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In this episode of the podcast, Minter Dial welcomes Mark Hurst, a digital strategy expert and founder of Creative Good. The conversation begins with a nostalgic reflection on their long-standing acquaintance and shared interests, particularly their collaborative work on World War II research. Mark delves into his career-long mission to improve technology for the benefit of users, highlighting his early optimism during the advent of the web in the mid-90s. He contrasts this with his current concerns about the unethical practices of major tech companies, which he collectively refers to as “Big Tech.”

Mark discusses his radio show, Techtonic, which he started to address the negative impacts of these tech giants. He emphasises the importance of ethical considerations in technology development and criticises the industry’s shift towards exploiting users for profit. The conversation also touches on the historical context of tech regulation, the role of customer feedback in product development, and the ethical dilemmas posed by modern capitalism.

Minter and Mark explore the potential for more responsible business models, such as cooperatives and B Corporations, and reflect on the legacy of companies like Hewlett-Packard. The episode concludes with Mark recommending an insightful interview with astronomer Sam Lawler on his show, which highlights the broader implications of unchecked technological growth.