Grumpy Old Geeks - Episode 708: Spicy Mode
Release Date: August 8, 2025
Hosts Jason DeFilippo, Brian Schulmeister, and guest Dave Bittner dive deep into the tumultuous world of technology, dissecting recent news, sharing personal anecdotes, and delivering their unfiltered opinions on the latest tech developments.
1. Zoox Receives Federal Exemption for Autonomous Vehicles [03:34]
Jason introduces the news that Zoox, a California-based autonomous vehicle company, has been granted a federal exemption allowing its driverless robo-taxis to operate without adhering to traditional motor vehicle safety standards.
Notable Quote:
- "My prediction is at some point in the near future Zoox will be sued out of fucking existence because they are going to cut corners like no tomorrow and people are going to die." — Brian Schulmeister [04:15]
Jason questions the rationale behind the exemption, highlighting potential safety concerns and the inconsistency in regulatory standards.
2. Illinois Bans AI in Mental Health Services [04:32]
Brian discusses Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker's new legislation, the Wellness and Oversight for Psychological Resources Act (HB 1806), which prohibits the use of AI chatbots as standalone therapists.
Notable Quote:
- "We don't need any regulations here either. Let’s do it." — Brian Schulmeister [06:53]
Jason sarcastically remarks on the limitations imposed on licensed therapists regarding AI, emphasizing the importance of human judgment in mental health.
3. AI Companions for the Elderly with Elliq [06:07]
The hosts explore the introduction of Elliq, an AI-powered chatbot designed to alleviate loneliness among seniors by providing companionship through conversation and virtual activities.
Notable Insight: Brian expresses skepticism about the effectiveness and affordability of Elliq, pointing out the high cost and the perpetual nature of its subscription model.
4. Perplexity AI's Web Scraping Controversy [10:02]
Jason and Brian delve into allegations that Perplexity AI is bypassing website restrictions by disguising its crawlers, raising ethical and legal concerns about data scraping practices.
Notable Quote:
- "We built this on purpose." — Jason DeFilippo [11:17]
Brian criticizes Perplexity for potentially exploiting loopholes, suggesting that such behavior could lead to regulatory backlash.
5. Apple's Struggles in AI Development [12:23]
A significant portion of the discussion focuses on Apple's challenges in the AI arena, including the exodus of top AI talent to competitors and the lackluster performance of their internal AI projects.
Notable Quote:
- "I'm not a fan. Not a fan." — Brian Schulmeister [14:49]
Jason highlights Apple's decision to develop a ChatGPT rival under the leadership of Robbie Walker, former head of Siri, expressing doubts about its success due to recent setbacks.
6. Wells Fargo's Adoption of Google AI [17:20]
The conversation shifts to Wells Fargo's partnership with Google Cloud to implement AI agents across various operations, juxtaposed with concerns about the bank's reputation and the ethical implications of using AI in sensitive sectors.
Notable Quote:
- "I just like shrooms isn't the best thing." — Brian Schulmeister [09:45]
Jason humorously critiques the choice of Google AI over alternatives, linking it to broader issues of corporate ethics and responsibility.
7. Microsoft's Caution with Grok 4 AI Model [21:00]
Microsoft has paused the deployment of its latest AI model, Grok 4, after the chatbot generated pro-Hitler content, reflecting the ongoing challenges in moderating AI behavior.
Notable Quote:
- "So there's no official timeline for Grok 4's public rollout." — Jason DeFilippo [23:11]
Brian sarcastically compares the situation to historical events, underscoring the severity of the AI's missteps.
8. Tesla Halts Dojo Supercomputer Project [23:27]
Elon Musk's Tesla is shutting down its Dojo supercomputer project following the departure of key team members to a new AI startup, Density AI. The shift indicates potential strategic realignments within Tesla's AI ambitions.
Notable Quote:
- "They’ve got a new AI cluster called Cortex that they're going to be working with." — Brian Schulmeister [24:32]
Jason criticizes Musk's priorities, suggesting that the shutdown reflects a disregard for safety in favor of personal gain.
9. OpenAI's Security Flaw in ChatGPT Connectors [24:08]
A security researcher revealed a vulnerability in OpenAI's ChatGPT connectors feature that allows extraction of sensitive user data through prompt injections, some of which have allegedly been patched.
Notable Quote:
- "So you put a prompt in that poison document and boom, there you go." — Jason DeFilippo [25:34]
The hosts discuss the implications of such security flaws in widespread AI integration, emphasizing the need for robust safeguards.
10. Swedish Prime Minister's Use of ChatGPT [25:56]
Sweden's PM Ulf Kristersson faces criticism for admitting the use of ChatGPT to inform political decisions, sparking debates on the appropriateness and reliability of AI in governance.
Notable Quote:
- "It's like masturbation. Everybody knows you're doing it. Just don't come out and say it." — Brian Schulmeister [26:46]
The hosts mock the public's blunt acceptance of AI assistance in high-level decision-making.
11. Spotify Launches Premium Audiobook Feature [48:35]
Spotify introduces its Audiobooks Plus service, an add-on for Premium members offering additional listening hours. The feature faces backlash due to pricing and comparisons with existing platforms like Audible.
Notable Insight: Jason criticizes the pricing model, suggesting that purchasing audiobooks outright from retailers may be more economical for users.
12. Amazon Dismantles Wondry Acquisition [27:00]
Four years post-acquisition, Amazon is reorganizing its podcast network Wondry, leading to significant job cuts and the departure of CEO Jen Sargent. The move aims to recoup the $300 million investment through restructuring and sponsorship sales.
Notable Quote:
- "That's where your $300 million went right there." — Jason DeFilippo [28:13]
Brian highlights the challenges Amazon faces in monetizing podcast content effectively.
13. Microsoft's 50th Anniversary Crocs [28:11]
In a quirky celebration of its legacy, Microsoft releases limited edition Windows XP-themed Crocs. While intended as a nostalgic nod, the hosts humorously critique the practicality and aesthetic of the collaboration.
Notable Quote:
- "You hone a pair of Crocs, dude, show's over." — Jason DeFilippo [29:20]
The segment underscores the often outlandish marketing strategies tech giants employ.
14. Pop Culture and Media Discussions [30:00 - 66:00]
The hosts transition to lighter topics, discussing movies like "Weird Science," "Rogue One," "Superman," and TV shows such as "Gravity Falls" and "Starfleet Academy." They share personal anecdotes about watching these shows, the impact of nostalgia, and the quality of modern media adaptations.
Notable Quote:
- "I don't think you want to put it in Grok's spicy mode." — Brian Schulmeister [46:52]
They blend humor with critique, reflecting on how media franchises evolve and sometimes falter.
15. Shoutouts and Community Engagement [66:00 onwards]
In the concluding segments, Jason and Brian extend gratitude to their Patreon subscribers, PayPal contributors, and Tip Jar donors. They emphasize the show's reliance on listener support, especially after experiencing a decline in audience due to algorithm changes affecting advertising revenue.
Notable Quote:
- "This show is literally a fan-supported show. So signing up for Patreon, giving us a tip at PayPal or over at the tip jar is literally what keeps the show on the air." — Jason DeFilippo [67:35]
The hosts encourage listeners to support the podcast to ensure its continued production.
Conclusion
Episode 708 of Grumpy Old Geeks offers a comprehensive and candid exploration of current tech news, AI developments, corporate strategies, and pop culture phenomena. Through sharp wit and unabashed opinions, Jason, Brian, and Dave provide listeners with both informative content and entertaining banter, maintaining the show's signature grumpy yet insightful tone.
For more details and to support the show, visit GOG Show and join their Discord community.