Stupid Sexy Privacy

Episode 1: Buy a Fancy Privacy Notebook or the Fascists Win

BJ Mendelson — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 23:59:00 -0400

This week, comedian Rosie Tran tries to convince you to buy a physical privacy notebook, and write your password manager’s master password inside its cover. In our show notes, found over at StupidSexyPrivacy.com, privacy expert, BJ Mendelson, walk through your choices of BitWarden, 1Password, and the offline option KeePassXC for password managers. And if you stick around at the end of this episode, you can hear an excerpt from BJ Mendelson’s first book on privacy, as read by Broadway actor, Roger Wayne.

Episode 2: Your Privacy Notebook Isn't Just For Sharing Your Deepest, Darkest Secrets

BJ Mendelson — Fri, 05 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

This week, comedian Rosie Tran tells you what goes inside your privacy notebook. It's not just for sharing your deepest, darkest secrets. Although you can totally use it for that, too. Privacy expert, BJ Mendelson, then interviews the founder and CEO of Block Party, Tracy Chou. If you're going to continue to use any social media platform, you're going to want to make sure you're also using Block Party. BJ and Tracy explain why. Get the full show notes and additional details at https://www.stupidsexyprivacy.com

Your Smart TV May Be The Biggest Snitch In Your Home

BJ Mendelson — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 23:59:00 -0400

This week, Comedian Rosie Tran explains how your TV has been watching you watch ... Well, everything. And it's not keeping those embarrassing secrets to itself! Find out who your SmartTV is snitching on you with, and we'll also tell you what the best stickers are for covering up your cameras. Author and Podcast Producer BJ Mendelson also returns with part two of his interview with Block Party CEO and Founder, Tracy Chou. Get the show notes and more information at https://www.stupidsexyprivacy.com

Now Every Car Is Creepy, Not Just Your Windowless Van

BJ Mendelson — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

This week, comedian Rosie Tran tells you how there's a stalker in your driveway, and it's not a human. She also explains why you want to pick up a Microphone Blocker. Then, we have not one but two book excerpts from BJ Mendelson's first book on Privacy, "Privacy: And How We Get It Back" to share with you. Come get your show notes, and learn more about how creepy your car is, at https://www.stupidsexyprivacy.com

Creeps, Weirdos, and How To Protect Yourself From Both After a Breakup

BJ Mendelson — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

It's no secret that the police and legal system often fail to protect women from creeps and weirdos. So, this week on the show, Comedian Rosie Train provides tips on how to better protect yourself from those creeps, including using a hidden camera detector. You can get additional tips, and learn more over at StupidSexyPrivacy.com

It's Dangerous to Go Alone! Take these Apps With You

BJ Mendelson — Thu, 02 Oct 2025 23:59:00 -0400

We get asked a lot about "Minimum Viable Privacy." What's the least you need to do to in order to get the MOST protection? So, this week on the show, Comedian Rosie Train provides the MUST HAVE apps. You can get additional tips, and learn more over at StupidSexyPrivacy.com

Violence Doesn't Defeat Fascists, But Doing This Sure Does

BJ Mendelson — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 15:54:12 -0400

This week, we're joined by advertising industry legend, Bob Hoffman, and comedian Rosie Tran shares the one thing that consistently defeats fascist movements. No, it's not that. ... Nope. Not that either. Want to learn more? Visit StupidSexyPrivacy.com

Son, That Internet Won't Pay For Itself

BJ Mendelson — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 23:59:00 -0400

If you want a free and open web — Don't we all — We need advertising. But that advertising, and the technology that powers it, doesn't have to be evil. Our guest from last week, advertising legend Bob Hoffman, returns to finish his conversation with BJ Mendelson. Meanwhile, our host Rosie Tran provides more storytelling tips. Because without new, better stories, we're not going to change anything. Make sure you visit us at StupidSexyPrivacy.com to learn more.

Going to a protest? Be funny, not just paranoid

BJ Mendelson — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 23:58:00 -0400

The best way to overthrow fascists and weirdos? Make them look dumb. We'll explain how to work out your creativity muscle to help you do just that. Also joining us this week is Thorin Klosowski, privacy activist at the Electronic Frontier Foundation. Show notes, full transcripts and more can be found at: https://www.stupidsexyprivacy.com

I'll Get You My Pretty, and Your Little VPN Too!

BJ Mendelson — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 23:58:00 -0400

Pi-Hole! It's not just something that sounds like a sex move. It's a way to block out those annoying ads on your SmartTV. That's right, we're talking SmartTV's again in this week's episode, and Lia Holland from Fight for the Future joins us to talk about defending VPNs. The next front in the fight against fascists and weirdos. Visit us at https://www.stupidsexyprivacy.com to learn more.

You Can Find Love (and Privacy) in a Subaru

BJ Mendelson — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 15:42:30 -0500

Lauren Hendry Parsons, from the Mozilla Foundation, explains how cars have become data‑hungry surveillance devices that undermine user control. Our host, Rosie Tran offers some solutions to this problem, but you gotta remember, your car is a computer. And it's a computer that's less secure than a Waffle House. Learn more at https://www.stupidsexyprivacy.com

Going Through Customs? This Is a Must Listen

BJ Mendelson — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 11:11:47 -0500

This week: Henry David Thoreau joins us from beyond the grave, and Rosie has advice for those traveling internationally this month and next. Plus: why every American should carry their passport at all times — this week on "Stupid Sexy Privacy."

Crypto Is a Scam. Use Cash. Film ICE.

BJ Mendelson — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 10:22:37 -0500

This week, the ACLU's Rebecca Williams joins BJ Mendelson to talk about the do's and don'ts of filming ICE, using cash whenever possible, and why crypto currency is a scam. You're not going to want to miss it. Show notes and more can be found at StupidSexyPrivacy.com

Are Baby Boomers Really to Blame For The Disinformation Plague?

BJ Mendelson — Thu, 27 Nov 2025 13:36:32 -0500

In this special Thanksgiving episode of Stupid Sexy Privacy, BJ Mendelson speaks with members of Clemson University's Human and Technology Lab about baby boomers spreading disinformation, how children interact with artificial intelligence, and what the right level of privacy is for all of us. Learn more at https://www.stupidsexyprivacy.com

Are You Caught in Facebook's Web of Scam Advertisements?

BJ Mendelson — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 10:30:50 -0500

Ho Ho Holiday Scams. This week on the show, Rosie tells you how to keep scammers and thieves from ripping you off this holiday season. Meanwhile, Broadway Actor Roger Wayne returns to read excerpts from BJ's first book on Privacy, called "Privacy: And How We Get It Back."

Artificial General Intelligence Doesn't Exist, But Here's How to Hide From AI

BJ Mendelson — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 15:57:10 -0500

"How to Disappear" author, and Black Mail Expert, Frank M. Ahearn returns to the show this week. Frank explains to BJ how one could use extreme privacy mentions to evade the fascists and weirdos looking for you with AI. Not the smart kind of AI, that doesn't exist and probably won't in our lifetime. But the dumb currently available kind that can sift through mountains of data. Rosie also shares tips on what a Stranger Danger Phone is and why you should get one of your own. Learn more at https://www.stupidsexyprivacy.com

Your Phone Is a Drug. So What Are You Doing About It?

BJ Mendelson — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 15:15:11 -0500

This week, Kelly Carlin joins the show to talk about how smartphones hijack attention, cause "digital brain fog," and displace real human connection. Kelly, and our host Rosie Tran, share some recommendations on what to do about it. Nobody should control how your mind functions. Not even that weird caterpillar from the Shazam movie. Learn more at https://www.stupidsexyprivacy.com

All We Want For Christmas Is The Second Bill of Rights

BJ Mendelson — Fri, 26 Dec 2025 13:36:44 -0500

It's our (a day late) Christmas episode! In this episode, BJ speaks with author Victoria Hetherington about the bonds between humans and artificial intelligence. Our host, Rosie, explains what the Second Bill of Rights is and why it could mean a universal basic income for you. Visit https://www.stupidsexyprivacy.com for more.

Here's Where to Go to Get Trustworthy, Noncorporate News

BJ Mendelson — Fri, 02 Jan 2026 10:06:24 -0500

Author Victoria Hetherington returns for part two of our conversation about artificial intelligence and the illusion of relationships with it. Meanwhile, our host Rosie Tran shares nine news podcasts that provide the best noncorporate news to help keep you informed about what's happening in our world. More details, as always, can be found at stupidsexyprivacy.com.

What Does a Functional Federal Trade Commission Look Like?

BJ Mendelson — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 13:48:58 -0500

This week, investigative journalist and co-producer of Stupid Sexy Privacy, interviews Samuel Levine. Mr. Levine served as Director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection, and was just appointed to run New York City's Consumer Protection Agency. BJ asks Mr. Levine what a functional Federal Trade Commission is supposed to do, compared to what we have right now. You're not going to want to miss this. Learn more at https://www.stupidsexyprivacy.com

How Generative AI Rots Your Brain and Enables Fascism

BJ Mendelson — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 14:23:53 -0500

This week, BJ is joined by members of the Stop Gen AI collaborative to talk about how the algorithms are controlling our language, why capitalism only works when you have the guardrails installed, and the launch of HavenSocial.org. As always, you can learn more by visiting us at Https://www.stupidsexyprivacy.com

The Men Are Vulnerable & The Women Are Afraid: How to Protect Yourself on Dating Apps

BJ Mendelson — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 12:48:05 -0500

This week, sexual wellness expert and Associate Professor at Western University’s School of Health Studies, Dr. Treena Orchard, joins BJ Mendelson to talk about the toxicity emanating from dating apps and the culture around the use of them. We also have for you an older conversation, still highly relevant, between co-hosts Amanda King and Rosie Tran about how to protect yourself while using these apps. Part 1 of 2! More at https://www.stupidsexyprivacy.com

If You Have to Think Twice, Don't Click on It

BJ Mendelson — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 19:14:40 -0500

It's part 2 of our discussion with Dr. Treena Orchard about the challenges of using dating apps and the toxic culture surrounding them. Rosie and Amanda are also back to share best practices on how to stay safe on a date. All this and so much more from your friends at Stupid Sexy Privacy can be found at https://www.stupidsexyprivacy.com

How Apple Poured Billions Into a Fascist Regime: No, Not Us. The Other One

BJ Mendelson — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 10:10:38 -0500

If you want to make yourself safe from fascists and weirdos, you have to shrink your online footprint. This week, Rosie tells you how, while BJ interviews Patrick McGee, author of the fantastic new book, "Apple In China." Patrick discusses the astronomical amount of money Apple poured into China, helping turn the country into the 21st Century's new superpower, and whether or not you should feel bad buying a Mac. All of this and more at StupidSexyPrivacy.com

Facts Don't Change People's Minds, But This Does

BJ Mendelson — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 23:59:00 -0500

This week, Rosie tells you something super basic that you're definitely not doing. So you're going to be glad to hear it. And then BJ interviews Caitlin Dow, PhD from the Center for Science In the Public Interest. They cover the unregulated wellness industry, how everyone trying to sell you anti-vax BS has something to sell you, and how else you can protect yourself from disinformation from wellness influencers. All this and more at Stupid Sexy Privacy.com.

Burner Phone 101 & How to Film ICE Safely

BJ Mendelson — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 19:57:04 -0500

How Generative AI Wastes Water and Kills Your Imagination

BJ Mendelson — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 10:16:49 -0500

Every time you use a Large Language Model (or Chat Model), you're wasting water, fueling fascism, and shrinking your imagination. So what can you do about it? Our hosts Rosie Tran and Amanda King explain. Also in this episode: A deep dive into the privacy concerns created by Large Language models. They know WAY more about you than you think. All this and more in this week's episode of Stupid Sexy Privacy.

Body Cameras, Like Communism, Only Work In Theory

BJ Mendelson — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 19:53:15 -0500

Hagen Blix, co-author of "Why We Fear AI" joins BJ Mendelson to talk about how it's not artificial intelligence you need to be afraid of, it's the billionaires using AI to push their vision of the world on you. And our host, Rosie Tran, provides a season two preview, while covering how to protect yourself from Bluetooth Trackers like Apple Airtags. She also explains why tariffs, like body cameras, don't work anywhere near as well as politicians want us to think.

The Speed of Business Kills: Bossware Makes Truckers Drive Themselves to Death

BJ Mendelson — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 17:19:11 -0400

This week on the show, BJ interviews Cornell University professor Karen Levy about her book, "Data Driven: Truckers, Technology, and the New Workplace Surveillance," and our host Rosie Tran covers tips you can use to limit your employer's ability to spy on you when you work from home. All this and more on this week's episode of Stupid Sexy Privacy.

Drinking Raw Milk Will Kill You & Other Things You Should Probably Know

BJ Mendelson — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 15:40:17 -0400

Bioethicist and NYU professor, Dr. Arthur Caplan, joins BJ to talk about the disinformation and misinformation spread by wellness influencers, as well as how HIPAA completely fails to protect us from tech companies. Meanwhile, our host Rosie gives you a new privacy tip on how to better protect your most sensitive medical information.

What Do You Do When A MAGA Influencer Wants You Dead?

BJ Mendelson — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 07:45:00 -0400

Who knew researching the neuroscience of pornography would be dangerous? Dr. Nicole Prause did. BJ Mendelson speaks with Dr. Prause about the Wellness Industry funding dangerous fascists and weirdos, and how you can protect yourself from them. BJ also runs down steps you can take to log harassing behavior when you're on the receiving end of it.

The Glassholes Are Back And They're Worse Than Ever

BJ Mendelson — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 09:57:44 -0400

Biometrics is one of those topics that people should pay attention too, but often don't. So given that Facebook just released their Pervert Glasses, we wanted to take a trip back to 2023 and our interview with Brittan Heller from the Stanford Cyber Policy Center. And our host Rosie Tran has an amazing book recommendation for you. That's right. A BOOK. All this and more this week on the show.

Disinformation! at the Disco: Everything You Need to Spot It

BJ Mendelson — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 16:16:52 -0400

This week on the show, BJ is joined by Nina Jancowitz, the former executive director of the Disinformation Governance Board of the United States. Meanwhile, Rosie and Amanda talk about disinformation and all the different ways there are to spot it in the wild. This is going to be a must listen. Learn more by visiting us at https://www.stupidsexyprivacy.com

The EFF's Cindy Cohn v. The Federal Government

BJ Mendelson — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 12:09:37 -0400

This week, legendary executive director of the Electronic Frontier Foundation, Cindy Cohn, joins the show to talk about her new book, "Privacy's Defender."

Hurt People Hurt People. That's Why Everybody Should Be In Therapy.

BJ Mendelson — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 16:25:27 -0400

This week, we talk about time being a privilege, why you can't go wrong when you do the next right thing, and Heidi Boghosian. Heidi joins BJ to talk about her new book, Cyber Citizens: Saving Democracy with Digital Literacy. There's a lot going on in this episode, and our host Rosie is here to bring you all the details. You can learn more at https://www.stupidsexyprivacy.com

AI bubble a multi-company Enron waiting to happen

BJ Mendelson — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 12:40:03 -0400

This week on the show, BJ is joined by David Gerard of Pivot to AI. Come listen about how the AI bubble, like crypto, is a scam funded by the venture capital bros, and how that scam works. If we're all eating out of soup cans this time next year, you may hear in this episode why. Learn more about our show at Stupid Sexy Privacy.com.

Bonus Episode: Congress Wants to See Your ID Before Using the Internet

BJ Mendelson — Mon, 04 May 2026 20:07:53 -0400

What do we do at Stupid Sexy Privacy once the book and podcast miniseries are over? We put on our investigative journalist hats. Listen to this bonus episode of Stupid Sexy Privacy to learn more about the Guard Act, how it would basically require everyone in the US to show their ID to use the Internet, and how we can stop this bill in its tracks. Co-Producer BJ Mendelson is joined in this episode by Jibran Ludwig, Policy Strategist at Fight For The Future

A Special Delivery of (Thomas) Paine! Part 1 of 2

BJ Mendelson — Thu, 07 May 2026 10:15:08 -0400

Part 1 of 2: A special delivery of Paine! In honor of America's 250th birthday, we are celebrating with the forgotten founding father, Thomas Paine. Common Sense is the foundational text of the American Revolution. Changing the perception of early Americans about the cause of fighting against the British Empire from a lack of representation to the cause of America as an asylum for mankind. Where all are welcome and accepted. This is the first half of Paine's "Common Sense."

A Special Delivery of (Thomas) Paine! Part 2 of 2

BJ Mendelson — Thu, 14 May 2026 19:35:22 -0400

Part 2 of 2: A special delivery of Paine! In honor of America's 250th birthday, we are celebrating with the forgotten founding father, Thomas Paine. Common Sense is the foundational text of the American Revolution. Changing the perception of early Americans about the cause of fighting against the British Empire from a lack of representation to the cause of America as an asylum for mankind. Where all are welcome and accepted. This is the first half of Paine's "Common Sense."