Uncanny Valley | WIRED

In the U.S., measles is making a comeback, with a concerning outbreak in Texas leading to hundreds of cases. The podcast discusses the importance of vaccination as public trust dwindles, fueled by misinformation and a shifting health policy landscape. The role of influential figures like the new health secretary in shaping attitudes toward vaccines is explored. Additionally, private discussions among tech elites reveal how secretive dialogues may impact public health debates, reflecting a troubling trend in communal immunity.

Louise Matsakis, WIRED's Senior Business Editor focused on e-commerce and tariffs, joins to discuss the fallout from President Trump’s tariff standoff with China. She highlights the looming challenges for businesses faced with production delays, putting Christmas merchandise at risk. The conversation delves into how e-commerce platforms are adapting to tariffs, emphasizing transparent pricing to protect consumers. Matsakis also touches on the broader implications for U.S. manufacturing and supply chains amidst rising economic uncertainty.

Under the new Trump administration, more and more visa holders and foreign visitors are being detained or denied entry at the border. It’s also becoming more common for people to be questioned or detained because of content on their phones, laptops and cameras. In today’s episode, we’ll tell you what you need to know about your carrying devices across the US border, and how to stay safe. Plus, we share some pretty spectacular recommendations for your downtime.You can follow our hosts on Bluesky—Michael Calore is @snackfight, Lauren Goode is @laurengoode, and Katie Drummond is @katie-drummond. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Zeyi Yang, a senior writer at WIRED who focuses on technology and society in China, joins to discuss Tesla's precarious position in the Chinese electric vehicle market. Amid rising U.S. tariffs and stiff competition from local brands like BYD, Tesla's future looks uncertain. The conversation highlights the intertwined relationship between Elon Musk and Chinese politics, revealing how public perceptions are shifting. Humor emerges as they recount the amusing failures of robots in a half-marathon, contrasting technology's potential with its limitations.

Andrew Couts, Senior Editor of Security and Investigations at WIRED and an expert on surveillance technology, dives into the intricate web of surveillance during protests. He discusses how law enforcement utilizes advanced tech to monitor demonstrators, the implications for civil liberties, and the evolution of protest-related surveillance tactics over the years. Couts also shares crucial tips for protecting personal privacy and safety while engaging in protests, highlighting the urgency of awareness in a rapidly changing digital landscape.

Paresh Dave, a Senior Writer at WIRED specializing in technology and business, joins to discuss the high-stakes trial between the FTC and Meta regarding the legality of its acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp. The conversation delves into the FTC's argument about Facebook's monopolistic practices and raises intriguing points about how the case could reshape the social media landscape. Insights into Mark Zuckerberg's testimony add a layer of drama, highlighting the courtroom battle's significance for competition and regulation in tech.

Tariffs announced by President Trump are shaking up the tech industry in unprecedented ways. The hosts dissect the chaos, focusing on how major players like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos are responding to these trade policies. Rising prices for consumer products, including electronics and cars, are a central concern. Listeners also gain insights into the critical role of semiconductors and the complexities of supply chains. With a blend of humor and practicality, the conversation offers strategies for navigating this economically turbulent landscape.

Louise Matsakis, WIRED’s Senior Business Editor, joins Zoë Schiffer to dissect the chaos in the stock market amid tariff news. They delve into how Trump's tariffs are reshaping consumer prices at giants like Walmart, while also tackling the bizarre aspects of tariffs affecting even uninhabited Antarctic islands. The conversation highlights the interplay between tech, social media, and market behavior, shedding light on how anonymous influencers can sway market dynamics and create unpredictability for small businesses.

Explore the intriguing relationship between Silicon Valley and libertarianism, questioning the origins of this ideology in tech culture. Discover how classic works like 'Atlas Shrugged' shaped beliefs in individualism and skepticism of authority. Delve into the views of prominent figures like Peter Thiel and Elon Musk, and their influence on innovation, cryptocurrency, and ethical considerations. The conversation also tackles the complexities of meritocracy versus diversity and the evolving dialogue around government and privatization in the changing political landscape.

Exploring the intersection of faith and technology, a group of Christian entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley shares their perspectives on morality and good pursuits. The conversation highlights how personal beliefs can drive innovative ventures while reflecting on the tech industry's ethical dilemmas. Discover the impact of spirituality on business and the unique blend of wealth and faith in shaping the future. The discussion even touches on the debate between fleeting highs from substance use and the enduring fulfillment found in faith.