Uncanny Valley | WIRED

Jason Kehe, Features Editor at Wired, dives into the future of unplugging and what it means to disconnect in a tech-saturated world. He discusses the societal implications of screen addiction and reflects on personal screen time habits. The conversation highlights initiatives aimed at fostering healthier online environments and revives early internet ideals. Kehe emphasizes that the luxury of unplugging should be available to everyone, not just the affluent, while sharing personal anecdotes and recommendations for enriching offline experiences.

Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit and a prominent investor in women's sports, shares his journey from childhood gaming to tech entrepreneur. He discusses his efforts to relaunch Digg as a toxic-free social media platform. The conversation dives into the growing importance of women's soccer and innovative investments in female athletics. Ohanian also explores the ethical implications of AI in memory preservation and emphasizes the necessity for informed discourse on technology's societal effects. His vision advocates for a healthier, more equitable online community.

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.

Vibe coding is revolutionizing tech, merging creativity with traditional coding skills. A firsthand journey into this new approach unveils its impact on software development and the job market. The conversation dives into the dual nature of AI—enhancing collaboration while posing challenges. Concerns about the quality of vibe-coded projects surface, alongside a lighthearted look at balancing work and fun. Recommendations for a delightful jam and a puzzle game highlight the episode’s playful spirit, encouraging listeners to engage with both tech and leisure.

Join an intriguing conversation series that explores the intersections of culture, politics, and technology. The host engages with influential figures, offering listeners insightful perspectives in a world flooded with information. Discover what drives these influential voices and how they navigate today's complex landscape. It’s an intellectual journey that provides depth and context, perfect for anyone seeking to understand the forces shaping our society.

Dive into the controversial use of memes by the Trump administration to address deportations, raising eyebrows in political circles. Explore NASA's groundbreaking plans for nuclear reactors on the moon, igniting discussions on space exploration. Discover the heated backlash against OpenAI's GPT-5 as users voice their frustrations with its performance. Unpack the complexities of financial strategies involving crypto and the Trump family's ventures. Lastly, delve into how AI interactions shape human relationships and behaviors in today's tech-driven world.

Caroline Haskins, a staff writer at Wired, dives into the enigmatic world of Palantir Technologies. She unpacks this controversial company's operations, often misunderstood as merely a data broker. Discover why Palantir's ties to government entities like the CIA and its military contracts create both fascination and scrutiny. Haskins sheds light on the internal culture that shapes its identity and explores its rising market valuation amid public criticism. Tune in for a revealing look at one of Silicon Valley's most mysterious players.

Jake Lahut, a senior writer at Wired focusing on political topics, joins the discussion to unpack a week of pivotal stories. They dive into OpenAI's groundbreaking partnership with the U.S. government, enhancing federal access to AI. The conversation shifts to the ethical implications of AI, including its role in locating a missing hiker and Google's new age-prediction feature. They also touch on the effects of tariffs on Bitcoin miners and the ongoing controversies surrounding the Epstein case, revealing a complex political landscape.

Reece Rogers, a staff writer at Wired focusing on software, dives into the puzzling pricing of AI chatbot subscriptions, like ChatGPT Pro. He highlights the subjective factors influencing these costs, questioning if they're justified for everyday users. The discussion also uncovers the long-term implications of these premium subscriptions on personal finance and consumer fatigue. Additionally, Reece examines the disconnect between massive tech investments in AI and job cuts, leaving listeners to ponder AI's true impact on the future job market.

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.