--- title: "Xecast Episode 1: Origins and Techaro" date: 2024-07-28 image: "xecast/episodes/001" desc: "Xe Iaso talks about their background in tech, the Techaro series, and AI." podcast: link: "https://files.xeiaso.net/xecast/episodes/001.mp3" length: "46339200" --- Also catch Xecast on [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJDDsMrk2tSHFmE_KAQ8YzL6TzrNdCFrC) (I'll make a proper podcast feed soon, trying to de-scope so I can actually get things done). These show notes were generated using Google Gemini 1.5 Pro. Should this podcast take off, we'll find a better way to do this. **Show Notes:** - This is the first episode of Xecast, an experimental podcast by Xe Iaso. - Xe talks about their background in tech, starting with early exposure to computers and programming. - They discuss their love for tinkering and finding creative, sometimes "cursed," solutions to problems. - The conversation dives into their fictional series, "Techaro", and the rules Xe created to make it universally relatable. - Xe reveals their desire to write a book and create short films based on the Techaro universe. - The episode touches on Xe's fascination with AI and its potential for social commentary. - Xe encourages listeners to watch "The Twilight Zone" and "Black Mirror" for their thought-provoking social commentary. **Key Takeaways:** - **Embracing the Cursed:** Xe's passion for technology lies in its potential for unconventional and even "cursed" solutions. This approach has fueled their career and creative pursuits. - **Relatability in Fiction:** Xe's Techaro series thrives on its generic, relatable depiction of the tech industry. By avoiding specific details, readers can easily draw parallels to real-world companies and experiences. - **Technology as a Mirror:** Xe believes technology amplifies existing human flaws and societal issues. They use their writing to explore this concept, drawing inspiration from shows like "The Twilight Zone" and "Black Mirror." - **AI as a Narrative Tool:** Xe sees AI as a powerful tool for social commentary, particularly regarding labor exploitation. They plan to explore this theme in future Techaro stories.