Streamflation

Streamflation

From This Ain’t Radio by Chris Vasquez

April 16, 2026 · 18 min · Season 7 · Episode 292

About this episode

Chris Vasquez discusses the impact of rising subscription costs and the importance of vulnerability in media.

"Is convenience worth a 30% markup?" This week on This Ain’t Radio, I’m breaking down the moment I realized I was being 'shaken down' by my own phone. After seeing my billing statement hit $20.99 for YouTube Premium, I finally hit the cancel button. We’re diving into the "Apple Tax," why "Streamflation" is getting out of hand, and the simple hack to save $5 a month by just being a little more intentional with how you subscribe. But it’s not all tech rants. To fill the void left by the "algorithm," I’ve been binge-watching Love on the Spectrum. As a photographer, I’m obsessed with the raw, unfiltered honesty of this show. In a culture that’s obsessed with "optimizing" everything—from our shooting percentages to our social media grids—seeing people just be vulnerable and human is the palate cleanser we all need.

People in this episode

Host: Chris Vasquez

Topics covered

  • streaming services
  • subscription costs
  • consumer behavior
  • technology
  • vulnerability in media

Keywords

  • streamflation
  • YouTube Premium
  • Apple Tax
  • subscription hacks
  • Love on the Spectrum

Mentioned in this episode

Products: YouTube Premium, Apple Tax

Books & works: Love on the Spectrum

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