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The AmberMac Show

AmberMac Media Inc.

The AmberMac Show is a weekly SiriusXM radio and podcast production that unpacks the latest tech, business, and digital news shaping our lives.
Award-winning podcaster Amber Mac draws on over 20 years of experience covering technology in the US and Canada to make today’s complex high-tech world easier to understand. Together with co-host Jeff MacArthur, and featuring influential guests making their own headlines, Amber’s team helps listeners nationwide and beyond stay informed and ahead of the curve.

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20 episodes
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Avg 51 min
English

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#80
Wednesday · 52 min
The AI Boss That Fired a Human + Amazon’s Wildest Drone Drops
In this week’s headlines, Amber and Jeff discuss what parents need to know about the new ChatGPT for Teens, the crazy places Amazon drones are dropping packages, and the AI boss at a San Francisco store that just fired its first human. Plus, developer Michael Booth joins the show to discuss why he launched a platform featuring official data on how Canada and its people live, work, grow, and change – data that his Canada Clearly website makes easy to explore, understand, and verify. Plus, Amber has her top 3 tech tips for a smooth back-to-school September. Check out our guest on social… Michael Booth – Cloud Engineer & Creator of Canada Clearly Be sure to follow our hosts... Amber Mac: Bluesky | X/Twitter Jeff MacArthur: Bluesky | X/Twitter
#79
August 19 · 53 min
Guarding the Arctic, Lasering Mosquitoes & Understanding China
In this week’s headlines, Anthropic’s new AI text watermarking, why some University of Toronto classrooms are banning laptops, a better approach to building data centers, and a device that could turn the tide in the fight against mosquitoes. Our guests this week are Eliot Pence, CEO of Dominion Dynamics, on building defence tech for Canada in Canada (including defending the Arctic), and Jody Thomas on why Canada’s security starts with resources and why we should be concerned about China’s interest in our mining capability. Check out our guest on social… Eliot Pence – CEO of Dominion Dynamics Jody Thomas – Senior Advisor at Counsel Public Affairs Be sure to follow our hosts... Amber Mac: Bluesky | X/Twitter Jeff MacArthur: Bluesky | X/Twitter
#78
August 12 · 52 min
Zuckerberg’s AI Manifesto + Closing the Justice Gap
Mark Zuckerberg just dropped a 6000-word AI manifesto. In this week’s headlines, Jeff and Amber discuss what’s inside the long-winded letter, why MySpace and its BFF Tom could be making a comeback, and how the ongoing memory crisis is affecting the world’s biggest tech companies. In The OtherMac, Jeff explains how an AI agent could meaningfully change the world in ways the rest of us could get behind. Plus, this week’s guest is Benjamin Alarie, co-author of a new book called Superjustice, which unpacks how AI is transforming law and why Canada needs to keep up. Check out our guest on social… Benjamin Alarie – Co-founder & CEO of Blue J + Co-author of Superjustice: Law in the Age of AI Be sure to follow our hosts... Amber Mac: Bluesky | X/Twitter Jeff MacArthur: Bluesky | X/Twitter
#77
August 5 · 51 min
Canada’s Mining Moment & The Great EV Comeback
On this week’s episode of The AmberMac Show, Jeff introduces two leading experts who join us to discuss two of Canada’s most important issues today: economic sovereignty and climate resilience. First up, as part of a brand new season of This is Mining: The Podcast, Amber speaks with Heather Exner-Pirot, Senior Fellow and Director of Energy, Natural Resources and Environment at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, about Canada’s competitiveness, critical minerals, supply chains, and more. Plus, Rachel Doran, the Executive Director of Clean Energy Canada, breaks down why 2026 is a comeback year for electric vehicles in this encore interview. Check out our guest on social… Heather Exner-Pirot – Director of Energy, Natural Resources and Environment program at Macdonald-Laurier Institute: LinkedIn Rachel Doran – President & Executive Director at Clean Energy Canada: LinkedIn Be sure to follow our hosts... Amber Mac: Bluesky | X/Twitter Jeff MacArthur: Bluesky | X/Twitter
#76
July 29 · 51 min
Rogue AI, TikTok Doctors, & Angry Elon
In this week’s episode, Amber and Jeff unpack what happened when OpenAI lost control of its AI model that hacked Hugging Face (which many are calling it a wake-up call for the future of AI safety), plus why Elon Musk can’t seem to stop feuding with journalists, and how getting your health advice from TikTok might not be the best idea. Amber also talks with Kathryn Hume, Vice-President of AI Engineering at the Vector Institute, about AI bias, including how AI is reshaping major decisions, from hiring employees to approving mortgages, and what’s needed to reduce bias and discrimination as these technologies become more widespread. Check out our guests online… Kathryn Hume – VP AI Engineering at Vector Institute Be sure to follow our hosts... Amber Mac: Bluesky | X/Twitter Jeff MacArthur: Bluesky | X/Twitter
#75
July 22 · 52 min
The Science of Wildfires + Why Cybertrucks Are Bad for Cities
In this week’s episode, we explore the science behind out-of-control wildfires and we ask how we can save our cities from Cybertrucks. Jeff hosts this summer special, featuring two of our most popular past interviews. First, Amber speaks with journalist John Vaillant, bestselling author of Fire Weather, about what we can learn from an oil town that went up in flames – and why the lessons are especially relevant during another summer marked by extreme heat in a warming world. Next up, city planner Brent Toderian unpacks the truth about bike lanes and explains why car-dependent cities are not the future. Check out our guests online… John Vaillant – Author of “Fire Weather: The Making of a Beast” Brent Toderian – City Planner, TODERIAN UrbanWORKS Be sure to follow our hosts... Amber Mac: Bluesky | X/Twitter Jeff MacArthur: Bluesky | X/Twitter
#74
July 15 · 52 min
Billionaire Toymaker Ronnen Harary + Why Prediction Markets Suck
On this week’s episode, Jeff dives into prediction markets – what they are, how they work, and why he thinks they’re a bad idea. We also discuss Meta’s (now reversed) move to let users generate AI images from public Instagram profile photos, and why social media companies continue to fall short when it comes to protecting kids online. Plus Amber sits down with billionaire entrepreneur Ronnen Harary, co-founder of Spin Master, the global children’s entertainment company behind PAW Patrol, Hatchimals, Air Hogs, and Rubik’s Cube. They talk about his new book, No Experience Necessary, and the lessons he’s learned building one of the world’s biggest toy companies – and what the next generation of entrepreneurs can learn from his journey. Check out our guests online… Ronnen Harary – Co-Founder & Chairman of Spin Master Be sure to follow our hosts... Amber Mac: Bluesky | X/Twitter Jeff MacArthur: Bluesky | X/Twitter
#73
July 8 · 52 min
Anthony “The Mooch” Scaramucci on Trump, Crypto, & Canada
On this week’s episode, one of President Trump’s biggest critics is joining us. Anthony Scaramucci is our guest with the latest on how the US commander-in-chief uses and abuses social media, what to expect in the upcoming midterm elections, how Trump became the Crypto King, and what the US really thinks about Canada. In tech news, Jeff and I chat about how children are adopting AI at a rate three times faster than adults, what MIT is saying about the math behind AI and productivity, the staggering amount of money President Trump made from crypto this past year, and why OpenAI is offering the US government a 5% ownership stake. Check out our guests online... Anthony Scaramucci – Former White House Communications Director, Author & Entrepreneur Be sure to follow our hosts... Amber Mac: Bluesky | X/Twitter Jeff MacArthur: Bluesky | X/Twitter
#72
July 1 · 52 min
Canada’s Greatest Tech Hits + Remembering The Hip
This week’s special episode includes a nod to Canada’s 2026 technology newsmakers, including Cohere and Waabi, and a look back at the top Canadian technology inventions and not-so-tech innovations. Plus, in celebration of the upcoming 10-year anniversary of The Tragically Hip’s final concert with frontman Gord Downie, we’re including an encore of our conversation with the band’s manager, Jake Gold, on why there will never be another band like The Hip. Check out our guests online... Jake Gold – Manager of The Tragically Hip Be sure to follow our hosts... Amber Mac: Bluesky | X/Twitter Jeff MacArthur: Bluesky | X/Twitter
#71
June 24 · 59 min
Democracy is Good Business + Debating Online Age Verification
On this week’s episode: Amber and Jeff discuss social media bans and how they can help keep kids safer online, including what makes sense in Bill C-34 (Canada’s Safe Social Media Act) and why age verification isn’t impossible. Plus, we chat with keynote speaker and bestselling author Doug Stephens about his new book, The Future of Competitive Advantage, which unpacks why saving democracy is good business. We also talk to two Intel executives about how they’re powering the AI revolution and what you need to know when buying your next AI PC. Check out our guests online… Doug Stephens – Founder & CEO of Retail Prophet Caitlin Anderson – Corporate VP & General Manager Americas Sales at Intel Asma Aziz – Country General Manager at Intel Canada Be sure to follow our hosts... Amber Mac: Bluesky | X/Twitter Jeff MacArthur: Bluesky | X/Twitter
#70
June 17 · 55 min
Canada’s Safe Social Media Act, Just the Facts
On this week’s episode, we unpack Canada’s Safe Social Media Act with Taylor Owen, founding director of the Centre for Media, Technology, and Democracy. We discuss Canada’s plans to keep kids – and maybe all of us – safer online, including what the Act proposes and how misinformation is getting in the way. Plus, Amber and Jeff chat about the rising costs of artificial intelligence and the countries that want tech companies to share their wealth with workers. We also speak to Digital Moment about upskilling Canadian youth in the age of AI, and Marc Saltzman joins us to talk tech for grads and dads. This week’s guests Taylor Owen – Founding Director at The Centre for Media, Technology, and Democracy + Host of Machines Like Us Indra Kubicek – CEO of Digital Moment Max Medyk – Influencer & Founder of ImmigrateAI Marc Saltzman – Tech Expert Be sure to follow our hosts... Amber Mac: Bluesky | X/Twitter Jeff MacArthur: Bluesky | X/Twitter
#69
June 10 · 52 min
Heat Pumps Explained + Canada Goes “AI for All”
On this week’s episode, Canada finally has an AI strategy (six months behind schedule). Amber and Jeff unpack what this means for Canadians building skills for the future and where the plan falls short. We’re also going to speak to an expert about heat pumps who will demystify how they work, especially in cold climates. Paul Lambert, Founder & CEO at Quilt, joins us to share more. Plus, our second guest this week is Andrew Burke, a Halifax-based software developer and digital artist, who has created a mobile app that connects modern-day Halifax to 1903 Dublin through the lens of James Joyce’s novel Ulysses. Send a voice message to The AmberMac Show Check out our guest on social… Paul Lambert – Founder & CEO at Quilt: LinkedIn | Website Andrew Burke – Creator of the Bloomsday Halifax App: LinkedIn | Website Be sure to follow our hosts... Amber Mac: Bluesky | X/Twitter Jeff MacArthur: Bluesky | X/Twitter
June 4 · 24 min
BREAKING: Carney's AI Plan for Canada - Our Take
Amber and Jeff break down Canada's new AI plan, called AI for All (released Thursday, June 4, 2026). The plan includes three principles: trust, opportunity, and sovereignty. There are some solid initiatives in the strategy to improve AI literacy, power AI adoption, and build the foundation for Canadian sovereign AI. However, there is also room for improvement. Listen to today's conversation for more on this announcement (releasing this segment in advance of our full episode next week).
#68
June 3 · 52 min
WTH is AI Sovereignty? + The Internet Gatekeepers
On this week’s episode: Amber and Jeff are together in our Toronto studio to share what they learned at Toronto Tech Week about Canada’s future, including demystifying sovereignty, the untapped potential of physical AI, and the role of our government along the way. Speaking of themes for 2026, our guest this week is Dylan Reibling, the filmmaker behind The End of the Internet, a documentary that dives into Big Tech’s military roots and unpacks the invisible operating system of the modern world. We also share a sneak peek at what makes heat pumps sexy and how they are changing the way we heat and cool our homes. Send a voice message to The AmberMac Show Check out our guest on social… Dylan Reibling – Director/Producer/Editor of The End Of The Internet: LinkedIn | Movie Be sure to follow our hosts... Amber Mac: Bluesky | X/Twitter Jeff MacArthur: Bluesky | X/Twitter
#67
May 27 · 51 min
Humans Dating Chatbots + SpaceX IPO Hype
On this week’s episode: What happens when everyday people fall in love with chatbots and AI companions? Victoria Hetherington, Host of Understood: Artificial Intimacy, joins us to share more. In this week’s headlines, Amber and Jeff chat about how Quebec is cracking down on Facebook’s crypto scams that are ruining the reputations of people in the public eye, robot workers at a Japanese airport, and a surprising thing that’s wrong with the Trump phone. In TheOtherMac, Jeff breaks down everything you need to know about the SpaceX IPO, including some strange details about Grok and Mars in the company’s pitch to investors. Send a voice message to The AmberMac Show Check out our guest on social… Victoria Hetherington – Host of Understood: Artificial Intimacy: LinkedIn | Podcast Be sure to follow our hosts... Amber Mac: Bluesky | X/Twitter Jeff MacArthur: Bluesky | X/Twitter
#66
May 20 · 52 min
AI Toys vs. Parenting + A $20 Hearing Aid
On this week’s episode, Amano Co-Founder Arish Shahab unpacks how his team designed a $20 hearing device to help millions of people who need a more accessible hearing solution (also known as the world’s most affordable hearing aid). We also break down the first-ever “Christian mobile carrier”, why Netflix is being sued in Texas, how AI is changing the call centre experience (not always for the better), and the latest AI cyber threats with ESET’s Chief Security Evangelist Tony Anscombe. Plus, in this week’s TheOtherMac, Jeff digs into a shocking UK report on just how many kids own AI-enabled toys. Send a voice message to The AmberMac Show Check out our guest on social… Arish Shahab – Co-Founder at Amano: LinkedIn | Website Tony Anscombe – Chief Security Evangelist at ESET: X/Twitter | LinkedIn Be sure to follow our hosts... Amber Mac: Bluesky | X/Twitter Jeff MacArthur: Bluesky | X/Twitter
#65
May 13 · 52 min
Instagram Shuttered Her Business + OpenAI Breaks Canadian Law
On this week's episode, we speak to Emily Howard, a visual artist and entrepreneur based in PEI, who lost her Instagram account and, with it, almost 40,000 followers. We also answer your questions about cybersecurity, including how to avoid AI scams that are creeping into every corner of our digital lives. In tech news, Amber and Jeff discuss what we know about OpenAI's violation of Canadian privacy laws, why Anthropic and Elon Musk may be a match made in space, and what’s at stake if the EU caves to Big Tech. Plus, Julia Konefal, Co-Founding Partner at Toronto Tech Week, joins us to talk about what to expect at one of the country's biggest tech events later this month. Send a voice message to The AmberMac Show Check out our guest on social: Tony Anscombe - Chief Security Evangelist at ESET: X/Twitter | LinkedIn Julia Konefal - Co-Founding Partner and Organizer of Toronto Tech Week: LinkedIn | Website Emily Howard - Visual Artist based on PEI: Instagram | Website Be sure to follow our hosts: Amber Mac: Bluesky | X/Twitter Jeff MacArthur: Bluesky | X/Twitter
#64
May 6 · 52 min
Is AI Making Us Dumb? + Zuckerberg’s Robot Fantasy
On this week’s episode, Prof G Media’s Research Lead, Mia Silverio, is going to help us answer the question: Is AI Making Us Dumb? We’re also going to dive into Meta’s latest professional hobby (making humanoid robots), and we’ll tell you which Canadian bank is getting into the business of predicting earthquakes. In TheOtherMac, from bedrooms to bathrooms, Jeff shares his top Euro technology fails after his recent trip to Greece. Plus, we talk about what Spotify is doing to crack down on AI slop and how Taylor Swift is fighting back (once again) against deepfakes. Send a voice message to The AmberMac Show Check out our guest on social: Mia Silverio – Research Lead at Prof G Media: LinkedIn Be sure to follow our hosts: Amber Mac: Bluesky | X/Twitter Jeff MacArthur: Bluesky | X/Twitter
#63
April 29 · 56 min
The Truth About EV Costs + Smart Glasses Showdown
On this week’s episode, if you’re thinking about buying an electric vehicle, we do a deep dive into the truth about EVs and how much money you can actually save (spoiler alert, it’s a lot). Our expert guest for this conversation is Rachel Doran, Executive Director of Clean Energy Canada. Speaking about making green choices, we also speak with Lourdes Juan, who just won $50,000 in investment commitments from DMZ Ventures for her food rescue matchmaker, Knead. Plus, for the first time ever, Jeff and Amber dedicate an entire segment to your thoughts; this week, we’re tackling smart glasses and why some of you love to hate them. Send a voice message to The AmberMac Show Check out our guest on social: Rachel Doran – Executive Director of Clean Energy Canada: LinkedIn Lourdes Juan – Co-Founder & CEO of Knead Technologies: LinkedIn Be sure to follow our hosts: Amber Mac: Bluesky | X/Twitter Jeff MacArthur: Bluesky | X/Twitter
#62
April 22 · 58 min
Save the Wayback Machine, Apple's "Green" Grade, + Inside American Pie
On this week’s show, award-winning journalist and Oscar-nominated screenwriter David Sirota joins us to discuss what’s at stake if we start to lose the Wayback Machine and the history of the internet online. In tech headlines, Amber and Jeff share more on how a sneaker company is trying to get in on the AI boom with an unexpected pivot, what an AI tribunal company wants to do to intimidate the mainstream media, which chatbot can write most like humans, and Apple’s amazing environmental report card, Plus, Mike Ross drops by the studio to unpack his latest hit show, Inside American Pie, a docu-concert (with PEI roots) about one of America’s favourite songs. Send a voice message to The AmberMac Show Check out our guest on social… David Sirota – Founder/Editor of The Lever + Oscar nominee/WGA-winner for Don’t Look Up: LinkedIn | X/Twitter Mike Ross – Co-Creator & Musical Director of Inside American Pie: LinkedIn | Inside American Pie Be sure to follow our hosts... Amber Mac: Bluesky | X/Twitter Jeff MacArthur: Bluesky | X/Twitter

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