Henk van Ess's article DeepSeek: The Real Price of China's AI investigates DeepSeek, a Chinese AI company, whose seemingly inexpensive ChatGPT competitor masks a sophisticated system of state control. DeepSeek's AI, while appearing cost-effective on the surface, is demonstrably limited in independent thought and strictly adheres to Chinese Communist Party propaganda. Today’s episode guides are, in style, the virtual hosts of NotebookLM.
Episode 7 of Podcast / How DeepSeek controls the conversation
Jan 29, 2025

Digital Digging
Welcome to Digital Digging, the podcast where AI and investigative research collide in what can only be described as a digital dumpster fire of possibilities. Hosted by Henk van Ess, a man who willingly handed his voice over to a machine (because why not?), we explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the way we uncover, analyze, and inevitably freak out over information online.
Each episode unpacks everything from spotting AI-generated texts—yes, AI trying to fool you—and uncovering global secrets using open-source intelligence, all while featuring two AI co-hosts, Castor and Pollux, because what’s a podcast without some virtual sidekicks? Think of them as the Alexa of bad advice, but with slightly more charm.
We’ll cover the latest tools, mind-bending techniques, and possibly even a few ethical dilemmas—because AI isn’t going to raise them itself, is it? Whether you’re a journalist, a researcher, or just someone who fears the robot uprising but can’t look away, Digital Digging is your crash course on the brave, new, and slightly terrifying world of AI in investigations. Buckle up, because the future’s here, and it’s weird.
Welcome to Digital Digging, the podcast where AI and investigative research collide in what can only be described as a digital dumpster fire of possibilities. Hosted by Henk van Ess, a man who willingly handed his voice over to a machine (because why not?), we explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the way we uncover, analyze, and inevitably freak out over information online.
Each episode unpacks everything from spotting AI-generated texts—yes, AI trying to fool you—and uncovering global secrets using open-source intelligence, all while featuring two AI co-hosts, Castor and Pollux, because what’s a podcast without some virtual sidekicks? Think of them as the Alexa of bad advice, but with slightly more charm.
We’ll cover the latest tools, mind-bending techniques, and possibly even a few ethical dilemmas—because AI isn’t going to raise them itself, is it? Whether you’re a journalist, a researcher, or just someone who fears the robot uprising but can’t look away, Digital Digging is your crash course on the brave, new, and slightly terrifying world of AI in investigations. Buckle up, because the future’s here, and it’s weird.Listen on
Substack App
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Pocket Casts
RSS Feed
Recent Episodes
Share this post