Makena Kelly

Makena Kelly, a senior writer at WIRED and author of the Politics Lab newsletter, discusses the radical changes that DOGE is bringing to U.S. governance. She delves into how this initiative is reshaping roles in government IT and influencing crucial departments like Social Security. The conversation touches on the challenges of integrating inexperienced personnel into vital systems and the ongoing struggle between modern technology and outdated legacy systems. Kelly also highlights the tensions between innovation, regulatory oversight, and transparency in government operations.

Makena Kelly, a Wired Politics reporter known for her keen insights into the political landscape, joins David Gilbert, an expert on the intersection of technology and politics from Cork, Ireland. They dive into the unpredictable nature of Trump’s potential second term. Will Elon Musk's rising influence cause friction with Trump? Can Christian nationalists really push for a porn ban? They also speculate on the future of UFO disclosures and the enchanting world of conspiracy theories—both curious and alarming—that will shape the political discourse.

Makena Kelly, a sharp technology reporter known for her keen insights on social media, joins the conversation. They dive into Kanye West's controversial acquisition of Parler, unpacking its implications for free speech and platform dynamics. The competitive landscape of emerging social media platforms is examined. The discussion shifts to a smartwatch showdown, comparing the Apple Watch Series 8, Pixel Watch, and Galaxy Watch 5, evaluating their design and features. Listeners also get answers to burning tech questions, wrapping up a vibrant conversation!

In this intriguing discussion, guest Makena Kelly, a senior writer at WIRED focusing on politics and technology, delves into Elon Musk's ambitious government initiatives. She addresses the anxieties of federal employees under Musk's Doge program, exploring potential job security threats amidst efficiency drives. The conversation highlights the legal and political murkiness surrounding Musk's actions and their implications for democratic accountability. Kelly raises concerns on the growing influence of wealth in U.S. agencies, questioning the balance between private interests and public service.

In this engaging discussion, Makena Kelly, a senior writer at Wired, delves into the fascinating intersection of technology and politics. She analyzes how Donald Trump's strategies, including engagement with the 'manosphere' and influential podcasters, shifted voter dynamics. Kelly highlights the hyper-masculinity that resonates with young male voters and contrasts Trump's grassroots tactics with Democrats' traditional approaches. The conversation reveals the evolving influence of social media in political campaigns and the challenges of modern political communication.