The Brad Berens Weekly Dispatch

Why Don't We Have This Already?—Streaming

In a new thread about technologies and services that should already exist, I ask why—with all the data streamers have about us—it's so hard to find…

Nov 9 • 

Brad Berens

Not-Safe-For-Work AI Deepfake Review

I look at fake Pixar previews, allegedly "banned" dirty song recordings, and a disturbingly-convincing Star Trek blooper. How long can reality last…

Nov 2 • 

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October 2025

“Change Your Life” Productivity Tools & How to Use Them

In our age of information overload, here—newly revised and updated—are the everyday tools I use to manage the chaos. (Issue #186)

Oct 26 • 

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Am I Becoming an iPhone Recluse?

I started experiencing profound relief every night when I powered down my smartphone. Why is that? Plus: news from the “We No Longer Know What is Real…

Oct 19 • 

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Keyword: Satisficing

There’s a difference between making “good enough” decisions and always trying to make the best decision, which is exhausting. (Issue #184)

Oct 12 • 

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Off the Grid: Is it Possible?

Until recently, evading some forms of digital surveillance was as easy as leaving your phone at home. That’s no longer the case. (Issue #183)

Oct 6 • 

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September 2025

The Ride, a Microfiction

Trix returns! When her CEO needs to chat with a privacy-protecting board member, Trix combines detective work with drones to find a way in. (Issue #182)

Sep 28 • 

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My Quest to be Whelmed

It's hard to watch the news and harder to talk about it with people who might disagree. I'm overwhelmed. Are you? Plus, links to stories about AI…

Sep 21 • 

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August 2025

Retro Futures and Who Counts as Human

What lessons does a 1985 Isaac Asimov novel have to teach us about AI and algorithmic bias today? (Issue #180)

Aug 31 • 

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Experience Stacks, Romantasy, and Harry Potter Fanfic

A terrific NYT article explored a new genre of big books emerging from online fan fiction and missed a few things along the way. (Issue #179)

Aug 24 • 

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The Paradox of No Choice

An odd VENN diagram of tariffs and AI are narrowing our choices as customers. Will this change be permanent? What are the implications for products and…

Aug 17 • 

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Escape the Digital Cocoon

The only way to reduce polarization is to talk with people in real life. Here's one way to do just that *and* find a seat at a coffee bar. Plus, ChatGPT…

Aug 10 • 

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