APRIL FOOLS SPECIAL

APRIL FOOLS SPECIAL

From Things I Learned Last Night by Jaron Myers and Tim Stone

March 31, 2026 · 55 min · Episode 319

About this episode

This episode explores the 'Right to Repair' movement and how corporate practices affect consumer rights and the environment.

Is modern corporate greed preventing you from fixing your own electronics? Discover the hidden truth behind the 'Right to Repair' movement. In this episode of Things I Learned Last Night, we dive deep into the fascinating, frustrating, and often absurd reality of the 'Right to Repair' movement. What started as a heartwarming tale about an inventor fighting back against a corporate giant turns into an unexpected lesson on how modern business models prioritize extraction over customer value. We explore how mega-corporations utilize planned obsolescence, subscription-based software, and proprietary hardware to trap consumers in a cycle of constant replacement. From industrial farming equipment to common household appliances and software like Adobe, we analyze the shift from 'making it last' to 'making you pay.' Learn why the ability to repair your own machines is under attack and how this trend affects your wallet and the environment. Whether you are a tech enthusiast, a DIY fan, or just someone tired of buying new gadgets every few years, this conversation uncovers the mechanisms companies use to force your loyalty through design and data. Stay tuned for some surprising revelations…

People in this episode

Hosts: Jaron Myers, Tim Stone

Topics covered

  • corporate greed
  • Right to Repair
  • consumer ownership
  • planned obsolescence
  • DIY electronics

Keywords

  • Right to Repair
  • corporate greed
  • planned obsolescence
  • consumer loyalty
  • DIY repair

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Adobe

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