AI Arms Race: Billions, Blackouts & Backlash

The AI arms race just got a whole lot more expensive — and a whole lot more personal. This week on AI the Podcast, hosts Virginia Huling and David Maples break down the explosive infrastructure spending war reshaping the artificial intelligence landscape, and why the consequences are landing directly in the laps of everyday business owners and consumers.

Chapter Markers & Timestamps
[00:00] Intro + Apple WWDC 2026: "The Siri That Wasn't"
[05:30] Alphabet Raises $84.75 Billion: Google's "Chaos Is a Ladder" Move
[18:45] Anthropic's Compute Crisis & the SpaceX Deal That May Not Be What It Seems
[33:00] Google Pays SpaceX $920 Million/Month for Compute
[44:30] Consumer Backlash: DuckDuckGo Surges as Google Forces AI on Everyone
[55:00] Wrap-Up — What This All Means for You

Articles discussed this week: 

• Alphabet plans to raise $80 billion from stock sales to fund AI build-out: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/06/01/alphabet-to-raise-80-billion-from-stock-sales-to-fund-ai-buildout.html?msockid=3399ee8f104a6c7b22a7fb2211c46d50
• Anthropic nears first quarterly profit, agrees to pay SpaceX $1.25 billion monthly for computing power: https://www.reuters.com/business/anthropic-nears-first-quarterly-profit-agrees-pay-spacex-125-billion-monthly-2026-05-21/
• Musk says SpaceX agreed only six-month Colossus AI lease to Anthropic: https://www.reuters.com/technology/musk-says-spacex-did-not-commit-long-term-colossus-lease-with-anthropic-2026-05-28/
• Google will pay SpaceX $920M per month for compute: https://techcrunch.com/2026/06/05/google-will-pay-spacex-920m-per-month-for-compute/
• DuckDuckGo installs jumped 18% after Google killed the blue links. On Apple devices, the spike hit 70%.: https://thenextweb.com/news/duckduckgo-user-surge-google-ai-search-overhaul

Resources:

• Catapult Creative Media: David & Virginia's marketing agency — https://catapultcreativemedia.com/
• EasyPrompter.ai: AI workflow tool integrating 27+ AI models — https://easyprompter.ai/
• The Buck Stops Here Podcast: David Maples' podcast with a deep-dive AI series for business owners — https://thebuckstopsherepodcast.com/

Support AI The Podcast!
If you found value in today’s episode, please help us keep cutting through the hype and delivering actionable AI insights!

Subscribe & Review: Please follow the show and leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Your feedback is the #1 way you can help other business owners find the show!

Share the Knowledge: Know an entrepreneur or colleague trying to navigate the AI landscape? Text or email them a link to this episode.

What is AI: The Podcast?

Artificial intelligence is shaking the foundation of the business world. Are you ready for what's next?

Welcome to AI: The Podcast, your weekly guide to the most important AI news and how it directly impacts your business, career, and industry.

Hosted by David Maples —an AI expert, intellectual property attorney, and CEO—and Virginia Huling—artist and creative director—this podcast bridges the gap between hard business strategy and the creative human element. Every week, David and Virginia cut through the noise to break down the biggest stories in Artificial Intelligence, offering unique insights from the boardroom, courtroom, and design studio.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, creator, or tech enthusiast, you'll discover how to leverage AI tools, navigate complex copyright laws, and future-proof your career.

What you’ll get every week:
• The latest AI business news and tech updates
• Expert legal insights on AI and Intellectual Property (IP)
• The impact of Generative AI on artists and the creative industry
• Actionable strategies to implement AI in your business
• And more!

Hit subscribe to stay ahead of the curve!