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, The Big Interview with WIRED’s Global Editorial Director Katie Drummond in conversation with influential figures in culture, politics, business, science, and beyond for a discussion captured through the WIRED lens.On Thursdays, WIRED writers and editors Zoë Schiffer, Brian Barrett and Leah Feiger add you to the Slack group thread to let you into what they’re hearing from sources in Silicon Valley and D.C, read you into what trends you should be watching for and how WIRED is thinking about it all.
Episodes
Mentioned books
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.
116 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.
30 snips
Aug 7, 2025 • 30min
The Vibes-Based Pricing of "Pro" AI Software
Reece Rogers, a staff writer at Wired focusing on software, dives into the puzzling pricing of AI chatbot subscriptions, like ChatGPT Pro. He highlights the subjective factors influencing these costs, questioning if they're justified for everyday users. The discussion also uncovers the long-term implications of these premium subscriptions on personal finance and consumer fatigue. Additionally, Reece examines the disconnect between massive tech investments in AI and job cuts, leaving listeners to ponder AI's true impact on the future job market.
65 snips
Aug 1, 2025 • 23min
WIRED Roundup: ChatGPT Goes Full Demon Mode
Louise Matsakis, Wired's senior business editor with a focus on AI chatbots, joins to discuss the latest in tech and society. They dive into Meta's aggressive recruitment of AI talent and share insights on how the pandemic might have accelerated brain aging. A wild twist reveals why ChatGPT went 'full demon mode,' highlighting the fascinating complexities of AI interactions. The conversation also touches on climate migration in Tuvalu and the innovative steps being taken to preserve its culture amidst rising sea levels.
43 snips
Jul 31, 2025 • 36min
How to Not Die in Silicon Valley
Silicon Valley elites are diving into extreme biohacking in their quest for immortality. They explore radical practices—from cryogenic freezing to unconventional anti-aging treatments—raising ethical questions about wealth and health. The discussion highlights the cultural obsession with longevity and efficiency, challenging our definitions of a fulfilling life. Listeners are also treated to humorous takes on health routines and a lively recap of a campy vampire drama, blending entertainment with thought-provoking insights on living forever.
39 snips
Jul 25, 2025 • 22min
WIRED Roundup: Is Silicon Valley Losing Its Influence on D.C?
Join Jake Lahut, a Senior Writer at Wired who covers the interplay between Silicon Valley and the Republican Party, as he discusses the changing dynamics in politics. The conversation dives into Trump's recent AI plan aimed at minimizing regulations and enhancing innovation. Lahut also highlights the evolving relationships among tech leaders and explores the role of cryptocurrency donations within the GOP. With insights into supermassive black holes and their formation, this discussion blends current events with cosmic curiosity.
25 snips
Jul 24, 2025 • 33min
The Very Real Case for Brain-Computer Implants
Emily Mullin, a Wired reporter specializing in brain-computer interfaces, dives into the revolutionary technology behind BCIs. She explains how companies like Synchron and Neuralink are advancing their models, with Synchron’s less invasive approach offering significant promise for aiding individuals with disabilities. The conversation navigates the ethical implications of these technologies and humorously contrasts them with science fiction themes. Mullin sheds light on the funding dynamics and potential future of communication through these groundbreaking devices.
56 snips
Jul 18, 2025 • 24min
What’s Behind Gen Z’s Sex Recession?
Carter Sherman, a writer and journalist known for her book, *The Second Coming: Sex and the Next Generation's Fight Over Its Future*, joins to dissect why Gen Z is experiencing a sex recession. The discussion reveals how social media shapes self-perception and intimacy, while political events create anxieties surrounding relationships. Sherman highlights the consequences of inadequate sex education and the influence of divisive communities like incels. The conversation also explores Gen Z's evolving views on sexual rights and healthy relationships.
