Cyberpunk Survival Guide author Greg Fish breaks down the economics behind AI token pricing and why the free ride is ending faster than most businesses realise.

Every AI request costs money, measured in tokens: the subdivisions of language a large language model processes on the way in and the way out. The more complex the request, the more tokens burned, and the bill lands whether the answer was useful or not. Fish explains why that pricing has always been intentionally hard to track, and why it was designed that way: get companies dependent on the infrastructure, then collect once switching costs make it painful to leave.

The investors funding the data centres and compute expansions want returns now. AI companies are hiking prices to deliver them. And businesses that built workflows around cheap AI access are about to find out what that dependency actually costs.

Topics: AI pricing model, AI tokens explained, AI business costs, tech bait and switch, LLM profitability

GUEST: Greg Fish | cyberpunksurvivalguide.com

Originally aired on 2026-06-17

Cyberpunk Survival Guide author Greg Fish breaks down the economics behind AI token pricing and why the free ride is ending faster than most businesses realise.
Every AI request costs money, measured in tokens: the subdivisions of language a large language model processes on the way in and the way out. The more complex the request, the more tokens burned, and the bill lands whether the answer was useful or not. Fish explains why that pricing has always been intentionally hard to track, and why it was designed that way: get companies dependent on the infrastructure, then collect once switching costs make it painful to leave.
The investors funding the data centres and compute expansions want returns now. AI companies are hiking prices to deliver them. And businesses that built workflows around cheap AI access are about to find out what that dependency actually costs.
Topics: AI pricing model, AI tokens explained, AI business costs, tech bait and switch, LLM profitability
GUEST: Greg Fish | cyberpunksurvivalguide.com
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-06-17

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From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.