Most people don’t realize it—but your smart fridge, your thermostat, even your phone is spying on you. Constantly. It’s all feeding into a centralized system designed to control behavior, suppress freedom, and engineer society through surveillance and AI. In this powerful interview, Eric shares his personal transformation from being "brainwashed" and depressed at 300 pounds to becoming a leading voice in the digital privacy movement. He explains how your smart TV, thermostat, phone, and even your refrigerator are creating detailed profiles used to manipulate and control you—and what you can do about it starting today. Let's go - we are covering: - The TikTok algorithm experience that woke Eric up to mass manipulation - Low-tech privacy solutions that actually work (webcam covers, Faraday bags, microphone blockers) - How to transition from Windows/Apple to Linux using Zorin OS - Why convenience is the "golden handcuff" they're selling you - How AI is being used for unprecedented social engineering - Building local communities and alternative economies with gold backs - The connection between unplugging and mental health #DigitalPrivacy #SurveillanceState #SmartDevices #AIControl #RiceReport Chapter Timestamps: 0:00 - Welcome to The Rice Report 1:15 - Why “Smart Devices” Aren’t Smart for You 3:40 - Surveillance in Your Thermostat, Fridge & Car 5:05 - China’s Social Credit System Is the Prototype 7:20 - Digital Propaganda and AI Manipulation 9:15 - Eric’s Personal Wake-Up Call (Creepy TikTok Moment) 13:30 - Why “Privacy Tech” is Often a Trap 18:45 - Can We Ever Be Truly Private Again? 21:00 - Practical Low-Tech Privacy Steps 26:30 - What You Must Know About Faraday Bags 30:45 - Decentralization, Not Just Encryption 35:00 - Why Convenience Is the Enemy of Liberty 39:10 - Protecting Kids & Family Conversations 44:15 - The Power of Unplugging 50:40 - Eric’s Transformation Story (300lbs to Liberty Fighter) 1:01:00 - How to Join the Privacy Movement & Build Local Communities Connect with Privacy Academy: 🔒 Website: https://privacyacademy.com 📧 Join their community for weekly live training sessions About This Episode: Eric Meder is the co-founder of Privacy Academy alongside his father. After experiencing firsthand how algorithms and big tech manipulation contributed to his depression and health crisis, Eric transformed his life by unplugging and pursuing digital privacy. Now he helps thousands of non-techie people transition to privacy-respecting technology and build local communities focused on liberty. More from The Rice Report: Subscribe for weekly conversations about money, politics, and faith—the three things you're never supposed to talk about. 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.