Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming embedded in everything, from our workplaces to our government. But who really benefits from the world Silicon Valley is building?

In this super sized episode of Beyond Voting, host Emily Williams speaks with tech researcher and author, Jathan Sadowski about the growing power of Big Tech and the rise of what some call the “tech broligarchy.” They explore how social media captured our attention, how AI could reshape creativity and critical thinking, and why the deepening partnership between tech companies and government should concern anyone who cares about democracy.

This extended conversation connects the dots between technology, capitalism, and democracy. It also asks a critical question: who benefits from the world Silicon Valley is building?

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Join the conversation and follow our new IG account: @beyondvotingpodcast

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Want more on AI & Tech from our guest, Jathan Sadowski? Listen to his podcast, This Machine Kills and visit more about our guest at https://jathansadowski.com.

As Beyond Voting resumes season two, we’re entering a new chapter - fully independent and committed to continuing this work into season three and beyond.

Like so many independent media projects, the political and economic realities of this moment have reshaped how the show is funded and sustained, but our mission remains the same: to tell the truth, hold power accountable, and imagine what civic life can look like beyond the ballot box. With the show heading to SXSW, this moment feels especially urgent - we’re bringing these conversations into new rooms, new audiences, and new communities, and we need your support to make that possible.

If Beyond Voting has informed you, challenged you, or helped you feel less alone, or more activated in your community, we invite you to support the next iteration of the show. You can contribute to our crowdfunding campaign at https://givebutter.com/PhNlBi, follow us on Instagram @beyondvotingpodcast, and stay connected as we build what comes next together.

Every share, every dollar, and every signal of support truly matters.

After Trump’s new executive orders dismantle federal DEI programs, corporations like Target follow suit, shuttering racial equity initiatives and cutting ties with Black-owned businesses. Communities respond with boycotts—but do they still work in an economy dominated by giants like Amazon and Google?

Host Emily Williams speaks with:

• Nikki Porcher, founder of Buy From a Black Woman, about redirecting dollars to strengthen community resilience.
• Earl Ofari Hutchinson, activist, political analyst, and author of The Myth of Black Capitalism, about the power and limits of boycotts, capitalism as a tool for liberation, and lessons from the Civil Rights Movement.

This episode digs into how organized economic resistance can still shake corporate power, the dangers of rolling back diversity initiatives, and why building intergenerational, cross-community solidarity is key to survival.

We’d love to hear from you! Rate & review the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help others find us.
And, join the conversation on IG @arcuscenter.

Follow our Guests:

Earl Ofari Hutchinson
http://www.thehutchinsonreport.net/
https://www.instagram.com/earlhutchinson

Nikki Porcher
https://www.buyfromablackwoman.org/

https://www.nikkiporcher.com/

https://www.instagram.com/nikkiporcher/