John delves into the latest programming language trends—Python’s meteoric ascent and Perl’s surprising revival—while unpacking the most important advancements in AI, cloud-native tech, and developer tools. He also investigates the darker side of digital manipulation with YouTube’s ‘cheapfake’ phenomenon, highlights critical mental health findings about ADHD medication, and explores New Zealand’s escalating emigration crisis. With updates on the Linux kernel and the future of open source leadership, this episode connects the technical and societal threads shaping our future. Tune in for a comprehensive take on what’s influencing the world of software, security, and society.