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
10 snips
Sep 2, 2025 • 38min
BIG INTV: The Onion's Ben Collins On How The Truth Can Pay Dividends
Ben Collins, CEO of The Onion and former disinformation reporter, shares insights on revitalizing satire in a digital age. He emphasizes the courage it takes to maintain integrity in media, especially when tackling controversial topics. Collins discusses the shift from disinformation to humor, arguing that satire can illuminate truth. He highlights the challenges of eliminating low-quality ads and the impact of AI-generated content on originality. The conversation also touches on the balance between creative freedom and commercial pressures in modern journalism.
52 snips
Aug 29, 2025 • 13min
WIRED Roundup: Meta’s AI Brain Drain
The podcast explores how AI is erasing entry-level jobs, revealing a 16% decline in employment for young workers. It also highlights the exodus of researchers from Meta’s newly established Superintelligence Lab, with some returning to OpenAI. There’s a dive into the role of dark money in influencing political campaigns and a quirky peek into body donation's real-life implications for forensic science. Lastly, the discussion contrasts the differing philosophies of AI development between major tech players like Meta and OpenAI.
55 snips
Aug 28, 2025 • 26min
This Is How You Log Off
Jason Kehe, Features Editor at Wired, dives into the future of unplugging and what it means to disconnect in a tech-saturated world. He discusses the societal implications of screen addiction and reflects on personal screen time habits. The conversation highlights initiatives aimed at fostering healthier online environments and revives early internet ideals. Kehe emphasizes that the luxury of unplugging should be available to everyone, not just the affluent, while sharing personal anecdotes and recommendations for enriching offline experiences.
Aug 26, 2025 • 48min
BIG INTV: Alexis Ohanian Says We Can Build A Less Toxic Internet
Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit and a prominent investor in women's sports, shares his journey from childhood gaming to tech entrepreneur. He discusses his efforts to relaunch Digg as a toxic-free social media platform. The conversation dives into the growing importance of women's soccer and innovative investments in female athletics. Ohanian also explores the ethical implications of AI in memory preservation and emphasizes the necessity for informed discourse on technology's societal effects. His vision advocates for a healthier, more equitable online community.
47 snips
Aug 22, 2025 • 20min
WIRED Roundup: Chip Manufacturers Bonanza
Louise Matsakis, Wired's Senior Business Editor, delves into the intriguing intersection of tech and politics. She discusses OpenAI's rise to possibly becoming the highest-valued startup ever and the challenges it faces in monetization. The conversation takes a turn to the scandalous dealings of the Trump administration with chip manufacturers, shedding light on U.S.-China tech relations. Plus, a quirky tangent explores how budget cuts have sparked an unexpected boom in ant smuggling, offering a captivating mix of business and bizarre.
146 snips
Aug 21, 2025 • 30min
How To Become a Vibe Coder
Vibe coding is revolutionizing tech, merging creativity with traditional coding skills. A firsthand journey into this new approach unveils its impact on software development and the job market. The conversation dives into the dual nature of AI—enhancing collaboration while posing challenges. Concerns about the quality of vibe-coded projects surface, alongside a lighthearted look at balancing work and fun. Recommendations for a delightful jam and a puzzle game highlight the episode’s playful spirit, encouraging listeners to engage with both tech and leisure.
8 snips
Aug 19, 2025 • 2min
Introducing: The BIG INTERVIEW with WIRED's Katie Drummond
Join an intriguing conversation series that explores the intersections of culture, politics, and technology. The host engages with influential figures, offering listeners insightful perspectives in a world flooded with information. Discover what drives these influential voices and how they navigate today's complex landscape. It’s an intellectual journey that provides depth and context, perfect for anyone seeking to understand the forces shaping our society.
63 snips
Aug 15, 2025 • 17min
WIRED Roundup: Why GPT-5 Flopped
Dive into the controversial use of memes by the Trump administration to address deportations, raising eyebrows in political circles. Explore NASA's groundbreaking plans for nuclear reactors on the moon, igniting discussions on space exploration. Discover the heated backlash against OpenAI's GPT-5 as users voice their frustrations with its performance. Unpack the complexities of financial strategies involving crypto and the Trump family's ventures. Lastly, delve into how AI interactions shape human relationships and behaviors in today's tech-driven world.
119 snips
Aug 14, 2025 • 34min
Palantir: The Most Mysterious Company in Silicon Valley
Caroline Haskins, a staff writer at Wired, dives into the enigmatic world of Palantir Technologies. She unpacks this controversial company's operations, often misunderstood as merely a data broker. Discover why Palantir's ties to government entities like the CIA and its military contracts create both fascination and scrutiny. Haskins sheds light on the internal culture that shapes its identity and explores its rising market valuation amid public criticism. Tune in for a revealing look at one of Silicon Valley's most mysterious players.
32 snips
Aug 8, 2025 • 21min
WIRED Roundup: OpenAI Announces New Government Partnership
Jake Lahut, a senior writer at Wired focusing on political topics, joins the discussion to unpack a week of pivotal stories. They dive into OpenAI's groundbreaking partnership with the U.S. government, enhancing federal access to AI. The conversation shifts to the ethical implications of AI, including its role in locating a missing hiker and Google's new age-prediction feature. They also touch on the effects of tariffs on Bitcoin miners and the ongoing controversies surrounding the Epstein case, revealing a complex political landscape.
