The Tea with Myriam Francois

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.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.

https://www.theteanetwork.co“The wound is the place where the light enters you.” You’ve probably seen those words plastered across a thousand sunset photos. What you certainly haven’t seen is the Islamic world that gave birth to them.Rumi is the best-selling poet in America. Yet the Rumi embraced by the West is a very different figure from the Muslim mystic who wrote the poetry a Rumi detached from Islam and the Quran, stripped of the faith that shaped his work.https://www.theteanetwork.coThis week on The Tea, we’re joined by leading Islamic scholar Omid Safi to reclaim the Rumi behind the Instagram quotes. We also explore what this erasure tells us about the West’s relationship with Islam—and the rising Islamophobia that shapes it.Also in the show:⚡ Rising Islamophobia: the double standards applied to Muslims and Islam⚡ The self-help industrial complex: when ancient spirituality becomes a wellness commodity⚡ The Filton 4: what happens when corporate property is treated as sacred, but human life is not?⚡ Gen Z and the crisis of hope: is the future still salvageable?⚡ Trump and Hegseth: when religion serves power⚡ Radical love: when spirituality becomes a force for social justiceAs Omid argues, the question is bigger than any one politician. If we don’t confront the systems that produce them, there will always be another Trump, another charlatan.👉 Subscribe for independent, unfiltered conversations🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts#TheTeawithMyriamFrancois #Rumi #Islam #Sufism #Spirituality #Islamophobia #Religion #Gaza #Palestine #politics #Trump2026 #currentaffairsAUDIO CREDITSPresenter–Producer: Dr. Myriam FrançoisGuest: Omid SafiSenior Producer: Sara FarolfiProducer: Nadège BizimunguAssistant Producer: Poppy JacobsResearch: 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.coWho really rules the world?For decades, the global order had a clear centre. After the Cold War, the United States emerged as the world’s sole superpower while liberal democracy was proclaimed history's final destination. That story is now dead.As Western power cracks and the global economy reels from the fallout of the Iran war, the real winners are hiding in plain sight — mega-corporations more powerful than the states that host them. They profit from war no matter who wins. They're not just close to power, they're fused with it. And in some cases, they're not new players at all — just empire, rebranded.This week on The Tea, Professor and award-winning author Kojo Karam joins us to expose the rise of corporate power, the decolonisation project that was never finished, and whether the old empire has really disappeared — or simply changed shape.Also in the show:⚡ Britain’s Iran Playbook — the 1950s colonial blueprint still shaping Iran today⚡ The New War Profiteers — Saudi Aramco, BP and the Trump family: who’s cashing in?⚡ Corporations vs States — are mega-corporations becoming more sovereign than governments?⚡ BRICS & the Global South — a genuine shift in power, or the same interests in new places?⚡ Reparations and the empire-nostalgia comeback⚡ The end of the War on Drugs — A new corporate gold rush?👉 Subscribe for independent, unfiltered conversations🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcastsAUDIO CREDITSPresenter–Producer: Dr. Myriam FrançoisGuest: Kojo KoramSenior Producer: Sara FarolfiProducer: Nadège BizimunguAssistant Producer: Poppy JacobsResearch: Constance Creswell, Iman SalehVideo 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.coFor decades, China was presented as the authoritarian rival to the West: censored, controlled and fundamentally opposed to liberal democracy. But that story is now more complicated. As trust in US leadership declines, China's technology and culture are gaining influence worldwide. Is China challenging the West — or quietly shaping its future?This week on The Tea, we're joined by journalist and bestselling author Yi-Ling Liu, founding China editor of Rest of World. In her debut book, The World Dancers: Searching for Freedom and Connection on the Chinese Internet, she breaks down the contradictions behind the way China is often portrayed — and the complex reality behind the headlines.Also in the show:⚡ Inside China’s censorship (and self-censorship) system⚡ Why China’s rise is exposing America’s weaknesses⚡ The contradictions Western media often miss about China⚡ The hidden costs behind China’s economic miracle⚡ Behind “China-maxxing” trend ⚡YouTube influencers and the one-dimensional story about China⚡The AI arms race: real threat or Silicon Valley narrative?As Yi-Ling argues, China defies simple labels. It is a technological powerhouse, a deeply capitalist society — and a country still shaped by state control.👉 Subscribe for independent, unfiltered conversations🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts#TheTeaWithMyriamFrancois #YiLingLiu #China #AI #capitalism #TikTokChina #ChinaMaxxing #Politics #news #currentaffairsAUDIO CREDITSPresenter–Producer: Dr. Myriam FrançoisGuest: Yi-Ling LiuSenior Producer: Sara FarolfiProducer: Nadège BizimunguAssistant Producer: Poppy JacobsResearch: Constance Creswell, Iman SalehVideo 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.coSix months into the catastrophic US-Israeli war on Iran, Washington's stockpiles are severely depleted, oil and food prices are spiralling globally, and the Middle East is being rapidly reconfigured. Trump promised a quick victory, but the conflict has plunged the world into economic chaos—while war profiteers and elites on both sides cash in.This week on The Tea, we’re joined by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, former New York Times war correspondent, and bestselling author Chris Hedges. Drawing on decades of reporting from conflict zones, he breaks down the terrifying reality of the US-Israeli war on Iran, the collapse of American hegemony, and why the empire is crumbling from within.Also in the show: ⚡ The fatal miscalculation: Why Washington has already lost the war in Iran ⚡ US vs. Israel: The real, dangerous rift between Trump and Netanyahu ⚡ War profiteering: Who is making billions while ordinary citizens pay the price? ⚡ The Gulf in crisis: How US bases turned regional allies into sitting targets ⚡ The death of American democracy: Why the US is no longer a functioning republic ⚡ Drone warfare & the future of conflict: How small nations are dismantling military superpowers ⚡ Direct action & resistance: Joining port workers, Greta Thunberg, and dockers refusing to ship armsAs Chris puts it, when a system seizes up and normal political mechanisms fail, direct action and holding power to account are the only true options left.👉 Subscribe for independent, unfiltered conversations at www.theteanetwork.co🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts#TheTeaWithMyriamFrancois #ChrisHedges #IranWar #MiddleEast #Trump #USA AUDIO CREDITSPresenter–Producer: Dr. Myriam FrançoisGuest: Chris HedgesSenior Producer: Sara FarolfiProducers: Nadege Bizimungu, Sanjna SelvaResearch: Aliza Kayan-Ahmed and Saba NoughaniVideo 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.