Uncanny Valley | WIRED

Nicholas Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic and former WIRED editor, explores his new book, The Running Ground, where he reflects on running's profound impact on his life, especially after surviving thyroid cancer. He discusses how running fosters deep social connections, builds discipline, and even aids in addiction recovery. Thompson shares insights from Nike's coaching breakthroughs on performance science and reveals how he utilizes a custom AI to enhance both his training and writing processes.

Join Louise Matsakis, Senior Business Editor at WIRED, as she dives into fascinating tech insights! Discover how SEO is evolving with AI chatbots this holiday season and why frogs became a quirky symbol of protest. Learn about alarming FTC complaints against ChatGPT, with users citing issues like AI psychosis. Matsakis highlights the implications of chatbots reinforcing delusions while advocating for more clinical research on AI-related harm. It's a wild ride through technology's latest quirks and challenges!

Molly Taft, a senior writer for WIRED focusing on energy and the environment, dives into the complexities of data centers, especially the surge in AI infrastructure. She discusses the significant energy and water consumption of these facilities, as well as the political dimensions surrounding them. The conversation touches on the role of GPUs in AI processing and the environmental concerns that often go unreported. Molly also highlights the competition among tech giants and the potential risks of over-expansion, urging citizens to engage with local energy issues.

Zohran Mamdani, a progressive New York State Assembly member and mayoral candidate, dives into his social media-powered campaign strategies. He shares how early digital activism shaped his approach and discusses the authenticity of maintaining a digital footprint. Notably, he recounts high-impact campaign stunts and how he's adapted to newfound fame while prioritizing safety. Mamdani also critiques recent tech industry shifts and emphasizes the importance of using social media to engage youth in city governance.

Jake Lahut, a Senior Politics Writer at WIRED, dives into intriguing tech-and-politics news. He discusses alarming satellite data leaks, revealing how sensitive communications can be intercepted. Lahut also shares insights from his interviews with Cybertruck owners, highlighting the unexpected political implications of vehicle ownership. Additionally, he examines how federal workers are caught in political crossfires, facing layoffs that affect public services, all while feeling like pawns in a larger game.

David Gilbert, a reporter for WIRED who specializes in extremism and disinformation, joins the conversation to discuss the alarming targeting of history professor Mark Bray by far-right influencers. They explore how Bray's book on Antifa drew significant backlash, particularly after the Trump administration's mischaracterization of the group. Gilbert highlights how recent political events escalated threats against Bray, forcing him to flee to Spain. The dialogue dives into the responsibility of tech platforms in moderating dangerous disinformation and the growing influence of far-right narratives in today's political landscape.

Join billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban as he shares insights on entrepreneurship and healthcare. He emphasizes that chaotic times create unique opportunities for startups. Cuban advises aspiring founders to leverage AI rather than reinvent the wheel and stresses the importance of transparency in the healthcare system. He also discusses the necessity of engaging with political leaders like Trump for business interests. Plus, his take on the risks of losing AI leadership to China is both alarming and enlightening.

Leah Feiger, Senior Politics Editor at WIRED, dives into current events with insights on surveillance and tech policy. She discusses the controversial flight of Mark Bray, who faced threats in the U.S., and the implications of ICE's social media surveillance plans. Leah also reveals how chatbots cleverly manipulate users emotionally, while a recent FDA announcement led to chaos over autism drug misinformation. Lastly, they tackle the burning question: are we in an AI bubble, unpacking market reactions and historic tech trends.

Zeyi Yang, a senior writer for WIRED focused on Chinese tech, joins to discuss the fallout from the new $100,000 fee on H-1B visas. The conversation highlights how this chaos drives tech talent to seek opportunities in China, especially with the introduction of a new talent visa. Zeyi shares insights on the challenges foreign workers face, China's flexible visa options, and the cultural hurdles newcomers may encounter. They also explore the implications for the U.S.-China tech competition and how these changes may reshape the future of innovation.

Jack Conte, co-founder and CEO of Patreon, discusses the future of creators in an AI-driven world. He believes that technology can enable fair compensation for artists, challenging platforms that undervalue their work. Conte envisions a 'surrealist' collaboration between human creators and AI, emphasizing the need for ethical practices in AI development. He shares insights on transitioning from musician to CEO, the importance of authenticity in creativity, and why remaining a private company is vital for Patreon's mission.