Short Fuse

Memory

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 15:30:14 GMT

You probably won't remember this episode. That's partly the joke, and partly the point. Duncan and Ollie get into what AI is doing to human memory: why it's already unreliable, why offloading recall to a machine might be making it worse, and why you'll eventually stop noticing the difference between a decision you made and one a chatbot/agent made for you. Also: a 17p refund dispute, and Ollie's four-and-a-half-year search for a new car.

Long or short on memory? They're both short. The argument is worth hearing anyway.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Short Fuse News: Meta Confused, Vibe Coding, Bernie vs Claude, NVIDIA DLSS5

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 14:02:48 GMT

Meta's VR retreat turns out to be more complicated than the LinkedIn takes suggested. Karpathy vibe-coded a jobs analysis, got ratio'd, and deleted it. Bernie Sanders got Claude to endorse a data centre moratorium, which tells you more about how these models work than it does about data centres. Nvidia's DLSS5 is yassifying your favourite game characters whether you asked for it or not. And the big tech giants signed a voluntary energy pledge at the White House, which is going about as well as the stakeholder capitalism open letter from 2019.

Also: the Carey System gets its first official outing, Ollie is still not buying a car, and Duncan nearly gets something right about Jensen Huang.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Education

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 17:38:54 GMT

Are teachers obsolete? Duncan and Ollie place their bets on the future of education in an age of AI tutors, personalised learning, and students who are angrier about AI than you'd expect. From Alpha Schools and their two-hour AI-led curriculum to Duncan's catastrophic one-out-of-ten test score that got a standing ovation from a chatbot, this one gets into the real questions: what is education actually for, who benefits when human teachers get replaced, and does any of this solve the fact that seven years of French lessons produced zero French speakers?

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Capitalism

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 15:06:08 GMT

What happens to capitalism when AI can outproduce 10,000 workers on a single GPU? When white collar jobs vanish, software builds itself, and the middlemen connecting buyers to sellers get replaced? Duncan and Ollie go long and short on the future of the entire economic system, using a viral (and wildly controversial) research report as their launchpad. They cover the barriers standing between today and full AI automation, why developer hiring keeps rising despite coding AI, the hidden RAM crisis driving up the price of everything from phones to cars, and what happens when consumers start pushing back against an infrastructure they never asked for. The answer to whether capitalism survives might be less about technology and more about how greedy, stubborn, and inventive humans turn out to be. Plus, a live AI-generated poem about economic collapse that invents at least one word.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SHORT FUSE NEWS

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 19:50:46 GMT

Ollie and Duncan are back with a quick news roundup, from layoffs and market-moving essays to the growing debate around AI safety and government contracts.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leadership

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 14:47:57 GMT

Are human leaders becoming obsolete in the age of AI? Join Duncan and Ollie as they dig into the future of leadership. Discover if AI can truly replace the intuition, inspiration, and moral judgment of human leaders. This episode explores the subtle ways AI is reshaping leadership roles and questions whether our uniquely human traits can keep leadership alive. Perfect for anyone curious about the future of leadership in a tech-driven world. Hit play to find out if the future is leaderless or more human than ever.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Moltbook, AI Catfighting, Silent Speech

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 15:41:38 GMT

On this week's Short Fuse podcast, Duncan and Ollie dive into the latest tech intelligence dashboard to dissect the biggest stories shaking up the industry. From the persistent debates on government surveillance and job displacement to the "catfight" between AI giants, we break down what's hype and what's actually happening.

We explore the rise of local AI agents like "MoltBot" and the security nightmares they might bring, alongside Apple's fascinating (and slightly creepy) acquisition of Q.AI for silent speech. Plus, we discuss Elon Musk's latest moves with SpaceX acquiring xAI and what it means for the future of tech valuation.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Advertising

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 17:00:50 GMT

OpenAI is finally bringing ads to ChatGPT. In this episode, Duncan and Ollie decide if they are Long or Short on this strategy.

The cost of computing power is massive. We discuss whether advertising is the necessary answer for OpenAI or if it fundamentally breaks the utility of the product. The discussion covers the incentives behind the move, the likely impact on user behaviour, and what this signals for the wider industry.

We debate if this is a smart commercial play or a sign of trouble.

In this episode:

Are we Long or Short on ChatGPT ads?

The trade-off between user experience and revenue.

First principles: Why ad-supported AI might look different than search.

Subscribe to Short Fuse for more analysis on tech, culture, and where we are placing our bets.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CES 2026: Gadgets!

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 18:00:36 GMT

Join Duncan and Ollie in this episode of "Short Fuse" as they dive into the latest and quirkiest gadgets from CES 2026. From humanoid robots with Brad Pitt's hair to AI companions that wink, the duo explores the fascinating and sometimes bizarre world of consumer electronics. Tune in for a blend of humor and insight as they debate the practicality and future of these innovations. Don't miss their candid takes on what might just be the next big thing—or not!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Metaverse, VR, AR, XR

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 14:43:53 GMT

The Metaverse was promised as the next great leap for the internet—a decentralised, immersive world where we would work, shop, and socialise. But as we approach the dates set by major analysts for mass adoption, the reality looks very different.

In this episode of Short Fuse, Ollie and Duncan take a critical look at the state of Extended Reality (XR) and the Metaverse. We explore the massive disconnect between the aggressive predictions made by industry experts and the actual adoption rates we see today.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

BCI

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 09:58:26 GMT

Join Duncan and Ollie in this lively episode of "Short Fuse" as they dive into the fascinating world of Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI). From the potential of controlling devices with your thoughts to the ethical dilemmas and regulatory challenges, they explore both the thrilling possibilities and the daunting risks. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or just curious about the future, this episode offers a thought-provoking discussion with a sprinkle of humour. Tune in and decide if you're long or short on BCI!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dead Internet Theory

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 13:22:11 GMT

Is the internet already dead?

The "Dead Internet Theory" suggests the web is no longer a human place but is dominated by bots and AI-generated content

In this episode, Duncan and Ollie use the Short Fuse Tech Tracker as evidence to debate the theory. We discuss how AI "slop" and bot-to-bot engagement (especially on LinkedIn) are killing authentic human interaction

This leads to a "bifurcation" of the internet: one layer for AI agents and transactions, and another, separate layer for verified humans

Full analysis at: shortfuseresearch.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tech Tracker Update: October 2025

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 15:28:28 GMT

Join Duncan Roberts and Ollie O'Donoghue for the Short Fuse October Tech Tracker review.

This month, the team analyses the biggest movers in technology. Cloud computing takes a significant dive, landing in the hype trap following major AWS and Cloudflare outages. Duncan and Ollie discuss the growing public backlash against "AI slop" and explore why Generative AI's sentiment is falling while technical AI (like machine learning) moves into the momentum zone.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Robots!

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 15:08:19 GMT

Duncan and Ollie dive into humanoid robots as products and as markets. Pricing, upkeep, touch and balance, messy homes, smart home integration, and use in care and manufacturing. A sharp, funny, data led guide to what matters now and what could matter by 2050.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bursting the AI Bubble

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 15:28:35 GMT

In this episode, Ollie and Duncan put their emerging tech tracker tool to work, analyzing real data to uncover what's actually happening beneath the AI hype. Are we heading toward a bubble burst, or is something more nuanced unfolding? Using insights from their tracker, they examine how big tech companies are positioning themselves, explore the interconnected web of emerging technologies from quantum computing to AI, and discuss why public sentiment is shifting. Join them for a data driven conversation that cuts through the noise and reveals what the numbers are really telling us about the future of tech innovation.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Big Announcements!

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 13:15:49 GMT

In this episode of Short Fuse, Duncan and Ollie unveil their brand new website and innovative platform designed to track tech trends and sentiment. Dive into their journey of building this hub, and explore how it will shape future discussions. Plus, enjoy their signature banter as they tackle topics like quantum computing and the curious case of ultrasonic kitchen knives. Tune in for a blend of tech insights and humour, and be part of the launch excitement.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Punishment

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 14:54:21 GMT

Duncan and Ollie pull apart the future of crime and punishment, asking how AI and technology might reshape the way we deliver justice. From smarter legal outcomes and rethinking juries to personalized, rehabilitation-focused sentencing, they challenge the status quo and explore what happens when human judgment collides with machine intelligence.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Space Race

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 15:57:19 GMT

From the billionaire space race and mining the moon to the scientific imperative to explore, Ollie and Duncan cover whether humanity's future lies in the stars or if we should be fixing problems closer to home first. Plus, a vital discussion on the statistical probability of aliens.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Future

Tue, 20 May 2025 16:43:56 GMT

Duncan and Ollie are back to gaze into their crystal balls and talk all about the future. Are we headed for doom and gloom, or is it all sunshine and rainbows?

They tackle the wild ride of tech and automation, wondering if robots will just end up talking to other robots. Plus, they dive into why it's so hard to predict what's coming next, especially when things move at warp speed.

From flying cars (nightmare!) to the surprising resilience of human habits, they explore why some predictions totally miss the mark. Tune in for a debate on what's really in store for us all!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Social Media

Tue, 20 May 2025 16:39:03 GMT

Duncan and Ollie are back on "The Short Fuse" to tackle social media. Is it here to stay, or are things about to get weird?

They dive into LinkedIn's wild side, AI-generated posts, and those pesky "rage-bait" algorithms. Plus, they chat about bots taking over and whether our digital lives are heading for a total shake-up.

Will social media fizzle out or just get more ludicrous?

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reviews

Tue, 20 May 2025 16:36:28 GMT

Ever wonder how much online reviews actually matter? Duncan Roberts and Ollie O'Donoghue jump into the deep end on Short Fuse to chat about how reviews are changing and what that means for us, especially with all the new AI knocking about.

They get into the nitty-gritty of dodgy reviews, like those weird "packet of seeds" scams, and how a bad review could totally sink a business if AI starts taking them too literally. Get ready for a peek into a future where your fridge might review itself and AI could make all your buying decisions based on what other robots think.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Quick Fire

Sat, 08 Mar 2025 12:39:42 GMT

Dive into the series two finale of 'The Short Fuse' with hosts Ollie O'Donoghue and Duncan Roberts as they tackle a rapid-fire round of diverse topics! This isn't your typical deep-dive—expect a dynamic, quick-witted exchange covering everything from the evolution of internet memes and the impact of influencers to the rise of virtual avatars and the future of subscription models. Ollie and Duncan share personal experiences and opinions, offering a fast-paced and insightful exploration of contemporary trends and technologies. Get ready for a lively discussion that touches on robot dogs in Waitrose, the challenges of unread emails, and much more in this action-packed season closer.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Open Source

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 17:39:51 GMT

In this episode, Duncan and Ollie wrestle with the thorny issue of open source versus proprietary software, especially when it comes to AI. They explore why people contribute to open source projects (is it really just for "fun"?), the challenges of keeping those communities thriving, and the potential downsides of giving powerful AI models away for free. They also consider the allure of closed, proprietary systems and where true innovation really comes from.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gaming

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 16:04:56 GMT

Join Duncan Roberts and Ollie O'Donoghue on Short Fuse as they discuss the turbulent world of video games. In this episode, they debate the current state of the gaming industry, questioning the value of expensive, subscription-based "AAA" titles versus the charm of indie games and modding communities. Are big studios in trouble? Is the era of the console coming to an end? If you're a gamer, or just curious about the industry, tune in for a lively discussion!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dating

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 15:03:23 GMT

Join Duncan and Ollie on Short Fuse, on this Valentine's Day special, as they dissect online dating. From AI boyfriends and girlfriends, catfishing and algorithms, all the way to demographic collapse. Is online dating helping or hindering us? Find out in this weeks episode.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Going Viral

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 17:30:36 GMT

Duncan and Ollie dive into the weird world of "going viral" these days. They chat about how algorithms have messed with what it even means to be viral, how our feeds are all hyper-personalized now, and whether we're all starting to enjoy missing out on stuff instead of being scared of it. They also get into what's next for viral content, how comedy's changing, and why real, unscripted moments still matter in our algorithm-obsessed world.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sport

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 14:04:25 GMT

In this episode of Short Fuse, hosts Duncan Roberts and Ollie O'Donoghue delve into the intersection of technology and sports. They discuss the impact of technology on performance, the role of innovation in sports, and the ethical implications of technological advancements, including cheating. The conversation also explores how technology enhances audience experience and the potential for technology to serve as a testing ground for broader innovations.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Crime

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 14:04:03 GMT

In this episode of Short Fuse, hosts Duncan Roberts and Ollie O'Donoghue explore the complex relationship between technology and crime. They discuss how advancements in technology, particularly AI and surveillance, are changing the landscape of criminal activity and law enforcement. The conversation delves into the ethical implications of using technology in crime prevention, the dual nature of technology as both an enabler and a deterrent, and the future of crime in an increasingly digital world.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Spatial Computing

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 14:03:28 GMT

In this episode, Duncan Roberts and Ollie O'Donoghue delve into the world of spatial computing, exploring its various facets including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). They discuss the current state of technology, its applications in both consumer and enterprise sectors, and the challenges it faces in gaining widespread adoption. The conversation highlights the importance of gaming in driving interest and innovation in the space, while also addressing concerns about virtual work environments and the potential impact of AI on future developments.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Internet

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 14:03:04 GMT

In this episode of Short Fuse, hosts Duncan Roberts and Ollie O'Donoghue engage in a lively discussion about the future of the internet, particularly in the context of generative AI and its implications for content creation, monetization, and consumer behavior. They explore the concept of the 'dead internet theory', the role of tech giants in shaping the digital landscape, and the evolving ways in which consumers interact with online content. The conversation highlights the challenges and opportunities presented by new technologies and the potential shifts in how information is accessed and monetized in the future.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pilot/Worldcoin/UBI

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 14:02:12 GMT

In the pilot episode of the Short Fuse podcast, hosts Duncan Roberts and Ollie O'Donoghue introduce their format of discussing various concepts and technologies, starting with WorldCoin and Universal Basic Income (UBI). They explore the implications of WorldCoin's biometric verification system and its potential link to UBI, debating the necessity and feasibility of UBI in the context of advancing technology and economic changes. The conversation delves into the challenges of data privacy, the redistribution of wealth, and the future of work in an AI-driven world, ultimately concluding with their perspectives on the need for innovative solutions to address inequality.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.