In Episode 3 of the Nerd Reich podcast, Gil Duran and journalist Eoin Higgins unpack the growing influence of tech billionaires over modern media. Based on Higgins’ explosive book "Owned: How Tech Billionaires on the Right Bought the Loudest Voices on the Left," the conversation exposes how figures like Elon Musk, Peter Thiel, and Marc Andreessen are not just funding platforms—they're reshaping public discourse and redefining journalism itself.

They explore how journalists like Glenn Greenwald and Matt Taibbi shifted toward right-wing platforms, chasing influence and profit amid a changing media ecosystem. From the weaponization of “free speech” to the hypocrisy of Silicon Valley libertarianism, Duran and Higgins confront the dangerous feedback loop between wealth, ideology, and media control.

This episode is a deep dive into how billionaires are buying silence, reshaping narratives, and threatening the foundations of democratic discourse.

 Key Takeaways:

Owned reveals how right-wing tech billionaires bought influence and suppressed dissent.

The transformations of Glenn Greenwald and Matt Taibbi mirror larger media trends.

Elon Musk’s Twitter takeover reshaped global information flow.

Peter Thiel’s media investments are strategic tools of influence.

“Free speech” is being weaponized to protect reactionary politics.

Traditional journalism is being eclipsed by billionaire-funded alternatives.

The myth of objectivity is eroding in a hyper-politicized media landscape.

The future of journalism is at a crossroads—and public vigilance is critical.

In Episode 2 of The Nerd Reich podcast, Gil Duran talks to Jacob Silverman and Kate Willett about David Sacks, Trump's "Crypto and AI Czar."

This conversation examines the rise of David Sacks, a prominent figure in Silicon Valley, exploring his connections to the PayPal mafia and his reactionary political influence. The discussion highlights Sacks's early ideologies, the impact of the MeToo movement, and the broader implications of tech elites' control over politics, particularly in San Francisco as a testing ground for national strategies.

Duran, Silverman and Willett analyze the authoritarian tendencies of Sacks and his peers, questioning their motivations and the future of democracy in the face of their influence. This conversation explores into the intersection of technology, criminal justice reform, and the political landscape shaped by influential figures in Silicon Valley. Topics covered: The implications of crime rates on public perception, the role of cryptocurrency as a tool for power, and the rise of podcasting as a medium for political discourse. The discussion culminates in predictions about the future of tech and politics, highlighting the potential for societal upheaval and the shifting dynamics of power.

Read Jacob Silverman's New Republic Piece: https://newrepublic.com/article/168125/david-sacks-elon-musk-peter-thiel

Subscribe to Kate Willett's "Dystopia Now" podcast: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6P6ekhshLnQAaA7JffTN4-Xkl5NPJAwa

Chapters:

In the explosive first episode of The Nerd Reich podcast, host Gil Duran teams up with economic sociologist Brooke Harrington and internet politics expert Dave Karpf to decode the alarming rise of "network states."

They're diving deep into how tech billionaires like Elon Musk are trying to dismantle traditional governance to create their own power structures through crypto and artificial intelligence. They discuss the hidden dangers behind AI-driven governance, the disturbing intersection of wealth and political influence, and why understanding human behavior through humanities matters now more than ever.

Plus, they share bold predictions about where tech authoritarianism is heading and reveal powerful strategies for resisting the growing control of billionaire tech elites. Don't miss this essential conversation about the fight for democracy's future! Mentioned in this Episode:

https://davekarpf.substack.com/p/the-...

Stealth Wealth and the New Colonialism" https://bookshop.org/p/books/offshore...

Takeaways: The network state aims to replace democratic institutions with tech-driven governance. Tech billionaires are concentrating power in their hands under the guise of innovation. Historical attempts at reconfiguring power have often exploited vulnerable nations. Crypto is seen as a tool to undermine the nation-state's power. The Supreme Court's decisions have exacerbated the influence of money in politics. The network state movement reflects a desire to weaken government and labor. The ideological fervor of tech billionaires can be likened to a religious belief. Everyday people may face a future of broken systems and governance by subscription. Being a billionaire can warp your mental health and perception of reality. Democracy is fragile and currently facing significant challenges. AI governance raises concerns about efficiency and human oversight. The humanities provide essential insights into human behavior and decision-making. Small acts of rebellion can effectively challenge powerful institutions. The importance of storytelling in shaping a better future is crucial. We must critically examine the definition of efficiency in governance. Public protests and ridicule can serve as powerful tools against the elite. The need for a recommitment to democracy and public service is urgent.

Gil Duran announces the forthcoming Nerd Reich podcast about tech billionaire politics and the takeover of the United States government.