Podcast / Tech Won’t Save Us / Jan 23, 2026

Bring Back Meddling with Tech Hardware—With Chris Person

Paris Marx and Chris Person on the state of hardware in the tech industry, ways to undermine Microsoft’s software dominance, and how the AI boom makes electronics more expensive.

The Nation Podcasts
The Nation Podcasts

Here's where to find podcasts from The Nation. Political talk without the boring parts, featuring the writers, activists and artists who shape the news, from a progressive perspective.

Bring Back Meddling with Tech Hardware w/ Chris Person | Tech Won’t Save Us
byThe Nation Magazine

Paris Marx is joined by Chris Person to discuss the state of hardware and manufacturing in the tech industry, ways to hack your stuff, options to undermine Microsoft’s software dominance, and how the AI boom is making consumer electronics more expensive. Chris Person is a co-founder of Aftermath and makes Highlight Reel.

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(Soumyabrata Roy / NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Paris Marx is joined by Chris Person to discuss the state of hardware and manufacturing in the tech industry, ways to hack your stuff, options to undermine Microsoft’s software dominance, and how the AI boom is making consumer electronics more expensive. Chris Person is a cofounder of Aftermath and makes Highlight Reel.

The Nation Podcasts
The Nation Podcasts

Here's where to find podcasts from The Nation. Political talk without the boring parts, featuring the writers, activists and artists who shape the news, from a progressive perspective.

Canada’s Government Is Rushing AI Adoption w/ Hadrian Mertins-Kirkwood / Tech Won’t Save Us
byThe Nation Magazine

The Canadian government is going all in on AI, without understanding the real effects of the technology. Hadrian Mertins-Kirkwood joins Paris Marx to discuss Mark Carney’s push for large-scale investment in AI, despite being unable to describe how adoption will work, how Canadians will benefit, and what policies will be implemented to mitigate growing risks and harms.

Hadrian Mertins-Kirkwood senior researcher and political economist at the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.

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