July 30, 2025 — The Coming AI Winter

In this episode, we talk about "gaslight" preprints, retractions, and then explore some of the signs that we may be approaching an "AI winter" due to high expenses, lackluster offerings, a conceptual bubble bursting, and more. Inspired by Ed Zitron's work, we apply it to some scientific publishing offerings, as well.

 

Our "Discoveries of the Week" involve music, books, and delight.

 

Show Notes

"Gaslight" preprints — https://www.the-geyser.com/now-its-gaslight-preprints/

Ed Zitron's newsletter — https://www.wheresyoured.at/

Ed Zitron's podcast — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/better-offline/id1730587238

Hum "manifesto" — https://blog.hum.works/posts/the-alchemist-future 

Katina review of AI tools — https://katinamagazine.org/content/article/reviews/2025/deep-dive-into-three-ai-academic-search-tools 

Our Cactus Communications interview — https://allthingsscicomm.buzzsprout.com/1933426/episodes/17561515-rethinking-science-communication-beyond-technology-trends 

Joy's "Discovery of the Week" — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOigILEBilo 

Kent's "Discovery of the Week" — https://www.amazon.com/Genius-Myth-Curious-History-Dangerous/dp/B0DX9W74SZ/ 

Provoke the Truth (pod music) — https://provokethetruth.net/