E118: Why Netflix is Dumbing Down TV, Peak TV & DeepSeek Disruption – w/ Emily Forlini

From prestige TV to background noise—what happened? In this episode, tech journalist Emily Forlini joins Jesse to break down her viral article on how Netflix is quietly telling writers to simplify scripts so distracted viewers can keep up—especially when watching on their phones. They discuss the rise of “casual viewing,” the economics behind streaming, the collapse of the Hollywood middle class, and how platforms are chasing ad dollars over artistry.

Topics include:

• The decline of communal viewing and the rise of mobile-first content
• How DeepSeek's AI breakthrough could reshape the global tech race
• Apple’s stumble in innovation and the myth of “founder stories”
• Airbnb and Uber as case studies in failed disruption
• EV range anxiety, charging infrastructure, and the next phase of innovation
• Emily’s new podcast Unicorn Roast, skewering tech’s biggest flops

Guest: Emily Forlini, Senior Tech Reporter at PCMag

Smart, funny, and provocative—this episode is a must-listen for anyone wondering why everything in tech (and TV) feels just a little bit worse.

• 📺Watch the full episode on YouTube➡️https://youtu.be/lnBQ9WHFgrA

🎙 The Pod is hosted by Jesse Wright
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