Uncanny Valley | WIRED
WIRED
Welcome to Uncanny Valley—an insider look at the people, power, and influence of Silicon Valley—where each week, WIRED’s writers and editors bring you original reporting and analysis about some of the biggest stories in tech. On Tuesdays, WIRED’s Global Editorial Director Katie Drummond sits down with influential figures in culture, politics, business, science, and beyond for a discussion captured through the WIRED lens.On Thursdays, Lauren Goode and Michael Calore to break down a recent story or phenomena bubbling up in Silicon Valley and explain its influence on our daily lives. And on Fridays, Zoë Schiffer brings you everything you need to know this week in tech news.
Episodes
Mentioned books
16 snips
Jan 20, 2026 • 58min
BIG INTV: Wikipedia's Founder on Holding the Line in a Post Fact World
In a captivating discussion, Jimmy Wales, co-founder of Wikipedia and advocate for open knowledge, reflects on the platform's humble beginnings and its dramatic growth over 25 years. He shares insights on navigating censorship from authoritarian regimes and the challenges of maintaining neutrality in a polarized landscape. Wales highlights how declining trust in facts impacts society and urges tech leaders to prioritize integrity over short-term gains. Plus, he offers practical ways for listeners to contribute to Wikipedia and foster a healthier information ecosystem.
42 snips
Jan 13, 2026 • 52min
BIG INTV: Reid Hoffman Wants Silicon Valley to ‘Stand Up’
Reid Hoffman, cofounder of LinkedIn and a prominent venture capitalist, calls for Silicon Valley to stand up for truth and democracy. He discusses how his education shaped his entrepreneurial spirit and the philosophical basis behind his tech investments. Hoffman introduces the concept of AI as a 'super agency' that enhances human capabilities and addresses the implications of AI in art and learning. He emphasizes the need for technologists to speak out against political silence, balancing innovation with responsibility to protect democratic values.
33 snips
Jan 6, 2026 • 54min
BIG INTV: Margaret Atwood on Doomscrolling: ‘I Want to Keep Up With the Latest Doom’
Renowned author Margaret Atwood, celebrated for works like The Handmaid's Tale, dives into the digital age's impact on society. She discusses the allure of doomscrolling and her concerns about misinformation in tech. Atwood also reflects on the challenges young writers face today and shares her thoughts on corporate power overshadowing democracy. With a glimmer of hope for America's future, she navigates the complexities of political resistance and the role of AI in creativity, exploring how these elements shape our collective narrative.
22 snips
Dec 23, 2025 • 43min
BIG INTV: CTO Elizabeth Stone On The Future of Netflix: “Personalized, Interactive, Immersive”
Elizabeth Stone, the Chief Technology Officer of Netflix, shares her unique journey from a PhD in economics to leading tech innovations at the streaming giant. She delves into the importance of failure and genuine curiosity in tech. Discussing Netflix's future, she envisions a landscape rich in personalization and interactive experiences. Stone also reflects on the balance of data and intuition in content decisions, the challenges of scaling live programming, and the role of AI as a supportive tool for creators, not a replacement.
77 snips
Dec 19, 2025 • 31min
WIRED Roundup: The Five Tech and Politics Trends That Shaped 2025
Brian Barrett, WIRED's executive editor with a keen eye on tech and politics, joins to dissect the year's major trends. They delve into the explosive growth of AI data centers and its economic implications. The discussion highlights the rise of AI companions and the risks of social isolation, along with the geopolitical pressures surrounding open-source AI, especially from China. They also examine the chaotic impacts of the Department of Government Efficiency under Elon Musk and the controversial handling of Epstein-related documents, raising questions about data privacy and accountability.
74 snips
Dec 18, 2025 • 26min
Introducing A New Chapter for Uncanny Valley
The hosts share exciting updates about the show's new format and lineup. They predict the rise of silent, ambient AI and discuss the privacy implications of always-on technology. A spirited debate unfolds about the future of tech IPOs and the scrutiny on tech CEOs as moral leaders. Personal recommendations include a New York Times photo essay and music from Twin Dimensions. The hosts reflect on past experiences, revealing insights about Elon Musk's management style and journalism backgrounds.
23 snips
Dec 16, 2025 • 46min
BIG INTV: AWS CEO Matt Garman Doesn’t Think AI Should Replace Junior Devs
Matt Garman, CEO of Amazon Web Services, shares insights from his extensive journey at Amazon. He argues against the notion of AI replacing junior developers, emphasizing the value of mentorship and talent pipelines. Garman discusses AWS's ambitious AI strategy, including Nova Forge for customized model training. He highlights the importance of data quality for successful AI implementation and reassures that emerging jobs will result from AI innovations. Additionally, he touches on AWS's commitment to renewable energy as part of their net-zero goals.
14 snips
Dec 12, 2025 • 26min
WIRED Roundup: Making Art In the AI Era, With Wicked’s Jon. M Chu
Join filmmaker Jon M. Chu, known for directing Wicked and Crazy Rich Asians, as he shares insights on the evolving landscape of Hollywood. He dives into the power of viral marketing and its influence on Wicked's success. Chu also discusses the role of AI in his creative process, viewing it as a helpful tool while emphasizing the need for authentic human moments in film. Additionally, he reflects on the importance of representation and how his work aims to challenge typecasting and foster inclusivity in storytelling.
15 snips
Dec 11, 2025 • 47min
AMD CEO Lisa Su Isn’t Afraid of the Competition
Lisa Su, the CEO of AMD and a renowned electrical engineer, shares her insights on the AI landscape and the semiconductor industry. She argues that fears of an AI bubble are overstated, pointing to strong demand and rational corporate decisions. Su breaks down the drivers of AI demand and emphasizes the necessity for innovation speed. Her perspective on competition highlights a future where multiple chip types coexist, and she stresses the importance of U.S. leadership in AI while navigating complex relations with China.
17 snips
Dec 9, 2025 • 31min
BIG INTV: San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie: ‘We Are a City on the Rise’
Daniel Lurie, the dynamic Mayor of San Francisco and former nonprofit leader, dives into the city's revival strategies. He reflects on the dramatic crime drops and his efforts to engage with local CEOs for a business-friendly environment. Lurie shares insights into his plans for denser housing and streamlined approvals for small businesses. He also discusses the impact of AI on city culture and how he successfully kept the National Guard at bay, all while aiming to make San Francisco a top global city again.
