
Uncanny Valley | 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 Zoë Schiffer has an urgent conversation about this week in the news. And on Thursdays, WIRED’s Global Editorial Director Katie Drummond is joined by Lauren Goode, Michael Calore, to break down a recent story or phenomena bubbling up in Silicon Valley and explain its influence on our daily lives.
Latest episodes

17 snips
May 8, 2025 • 40min
Trump, Cryptocurrency, and the Real Winners and Losers
President Trump's venture into cryptocurrency takes center stage, highlighting ethical concerns tied to his launch of TRUMP coin. A private dinner for investors raises eyebrows and questions about the blend of politics and business. The conversation includes the Trump family's financial ties to the crypto world and their controversial dealings. Historical conflicts of interest are examined, linking past political figures to modern practices. As regulation remains a hot topic, the podcast explores the implications of wealthy influencers on public trust.

7 snips
May 6, 2025 • 17min
Why Is The Trump Administration Having So Much Trouble Keeping Their Comms Private?
Lily Hay Newman, a senior writer at WIRED specializing in cybersecurity and privacy, dives into the recent hacking of the TeleMessage app used by Trump administration officials. She discusses the alarming vulnerabilities this incident reveals about government communications, especially concerning compliance and record retention laws. The conversation also touches on national security risks associated with using foreign-developed apps and the urgent need for secure domestic solutions. Join in to understand the intricate dance of technology, privacy, and government action.

14 snips
May 1, 2025 • 35min
The Dangerous Decline in Vaccination Rates
In the U.S., measles is making a comeback, with a concerning outbreak in Texas leading to hundreds of cases. The podcast discusses the importance of vaccination as public trust dwindles, fueled by misinformation and a shifting health policy landscape. The role of influential figures like the new health secretary in shaping attitudes toward vaccines is explored. Additionally, private discussions among tech elites reveal how secretive dialogues may impact public health debates, reflecting a troubling trend in communal immunity.

15 snips
Apr 29, 2025 • 16min
A Tariff Standoff with China, Power Outages and the End of Christmas
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.

37 snips
Apr 24, 2025 • 39min
Protecting Your Phone—and Your Privacy—at the US Border
Under the new Trump administration, more and more visa holders and foreign visitors are being detained or denied entry at the border. It’s also becoming more common for people to be questioned or detained because of content on their phones, laptops and cameras. In today’s episode, we’ll tell you what you need to know about your carrying devices across the US border, and how to stay safe. Plus, we share some pretty spectacular recommendations for your downtime.You can follow our hosts on Bluesky—Michael Calore is @snackfight, Lauren Goode is @laurengoode, and Katie Drummond is @katie-drummond.
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7 snips
Apr 22, 2025 • 17min
Is Telsa on the Outs in China?
Zeyi Yang, a senior writer at WIRED who focuses on technology and society in China, joins to discuss Tesla's precarious position in the Chinese electric vehicle market. Amid rising U.S. tariffs and stiff competition from local brands like BYD, Tesla's future looks uncertain. The conversation highlights the intertwined relationship between Elon Musk and Chinese politics, revealing how public perceptions are shifting. Humor emerges as they recount the amusing failures of robots in a half-marathon, contrasting technology's potential with its limitations.

73 snips
Apr 17, 2025 • 30min
How Americans Are Surveilled During Protests
Andrew Couts, Senior Editor of Security and Investigations at WIRED and an expert on surveillance technology, dives into the intricate web of surveillance during protests. He discusses how law enforcement utilizes advanced tech to monitor demonstrators, the implications for civil liberties, and the evolution of protest-related surveillance tactics over the years. Couts also shares crucial tips for protecting personal privacy and safety while engaging in protests, highlighting the urgency of awareness in a rapidly changing digital landscape.

8 snips
Apr 15, 2025 • 18min
Will Meta Really Have to Sell Instagram and WhatsApp?
Paresh Dave, a Senior Writer at WIRED specializing in technology and business, joins to discuss the high-stakes trial between the FTC and Meta regarding the legality of its acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp. The conversation delves into the FTC's argument about Facebook's monopolistic practices and raises intriguing points about how the case could reshape the social media landscape. Insights into Mark Zuckerberg's testimony add a layer of drama, highlighting the courtroom battle's significance for competition and regulation in tech.

8 snips
Apr 10, 2025 • 43min
What The Actual Tariff
Tariffs announced by President Trump are shaking up the tech industry in unprecedented ways. The hosts dissect the chaos, focusing on how major players like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos are responding to these trade policies. Rising prices for consumer products, including electronics and cars, are a central concern. Listeners also gain insights into the critical role of semiconductors and the complexities of supply chains. With a blend of humor and practicality, the conversation offers strategies for navigating this economically turbulent landscape.

12 snips
Apr 8, 2025 • 21min
Why the Market Is Going Crazy This Week
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.
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