Trump vs Harris vs Rogan (H&H 11-1-24)

In this episode, Richard Hoeg explores the challenges of headline analysis and media reporting, examining how media influences public perception and trust. He delves into the dynamics of podcast interviews, credible journalism, and social media trust. The episode also touches on media bias, endorsements, and the balance between entertainment and education in media.

Lawful Evil? | AI, Legal Liability, and Morality (H&H 10-25-24)

In this episode, Richard Hoeg discusses the complex world of AI chatbots, focusing on their regulation, mental health implications, and legal challenges. He examines YouTube's guidelines and discusses the controversial case of Sewell Setzer, exploring AI's role in crisis situations. The conversation extends to legal liabilities, technology's impact, and ethical concerns surrounding AI companionship apps, addressing copyright issues and user addiction. He analyzes Section 230, platform responsibilities, and product liability, offering insights into AI accountability. The episode concludes with viewer questions and a discussion on chatbot regulation.

Ubisoft | A Far Cry from Help with Assassins at the Door? (H&H 10-16-24)

In this episode, Richard Hoeg explores the topic of Ubisoft. He discusses the current state of Ubisoft games and discusses the potential for a Ubisoft buyout, examining the implications for the gaming industry. The episode concludes with Richard addressing audience comments and questions, providing a comprehensive overview of the topics discussed.

Star Wars Leads the Way? | On Toxicity and the Blame Game (H&H 10-8-24)

In this episode, Richard Hoeg dives into Disney's management of the Star Wars franchise, exploring the impact of The Mandalorian and the development of Disney's Star Wars movies. He provides insights into behind-the-scenes aspects of Rogue One and Solo, reviews Disney+ series, and discusses fan reception and criticism. Richard also examines broader topics including Disney's financials, the culture wars, branding challenges, and political narratives within the Star Wars strategy. The episode addresses toxic fandoms, social media influence, and racial harassment, offering a nuanced discussion on balancing criticism in the Star Wars community.

Will Disney+ Keep Disney Out of Court...Forever? (HH 8-15-24)

In this episode, Richard Hoeg discusses the legal intricacies of Disney's attempts to use a Disney+ arbitration clause against a wrongful death complaint on Disney property. Hang-out topics include Disney+ subscribers and duck characters.

Suicide Mission | Media vs Games (H&H 5-10-24)

In this episode, Richard Hoeg discusses video game finances with a focus on reporting surrounding the Suicide Squad game, comparing the evolution of the gaming industry to Hollywood. He discusses the critical reading of news reports, upcoming games, and the role of subscriptions in the gaming industry.

So, What's Going on at NPR? (H&H 4-18-24)

In this episode, Richard Hoeg discusses the state of media, emphasizing the importance of ethics and institutional self-regulation. He examines NPR's dwindling trust, the role of CEO John Lansing in its shift towards activism, and the implications of these issues. Includes listener feedback, Uri Berlin's critique of NPR, diversity in newsrooms, and the future of personalized media.

Twin Troubles | Google, Gemini, and Extremism (H&H 2-26-2024)

In this episode, Richard Hoeg delves into Google's Generative AI, Gemini, discussing its background, the need for transparency in its programming, and its limitations. He also addresses the role of media in shaping narratives, the potential harm of corporate shortcuts, and maintains family-friendly content throughout.

The End of Xbox? | Rumors Swirl of Xbox Exclusives Heading to Sony (H&H 2-5-24)

In this episode, Richard Hoeg unpacks the potential legal implications of Xbox actions, delves into the Starfield rumors, and explores the possibility of Xbox exclusives on PlayStation and Nintendo Switch. He also discusses the potential impact of Microsoft's exit from the console market and internal disagreements within Microsoft about their gaming division strategy.

Mickey Makes Public Domain Debut | WHY ARE CREATORS STILL AT RISK? (H&H 1-9-24)

In this episode, Richard Hoeg discusses the Michigan Wolverines and shares listener locations and personal stories. Richard also explores copyright issues, including Steamboat Willie and YouTube's Content ID system. The episode concludes with a discussion on public domain, settlement in copyright and trademark disputes, and audience interaction.

SI or... AI? | Sports Illustrated Creates Literal Fake News (H&H 12-1-23)

In this episode, Richard Hoeg discusses a range of topics, starting with YouTube interactions and tech issues. The conversation then moves towards AI in journalism, the interplay of law, technology, and politics. The audience also gets an insight into the podcast's evolution, gaming challenges, the transition to a new studio setup, and the use of AI in Sports Illustrated. The episode concludes with updates on scheduling and the introduction of PodcastAI.

AI Apocalypse? | Understanding What's Happening w/ Sam Altman, Microsoft, and OpenAI (H&H 11-22-23)

In this episode, Richard Hoeg starts with a casual discussion on Thanksgiving and Bitcast. He introduces the Virtual Legality store, responds to fan requests for merchandise, and delves deep into the OpenAI issue, including Sam Altman's sudden departure. He also covers Microsoft's response, Satya Nadella's views, and investigates OpenAI's governance saga. The episode ends with a viewer Q&A and comments about VR and Beat Saber.

Michigan Backs Down on Jim Harbaugh Suspension | Media Reacts (H&H 11-17-23)

In this episode, Richard Hoeg delves into his passion for Michigan Football, his recovery post-stroke, and the impact of the Big Ten's 3 game suspension on Coach Harbaugh. He also reflects on the pre-internet era, discusses the challenges of YouTube's changing rules, and shares his love for the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.

Hail to the Victors? | The Michigan Wolverines and Spygate 2 (H&H 10-20-23)

In this episode, Richard Hoeg delves into Michigan Wolverine's football, the role of critical thinking in media narratives, and the challenges of war reporting. He also engages with the audience through a Super Chat, compares NFL's Spygate to NCAA's current investigation, and discusses the potential impact on the Wolverines' season. Further, he explores the ethics of sportsmanship and legality of scouting in football, differentiating American football from soccer. The episode wraps up with a preview of upcoming content.

Disney Disarray? | Marvel Goes Back to Basics - A New Hope in Electronic Arts (H&H 10-12-23)

In this episode, Richard Hoeg shares personal updates and discusses community support and fund-raising efforts. He shares his therapy experiences and insights from YouTube video production. Legal Bytes joins for a talk about Disney, Marvel, and Halloween traditions, as well as Marvel's production issues and binge-watching TV shows. Richard analyzes Disney's potential gaming industry move. The episode ends with a hangout with Alita from Legal Bites.

The Writer's Strike is Over. Maybe. (H&H 9-29-23)

In this episode, Richard Hoeg discusses the end of the writers strike and its impact on Hollywood, dives into Epic's Supreme Court appeal against Apple, and analyzes FTC's stance on Microsoft's merger with Activision Blizzard King. He also comments on PlayStation's leadership changes, explores the implications of the Writers Guild and Studios strike, examines AI regulations in writing projects, and discusses improved conditions for screenwriters in streaming.

SUCCESSION: Murdoch Stepping Down from Fox News (H&H | 9-22-23)

In this episode, Richard Hoeg starts with a mental health check-in and a discussion on work-life balance. He then dives into current entertainment topics before shifting focus to an analysis of Rupert Murdoch's media coverage. The episode explores Murdoch's departure from his media empire, its implications, his influence on media and politics, and speculates on the future of his empire. It concludes with a discussion on media bias and the role of the 24/7 news cycle.

Lauren Boebert, Beetlejuice, and the Need for National News (H&H 9-15-23)

In this episode, Richard Hoeg and guest Alita from Legal Bites discuss recent movies and games, reflect on work-life balance, and predict the Game of the Year. They delve into audience etiquette at public events and analyze media coverage of Lauren Boebert's theatre incident, sparking a debate on the need for a national conversation on audience behavior.

Already Proved? | Donald Trump, E. Jean Carroll, Legal Liability and Estoppel (H&H | 9-7-23)

In this episode, Richard Hoeg updates listeners on his health, discusses media portrayal of Donald Trump, shares views on Starfield and other video games, and delves into Bitcoin and health awareness. Guest Runkle of the Bailey joins to discuss ignoring health symptoms, sensitive legal topics, and family dynamics. They also cover Trump's defamation trial, media accuracy, and the influence of politics on news reporting. The episode concludes with listener questions and future podcast plans.

You Get a Lawsuit! And You Get a Lawsuit! | Oprah's Trademark Games (H&H | 8-11-22)

In this episode, Richard Hoeg and guest Kirk delve into various topics including the lawsuit involving Oprah's company, the exploration of science fiction planets and moons, and understanding the limits of one's knowledge through Star Trek and Star Wars. They also discuss the Warhammer Canon, critique series like "Picard" and "Strange New Worlds", and examine the branding and legal position of Oprah Demicks. Further, they compare the roles of attorneys and litigators, discuss the controversy between Elon Musk and Twitter, and clarify the difference between the terms attorney and lawyer. Richard also shares his upcoming schedule and plans for the podcast. The episode concludes with a discussion on the Live vs PGA Tour case.