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
51 snips
Nov 7, 2025 • 21min
WIRED Roundup: Zuckerberg’s Illegal School, Nepal’s Discord Revolution, Fandom in Politics
In this discussion, Leah Feiger, Senior Politics Editor at WIRED, dives into some intriguing stories. She exposes how Mark Zuckerberg's illegal school faced years of neighbor complaints. The conversation shifts to the controversial pardon of Changpeng Zhao, exploring its political implications. Leah also highlights the rise of digital protests in Nepal, driven by Discord and social media. Finally, they analyze recent Democratic victories, emphasizing how fandom and volunteer networks played a pivotal role in reshaping election outcomes.
65 snips
Nov 6, 2025 • 40min
The Four Criteria for a Tech Bubble
Brian Merchant, writer and author of Blood in the Machine, dives into the intricacies of tech bubbles. He outlines four key criteria used by researchers to recognize them, highlighting historical examples like electricity and radio. The conversation reveals how AI investments, particularly in companies like NVIDIA, are creating systemic risks, especially for novice investors. Merchant warns of the potential fallout from these bubbles, emphasizing that while useful technologies may endure, the economic pain could be severe and uneven.
27 snips
Nov 4, 2025 • 47min
BIG INTV: Kara Swisher Says Silicon Valley's Biggest Lie is That They Care About People
Kara Swisher, a veteran technology journalist and co-founder of Recode, shares her sharp insights on Silicon Valley's ethical dilemmas and power plays. She discusses her most impactful interview with Gates and Jobs, reflecting on societal responsibility among tech leaders. Kara also explores the rising generation of engineers tackling meaningful issues, critiques the performative nature of free speech in the industry, and emphasizes the importance of transparency in earnings for women. Her candid humor shines as she navigates tough questions about the future of tech journalism.
43 snips
Oct 31, 2025 • 23min
WIRED Roundup: Grokipedia, Real Estate AI Videos, Alpha School
Discover the bizarre world of Grokipedia, an AI-generated encyclopedia with questionable accuracy. Dive into the murky waters of real estate as AI videos raise concerns about deception and industry practices. Also, explore the troubling case of a tech-driven school in Texas that fell apart under the weight of its software-first approach, sparking debates on education and surveillance. Plus, hear about a groundbreaking kidney transplant involving genetically engineered pig organs and its potential implications for future medicine!
36 snips
Oct 30, 2025 • 31min
How to Hack a Poker Game
Andy Greenberg, a senior writer at WIRED specializing in hacking and cybersecurity, joins to discuss a fascinating Hack Lab project involving the Deckmate 2 card shuffler. He reveals how they exploited its vulnerabilities using a USB device to access sensitive firmware and an internal camera. The conversation dives into the mechanics of card shuffling machines, the risks of digital connectivity in everyday devices, and even parallels with a recent DOJ indictment related to gambling fraud. Andy cautions poker players about the dangers of automated shufflers and insider threats.
32 snips
Oct 28, 2025 • 51min
BIG INTV: Why Nicholas Thompson Made a Custom GPT to Run Faster
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.
20 snips
Oct 24, 2025 • 23min
WIRED Roundup: Protest Frogs, Google Bedbugs, AI Psychosis
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!
81 snips
Oct 23, 2025 • 29min
How Data Centers Actually Work
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.
44 snips
Oct 20, 2025 • 33min
BIG INTV: Zohran Mamdani, the Internet’s Mayor
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.
46 snips
Oct 17, 2025 • 22min
WIRED Roundup: Satellites Data Leak, Cybertrucks, Politicized Federal Workers
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.
