NewsTech NewsTechnologyNews Commentary

Crashed

Alex Hudson

In the Crashed podcast, the tech podcast about everything else, hosts Alex Hudson (@alexhuds) and Chris Stokel-Walker (@stokel) delve into the complexities of technology and its implications on politics, business and wider society. It’s smart, it’s nerdy and it’s two journalists trying to make sense of a complex tech landscape in the UK.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Play

Open in

34 episodes
weekly
Avg 57 min
English

Episodes 34

Newest Oldest Longest

All20 Unplayed20 In progress0 Played0

Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.

S1 · E56
Thursday · 54 min
Exclusive: Ofcom explains p*** ban and Online Safety Act
The Online Safety Act received royal assent three years ago, and regulators are still implementing its regulations. Jessica Zucker, director of online safety policy at Ofcom, joins Crashed presenters Alex Hudson and Chris Stokel-Walker to talk about how Ofcom is working with Meta, X, and others to keep them in check; how p***ography laws are being made increasingly complicated with new regulations making some types illegal; and how regulators can keep up with information overload. Elsewhere in the episode, what does the Democratic Party taking control back of both the House and the Senate mean for tech policy; why are fridges being hacked? And how does ~20% of North Korea's GDP come from hacking? Ofcom's report on content harmful to children: https://www.ofcom.org.uk/online-safety/protecting-children/report-on-content-harmful-to-children Ofcom's roadmap to the implementation of the Online Safety Act: https://www.ofcom.org.uk/online-safety/illegal-and-harmful-content/roadmap-to-regulation Ofcom's Media Nations 2026 report: https://www.ofcom.org.uk/siteassets/resources/documents/research-and-data/multi-sector/media-nations/2026/media-nations-2026-uk-report.pdf?v=423157 To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E55
October 29 · 59 min
Could an early General Election be coming?
Investigative journalist Lydia Morrish of the Bureau of Investigative Journalism joins presenters Alex Hudson and Chris Stokel-Walker to discuss the millions of non-consensual deepfakes produced on X's Grok in under two weeks. Elsewhere in the episode, we unpack the UK budget’s technology priorities, including AI investment, cybersecurity, data centres, and support for scale-ups; examine Anthropic’s prospective IPO, the company’s financial disclosures, and what its public offering could reveal about the AI boom. We also spend slightly too long talking about fish and chips. Follow Lydia on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lydmorrish/?hl=en-gb Read her investigation into Grok: https://www.thebureauinvestigates.com/stories/2026-09-29/grok-deepfakes-police-justice And her follow-up: https://www.thebureauinvestigates.com/stories/2026-10-22/grok-deepfake-case-reopened-after-bureau-reporting Or watch it on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDb5ayMG694 To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E54
October 22 · 58 min
Green energy is cheaper so why drill for gas?
We tried to make a positive-news-only episode of Crashed and ended up talking about climate change, drilling in the North Sea, the collapse of societal norms, and a lot about a receipt printer for reasons only co-presenter Chris Stokel-Walker knows. Co-presenter Alex Hudson and Chris celebrate Crashed's first birthday with a look at how tech has already made life better and how it might be about to in the years and decades to come. Keywords: technology, future, green energy, medical tech, quantum computing, AI, innovation, podcast anniversary Key topics Celebration of the podcast's one-year anniversary Advancements in green energy and battery tech Medical innovations like AI in cancer detection Quantum computing and brain interface breakthroughs The politics of energy and climate change Future predictions for technology and society To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E53
October 15 · 58 min
Should we let AI kill people?
Nobel Peace Prize winner Beatrice Fihn helped pioneer efforts to achieve a treaty-based ban on nuclear weapons. She's now turned her attention to the use of AI in warfare. Presenters Alex Hudson and Chris Stokel-Walker discuss with her how AI is already being used on the battlefield, the parallels with nuclear disarmament and just how much the Geneva Convention stands up to scrutiny. The documentary discussed in the episode, Will We Let AI Kill People, can be watched in full here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLIT00ZHgYE Elsewhere in the episode, we talk about MI5's renewed focus on AI, Mia Goth's AI deepfake issue, and what's the point of Apple's HomeView? keywords: AI warfare, international regulation, autonomous weapons, human control, global coalition, AI ethics, nuclear analogy, treaty negotiationsAI safety, deepfakes, MI5, cybersecurity, biological weapons, AI regulation, tech ethics, AI threats, AI deepfake, AI governance key topics MI5's AI Threat Assessment Centre (AI TAC) AI in warfare and automated weapons International regulation and treaties The importance of human control over AI weapons The role of global coalitions and civil society Lessons from nuclear and chemical weapons regulation The potential and risks of AI in military applications Deepfake incidents involving Mia Goth Risks of AI in biological weapon synthesis Regulation and safety of AI systems The AI arms race among global intelligence agencies The challenge of verifying AI safety and honesty The impact of AI on national security and global stability To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E52
October 8 · 47 min
The farlands of TikTok 'where predators meet'
***Trigger warning: difficult discussions about sexual predators and child abuse take place in this episode.*** The TikTok farlands are what media studies professor Jessica Maddox calls “the end of the internet where things get weird. You’ve left the mainstream and taken a wrong turn.” This wrong turn is regularly just a weird, glitchy nightmare of surreal AI but there is a darker piece to this puzzle. Presenters Alex Hudson and Chris Stokel-Walker talk to investigative journalist Katherine Denkinson about a Prospect investigation about the darker corners of TikTok. Also in the episode, what price with ASOS's hack have on the brand? And why on either are digital price panels having a moment? Read Kat's piece here: https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/ideas/technology/internet/telecoms/social-media/75143/they-trade-child-sex-abuse-material.-they-find-each-other-on-tiktok Go to Kat's homepage: https://kdenkwrites.com/ To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E51
October 1 · 51 min
Everyone should own their own chatbot agent
In this episode, Alex Hudson and Chris explore the chaotic intersection of AI, military technology, and the future of media and society, sharing insights from recent research and personal anecdotes. keywords: AI, military tech, quantum computing, media, society, innovation, future trends key topics AI and military technology Quantum computing advancements Media consumption and long-running series The economics of hardware and AI infrastructure The social implications of technological change To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E50
September 24 · 56 min
50 things you should know about AI
Crashed is celebrating its 50th episode, which is silly. Also silly is choosing to celebrate it by trying to fit 50 things you need to know about AI in a single episode. But we did it. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being part of Crashed and making it into the ridiculous thing it has become. If you want cake, email us and we'll try to send you some. In this episode, Alex Hudson and Chris Stokel-Walker explore the latest developments and misconceptions in AI, from superintelligence to AI regulation, water usage, and the future of AI technology. Keywords: AI, superintelligence, AI regulation, water usage, AI ethics, AI models, AI impact, AI safety, future of AI Key topics What Donald Trump means by superintelligence and its implications The reality of superintelligence and its development path AI safety concerns and containment issues The impact of AI on water and energy consumption Regulatory efforts and international cooperation on AI safety The influence of capitalism and geopolitics on AI development The role of open source and corporate AI models The bias and ethical challenges in AI systems The potential of AI to reduce conspiracy beliefs and improve productivity The future of humanoid robots and AI integration To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E49
September 17 · 58 min
Q&A special: AI's relation to the nuclear bomb, the solution to spam email and one impossible question
In this special Q&A episode, presenters Alex Hudson and Chris Stokel-Walker explore the complex and often alarming intersections of AI, government influence, privacy, technological innovation, and much more besides. They discuss recent developments, historical parallels, and the future implications of AI and tech in society. Keywords: AI, government influence, privacy, technology, innovation, regulation, societal impact, future of AI, surveillance, global cooperation Key topics: AI influence on government decision-making, AI and its historical parallels with the Manhattan Project and financial crises, the role of lobbying and regulation in AI development, privacy concerns with facial recognition and surveillance, global cooperation and AI governance, the impact of AI on jobs and society To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E48
September 10 · 1 hr 1 min
The weaponised selfie and image-based abuse
Chayn founder and CEO Hera Hussain joins Alex Hudson and guest presenter Dr Carolina Are to discuss the complex issues surrounding image-based abuse, consent, and digital safety, especially in conservative cultures and diaspora communities. She highlights the importance of nuanced policies, community impact, and technological solutions. Also in the episode, have we finally reached late-stage algorithm? And what would it take for the presenters to start dating an LLM? Read Chayn’s report: https://reports.chayn.co/ Follow Carolina on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bloggeronpole Keywords: image-based abuse, consent, digital safety, Hera Hussain, social media, privacy, gender-based violence, tech policy, Pakistan, social media, algorithms, regulation, aura battles, extremism, digital literacy To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E47
September 3 · 50 min
The influencers won. Now what? (a Taylor Lorenz's Power User v Crashed collab)
In this episode, Alex Hudson and Taylor Lorenz explore the evolving landscape of influence, AI, and digital regulation, discussing the impact of technology on society, politics, and media. They delve into the future of AI, the role of influencers, and the challenges of regulation in a rapidly changing digital world. Follow Taylor Lorenz's Power User on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/taylor-lorenzs-power-user/id1733535260 On Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5iganPXXEoTDB9lIQzY7Fh?si=85fed5daa4ad42e9 Or YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/taylorlorenz keywords AI, influencers, digital regulation, social media, technology, politics, media, privacy, future of AI, influence economy key topics The influence economy and its evolution The role of AI in everyday life and work Challenges of regulation and liability in AI systems The changing landscape of social media and influence The impact of legislation on free speech and digital content The rise of agentic AI and its implications The concept of fame in the digital era The intersection of technology, privacy, and ethics To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E46
August 27 · 56 min
Getting paid to train AI to replace you
In this episode, Alex Hudson and Chris Stokel-Walker explore the latest developments in AI, social media trends, and the future of warfare, delving into the ethical, societal, and technological implications of these rapid changes. Keywords AI, social media, warfare, technology, ethics, future of work, TikTok, Vine, Ukraine, autonomous weapons Key topics AI in warfare and defense The resurgence of short-form video platforms like Vine and Divine Social media responsibility and offline consequences The development and risks of autonomous weapons The impact of AI training on jobs and society Takeaways Ukraine has become a key AI battlefield, with data shaping modern warfare. Vine's return signals a shift towards less algorithm-driven, more authentic content. Social media platforms face complex responsibilities for offline actions. AI's role in training and replacing jobs raises ethical and economic questions. The development of autonomous weapons presents profound moral and strategic challenges. To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E45
August 20 · 58 min
The death of the computer keyboard
In this episode, Bloomberg columnist Dave Lee joins hosts Alex Hudson and Chris Stokel-Walker to discuss if the computer keyboard is on its last legs. Only around half of users see it as a primary device and 20% don't use it at all. What's the future of interfaces, and will typing be entirely unnecessary? We explore the future of interfaces, the role of writing and AI, and the cultural implications of technological change. They debate the significance of the keyboard, voice interfaces, and the enduring value of human storytelling. Find Dave's vibe-coded website: https://www.davelee.me/ keywords future of interfaces, AI and writing, voice technology, keyboard vs voice, storytelling, tech culture, AI tools, communication evolution key topics The evolution of internet access and device usage The potential decline of the keyboard in favour of voice and AR interfaces The importance of writing as a thinking tool and its cultural value The role of AI in writing, communication, and creative processes The social and ethical considerations of relying on AI and voice tech The significance of human character and storytelling in a digital age The impact of AI on journalism, music, and other creative fields Future trends in human-computer interaction and interface design To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E44
August 13 · 50 min
Quantum technology will change everything
Quantum is about to change the world, so we’re told. It will make computers exponentially faster. It will challenge the cryptographic foundations that underpin security. It has the potential to fundamentally reshape the world, similar to the shift from before the web to after. According to Austrian physicist Erwin Schrödinger of cat-owning/not-owning fame, quantum mechanics requires an entire departure from classical lines of thought: In this episode, Dr Jess Wade, of Imperial College London, joins presenters Alex Hudson and Chris Stokel-Walker to explain the fundamentals of quantum mechanics, its potential to revolutionise technology, and how the UK is positioning itself in the global quantum race. She demystifies complex concepts like quantum entanglement and discusses the societal impact of quantum innovations. Also in the programme, why is the cloud seemingly moving to Slough? And what happens now lovebots are banned? To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E43
August 6 · 54 min
Is Andy Burnham really the TikTok prime minister?
Presenters Alex Hudson and Chris Stokel-Walker discuss "The UK’s first TikTok prime minister", and if Andy Burnham really is channelling New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani as he hit social media. Other ministers, including Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood talking about small boat crossings, or AI minister Kanishka Narayan talking about Backing British while eating a strawberry, are following suit. Even Chancellor John Healey was reviewing pork scratchings with Burnham in a pub in a social video. Why? What's the grand plan here? And what are the 13 new social media hires going to do? Alongside that in this episode, we explore the latest social media trends, political strategies, and bizarre news stories that highlight how digital culture is shaping society. From TikTok's integration with Disney to political social media tactics, we cover it all. keywords social media, TikTok, politics, social media trends, viral stories, digital culture, political strategy, social media influence, bizarre news, online activism key topics TikTok's partnership with Disney and major brands The use of social media by politicians for direct engagement The impact of viral stories and bizarre news on public discourse Reddit's role in AI training data and search results Controversies involving political figures and social media abuse To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E42
July 30 · 59 min
Lampposts could be spying on you... really!
A lampost with facial-recognition capability has been announced. Why? We don't know. But we'll try and find out. In this episode, presenters Alex Hudson and Chris Stokel-Walker explore the latest developments in surveillance technology, AI mishaps, and the implications for privacy and civil liberties. Our guest, Professor Pete Fussey, shares insights from his extensive research on surveillance systems, facial recognition, and the societal impacts of these technologies. Also, the tech angle on the Clicky Ponting cricket cheating scandal, OpenAI admits to more hacking, and former eBay employees have to pay millions for a campaign of abuse and intimidation against a couple who wrote less-than-complimentary things about them. Follow Pete on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-fussey Key topics: The expansion of surveillance infrastructure like CCTV and lamp posts AI errors and privacy leaks in chatbots like Claude and ChatGPT Demographic biases in facial recognition technology The impact of surveillance on marginalized communities Regulatory challenges and the need for transparency in surveillance tech The societal effects of surveillance and privacy erosion The role of human rights law in regulating surveillance The influence of political ideologies on surveillance policies To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E41
July 23 · 1 hr 2 min
The death of British science, innovation and technology (department)
In a week of a new prime minister, an OpenAI agentic “hack” and France banning social media for under-15s, presenters Alex Hudson and Chris Stokel-Walker have a lot to get through. They’re joined by investigative journalist Ben Smoke, who has spent the last 18 months investigating alleged corruption in AI policy and the Labour government. This episode delves into the transparency, conflicts of interest, and societal impact of current AI strategies. And talks about Fast and the Furious as an academic pursuit. Subscribe to Ben's Substack: https://wefightthegoodfight.substack.com/ Or follow them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bencsmoke/?hl=en Keywords: AI policy, UK government, industry influence, transparency, AI growth zones, AI minister, political accountability, tech industry, public interest, AI regulation Key topics: UK AI policy and government restructuring; Influence of tech industry and vested interests; transparency and conflicts of interest in AI policymaking; AI growth zones and local economic impact; Role of the AI minister and cabinet dynamics To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E40
July 16 · 1 hr 8 min
The Meta narrative: Instagram, shadowbanning, Meta Glasses, and AI redundancies
Meta is having a moment, laying off 10% of its staff with the help, it's alleged, of AI while maintaining a 40% profit margin. In this episode, we explore the latest developments in Instagram shadowbanning, how Kylie Jenner's Meta Glasses partnership could cause problems, what the Muse Image and NameTag controversies say about Zuckerberg's mindset. social media, and does what copyright is left in the age of AI. Presenters Alex Hudson and Chris Stokel-Walker are joined by academic, campaigner and activist Dr Carolina Are. We discuss shadow banning, AI-generated content, Meta's controversial features, and the future of digital rights. Also, why is Netflix trying to become YouTube? And why did IBM's share price tank? Read Dr Carolina's work: https://bloggeronpole.com/ To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E39
July 9 · 1 hr 2 min
What does Burnhamism mean in practice? And is the answer just AI everything?
The next prime minister is probably Andy Burnham. And this means Burnhamism, Manchesterism and devolution are all hot topics. But what does that mean for economic growth? Technological innovation? And the UK’s second cities catching up. In this episode, presenters Alex Hudson and Chris Stokel-Walker talk to Tom Forth about regional economic disparities in the UK, the impact of devolution, and the potential to transform cities like Leeds and Manchester. We explore how to reduce the North-South divide. Go to Tom Forth’s website: https://tomforth.co.uk/ Follow him on X: https://x.com/thomasforth?lang=en Keywords: UK economy, devolution, regional development, infrastructure, Manchester, Leeds, North-South divide, economic growth, public investment, city regeneration key topics Impact of devolution on regional economies Case studies of Manchester and Leeds Role of infrastructure projects like tram systems Strategies for regional growth and prosperity Challenges and opportunities in UK regional development To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E38
July 2 · 59 min
Does AI need a “kill switch”?
Sarah Breeden, the Bank of England’s deputy governor for financial stability, has talked about the potential need ot a “kill switch” for markets because agentic AI may force regulators to rethink how the financial system is governed. Presenters Alex Hudson and Christ Stokel-Walker try to unpick the detail from the fantastic tabloid headlines. Also, could we be facing the end of the need for websites? Now that AI and search changes are leaving some news publishers with traffic drops of up to 90%, and online brands are seeing their traffic fall, is this really the end? And will we all just stare at LLMs, social networks and forums? Performance marketing pioneer Neil Patel, of NP Digital, discusses the future of search, AI's impact on SEO, and how businesses can adapt to the evolving digital landscape. This episode offers insights into how AI and LLMs are transforming marketing, content creation, and consumer behaviour. Keywords: Neil Patel, AI Search, SEO, LLMs, Digital Marketing, Future of Websites, Content Strategy, AI in Business Key topics The shift from traditional search to AI-driven search The impact of LLMs like ChatGPT and Gemini on SEO Strategies for optimising for AI and LLMs The importance of product quality over marketing in AI era The future of websites and in-platform transactions The role of digital PR and content in AI search The changing landscape of journalism and content creation Neil Patel's insights on product-led growth and innovation To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E37
June 25 · 55 min
The week the world asked the Internet for ID
Britain is changing prime minister again, which would be funny if the policy consequences were not so bleak. So this week on Crashed, Alex Hudson and Chris Stokel-Walker ignore the Westminster cosplay and ask the question that actually matters: what tech agenda does the next government inherit? From under-16 social media bans to VPN age-gating, facial age estimation at the border, AI regulation, digital ID, Anthropic’s incoming checks, bot paranoia and the collapsing line between public safety and private life, this is an episode about the same pattern appearing everywhere. Every new demand for safety seems to need another identity check. Every new AI panic seems to need another database. Every new political crisis seems to produce another reason why privacy has to give way. Also: hot podium guy, the King of the North, World Cup heat stress, whether blockchain can prove you are human, and the increasingly urgent question of what level of real-world harm society is prepared to tolerate to preserve a private digital life. To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Showing 1–20 of 34 episodes