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
45 snips
Sep 26, 2025 • 23min
WIRED Roundup: Groypers Going Mainstream
Jake Lahut, a Senior Politics Writer for WIRED, dives into the shifting tides of American politics. He discusses the chilling implications of Customs & Border Protection collecting DNA from citizens. Lahut explores tech titan Larry Ellison’s secretive clout in the White House and his connections to OpenAI. Most strikingly, he unpacks the rise of Nick Fuentes, detailing how the influencer has surged into the mainstream, exploiting gaps left by others in the political landscape. This discussion offers a profound insight into the merging of tech and political power.
198 snips
Sep 25, 2025 • 50min
Is Silicon Valley Still the Tech Capital?
The hosts dive into the question of Silicon Valley's status as the tech capital, debating its ongoing relevance in the wake of remote work and AI developments. They discuss Wired's transformation from tech jubilation to critical journalism, highlighting the need for nuanced reporting on AI. A fun segment explores what tech they’d control or delete. Audience questions bring up vital issues like the gender gap in AI usage, shedding light on design biases. The episode closes with reflections on hopeful tech-government collaborations.
41 snips
Sep 23, 2025 • 45min
BIG INTV: Signal's Meredith Whittaker Says AI Is Just A Branding Term
Meredith Whittaker, President of the Signal Foundation and a notable tech policy expert, shares her journey from Google to advocating for AI ethics. She reflects on crucial moments, like the Trump cabinet's controversial use of private chats. Whittaker critiques the branding frenzy surrounding AI, warning of its risks to privacy and encryption, especially for apps like Signal. She emphasizes the challenges women face in a hype-driven tech culture, while pushing for transparency and accountability in AI governance.
57 snips
Sep 19, 2025 • 16min
WIRED Roundup: The Right Embraces Cancel Culture
Manisha Krishnan, Senior Culture Editor at WIRED, lends her sharp insights on culture and tech. She and Zöe tackle this week's hottest topics, such as OpenAI's new teen safety measures and the cultural craze around Human Design. They dive into the fallout from Charlie Kirk's death, exploring how artists and creators are facing cancellations and repercussions. The conversation touches on corporate compliance and the implications of cancel culture, revealing a landscape where tech and politics collide.
111 snips
Sep 18, 2025 • 28min
Move Aside, Chatbots: AI Humanoids Are Here
Will Knight, a senior writer at WIRED specializing in artificial intelligence and robotics, joins to discuss the rise of humanoid robots. He explains how these robots are evolving from clumsy machines to sophisticated assistants capable of performing daily tasks. The conversation dives into OpenAI’s renewed focus on robotics, the competitive landscape, and the potential applications in warehouses and factories. Knight also addresses the technical challenges and safety concerns that come with deploying these advanced machines in everyday environments.
11 snips
Sep 16, 2025 • 47min
BIG INTV: Matthew Prince Wants AI Companies to Pay for Their Sins
Matthew Prince, Co-founder and CEO of Cloudflare, discusses the need for AI companies to compensate creators while addressing content scraping issues. He shares insights on internet security and the transformative impact of AI on business models. The conversation also touches on the evolution of media in the digital age, including the challenges faced by content creators and innovative tools designed to ensure fair compensation. Additionally, Prince reflects on how internet policies evolve and the ramifications of tech-driven changes on society.
75 snips
Sep 12, 2025 • 16min
WIRED Roundup: How Charlie Kirk Changed Conservative Media
Jake Lahut, a Senior Politics Writer at WIRED, dives into the controversial legacy of Charlie Kirk, a right-wing activist who shaped modern conservative media. They discuss the polarized aftermath of Kirk's tragic death and the rise of misinformation fueled by technology. Lahut explores Kirk's impact on young conservatives and how he transformed political discourse. They also touch on the connections between Silicon Valley and political strategies, revealing the fascinating intersection of tech and U.S. politics.
56 snips
Sep 9, 2025 • 40min
BIG INTV: Hasan Piker Says He Will Never Run for Office
Hasan Piker, a prominent Left-leaning Twitch streamer and political commentator, shares his thoughts on navigating the political landscape without running for office. He discusses his roots in Turkey and how they shaped his views on wealth disparity. Piker critiques the Democratic Party's strategies, urging systemic reform instead of superficial outreach. He also addresses communication challenges faced by journalists in today's tech-driven world and emphasizes the importance of connecting with his audience to understand their frustrations.
32 snips
Sep 5, 2025 • 40min
Are Dating Apps Over?
Dating apps are facing an identity crisis, with niche platforms booming but user engagement dwindling. The evolution from traditional ones like eHarmony to Tinder showcases how technology and societal changes impact romance. A deep dive into AI reveals both innovative matchmaking and the risks of scams. There's a growing call for authentic connections beyond algorithms, with a focus on real-life interactions. Ultimately, the conversation highlights optimism amidst skepticism in the challenging dating landscape.
45 snips
Sep 4, 2025 • 32min
Where's the Fun in AI Gambling?
Kate Knibbs, a Senior writer at Wired, dives into the booming world of AI in online gambling. She explores how startups and traditional betting sites are leveraging AI agents to enhance betting experiences, revealing the complexities and risks involved. The conversation touches on the influence of Silicon Valley on gambling practices and the cultural shift towards mobile betting among younger users. Ultimately, Knibbs critiques the reliability of AI tools and discusses the potential exploitation in this rapidly evolving industry.
