Rocket
760 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 months ago - ★★★★★ - 375 ratingsCountdown to excitement! Every week Christina Warren, Brianna Wu and Simone de Rochefort have accelerated geek conversation. Tech, comics, movies, games and books, no galaxy is off limits! Hosted by Christina Warren, Brianna Wu, and Simone De Rochefort.
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Episodes
470: Terminated
December 28, 2023 21:00 - 2 hours - 110 MBOn the final episode of Rocket, awards are dispensed and reflections are had. Thanks for an amazing 9 years!
469: Very Large Online Problems
December 21, 2023 16:15 - 46 minutes - 42.6 MBA major hack at Insomniac Games begs the question: why does this keep happening to Sony companies? Then, Apple may finally face patent consequences, as it halts sales of its newest Watches in the U.S. Links and Show Notes: Progressive Victory PAC — Donate via ActBlue Insomniac hack files leak news on Wolverine, Spider-Man 3, and more - Polygon Insomniac Games ransomware breach reveals Wolverine and new Spider-Man details - The Verge Sony's game plans leaked online by hacke...
468: This One Was Epic
December 14, 2023 15:00 - 58 minutes - 53.3 MBWe’re FINALLY discussing Epic v. Google, as the jury has finally delivered a verdict! Then, a much-needed update on Beeper Mini, with a Rocket Rule and some mea culpas. And then, E3 is dead! For real this time! Links and Show Notes: Epic win: Jury decides Google has illegal monopoly in app store fight - The Verge Interview: Epic CEO Tim Sweeney after his Google antitrust win - The Verge 20 things we learned from the Epic v. Google trial - The Verge The best emails from th...
467: Turn on Push Notifications
December 07, 2023 15:30 - 58 minutes - 53.7 MBThe government is spying on us, and what else is new? An exciting new app could heal the great Android - iPhone divide. Also, the Fallout TV show has a trailer! This episode of Rocket is sponsored by: Squarespace: Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code ROCKET. Hullo: A simple, natural pillow designed for comfort. Try it for 60 days. Links and Show Notes: Support Rocket with a Relay FM Membership Progressive Victory PAC — Donate via ActBlue A fe...
466: Husband Pollution
November 30, 2023 22:15 - 44 minutes - 40.8 MBA mea culpa from Christina, and two mystifying product launches from YouTube and Amazon. Then, it’s the best time of the year: Spotify Wrapped and Apple Replay! This episode of Rocket is sponsored by: Hullo: A simple, natural pillow designed for comfort. Try it for 60 days. Links and Show Notes: Support Rocket with a Relay FM Membership Progressive Victory PAC — Donate via ActBlue Former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao must stay in US for time being, judge says | Reuters YouT...
465: Succession Main Theme Dot Mp3
November 22, 2023 18:15 - 59 minutes - 54.6 MBSam Altman is out at OpenAI. Or in? HE’S OUT. HE’S AT MICROSOFT. He’s in again! No wait — then, Binance’s CEO is DEFINITELY admitting to money laundering, so there’s that. We’ve also got your Christmas list covered this Black Friday. Links and Show Notes: Support Rocket with a Relay FM Membership Sam Altman is still trying to return as OpenAI CEO - The Verge Sam Altman fired as CEO of OpenAI - The Verge Sam Altman is back, so what’s next for OpenAI and ChatGPT? - The Verge...
464: Always Listen to Christina
November 16, 2023 17:15 - 49 minutes - 45.4 MBSimone is out so Christina and Bri discuss the OpenAI event in a little more detail, talk about Humane’s new AI Pin and then spend some time discussing the new Steam Deck OLED. Links and Show Notes: Support Rocket with a Relay FM Membership The OpenAI Keynote – Stratechery by Ben Thompson New models and developer products announced at DevDay Introducing Humane Ai Pin on Vimeo Humane officially launches the AI Pin, its OpenAI-powered wearable - The Verge Introducing Ste...
463: GPTs For All
November 09, 2023 16:45 - 44 minutes - 40.7 MBOpen AI had a developer conference and keynote this week, with big news for the future of ChatGPT — including how you can build your own GPT agent. Then, Nintendo announced a long-rumored Legend of Zelda movie! This episode of Rocket is sponsored by: ExpressVPN: High-Speed, Secure & Anonymous VPN Service. Get an extra three months free. Links and Show Notes: Support Rocket with a Relay FM Membership The OpenAI Keynote – Stratechery by Ben Thompson 5 Key Updates in GPT-4 Tu...
462: The Scary Fast Episode
November 02, 2023 17:00 - 56 minutes - 51.6 MBIt’s Apple’s Scary Fast week, so let’s talk new chips and computers! Then, iPod Wizard Morry Kolman joins us to break down his iPod Nano habit — where he gets them, and what he’s doing with them. This episode of Rocket is sponsored by: Squarespace: Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code ROCKET. Guest Starring: Morry Kolman Links and Show Notes: Support Rocket with a Relay FM Membership Why are Apple’s M3 Pro and Max configuration options so wei...
461: Incremental Upgrades
October 26, 2023 14:45 - 54 minutes - 50.3 MBThe gang is back together, and discussing a SPOOKY upcoming Apple event, that may see us burdened or blessed with speedy new MacBooks and iMacs. Over on YouTube, popular creator Sssniperwolf is facing demonization over a doxing incident. Links and Show Notes: Support Rocket with a Relay FM Membership Apple plans ‘Scary Fast’ product event just before Halloween - The Verge Apple may launch a new 24-inch M3 iMac and new MacBook Pros in October - The Verge Apple’s future AirP...
460: We are so (not) back
October 19, 2023 16:15 - 36 minutes - 33.7 MBThis week we're discussing the highs and lows of Apple rumors: WHERE ARE THE NEW IPADS? And what exactly is the new Apple Pencil's role in the line-up? Then, Brianna finally has a chance to talk about her impressions of her new iPhone 15 Pro Max! Links and Show Notes: Support Rocket with a Relay FM Membership Apple-Pencil-features-comparison_big.jpg.medium_2x.jpg (1384×1630) The Apple Pencil lineup is finally as confusing as the iPad lineup - 9to5Mac So Apple did release ...
459: Caroline Takes a Stand
October 12, 2023 15:30 - 53 minutes - 48.9 MBThe FTX trial continues, with Caroline Ellison taking the stand. Then, new PS5 drops this year… and it’s modular! Links and Show Notes: Support Rocket with a Relay FM Membership Membership - Relay FM Rocket | Cotton Bureau SBF Trial Live: Caroline Ellison, Ex-Alameda CEO, Takes the Stand Is Sam Bankman-Fried’s defense even trying to win? - The Verge Sam Bankman-Fried was a terrible boyfriend - The Verge Was Sam Bankman-Fried’s bean bag chair a lie too? - The Verge ...
458: Scamset Mindset Grindset
October 05, 2023 15:00 - 54 minutes - 49.8 MBRocket Christmas continues because we've got the trial of Sam Bankman-Fried kicking off, along with the release of Michael Lewis' new book on the rise and fall of SBF and FTX. Then, with a whole week of life with the iPhone 15 under our belts, we're talking about how Apple's new phones stack up. Let me spoil it for you, the 15 is better than the iPhone 11. Who could have seen this one coming.
457: Fireside Chat
September 28, 2023 19:30 - 47 minutes - 43.8 MBEveryone is falling apart this week, so we’re breaking out the EMERGENCY EPISODE! Simone and Brianna had a fireside chat, about life and all that. What’s in it? We can’t remember! Plus, Simone gives a little preview of her experience setting up the iPhone 15. But that’s not really why you’re here, is it?
456: Unredacted Christmas
September 21, 2023 19:15 - 1 hour - 55.9 MBWe’re in hog heaven, because someone accidentally uploaded an unredacted PDF of Microsoft documents as part of the FTC V. Microsoft case. Let’s talk about Microsoft’s theoretical plans for the future of Xbox and… buying Nintendo? Then, iPhone 15 reviews are out! Simone is finally, actually going to upgrade. Get ready. Then, Brianna discusses how she’s being wooed by Leica cameras — and what it takes to make it a lifestyle.
455: Booster
September 14, 2023 21:00 - 1 hour - 57 MBIt’s Apple Week! Christina and Bri break-down the latest from the iPhone 15 event, covering the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Pro, USB-C, the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Series Ultra 2. They also briefly discuss the drama happening at Unity and talk about a Bloomberg article on the rise and fall of FaZE Clan.
454: Exposed Information
September 07, 2023 15:45 - 55 minutes - 51.1 MBThis episode things are getting heated. Larian Studio is patching a bug that made companions in Baldur’s Gate 3 a little too eager to jump into bed with the player. Then, an unnamed chastity cage manufacturer has a massive… data leak. It’s finally bad! Finally, Burning Man attendees are leaving the desert after a weekend trapped in the mud.
453: DEATH TO GOLD
September 01, 2023 03:15 - 1 hour - 55.3 MBThe September Apple event is coming up, and we’re talking rumors — from USB-C ports on every (?) phone, to the DEATH OF THE GOLD COLORWAY… RIP. Plus, will there be a new button on the Pro and Pro Max? Or should I say, the Ultra? Then, an Insider piece asks if social sharing, like the gold iPhone, is dead. We certainly have thoughts about the rise of Discord and the DMs for chatting.
452: Nu Wii U
August 24, 2023 15:00 - 57 minutes - 52.3 MBSony finally reveals its new Playstation Portal device, and it’s exactly as underwhelming as everyone suspected it would be. Then, Apple supports California’s latest Right to Repair bill — but to what end? Then, Fyre Festival 2 is happening somewhere in the Carribbean. And if you’re one of the lucky 100 who bought tickets, boy do we want to hear from you!
451: Call Us, SBF!
August 17, 2023 16:45 - 55 minutes - 50.5 MBProlific YouTube hardware channel Linus Tech Tips is going on a week’s pause after a controversy surrounding the review of a cooling prototype — and more. Then, it’s the 25th anniversary of the iMac. Yes, you can scream about it. Finally, justice may finally be served in the world of scammy printer money-making tactics.
450: Leave Section 230 Alone: Alex Winter and The YouTube Effect
August 10, 2023 19:15 - 1 hour - 57.6 MBDocumentarian Alex Winter visits the show to discuss his history with Usenet and Napster, and his new documentary The YouTube Effect. The film covers the history of the platform and its transformation into a massive vector of disinformation. Our conversation goes through that and much more, including the future of Section 230, and the media’s focus on TikTok and Facebook over YouTube.
449: Don’t Throw Things At People
August 03, 2023 16:30 - 1 hour - 56.4 MBThere are rumors of a Nintendo Switch successor afoot, and we’re going to get to the bottom of it! Then, calling the Canadian link tax what it is: a link tax. And a bad idea. Finally, a fan has filed assault charges against Cardi B and we think that’s silly too.
448: Hey Barbie
July 27, 2023 21:00 - 1 hour - 57.8 MBSamsung’s latest event saw new versions of their folding phones, and they might have Brianna switching sides. Then, yeah, we have to talk about Elon Musk rebranding Twitter as X. But then it’s the marketing event we’ve all been waiting for, Rocket Does Barbie. Greta Gerwig’s latest film is out now and the reviews are unpredictable!
447: The Beginning of the End
July 20, 2023 20:00 - 57 minutes - 52.9 MBBig news on the FTC appeal against Microsoft, and what’s next for the merger between Microsoft and Activision Blizzard. Who could possibly stand in their way!? And will they do a good job trying to stop this merger!? Then, Meta has released LLaMa 2, its large language model, which is not open source but a second, more interesting thing. Then, NBC News journalist Kat Tenbarge joins us to talk about James Charles’ attempts to uncancel himself.
446: Bored Ape Check-in
July 13, 2023 17:45 - 49 minutes - 45.5 MBTwitter is unraveling over Threads, with a threatened lawsuit on the horizon. Then, we’re checking in with the Bored Apes! How are they doing? Oh… oh. Finally, an important Slate piece from Luke Winkie asks: was Napoleon hot?
445: Many People Are Saying This
July 06, 2023 20:30 - 1 hour - 55 MBMeta has launched its major Twitter competitor, Threads, and there’s a LOT to talk about – from privacy issues, to onboarding, to BRANDS!! How will it fare in the Twitterclone-verse, much less… the fediverse? Then, Twitter itself has had a weird week, to say the least.
444: Who are the Mac Pro Pros?
June 29, 2023 18:00 - 1 hour - 65.2 MBThis week we’re discussing the Wall Street Journal’s extensive reporting on drug use among tech workers on Silicon Valley — from psilocybin to ketamine — and why it’s such a difficult, complicated issue to talk about. Then, the Mac Pro is here, but where are the Mac Pro Pros?? For dessert, an update on Bri’s search for the perfect drone!
443: The Thrust is Wrong
June 22, 2023 20:30 - 55 minutes - 51 MBThe FTC is shaking and baking, with a lawsuit against Amazon for alleged dark patterns in the sign-up and cancellation process for Amazon Prime. But is this lawsuit really… it? Then, a feature at The Verge goes into the human labor that trains AI, and the shadow industry that makes it all work. For dessert: Brianna buys a drone!
442: Reddit Black-out
June 15, 2023 18:00 - 58 minutes - 53.4 MBThe Reddit black-out has begun, and there is a lot of news coming out of Reddit’s conflict with Christian Selig and other third-party app developers, in the wake of Reddit’s API changes. We’ll be discussing that and a huge roadblock in Activision and Microsoft’s proposed merger. Plus, it was Summer Game Fest this weekend! What looks good? All of it, maybe? Even Starfield?
441: How to Spend A Lot Of Money
June 08, 2023 18:30 - 1 hour - 77.8 MBIn news surprising no one, it’s an almost all-WWDC week here on Rocket! We’ve got OS updates and new MacBooks but the story sucking all the air out of the room is Apple Vision Pro headset. Christina interviews Inverse’s Raymond Wong, who demo’d the headset and has all the hands-on details. Plus, a money-grabbing choice by Reddit threatens beloved third-party apps.
440: Build-ing a Mystery
June 01, 2023 19:45 - 53 minutes - 49.3 MBChristina is back from Microsoft Build, with her take on all the tools that were announced during the event! Then, a panel of AI researchers has issued a statement that we need to mitigate the potential harm that could be caused by this explosive technology. What are some paths forward for doing that? And finally, Elizabeth Holmes has reported to prison and a debt is fulfilled.
439: Human Errors
May 25, 2023 22:00 - 1 hour - 55.2 MBMicrosoft Build happened this week, along with a slew of AI-centric announcements! Brianna and Simone tackle the AI-integrated future of Windows 11 — are you ready to let ChatGPT buy you a house? Then, a disastrous Twitter Space has launched a new presidential candidate and we’re here to definitely just talk about the tech aspect of it. Also, Metal Gear Solid 3 is BACK!
438: Touching Livestock
May 18, 2023 17:30 - 56 minutes - 51.4 MBSimone is off touching sheep so Bri and Christina are left to their own devices. This week, after a brief Liz Holmes update, that means a spoiler-free dessert-up-front segment on The Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom, a discussion about Twitter’s new CEO and finally a discussion about whether or not AM radios should still come with cars.
437: Puff Peace
May 11, 2023 15:30 - 59 minutes - 54.2 MBGoogle is bringing AI to its search — for select users. And our favorite scamster Elizabeth Holmes appears in the New York Times this week. Did the writer get rolled, or is it going over readers’ heads? For dessert, our old friend Bug of Spooky Pinball is back to talk about the new Scooby-Doo table!
436: Bluesky Raya
May 04, 2023 15:15 - 1 hour - 55.3 MBA new form of a terrible old bill is before the Senate, and we can see indications of its effects in state-level bills in Utah and Louisiana. What’s KOSA and why should you be concerned? Then, because Bri is back from vacation we’re returning to Bluesky and talking about the bonkers events that happened over the weekend — as well as long-term concerns for how the app will be moderated. For dessert, a Gran Turismo trailer that slaps.
435: Only Mergers In The Building
April 27, 2023 21:00 - 1 hour - 60 MBIn shocking news, the U.K. has moved to block Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard — for reasons that make NO SENSE to our hosts! What goes on in the house of commons? Then, the decentralized Twitter clone Bluesky finally seems to be taking off, and Disney is suing Florida governor Ron DeSantis.
434: Enpoopificaton
April 21, 2023 18:00 - 1 hour - 58 MBChristina and Simone are bringing you a classic chaos hour of Rocket. Today’s questions: is social media dying, and is it possible to build a platform that can thrive without turning users into content for ad revenue? Also, remembering Netflix’s mail-order heyday, now that it has announced the end of physical DVD rentals. Finally, a bombshell allegation about Taylor Swift’s dealings with FTX… the perfect Rocket cocktail.
433: Max, Just Max
April 13, 2023 20:45 - 55 minutes - 50.5 MBFinally, the case of Brianna v. Christina is drawing to a close, as Elizabeth Holmes prison date looms… this week on Rocket, we’re talking about Twitter’s contentious relationship with journalism and the latest “quirks” of the platform, which include private tweets going public, and a feud with Substack. Then, HBO Max is rebranding… again! And finally, Fyre Fest 2. It’s been promised, so you know we’re packing our bags.
432: Rumors and Invention
April 06, 2023 18:30 - 50 minutes - 46.5 MBThere are rumors swirling about a new PlayStation handheld — but can Sony really put out an online-only handheld and expect to compete with the Steam Deck and Switch? Then, the first ChatGPT defamation lawsuits are emerging, and the situation is a mess. Brianna has some controversial opinions about Ryan Gosling as Ken in the Barbie movie, and Simone is not young anymore.
431: Limited Internet For All
March 30, 2023 22:15 - 1 hour - 60.3 MBIt's FINALLY time to actually talk about the TikTok hearings, and our opinions on how Congress has handled grilling the social media giant — and the potential bills that they're considering. Then, what are the terms of SBF's bail? Just how much internet access can that man have? Finally, we're talking a rambly and non-spoilery review of John Wick 4, a movie that doesn't feel almost three hours long.
430: TikTok Heaven 3000
March 23, 2023 14:45 - 59 minutes - 54.6 MBWe’re talking TikTok WAIT NO we’re talking the SEC fining Justin Sun and numerous celebrities spokespeople for cryptocurrency shenanigans! Then, it’s sadly time to bid goodbye to DPReview, the beloved camera website. Meanwhile, we never even got to say hello to Tax Heaven 3000, a dating sim/tax filing software that Steam yanked unceremoniously this week — or did they?
429: Bank Run
March 16, 2023 18:45 - 1 hour - 63.9 MBTonight’s special guest is The Verge’s senior writer Elizabeth Lopatto, to discuss what else but: THE COLLAPSE OF SILICON VALLEY BANK. She’s a pragmatic, expert voice to walk all of us through a confusing and dramatic weekend, and she knows what we should be keeping an eye on next. Then, Brianna and Simone discuss the existence of the moon, and Scream 6!
428: AI Everywhere All At Once
March 09, 2023 18:45 - 1 hour - 60.8 MBSimone is back but still dying of Italian respiratory diseases. Still, we’re in for a high-energy show! Let’s talk about Google’s forays into AI — are they behind Microsoft, or will their years of research put them out ahead in the end? Then, a Spotify redesign threatens to make the app more visually similar to TikTok. Is Spotify doing something smart or overextending itself? Finally, Christina explains one of the biggest financial scams in recent memory.
427: Elizabeth Holmes Baby
March 03, 2023 01:15 - 1 hour - 72.2 MBThis week on Rocket, Simone kissed too many Italians, so Brianna and Christina are running amok. They talk about the new ChatGPT API and the potential it could have on different startups and industries, the risky bets Binance made with its customer’s money (without telling them) and Elizabeth Holmes’ latest attempt to get out of jail, thus saving Christina $500.
426: Cool ISIS Video
February 23, 2023 21:00 - 1 hour - 64.3 MBThis week on Rocket, Simone is in Italy, so Brianna and Christina are joined by special guest Alex Cranz! They discuss some important technology cases in front of the Supreme Court, Meta’s new plan for verified Facebook and Instagram accounts, and finally wrap things up with some delicious dirt about the most successful show on TV that you don’t watch, but your parents definitely do, Yellowstone.
425: Word of the Day: Engagement
February 16, 2023 20:45 - 58 minutes - 53.5 MBThis week on Rocket, the word of the day is ENGAGEMENT! Elon Musk has ordered Twitter engineers to boost engagement of his own Tweets. So that’s normal! Meanwhile, how are things going over on Mastodon? There’s some kerfuffle in the tech world over growth on the platform(s). Brianna and Christina discuss their own experience with the decentralized social network. Finally, Marcin Wichery joins us to discuss his history of keyboards, Shift Happens!
424: When Cars Hover Gently
February 09, 2023 21:30 - 1 hour - 76 MBMicrosoft and Google have got it and they’re flaunting it. It being AI-POWERED SEARCH. How’s is going, and what are the benefits and concerns? Then, a Right to Repair bill has passed in New York State — but by the time it was signed it had been somewhat defanged by corporate lobbyists. What does it mean for Right to Repair more broadly? For dessert we have Jason Torchinsky and Matt Hardigree of The Autopian calling in to tell us about the hot new independent automotive news site — and illega...
423: We're Not Lawyers
February 02, 2023 23:00 - 58 minutes - 53.3 MBTesla is coming under fire for misleading customers with its self-driving promises. Does the case hold any water, and what are the consequences if Tesla is found guilty? Plus, deepfake pornography could (and SHOULD!) be taken to the courtroom as well. Finally — what are Netflix's proposed password sharing rules anyway?
422: Third-Party Rocket
January 26, 2023 23:30 - 1 hour - 68.1 MBLongtime Twitter users are cast into mourning as Twitter cuts off API access for third-party clients. Many of those apps are beloved by Twitter's power users and built the site that we know and love — love? Is that the right word? — today. Then, furor online over the reveal that CNET has long been using AI to write select financial articles, and that over half those articles had factual errors. How does something like this happen? Finally, two of Rocket's favorite scamsters are making big com...
421: Christina in Russian
January 19, 2023 20:45 - 1 hour - 57.2 MBIn an action-packed show, we're talking about the REVIVAL OF THE HOMEPOD. Yes folks, she's BACK and she's ready to woof. The Mac Mini is also here, and Christina has a very compelling case for its existence. Meanwhile, Logan Paul has apologized to a popular YouTuber for calling him a liar and a criminal! But it's not all good news for his CryptoZoo… schemes. For dessert, a Forbes 30 Under 30 alum takes on JP Morgan Chase. And not in a good way.