The Tea with Myriam Francois

Are the Silicon Valley bros working to dismantle democracy?For years, Silicon Valley sold us a vision of technological utopia. Now, behind the promises of AI, immortality and space colonisation, some of its most powerful figures are funding surveillance, buying political influence and building private territories beyond democratic accountability. Welcome to the age of tech feudalism, where citizens are reduced to subscribers and digital serfs.This week on The Tea, we're joined by one of the leading voices exposing Silicon Valley's political footprint, investigative journalist and political strategist Gil Durán, who, in his latest book, The Nerd Reich, unpacks the rise of the tech oligarchy, the dangerous ideas driving it and how they're finding their way into the corridors of power.Also in the show:🔥 The Nerd Reich — The cult of apocalypse capitalism and the far-right ideology taking root in Silicon Valley.🔥 Elon Musk and the rise of the billionaire doomsday preppers 🔥 Peter Thiel — The ideological tastemaker shaping Silicon Valley's most radical elites🔥 Trump, JD Vance & Co — Are Silicon Valley's most extreme ideas becoming mainstream political currency?🔥 Prospera and the others — The dream of capitalism without democracyOur guest warns that the future these billionaires are building could be far darker than anything we've seen. As he puts it: “We can have billionaires, or we can have democracy. We cannot have both.”#TheTeaWithMyriamFrancois #TheNerdReich #SiliconValley #ElonMusk #PeterThiel #TechBillionaires #TechOligarchy #Democracy #BigTech #Trump2026 #JDVance #news #2026MidtermsThe Nerd Reich by Gil Durán https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-nerd-reich-gil-duran/70f13e961c1a6d4f?ean=9781398555921&bkshp-astro=tAUDIO CREDITSPresenter–Producer: Dr. Myriam FrançoisGuest: Gil DuránSenior Producer: Sara FarolfiProducers: Nadege Bizimungu & Poppy Jacobs Researchers: Aliza Kayan-AhmedVideo Editor: Max Bubnov An MPWR Productions show.00:00:00 Are Tech Billionaires Planning to Destroy Democracy?00:05:44 How Gil Duran Uncovered Silicon Valley's Secret Ideology00:08:24 The Nerd Reich: The Ideology Behind Tech Fascism00:13:21 Why Silicon Valley Billionaires Turned to Trump00:17:13 Why Tech Billionaires Are Preparing for the Apocalypse00:20:18 Peter Thiel: The Man Behind Silicon Valley's Political Agenda00:28:30 Palantir: How Tech Billionaires Are Taking Over Government00:32:21 Curtis Yarvin: The Blueprint for Replacing Democracy00:37:12 The Disturbing Plan to Turn Humans Into Biofuel00:44:01 How Peter Thiel Helped Put JD Vance One Step From the Presidency00:52:03 Network States: The Billionaires Building Their Own Countries01:03:06 Transhumanism: The Tech Elite's Obsession With Immortality01:09:11 Can Democracy Survive the Billionaire Takeover?Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed by the guest(s) on The Tea YouTube series and podcast are their own and do not reflect those of MPWR Productions or its licensees. The appearance of this YouTube programme and podcast on social media platforms does not imply endorsement by MPWR Productions. MPWR Productions disclaims any liability for damages arising from the use of the podcast and its recordings to the fullest extent permissible by law.This video is intended for informational and commentary purposes only and reflects the personal opinions of the guest and creators. The inclusion of public figures or journalists is based on publicly available information and does not imply guilt or wrongdoing.The views in this video do not establish a professional relationship with viewers and do not constitute legal, professional, or personal advice. Viewer discretion is advised.

https://www.theteanetwork.coHow much did the Americans know about what Israel was doing in Gaza — and why did the weapons keep flowing? As evidence of atrocities mounted, the US kept arming Israel. Warnings were ignored, officials resigned, and Biden’s “red lines” were crossed again and again without consequences. So what was really happening behind closed doors — and who was calling the shots?This week on The Tea, we’re joined by award-winning diplomatic correspondent Akbar Shahid Ahmed, whose explosive new book, Crossing the Red Line: Biden, His Advisors, and Israel’s War in Gaza, draws on accounts from more than 150 Washington officials to expose the inner workings of Biden’s White House as Israel’s genocide in Gaza unfolded - and why warnings went unheeded.Also in the show:⚡ Has October 7 achieved its goal?⚡ Behind Biden’s “red line”: “Just get Israel what they want”⚡ Disinformation, careerism and complicity⚡ Hostages: how America wrote off its own nationals⚡ Pro-Palestinian protests: why were Holocaust survivors dismissed as Hamas supporters?⚡ The dehumanisation of Palestinians: “They’ll get over this one too”⚡ No accountability: the enduring legacy of the War on TerrorAs the US heads towards another midterm election, we ask: have the ripples of the genocide forever changed American politics? #TheTeawithMyriamFrancois #AkbarShahidAhmed #Gaza #Palestine #Biden #USPolitics #Genocide #FreePalestine #Israel #news #CurrentAffairs #US #midterms #Trump2026Check Akbar Shahid Ahmed’s book: https://www.waterstones.com/book/crossing-the-red-line/akbar-shahid-ahmed/9781324118190AUDIO CREDITSPresenter–Producer: Dr. Myriam FrançoisGuest: Akbar Shahid AhmedSenior Producer: Sara FarolfiProducers: Sanjna Selva & Constance Creswell Video Editor: Karl JacksonAn MPWR Productions show.00:00 Introduction – What Did Biden Know About Gaza?02:46 Akbar Shahid Ahmed's Investigation Inside the White House05:31 Inside Hamas: What Its Leaders Told Him09:43 What America Knew About Gaza Before October 717:29 What Happened Behind Closed Doors After October 7?21:44 How Biden's Inner Circle Ignored Warnings From US Officials28:03 Were Intelligence Reports Manipulated to Protect Israel?33:37 Was Israel Controlling American Foreign Policy?36:55 Did Washington Ignore Warnings Before October 7?42:36 How Biden's Administration Silenced Calls for a Ceasefire47:06 Biden's Broken Red Line: The Invasion of Rafah52:41 Kamala Harris, Gaza and the Political Cost of Silence58:27 How the White House Undermined Opposition to Arms Sales01:03:24 Why US Officials Stayed Silent – And What Accountability Would TakeDisclaimer:The views and opinions expressed by the guest(s) on The Tea YouTube series and podcast are their own and do not reflect those of MPWR Productions or its licensees. The appearance of this YouTube programme and podcast on social media platforms does not imply endorsement by MPWR Productions. MPWR Productions disclaims any liability for damages arising from the use of the podcast and its recordings to the fullest extent permissible by law.This video is intended for informational and commentary purposes only and reflects the personal opinions of the guest and creators. The inclusion of public figures or journalists is based on publicly available information and does not imply guilt or wrongdoing.The views in this video do not establish a professional relationship with viewers and do not constitute legal, professional, or personal advice. Viewer discretion is advised.

https://www.theteanetwork.coIs capitalism destroying democracy — and why can’t we seem to stop it?As billionaire wealth soars to record highs and public trust in capitalism collapses, the ultra-rich are turning unprecedented fortunes into political power. As more countries slide toward authoritarianism, are we witnessing a crisis of democracy—or the inevitable consequences of a system designed to concentrate wealth and power?This week on The Tea, we’re joined by one of the world's top political economists, Jason Hickel, author of the acclaimed best-selling book Less Is More: How Degrowth Will Save the World. His work challenges the logic of endless economic growth and asks what it would take to build an economy that serves people and the planet, rather than the ultra-rich.Also in the show:🔥 Are we living in a democracy?—Why growing numbers of people are losing faith in the system🔥 The Chinese model— What can we learn, and what we should question🔥 The dark side of the Scandinavian model🔥 Degrowth — The path beyond endless economic growth🔥 AI and the real threat — The problem isn’t the technology, but the system deploying itFrom wealth concentration to the erosion of democratic power, we explore why so many people feel disenchanted with democracy—and how uniting different struggles around shared goals can create the collective power needed for a genuine alternative.#TheTeaWithMyriamFrancois #JasonHickel #Capitalism #Democracy #Degrowth #Inequality #Billionaires #GenZprotests #news #currentaffairs #UKPolitics #USPoliticsAUDIO CREDITSPresenter–Producer: Dr. Myriam FrançoisGuest: Jason HickelSenior Producer: Sara FarolfiProducers: Iman Saleh, Nadege Bizimungu & Poppy JacobsResearchers: Aliza Kayan-AhmedVideo Editor: Max BubnovAn MPWR Productions show.Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed by the guest(s) on The Tea YouTube series and podcast are their own and do not reflect those of MPWR Productions or its licensees. The appearance of this YouTube programme and podcast on social media platforms does not imply endorsement by MPWR Productions. MPWR Productions disclaims any liability for damages arising from the use of the podcast and its recordings to the fullest extent permissible by law.This video is intended for informational and commentary purposes only and reflects the personal opinions of the guest and creators. The inclusion of public figures or journalists is based on publicly available information and does not imply guilt or wrongdoing.The views in this video do not establish a professional relationship with viewers and do not constitute legal, professional, or personal advice. Viewer discretion is advised.

https://www.theteanetwork.coAre we on the verge of an AI apocalypse, or is Silicon Valley using doomsday fears to distract us from the damage AI is already doing?Tech insiders and Big Tech CEOs warn that superintelligence could wipe out humanity. Meanwhile, AI is already fuelling warfare and environmental destruction, with zero accountability. If the very people warning us about AI’s dangers also stand to profit from it, is existential doom a genuine warning or the ultimate marketing strategy?This week on The Tea, we’re joined by pioneering AI researcher Dr Timnit Gebru, former co-lead of Google’s Ethical AI team. Timnit warned about the dangers of large language models years before the current AI boom. In this interview, she exposes the motives and the ideology behind Silicon Valley’s apocalyptic vision.Also in the show:⚡ AI existential risk: genuine threat or brilliant marketing?⚡ The TESCREAL bundle: the ideology behind the AI cult⚡ Hugging Face and rogue models: is Big Tech creating malware?⚡ AGI and the myth of “magical intelligence in the sky”⚡ AI regulation: why Big Tech’s lobbying power matters⚡ The AI Resist List: building a people-centred AIFrom the mythology of superintelligence to the movement for a different kind of AI, we explore who gets to shape this technology—and what it would take to put it back in people’s hands.​#TheTeawithMyriamFrancois #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #TimnitGebru #AIEthics #BigTech #ChatGPT #BigTech #CurrentAffairs #TechAndSociety #DigitalActivism #CorporatePowerAUDIO CREDITSPresenter–Producer: Dr. Myriam FrançoisGuest: Timnit GebruSenior Producer: Sara FarolfiProducers: Poppy Jacobs & Sanjna SelvaVideo Editor: Max BubnovAn MPWR Productions show.Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed by the guest(s) on The Tea YouTube series and podcast are their own and do not reflect those of MPWR Productions or its licensees. The appearance of this YouTube programme and podcast on social media platforms does not imply endorsement by MPWR Productions. MPWR Productions disclaims any liability for damages arising from the use of the podcast and its recordings to the fullest extent permissible by law.This video is intended for informational and commentary purposes only and reflects the personal opinions of the guest and creators. The inclusion of public figures or journalists is based on publicly available information and does not imply guilt or wrongdoing.The views in this video do not establish a professional relationship with viewers and do not constitute legal, professional, or personal advice. Viewer discretion is advised.

https://www.theteanetwork.coAre we headed for another Cold War?Four years into Russia's invasion of Ukraine, almost half a million people have been killed, rebuilding Ukraine could cost $588 billion, and there's still no clear endgame.And as the battle of narratives intensifies, the drumbeat for war is getting louder across Europe. Question that narrative and you risk being labelled a Russian propagandist. But is war really inevitable? And what happens when we start treating it that way?This week on The Tea, we’re joined by veteran journalist and author Luke Harding, author of Betrayal: Trump, Putin and The New Age of Conquest, to examine the growing confrontation between Moscow and the West.Also in the show:⚡ The war in Ukraine and the battle of narratives⚡ The human cost: can Russia really be defeated militarily?⚡ Trump & Putin: co-imperialists—or something more?⚡ Is Trump a Russian asset?⚡ Putin and the far right: a growing alliance?⚡ If war can’t be won, what comes next?As the UK edges closer to the frontline of this confrontation, we examine the risks, who benefits, and who pays the price.#ColdWar #Ukraine #Putin #TheTeaWithMyriamFrancois #LukeHarding #Russia #NATO #Geopolitics #UkraineWar #Politics #UKPolitics #Trump #PeaceAUDIO CREDITSPresenter–Producer: Dr. Myriam FrançoisGuest: Luke HardingSenior Producer: Sara FarolfiProducers: Sanjna Selve and Constance Creswell Assistant Producer: Poppy Jacobs Research: Aliza Kayan-Ahmed and Saba Ahmadzadeh NoughaniVideo Editor: Max Bubnov An MPWR Productions show.00:00 Introduction – Are We Heading for Another Cold War? 02:30 Luke Harding on Russia and Being Expelled From Moscow 07:35 Can a Journalist Be Neutral on Russia? 10:23 Why Does the Ukraine War Matter to Britain? 17:22 Is Russia Already at War With the UK? 20:27 Should Britain Keep Arming Ukraine? 24:32 How Drone Warfare Has Changed War Forever 28:39 Did NATO Provoke Russia’s Invasion? 32:47 Putin, Ukraine and the Case Against the NATO Argument 35:58 Can the Ukraine War Actually Be Won? 39:39 Why Putin Won’t Back Down 40:04 Why Does Trump Treat Putin Differently? 45:11 Russia’s Role in Trump’s 2016 Election 47:16 Why Is Trump So Deferential to Putin? 48:15 Does Putin Have Leverage Over Trump? 53:01 Did Russia Interfere in Brexit? 55:20 Russian Influence in British Politics 57:23 Should Russian State Media Be Banned? 01:01:51 Can There Ever Be Peace With Putin? 01:03:17 Does Arming Ukraine Prolong the War?Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed by the guest(s) on The Tea YouTube series and podcast are their own and do not reflect those of MPWR Productions or its licensees. The appearance of this YouTube programme and podcast on social media platforms does not imply endorsement by MPWR Productions. MPWR Productions disclaims any liability for damages arising from the use of the podcast and its recordings to the fullest extent permissible by law.This video is intended for informational and commentary purposes only and reflects the personal opinions of the guest and creators. The inclusion of public figures or journalists is based on publicly available information and does not imply guilt or wrongdoing.The views in this video do not establish a professional relationship with viewers and do not constitute legal, professional, or personal advice. Viewer discretion is advised.

https://www.theteanetwork.co What if the institutions created to stop genocide are helping to enable it? Gaza lies in rubble. Tens of thousands of Palestinians have been killed, including thousands of children. Israel has seized more territory, while the prospect of an end to the occupation remains as distant as ever. And yet, after years of investigations and international rulings, the machinery of global justice is paralysed. So where is international law when it's actually needed? This week on The Tea, we’re joined by scholar and author Dr Norman Finkelstein, whose latest book, Gaza’s Grave Diggers: An Inquiry into Corruption in High Places, paints a damning picture of an international system that has done far more than simply fail Gaza — it has helped enable its destruction. Also in the show: 🔥 The UN resolution that handed Trump the keys to Gaza 🔥 Ed Miliband’s speech — a genuine attempt to hold Israel accountable, or political theatre? 🔥 UN and the others — the collapse of international accountability 🔥 Israel’s elections — could they bring real change, or is it all just cosmetic? 🔥 Can people change the balance of power? With international institutions seemingly paralysed, Finkelstein argues that Ed Miliband’s speech could be a chance to finally hold Israel accountable. But will this lead to real accountability—or another broken promise? 00:00 Introduction – Can International Law Still Stop Israel? 02:28 Norman Finkelstein on Speaking to the Political Right 07:47 What Has Changed in Gaza? 08:17 The UN Resolution That Changed Gaza’s Legal Status 11:20 Why Finkelstein Sees a New Opportunity 14:24 The ICJ Ruling Israel Must Answer 15:35 “Enforce the Law” 19:49 Can International Law Actually Force Israel to Withdraw? 23:35 Is the Two-State Solution Still the Answer? 26:03 How Popular Pressure Could Change British Policy 28:13 Has the International Legal Order Already Collapsed? 35:11 Has Finkelstein Changed His Mind on International Law? 36:16 The ICJ, Genocide and Finkelstein’s “Gravediggers” 38:41 Why He Calls the UN a “Rotting Corpse” 40:14 Could Israel’s Elections Change Anything? 42:15 Can Public Pressure Finally Shift the Balance? 45:12 Finkelstein’s Final Message: “Enforce the Law” #TheTeaWithMyriamFrancois #NormanFinkelstein #Gaza #Palestine #Israel #ICC #ICJ #USPolitics #UKPolitics #Trump2026 #genocide #WarCrimes #FreePalestine Norman Finkelstein's new book is Gaza's Gravediggers: https://orbooks.com/catalog/gazas-gravediggers/ Myriam's T-shirt: https://www.suzytamimi.com AUDIO CREDITS Presenter–Producer: Dr. Myriam François Guest: Norman Finkelstein Senior Producer: Sara Farolfi Producer: Nadege Bizimungu & Sanjna Selva Assistant Producer: Poppy Jacobs Video Editor: Max Bubnov An MPWR Productions show. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the guest(s) on The Tea YouTube series and podcast are their own and do not reflect those of MPWR Productions or its licensees. The appearance of this YouTube programme and podcast on social media platforms does not imply endorsement by MPWR Productions. MPWR Productions disclaims any liability for damages arising from the use of the podcast and its recordings to the fullest extent permissible by law. This video is intended for informational and commentary purposes only and reflects the personal opinions of the guest and creators. The inclusion of public figures or journalists is based on publicly available information and does not imply guilt or wrongdoing. The views in this video do not establish a professional relationship with viewers and do not constitute legal, professional, or personal advice. Viewer discretion is advised.

https://www.theteanetwork.coWhat if tech companies had more power over your life than your own government?Big Tech isn't just business anymore. Silicon Valley now runs its own foreign policy. Over 60 countries have opened diplomatic missions there to negotiate with tech companies as if they were nation-states. AI CEOs sit at the same tables as world leaders. And the revolving doors between government and Big Tech are spinning faster than ever.This week on The Tea, former diplomat Dr Jennifer Cassidy, Lecturer in Diplomacy and Technology at the University of Oxford, joins us to break down how Big Tech quietly became more powerful than the states meant to govern it — and why almost no one is stopping it.Also in the show:⚡ Trump's AI deepfakes: a tool of mass confusion⚡ Big Tech: a techno-fascist takeover?⚡ Digital sovereigns: how Big Tech became more powerful than governments⚡ State embassies in Silicon Valley: the new corporate diplomacy⚡ Government officials to Big Tech: revolving doors and the old boys' club⚡ Why regulation keeps falling shortAs our guest argues, tech companies wield power that fundamentally compromises our national security and sovereignty. States should force these companies to be transparent. Right now, they're not.👉 Subscribe for independent, unfiltered conversations🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts#TheTeaWithMyriamFrancois #AI #BigTech #TechPolitics #Trump2026 #SiliconValley #TechPower #Surveillance #Diplomacy #Democracy #Technofeudalism #news #currentaffairsAUDIO CREDITSPresenter–Producer: Dr. Myriam FrançoisGuest: Jennifer CassidySenior Producer: Sara FarolfiProducer: Nadege Bizimungu & Iman SalehAssistant Producer: Poppy JacobsResearcher: Constance CreswellVideo Editor: Max BubnovAn MPWR Productions show.Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed by the guest(s) on The Tea YouTube series and podcast are their own and do not reflect those of MPWR Productions or its licensees. The appearance of this YouTube programme and podcast on social media platforms does not imply endorsement by MPWR Productions. MPWR Productions disclaims any liability for damages arising from the use of the podcast and its recordings to the fullest extent permissible by law.This video is intended for informational and commentary purposes only and reflects the personal opinions of the guest and creators. The inclusion of public figures or journalists is based on publicly available information and does not imply guilt or wrongdoing.The views in this video do not establish a professional relationship with viewers and do not constitute legal, professional, or personal advice. Viewer discretion is advised.

https://www.theteanetwork.coIs the AI apocalypse real or is Silicon Valley selling us a story?We're told AI could destroy jobs, outsmart humanity and even turn against us. At the same time, it's cracking 50-year-old scientific problems and pushing new drugs into human trials.So are we living through a genuine technological revolution that could transform humanity or is apocalyptic rhetoric fueling one of the biggest bubbles in tech history?This week on The Tea, we're joined by bestselling author Cory Doctorow to cut through the AI hype. In his latest book, The Reverse Centaur's Guide to Life After AI, Cory argues that AI isn't gonna replace us, but it'll trap us into serving machines instead of being served by them. Also in the show:⚡ Big Tech surveillance: they spy on us because we let them⚡ AI psychosis and the mythology of Silicon Valley⚡ OpenAI's agent "revolt" — bad code, or something bigger?⚡ Will AI take our jobs, or just make us babysit the machines?⚡ The hidden bubble behind the AI growth story ⚡ How do we actually change the balance of power?As Cory argues, shopping our way out of corporate power isn't politics. Real change can only come from organising, building solidarity and becoming citizens rather than consumers. #TheTeaWithMyriamFrancois #CoryDoctorow #AI #BigTech #OpenAI #SiliconValley ##AIBubble #News #CurrentAffairs #USPolitics #Surveillance #FutureOfWorkAUDIO CREDITSPresenter–Producer: Dr. Myriam FrançoisGuest: Cory DoctorowSenior Producer: Sara FarolfiProducer: Nadege Bizimungu & Sanjna Selva Assistant Producer: Poppy Jacobs Research: Constance Creswell & Robyn MoffatVideo Editor: Max Bubnov An MPWR Productions show.00:00:00 Introduction – Is the AI Apocalypse Really Coming?00:03:16 Cory Doctorow on Technology, Surveillance and Corporate Power00:06:34 How Big Tech Monopolies Took Over the Internet00:09:29 Is AI the Latest Silicon Valley Bubble?00:11:48 What Science Fiction Teaches Us About Technology00:18:11 Why AI Doesn't Actually Understand Anything00:24:13 Could AI Ever Become Conscious?00:25:09 Why AI Insiders Believe Their Own Hype00:30:32 The Psychology Behind Silicon Valley's AI Obsession00:34:20 Are Rogue AI Agents Actually Dangerous?00:41:29 The Real Technological Threat Isn't AI00:48:38 Is AI Really Coming for Your Job?00:56:30 Can AI Really Replace Doctors?01:05:15 Why Cory Doctorow Thinks AI Is a Bubble01:14:21 Why Big Tech Keeps Pouring Billions Into AI01:20:59 What Actually Happens When the AI Bubble Bursts?01:27:01 How Ordinary People Can Fight Back01:28:37 Why Shopping Is Not Politics01:32:06 Building Solidarity in an Age of CrisisDisclaimer:The views and opinions expressed by the guest(s) on The Tea YouTube series and podcast are their own and do not reflect those of MPWR Productions or its licensees. The appearance of this YouTube programme and podcast on social media platforms does not imply endorsement by MPWR Productions. MPWR Productions disclaims any liability for damages arising from the use of the podcast and its recordings to the fullest extent permissible by law.This video is intended for informational and commentary purposes only and reflects the personal opinions of the guest and creators. The inclusion of public figures or journalists is based on publicly available information and does not imply guilt or wrongdoing.The views in this video do not establish a professional relationship with viewers and do not constitute legal, professional, or personal advice. Viewer discretion is advised.