Louise Matsakis

Louise Matsakis, Wired's senior business editor with a focus on AI chatbots, joins to discuss the latest in tech and society. They dive into Meta's aggressive recruitment of AI talent and share insights on how the pandemic might have accelerated brain aging. A wild twist reveals why ChatGPT went 'full demon mode,' highlighting the fascinating complexities of AI interactions. The conversation also touches on climate migration in Tuvalu and the innovative steps being taken to preserve its culture amidst rising sea levels.

Louise Matsakis, Wired's Senior Business Editor, delves into the intriguing intersection of tech and politics. She discusses OpenAI's rise to possibly becoming the highest-valued startup ever and the challenges it faces in monetization. The conversation takes a turn to the scandalous dealings of the Trump administration with chip manufacturers, shedding light on U.S.-China tech relations. Plus, a quirky tangent explores how budget cuts have sparked an unexpected boom in ant smuggling, offering a captivating mix of business and bizarre.

Louise Matsakis, WIRED's Senior Business Editor focused on e-commerce and tariffs, joins to discuss the fallout from President Trump’s tariff standoff with China. She highlights the looming challenges for businesses faced with production delays, putting Christmas merchandise at risk. The conversation delves into how e-commerce platforms are adapting to tariffs, emphasizing transparent pricing to protect consumers. Matsakis also touches on the broader implications for U.S. manufacturing and supply chains amidst rising economic uncertainty.

Louise Matsakis, WIRED’s Senior Business Editor, joins Zoë Schiffer to dissect the chaos in the stock market amid tariff news. They delve into how Trump's tariffs are reshaping consumer prices at giants like Walmart, while also tackling the bizarre aspects of tariffs affecting even uninhabited Antarctic islands. The conversation highlights the interplay between tech, social media, and market behavior, shedding light on how anonymous influencers can sway market dynamics and create unpredictability for small businesses.

Andrew Couts, a Wired Senior Editor of Security and Investigations, and Louise Matsakis, a Senior Business Editor specializing in data privacy and China, discuss vital strategies for safeguarding personal data in a potentially surveillance-heavy environment. They explore practical tips for protecting online privacy, the dangers of data brokers, and the implications of political power on corporate data practices. Listeners gain insights into using privacy-focused tools and the importance of civic engagement for stronger data protection.

The podcast discusses the US House bill targeting TikTok due to national security concerns. Experts debate the app's risks, data privacy, and Chinese influence. Topics include tech surveillance, foreign meddling, and potential buyers for TikTok. The debate explores balancing national security, internet fragmentation, and global regulation.

House to vote on bill targeting TikTok ownership due to security concerns. Tech journalist explains bipartisan support for ban. Judiciary Committee questions probe into Biden documents. FAA report cites Boeing audit failures. Airbnb bans indoor security cameras.

Louise Matsakis and Tianyu Fang discuss the viral trend of a Chinese glycine manufacturer on TikTok, exploring cultural nuances, marketing strategies, labor rights violations, and the quirky side of Chinese social media. They debunk misconceptions, celebrate diverse perspectives, and address concerns about xenophobia.

Margaret O'Mara, an expert on the high-tech economy, joins Lizza Dwoskin from The Washington Post and Louise Matsakis from Wired to discuss the bustling tech landscape of 2024. They dive into how generative AI transformed everyday life and impacted the job market, while social media under Elon Musk shifted political dynamics. The conversation also highlights significant tech developments, employee activism in tech, and the industry's role in addressing societal challenges, making it clear that technology is both a powerful tool and a complex player in politics.

Louise Matsakis from Wired, Tad DeHaven of the Cato Institute, and Nils Gilman from the Berggruen Institute dive into the U.S. government's unprecedented 10% stake in Intel. They discuss the implications of this move likening it to China's economic model, raising concerns about government overreach and market principles. The conversation delves into broader shifts in capitalist ideologies and the potential long-term effects on national security and technological innovation. Listener perspectives highlight fears surrounding the unpredictability of industrial policy.