New Community Platform

Wes Faulkner introduces his new initiative, WorksNotWorking.com, a community-driven platform designed to assist individuals navigating toxic work environments and seeking advice on coping mechanisms.

• Mission and Features: Wes explains, "Creating a community to help with people who need suggestions, navigating the work environment" (02:33). The platform aims to provide actionable strategies for those unable to leave unfavorable jobs due to economic constraints.

• Launch Plans: The website is slated to launch on November 5th, with a gated entry ensuring early subscribers gain access ahead of the general release. Despite initial technical hiccups during the announcement, Wes emphasizes the support from his team (04:43).

Notable Quote:

Wes Faulkner (03:03): "It's a site for people to find either ways to get through it or to work around it."

AI and Corporate Responsibility

The panel delves into the broader implications of AI advancements and the responsibilities of corporations deploying these technologies.

• Hype vs. Reality: Doc Rock criticizes the excessive hype surrounding AI models, arguing that companies often fail to meet inflated expectations, leading to user disillusionment. He states, "They are trying too hard and do too much with these things" (75:39).

• User Responsibility: Leo and Wes discuss the importance of personal responsibility in verifying AI-generated information, countering the tendency to blame AI for misinformation. Doc Rock adds, "We are giving up too much of our self responsibility and blaming everybody else" (16:22).

• Regulatory Scrutiny: The conversation highlights the ongoing debates about AI regulation, with concerns about copyright issues, especially in creative industries like Disney's aborted deal to digitally recreate Dwayne Johnson for "Moana" due to copyright uncertainties (33:07).

Notable Quote:

Doc Rock (17:41): "We're giving up too much of our self responsibility and blaming everybody else for things that aren't going the way it is."

Apple's Strategic Moves and Tariff Avoidance

A significant portion of the episode focuses on Apple's recent strategies to avoid tariffs on their chips and the implications for the tech industry.

• Tariff Mitigation: Apple has strategically partnered with Corning to manufacture its glass components domestically, ensuring they remain exempt from new tariffs imposed by the US government. Leo explains, "They are going to make a hundred billion dollar investment in Corning" (48:32).

• Supply Chain Adjustments: The company is also collaborating with Samsung to build iPhone image sensors in Texas, shifting away from their traditional reliance on Sony sensors. Leo notes, "Apple's struggling a little with AI... They have to make sure they're on the right side" (50:02).

• Leadership and Public Relations: The episode touches on the tensions between Apple’s CEO Tim Cook and the US administration, particularly regarding accusations of conflicts of interest and pressure to comply with government demands. Owen and Doc express concerns about leadership decisions affecting corporate credibility and operational integrity (54:17).

Notable Quote:

Leo Laporte (50:02): "I'll just have to look like that. Thank you big gun guys, to Owen Thomas. Thomas is so great to see you."

Nuclear Reactor on the Moon: Feasibility and Implications

The discussion shifts to NASA’s ambitious plan to deploy a 100-kilowatt nuclear reactor on the lunar south pole by 2030.

• Technical Challenges: The reactor is intended to provide reliable power for potential lunar colonies, enabling operations like 3D printing and sustained habitation. Leo mentions, "It's about enough to power 80 families" (117:30).

• International Competition: China and Russia are also pursuing similar projects, making it a competitive race to establish a sustainable presence on the moon (117:34).

• Expert Opinions: The panel debates the practicality of nuclear power versus solar energy on the moon, with Wes highlighting the intermittent sunlight at the poles and the necessity for a continuous power supply (118:25).

Notable Quote:

Leo Laporte (117:30): "Hi. Hi."

Hardware and Legacy Technology

The hosts reminisce about legacy technologies like dial-up modems and bulletin board systems, drawing parallels to current technological transitions.

• AOL Dial-Up Shutdown: Leo shares the impending discontinuation of AOL’s dial-up services, lamenting the end of an era and recalling the nostalgic sounds of 56k modems (153:35).

• Modern Connectivity Issues: Doc Rock discusses experiences with outdated glucose monitors and the importance of reliable hardware, tying it back to the broader theme of technological evolution and user adaptability (130:10).

Notable Quote:

Leo Laporte (153:35): "You gotta have a serial port. But look at that. Remember that I had a bulletin board in 1985 that had two of those."

Community Building vs. Audience Size

Wes Faulkner and Doc Rock emphasize the importance of building a community over merely amassing a large audience, contrasting the latter’s focus on monetization and superficial engagement.

• Authentic Engagement: Doc Rock asserts, "Stop trying to build an audience. Stop trying to build views. You want to build a community. Community is everything" (101:17).

• Sustainable Growth: They argue that fostering a genuine community leads to more meaningful interactions and sustained support, unlike the performative nature of chasing view counts.

Notable Quote:

Doc Rock (101:38): "Dialogue. Let's have a discourse."

Closing Remarks

As the episode wraps up, Leo Laporte encourages listeners to join the Club Twit Discord for exclusive content and community interaction. The hosts exchange light-hearted banter about personal achievements and upcoming tech events, maintaining the show's signature blend of humor and insightful discussion.

Final Notable Quote:

Leo Laporte: "Another twit is in the can. Take care. This is amazing."

Conclusion

This episode of "This Week in Tech" offers a comprehensive look into the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, corporate strategies to navigate economic challenges, and the enduring importance of community in the tech space. Through engaging discussions and candid exchanges, the hosts provide listeners with valuable insights into both current trends and timeless principles in the technology world.

Note: Advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections have been omitted as per the summary guidelines.