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
27 snips
Jul 4, 2025 • 18min
The 911 Calls Inside ICE Detention Centers
Dhruv Mehrotra, a Wired reporter, unveils his investigation into the alarming rise of medical emergencies in ICE detention centers. He discusses shocking findings from 911 calls, revealing the chaos and neglect that detainees face, including pregnancy complications and suicide attempts. Mehrotra sheds light on the systemic failures in healthcare delivery and explores the serious implications of overcrowding and heightened enforcement. The conversation also touches on issues of abuse, accountability, and the intersection of government surveillance with these pressing social challenges.
15 snips
Jul 3, 2025 • 41min
In Sam Altman We Trust?
Delve into the fascinating journey of Sam Altman, from his humble beginnings to becoming a pivotal figure in AI innovation. Explore the drama surrounding his controversial firing and swift reinstatement at OpenAI, fueled by intense employee loyalty. Discover the personal experiences that shaped his leadership style, including his coming out story. The conversation tackles the ethical challenges within AI development and the growing skepticism about trust in tech leaders. It’s a riveting look at power, responsibility, and the future of artificial intelligence.
87 snips
Jun 27, 2025 • 41min
A Former DOGE Staffer Speaks Out
Vittoria Elliott, a senior writer at Wired, interviews Sahil Lavingia, the founder of Gumroad and a former staffer at Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency. Lavingia shares his chaotic experiences within the VA, exposing a lack of transparency and communication that hampered government efficiency. He discusses challenges faced during tech recruitment and reflects on misaligned expectations in government software initiatives. The conversation shifts to the cultural dynamics of Dogecoin and its implications amidst a turbulent political landscape.
38 snips
Jun 26, 2025 • 40min
Disney Just Threw a Punch in a Major AI Fight
Guest Kate Nibbs, a Senior Writer at Wired, delves into the high-stakes lawsuit filed by Disney and Universal against Midjourney for alleged copyright infringement. They discuss how this case could reshape intellectual property laws in the age of AI. The conversation highlights the complexities of copyright as it relates to generative AI, including the rise of low-quality AI-generated content. Nibbs also humorously discusses the legal ambiguities surrounding AI, emphasizing the need for critical fact-checking in today's digital landscape.
86 snips
Jun 19, 2025 • 38min
Seriously, What Is 'Superintelligence'?
Meta's recent $14.3 billion investment in Scale AI sparks a deep dive into the quest for superintelligence. The hosts explore the differences between artificial general intelligence and superintelligence, revealing the tech race for top talent. They discuss Meta's strategic shift and leadership changes in the AI landscape. Ethically, they touch on the allure of high salaries in tech versus broader workforce realities. The conversation also meanders through quirky anecdotes about chatbots and generative AI, all while reflecting on the absurdity of the world.
14 snips
Jun 13, 2025 • 18min
The Chatbot Disinfo Inflaming the L.A. Protests
Leah Feiger, Senior Politics Editor at Wired, dives into the chaos of misinformation during the Los Angeles protests against immigration policies. She unpacks how AI chatbots like Grok and ChatGPT are parroting false narratives, exacerbating public confusion. The discussion highlights the challenges of verifying information in a saturated digital landscape, stressing the need for heightened media literacy. Additionally, Leah critiques the economic dynamics of social media, questioning the value of virality and its impact on societal discourse.
158 snips
Jun 12, 2025 • 36min
Unpacking AI Agents
Will Knight, a Senior Writer at Wired specializing in artificial intelligence, explores the evolution of AI agents and their implications. He discusses how recent advances by companies like OpenAI and Google differ from traditional chatbots, emphasizing their potential to autonomously perform everyday tasks. The conversation also touches on investment opportunities for AI startups, ethical considerations regarding job displacement, and the need for responsible integration of AI into daily life, urging a reflection on user accountability in this rapidly changing landscape.
45 snips
Jun 6, 2025 • 23min
One, Big, Beautiful Breakup
Leah Feiger, Senior Politics Editor at Wired, shares her insights on the messy fallout between Trump and Musk. She discusses how their breaking alliance reflects shifting political dynamics and the impact on Dogecoin. The conversation dives into the influence of tech leaders in politics and how unconventional figures shape governance. Additionally, they touch on the wild story of a DMT kingpin, adding a thrilling twist to the political narrative.
19 snips
Jun 5, 2025 • 35min
Why Silicon Valley Needs Immigration
The hosts delve into the shifting landscape of U.S. immigration policies and their impact on the tech industry. They discuss how visa restrictions hinder innovation and the need for foreign talent in Silicon Valley. The conversation also touches on the tech sector's complex relationship with H-1B visas and the implications of political inaction. Additionally, engaging personal recommendations and a film critique add a lighter element, providing insights on how storytelling intersects with the current tech drama.
52 snips
May 22, 2025 • 50min
Let's Talk About ChatGPT and Cheating In The Classroom
The podcast dives into the transformative impact of AI tools like ChatGPT in education. Hosts discuss whether using AI constitutes cheating and share personal experiences with academic dishonesty. They explore how both students and teachers navigate the ethical challenges and benefits of integrating AI into learning. The conversation highlights the need for updated guidelines and effective communication in classrooms, while also drawing parallels to past technological changes in education. Ultimately, it questions how to embrace AI responsibly to enhance learning.
