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
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.
57 snips
Oct 16, 2025 • 32min
The New Power of Far-Right Influencers
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.
50 snips
Oct 14, 2025 • 44min
BIG INTV: Mark Cuban Would Still Have Dinner With Donald Trump
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.
71 snips
Oct 10, 2025 • 22min
WIRED Roundup: Are We In An AI Bubble?
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.
79 snips
Oct 9, 2025 • 33min
How China Is Hoping to Attract Tech Talent
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.
12 snips
Oct 7, 2025 • 33min
BIG INTV: Patreon CEO Jack Conte Wants You to Get Off of Your Phone
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.
20 snips
Oct 3, 2025 • 23min
WIRED Roundup: The New Fake World of OpenAI’s Social Video App
Manisha Krishnan, Senior Culture Editor at WIRED, dives into this week’s hot topics alongside her host. They discuss a controversial email instructing federal workers to blame Democrats for the government shutdown and Peter Thiel's bizarre fascinations with the Antichrist. The launch of OpenAI’s new social app for AI-generated videos is scrutinized, exploring its potential to rival TikTok and the ethical dilemmas of using AI-generated likenesses. They also touch on Tesla’s push for drowsy drivers to utilize full self-driving technology.
56 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 29min
Your Delivery Robot Is Here
Aarian Marshall, a talented staff writer focused on cities and transportation, dives into the world of delivery robots with the unveiling of DoorDash's new autonomous robot, Dot. She discusses design features like sensors and size, as well as how humans interact with these machines. Aarian highlights the industry's ups and downs, emphasizing new partnerships and hybrid delivery models amid labor impacts. She also explores the challenges delivery robots face on sidewalks and the potential conflicts with bike lanes, making for a thought-provoking conversation.
Sep 30, 2025 • 28min
BIG INTV: Lareina Yee Discusses Breakthrough Technologies
Lareina Yee, a Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company, shares her extensive expertise in technology and AI-driven transformation. She discusses the profound impact of touchscreens and autonomous vehicles on society, and the concept of consumer-level digital twins for personalized design. Lareina emphasizes the importance of investing in people over technology to ensure effective implementation. With a focus on overcoming executive hesitation regarding AI adoption, she highlights the need for immersive experiences to inspire leaders and suggests prioritizing impactful technological initiatives.
