Best Max Lebow Podcasts (2025)

1
Episode 200: The Wild West of the Loophole Economy 50:13

4d ago50:13

50:13

We’ve all been there. You see something perfect online, you do all the clicks and then think, “Wait, was that legit?” Scam-lite transactions are the way of the web these days, whether it’s direct-from-manufacturer or super-sticky subscriptions, we have your back. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
Episode 199: CISA Director Jen Easterly Stands Watch in the Cyberwars 43:11

11d ago43:11

43:11

From elections to ransomware, CISA Director Jen Easterly breaks down the threats to America’s critical infrastructure and what’s being done to stop them, sharing along the way her journey from the real-life battlefield to the frontlines of cybersecurity. This is a rare glimpse into the most pressing threats America faces—and a compelling story abou…

1
Episode 198: Cory Doctorow Makes Us Wonder if Everything’s a Scam 42:19

18d ago42:19

42:19

Think you’re too savvy to get scammed? Author and activist Cory Doctorow explains how we’re all one muffaletta and a malfunctioning jet door away from falling prey to the most basic of cons. He joins us this week to talk about that and to fill us in about his new book, “The Bezzle.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
Episode 197: FBI Operative Eric O’Neill: Cybercriminals Are Spies—Not Hackers 50:00

25d ago50:00

50:00

What if the biggest threat to your privacy wasn’t some hacker in a hoodie—but a spy trained to infiltrate your life? Former FBI operative Eric O’Neill, the man who took down spy Robert Hanssen, explains how digital spies target us, offering along the way real-world tips to protect ourselves in a world where everyone’s a potential target. Learn more…

1
Episode 196: Max Lebow Battles a Cyber PsyOps Nightmare 49:43

1M ago49:43

49:43

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Loud Tree Media

1
Episode 195: Can AI Commit the Perfect Crime? 47:05

1M ago47:05

47:05

AI is everywhere – in the news, on our devices, assisting us, making life easier for us, and for criminals, too, harnessing AI to swindle people more efficiently. What’s next? We dive into the dark side of AI and ask two experts: Could AI commit the perfect crime? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
Episode 194: Karen Johnson’s Scam Project Is a Teachable Moment for AI 37:00

2M ago37:00

37:00

Karen Johnson is a catfisher-turned-scam avoidance coach turned–you guessed it–catfishing victim. The scam that got her is a classic, opening the door to a Pandora’s Box of the usual advice about avoiding the most common scams out there. But the thing that really got us thinking is the role AI played in almost every aspect of this week’s show. Lear…

1
Episode 193: Roy Wood, Jr. Exposes the Loch Ness Monster Gun Lobby Conspiracy 39:23

2M ago39:23

39:23

As a Daily Show correspondent, comedian Roy Wood, Jr. knows a thing or two about fake news and truthiness as well as the truth-and-a-half that is comedy. By skewering the media and the people in the news, he has special insight into how misinformation affects the way we think about the world and what we know. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit…

1
Episode 192: Max McCoy Investigates $47 Million That Isn’t in Kansas Anymore 50:54

2M ago50:54

50:54

Max McCoy stumbled on a $47 million swindle that starts just north of the Oklahoma panhandle and bounces to Australia before things get really confusing in a haze of small town corruption, secretive law enforcement and competing theories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
Episode 191: Erin West Puts the Bad Guys to Shame 43:18

2M ago43:18

43:18

Erin West is the Deputy District Attorney in Santa Clara County, California, and the founder of Project Shamrock. Whether she’s prosecuting eye-popping SIM-swap money grabs or putting large-scale pig butchering operations out of business, her stories and experience can help you stay safer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoi…

1
Episode 190: Dick Gephardt Wants a Safer Internet 43:35

3M ago43:35

43:35

Former House Democratic Leader Dick Gephardt is on a mission to kill Section 230, the legal shield that lets social media giants profit from chaos. If engagement-driven algorithms are fueling harmful content for the sake of profit, is it time for the U.S. to take bold action to rein in the Internet? (You know the answer, but this is a must listen!)…

1
Episode 189: Kara Swisher Calls Out the Man Babies of Big Tech 41:46

3M ago41:46

41:46

Kara Swisher has been covering Silicon Valley since the early days, and she’s made a ton of enemies the old fashioned way (by telling the truth about the new robber barons of our digital lives). In a new memoir called Burn Book, she pulls the curtain back on a world run by powerful babies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoi…

1
Episode 188: Jen Caltrider Unwraps Hidden Privacy Nightmares 46:18

3M ago46:18

46:18

Privacy expert Jen Caltrider reveals how those shiny new AI gadgets with their mind-bending tech—not to mention the social media apps capturing every moment—are a privacy nightmare. Is going analog the only safe option? Learn how to protect your data from the prying eyes of Big Tech. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
Episode 187: Al Franken Holds a Mock Senate Hearing on Privacy with Siri and Alexa 26:44

3M ago26:44

26:44

No deep fake here. This week, Al Franken does his own impersonations of Bernie Sanders, Mitch McConnell, Chuck Grassley, Sherrod Brown and Susan Collins in this mock Senate Hearing featuring Siri (played by the actual voice-over talent Susan Bennett) and Al’s fellow SNL alum Laraine Newman playing the part of Alexa. Learn more about your ad choices…

1
Episode 186: Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark Hates Scammers More than We Do 41:38

4M ago41:38

41:38

Ever wonder why facial recognition is so accurate? Well, one reason is the shocking amount of personal data it needs (think: all the world’s snapshots), and that’s why Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark is taking aim at the industry behind that technology. We also review Charity’s top scams to watch for this year, and other topics near and dear…

1
Episode 185: Senators Blackburn and Blumenthal Join Us to Discuss the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) 43:37

4M ago43:37

43:37

From cyberbullying to harmful algorithms, the risks are real. This week, Senators Marsha Blackburn and Richard Blumenthal join us to discuss their bipartisan bill—the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA). Together, they’re taking on Big Tech to ensure the safety of children online. Tune in to hear how KOSA could change the digital world for the better. Le…

1
Episode 184: Kristin Bride Lost Her Son and Now She’s on a Mission 55:38

4M ago55:38

55:38

Kristen Bride’s 16-year-old son died by suicide after being cyberbullied on Snapchat. Setting her sites on anonymous messaging apps that intentionally traumatize children, Bride heads to Washington DC to fight for change. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Loud Tree Media

1
Episode 183: Ava Smithing Battles Big Tech and the Algorithm Trap 42:20

4M ago42:20

42:20

Ava Smithing was eleven when she saw a swimsuit on Pinterest that she liked. That innocent click turned into an eating disorder. How? This episode explores the most dangerous thing children face today: Algorithms. On a mission to hold Big Tech accountable, Ava shares her journey as an activist with us, including her recent role providing Congressio…

1
Episode 182: The Most Scary, Interesting, and Important Stories of 2024 52:08

5M ago52:08

52:08

We look back at the internet’s scariest moments, the boldest defenders, and the most surprising tech twists of 2024—groundbreaking legislation, international scam-rings, and the growing fight to make the internet a safer place for everyone. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
Episode 181: Bob Sullivan Discovers a Scam That Strikes Twice 42:36

5M ago42:36

42:36

Chester Frilich lost everything to scammers, and he didn’t just lose his money—he lost hope, too. Bob Sullivan joins us to recount this devastating case, revealing the IRS’s unintentional role in punishing victims, and how advocacy and legislation could turn things around. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
Episode 180: Amy Neville Fights Snapchat’s Drug Dealer Problem 45:08

5M ago45:08

45:08

What happens when social media platforms prioritize engagement over safety? How do drug dealers exploit apps like Snapchat to target teens? Amy Neville lost her son Alex to counterfeit Oxycodone pills that were laced with Fentanyl. He bought them from a Snapchat user. She talked with us about this hidden crisis and her mission to reform social medi…

1
Episode 179: Tarah Wheeler and Deviant Ollam Reveal Security’s Weakest Link 37:39

5M ago37:39

37:39

Tarah Wheeler lost her security badge. Deviant Ollam picked his way into "secure" spaces. Together, they show how humans make or break security and why layering defenses is key to surviving inevitable mistakes. What happens when security fails because of us? Two experts dive into the blind spots in physical, digital, and human security—and why fixi…

1
Episode 178: Jack Rhysider Exposes Our Digital Secrets 44:30

5M ago44:30

44:30

What if your digital footprint made you a target? Jack Rhysider, host of "Darknet Diaries," shares how a fan turned his online presence into a personal puzzle—revealing just how easily your privacy can be pieced together and exploited. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Loud Tree Media

1
Surprise! 1:11

6M ago1:11

1:11

Check out our IG, TikTok, or X account (@thefinalwarpod) to follow along with the screenshots of the original messages I exchanged with Xi! And if you have any further insights into the matter, please let us know... Support the showBy Max Lebow

1
Episode 176: Jen Caltrider Unwraps this Season's Hidden Privacy Nightmares 46:33

6M ago46:33

46:33

This holiday season, privacy expert Jen Caltrider reveals how those shiny new AI gadgets under your tree with their mind-bending tech—not to mention the social media apps capturing every moment—are a privacy nightmare. Is going analog the only safe option? Learn how to protect your data, and your holidays, from the prying eyes of Big Tech. Learn mo…

1
E9: Redacted 53:14

6M ago53:14

53:14

Finally, Max seeks help from "the federal agency." While they suggest Xi may be tied to the Chinese military rather than dissidents, it quickly becomes clear that they cannot be fully trusted, especially after Max's Freedom of Information And Privacy Act documents come back fully redacted, and with suspicious contractions. And even after Xi's depar…

1
Episode 175: FBI Operative Eric O’Neill: Cybercriminals Are Spies—Not Hackers 50:00

6M ago50:00

50:00

What if the biggest threat to your privacy wasn’t some hacker in a hoodie—but a spy trained to infiltrate your life? Former FBI operative Eric O’Neill, the man who took down spy Robert Hanssen, explains how digital spies target us, offering along the way real-world tips to protect ourselves in a world where everyone’s a potential target. Learn more…

1
E8: Independence Day 52:19

6M ago52:19

52:19

The final straw. Xi claims that there are non-human forces at play, and that Max's mind is no longer safe. Julia begins to help Max reclaim his agency against what reveals itself as an inevitable path toward insanity. Now at his breaking point, Max attempts to sever ties with Xi, provoking dangerous retaliation. Support the show…

1
Episode 174: Dick Gephardt Wants a Safer Internet 43:35

6M ago43:35

43:35

Former House Democratic Leader Dick Gephardt is on a mission to kill Section 230, the legal shield that lets social media giants profit from chaos. If engagement-driven algorithms are fueling harmful content for the sake of profit, is it time for the U.S. to take bold action to rein in the Internet? (You know the answer, but this is a must listen!)…

1
E7: Sweet Dreams 54:57

6M ago54:57

54:57

Max finally confides in Julia, escalating Xi’s threats into the realm of science fiction. The opposing forces in Max's life begin to come to a crescendo, leading to a complete and total breakdown of his psyche. The tech billionaire is days away, engaging in new spying techniques, and Xi's predictions about Covid and the world stage begin to fall in…

1
Episode 173: CISA Director Jen Easterly Stands Watch in the Cyberwars 48:41

6M ago48:41

48:41

From elections to ransomware, CISA Director Jen Easterly breaks down the threats to America’s critical infrastructure and what’s being done to stop them, sharing along the way her journey from the real-life battlefield to the frontlines of cybersecurity. This is a rare glimpse into the most pressing threats America faces—and a compelling story abou…

1
E6: AI, Siddhartha, and Me 1:00:33

7M ago1:00:33

1:00:33

As the Covid-era protests erupt across the country, Max’s paranoia deepens. He seeks solace in a rekindled romance with Julia, but Xi’s omnipresence looms with assigned readings of Siddhartha and Nostradamus. Yikes. Xi also claims it’s time for Max to meet a high-profile tech billionaire allegedly tied to their rebellion. Support the show…

1
Episode 172: Our Spookiest Episode Ever: Smart Devices and You 51:23

7M ago51:23

51:23

Adam, Beau, and Travis are joined by Mozilla’s Jen Caltrider to uncover the hidden dangers of the Internet of Things (IoT), showing how everyday devices—like smart glasses, baby monitors, and even toasters—have become a gateway for hackers, companies, and even stalkers to exploit your personal data. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone…

1
Episode 171: Gretchen Peters Fights the Digital Underworld in Congress 51:54

7M ago51:54

51:54

Gretchen Peters, co-founder and executive director of the Alliance to Counter Crime Online, knows better than most how criminal networks flourish on social media platforms. From drug trafficking to child exploitation, we focus on something from 1996 called Section 230 that makes many crimes possible. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphon…

1
E5: Fame-ish 49:30

7M ago49:30

49:30

Xi’s psychological grip intensifies, quoting private conversations from years prior, implying a vast backlog of conversations had on or around a phone. The hacker's manipulation pushes Max toward espionage-like activities involving powerful filmmakers and humanitarians. Max's friends become fellow targets, and Xi's warnings about world events seem …

1
E4: The Bad Doctor 54:20

7M ago54:20

54:20

Max thrives in his new role in Los Angeles but remains haunted by Xi’s return. His career falters as the pandemic hits, and Xi reappears, offering purpose and peril, specifically surrounding a well-known doctor compromised by the Chinese Military. Xi demands that Max gathers sensitive information from medical professionals and his Hollywood A-Liste…

1
Episode 170: Max Lebow Battles a Cyber PsyOps Nightmare 49:43

7M ago49:43

49:43

When Max Lebow received a chilling Instagram message detailing intimate information about him, he found himself pulled into a cyber nightmare. In this episode, Max shares his battle with a mysterious hacker who knew enough about him to coerce him into a terrifying journey of digital manipulation, paranoia, and, finally, survival. Learn more about y…

1
E3: Sorry Hillary 42:23

7M ago42:23

42:23

The hacker continues targeting those close to Max, including another ex-girlfriend, Hillary. After the hacker takes a different approach, Max temporarily believes he has outsmarted Xi. However, the hacker's influence persists, as they continue to pose as a student, among other things. Always lurking in the shadows... Meanwhile, Max's new job with O…

1
Episode 169: Ava Smithing Battles Big Tech and the Algorithm Trap 42:20

7M ago42:20

42:20

Ava Smithing was eleven when she saw a swimsuit on Pinterest that she liked. That innocent click turned into an eating disorder. How? This episode explores the most dangerous thing children face today: Algorithms. On a mission to hold Big Tech accountable, Ava shares her journey as an activist with us, including her recent role providing Congressio…

1
E2: Toilet Paper Day 1:04:10

8M ago1:04:10

1:04:10

Chaos ensues when a college student who studies AI accuses Max of hacking them. As suspicion mounts, Max explores various explanations, from an elaborate prank to a role-prepping tactic by Hollywood figures for his upcoming role on Mr. Robot. His therapist and hacking experts analyze the situation, while his friend Glen pushes him to turn the exper…

1
E1: A Pale Frail Bird 47:09

8M ago47:09

47:09

Max receives a cryptic Instagram comment containing personal information that no stranger should know. The hacker, Xi, claims to be part of a group of dissidents of the Chinese military that is fighting a technological war for human consciousness. Interviews with Max’s ex-girlfriend and therapist reveal his initial panic and reluctant agreement to …

1
Episode 168: Senators Blackburn and Blumenthal Join Us to Discuss the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) 43:37

8M ago43:37

43:37

From cyberbullying to harmful algorithms, the risks are real. This week, Senators Marsha Blackburn and Richard Blumenthal join us to discuss their bipartisan bill—the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA). Together, they’re taking on Big Tech to ensure the safety of children online. Tune in to hear how KOSA could change the digital world for the better. Le…

1
Introducing The Final War 1:05

8M ago1:05

1:05

When Max Lebow is hacked by agents claiming to be dissidents of the Chinese military, his life spirals into a world of cyber warfare and global espionage. The Final War is a gripping new podcast that reveals how ordinary people can become pawns in extraordinary conflicts. Listen to the trailer now and discover Max's shockingly true story. Coming Oc…

1
Episode 167: CISA Director Jen Easterly Stands Watch in the Cyberwars 44:51

8M ago44:51

44:51

From elections to ransomware, CISA Director Jen Easterly breaks down the threats to America’s critical infrastructure and what’s being done to stop them, sharing along the way her journey from the real-life battlefield to the frontlines of cybersecurity. This is a rare glimpse into the most pressing threats America faces—and a compelling story abou…

1
Episode 166: Ken’s Duplicate Driver’s License Cost Him $8,000 42:38

8M ago42:38

42:38

By the time Ken understood what happened, his similar-looking identity thief had walked off with $8,000. In this episode, we learn about a vulnerability courtesy the DMV and what an enterprising identity thief was able to do with it. Eva Velasquez from the Identity Theft Resource Center offers tips on safeguarding yourself. Plus: the pros and cons …

1
Episode 165: Shannon Edwards Reveals the Student Data Free-for-All in New York City Schools 42:41

8M ago42:41

42:41

As technology is integrated deeper into classrooms, the lines between education and data privacy have been destroyed by for-profit data miners. This week, privacy advocate Shannon Edwards reveals how educational apps harvest sensitive information from children, commodify their data, and what parents can do to fight it. Learn more about your ad choi…

1
Episode 164: Whim Grace Plays a Shell Game with Scammers 46:08

9M ago46:08

46:08

Whim wanted to teach overseas. While based on the coast of Portugal, she was offered a teaching position from two employers. She didn’t know that she was about to end up with no job at all, narrowly avoiding getting taken for a bundle of dough. Also in this episode: Adam continues to hack Beau in every way imaginable. Learn more about your ad choic…

1
Episode 163: Carl's Nasty Puppy Scammer Leads Him to the Cutest Surprise 43:51

9M ago43:51

43:51

The isolation caused by the Covid pandemic led to record pet adoptions, and more than usual activity online. It was like chum to sharks for scammers who flooded social media accounts with adoption opportunities for popular breeds. This week’s guest, Holly got in touch with us about her friend Carl who joins us too to talk about his St. Bernard-size…

1
Episode 162: Elizabeth Warren Tackles Big Tech 41:50

9M ago41:50

41:50

Elizabeth Warren put the kibosh on bad banking practices with her vision for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and now, with the Digital Consumer Protection Commission Act, she’s taking on Big Data. She joined us to talk about reigning in the Wild West of online life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
Episode 161: Andy Pham Claws Back a Multi-Million Dollar Heist 52:00

9M ago52:00

52:00

There are tens of millions of small and medium-size businesses in the United States alone, and depending on their state incorporation, many are in danger of business identity theft. Andy Pham is an American hero by many standards, for sure with regard to the right to become wildly successful. He’s truly living the American Dream. Having grown up in…

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