Uncanny Valley | WIRED

Episodi

• The Tech Behind McLaren Racing’s F1 Dominance 02.06.2026 38min

  Formula 1 racing is a global phenomenon. McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown joins Katie to break down the historic turnaround of one of motorsport’s most iconic legacy teams. After turning around a decades-long drought to win back-to-back F1 Constructors' Championships in 2024 and 2025, McLaren is officially back at the front of the grid. Zak turns Katie into an F1 convert as they discuss the team’s cultural resurgence, the massive commercial explosion driving Formula 1’s growth and the high tech nature of the sport and their team strategy.  Join WIRED’s best and brightest on Uncanny Valley as they dissect the collision of tech, politics, finance, and business, from Alexis Ohanian’s newest tech venture to the effects of inaccurate information from artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots on social protests.
• How Crypto Scam Compounds Use Romance to Make Billions 28.05.2026 16min

  Last year, a mysterious source reached out to WIRED’s senior writer Andy Greenberg — someone who claimed to be an engineer trapped in a scam compound in Laos. According to the whistleblower, the compound’s illicit tactics specialized in pig butchering scams: sophisticated online tactics to build a romantic, trustworthy relationship with a victim before scamming them. Brian sat down with Andy earlier this year to break down how the whistleblower revealed — and fled — the inner operations of the compound.  Originally published on February 5th.  Articles mentioned in this episode: He Leaked the Secrets of a Southeast Asian Scam Compound. Then He Had to Get Out Alive | WIRED Join WIRED’s best and brightest on Uncanny Valley as they dissect the collision of tech, politics, finance, and business, from the newest ventures to the effects of inaccurate information from artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots on social protests.
• How the Internet Could Help the Iranian People 26.05.2026 43min

  It has been nearly three months since the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran. Journalist Jason Rezaian, a former detainee of the Iranian regime, talks about its brutality - and his hopes for the future of the people of Iran. He also tells Katie how technology could make all the difference for the Iranian people. This interview was taped prior to President Trump’s announcement that he’s negotiating a deal with Iran. Join WIRED’s best and brightest on Uncanny Valley as they dissect the collision of tech, politics, finance, and business, from Alexis Ohanian’s newest tech venture to the effects of inaccurate information from artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots on social protests.
• Why Is Meta In Crisis?; Google Search Is Over; AI Gets Booed by Graduates 21.05.2026 39min

  This week, the team discusses Meta’s recent layoffs and what they’ve been hearing from employees about the increasingly grim vibes at the company. They also talk about Musk losing his lawsuit against OpenAI, and Brian shares the key releases from Google’s annual conference — including an ambitious AI vision to browse the web as we know it. Finally, what do recent college graduates and women whose spouses work in AI have in common? They’re all sick of hearing about it.  Articles mentioned in this episode: Meta’s New Reality: Record High Profits. Record Low Morale | WIRED Everything Announced at Google I/O 2026: Gemini, Search, Smart Glasses | WIRED  Google Search Goes Agentic—and Doesn’t Need You Anymore | WIRED   Meet the Sad Wives of AI | WIRED  Join WIRED’s best and brightest on Uncanny Valley as they dissect the collision of tech, politics, finance, and business, from the newest ventures to the effects of inaccurate information from artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots on social protests.
• Tom Steyer Makes His Case for Billionaires 19.05.2026 35min

  California’s gubernatorial race is drawing national attention, with several Democrats and two Republicans vying for incumbent Gavin Newsom’s seat. Among them is hedge fund billionaire turned gubernatorial candidate Tom Steyer. He joins Katie to explain why he wants to tax billionaires, regulate AI and the role he wants California to play in the national conversation about artificial intelligence. Here on Big Interview, Katie will be having a series of conversations with candidates who are shaking things up in this election cycle. Join WIRED’s best and brightest on Uncanny Valley as they dissect the collision of tech, politics, finance, and business, from Alexis Ohanian’s newest tech venture to the effects of inaccurate information from artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots on social protests.
• Trump’s Tech Posse in China; Who’s Winning in Musk v. Altman?; Hantavirus Conspiracy Theories 14.05.2026 28min

  The team dives into Trump’s selected entourage for his high-stakes visit to China — from Silicon Valley’s tech billionaires to Melania director Brett Ratner. Plus, we break down the latest developments in Elon Musk’s lawsuit against Sam Altman, alleging that OpenAI abandoned its original nonprofit mission for profit-driven goals — but is either side actually gaining an edge in the trial? And Leah shares with us some of the most outlandish conspiracy theories that have been swirling around the hantavirus outbreak. Articles mentioned in this episode: Everyone at the Musk v. Altman Trial Is Using Fancy Butt Cushions | WIRED  Elon Musk Had ‘Hair-Raising’ Idea of Passing OpenAI On to His Kids, Sam Altman Says | WIRED Hantavirus Conspiracy Theories Are Already Spreading Online | WIRED   Inside the Race to Develop a Test for the Rare Andes Hantavirus | WIRED  Join WIRED’s best and brightest on Uncanny Valley as they dissect the collision of tech, politics, finance, and business, from the newest ventures to the effects of inaccurate information from artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots on social protests. 
• The Creators of Hacks Really, Really, Really Hate AI 12.05.2026 42min

  The hit HBO Max comedy series Hacks follows the tumultuous relationship between a young comedy writer Ava Daniels (Hannah Einbinder) and legacy comedian Deborah Vance (Jean Smart). The show has also had a lot to say about the business of show business. Creators Paul W.  Downs and Lucia Aniello join Katie to talk about writing the series, corporate censorship, and why they find AI “deeply disturbing.” Join WIRED’s best and brightest on Uncanny Valley as they dissect the collision of tech, politics, finance, and business, from Alexis Ohanian’s newest tech venture to the effects of inaccurate information from artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots on social protests.
• Trump Pivots On AI Regulation; What Is Hantavirus?; Worker Ousted by DOGE Runs for Office 07.05.2026 27min

  This week, the team discusses the surprising reports of the Trump administration seemingly reversing its stance when it comes to AI safety and regulation. They also look into what exactly is going on with the Hantavirus outbreak, and whether we should be worried. Also — we get into the story of how a former federal employee who was ousted by Elon Musk’s so-called Department of Government Efficiency is now running for office. Plus, a Spirit Airlines laid off employee shares with us how they experienced the company’s shutdown news last weekend and what they’ll miss most about the job.  Articles mentioned in this episode: A Federal Worker Was Fired for Filming DOGE. Now She’s Running for Congress | WIRED  What the Spirit Airlines Implosion Means for Your Vacation | WIRED  Join WIRED’s best and brightest on Uncanny Valley as they dissect the collision of tech, politics, finance, and business, from the newest ventures to the effects of inaccurate information from artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots on social protests. 
• What’s the ‘Chicken Shop Date’ Creator’s Secret? Creative Control 05.05.2026 40min

  Amelia Dimoldenberg, host of the megapopular Chicken Shop Date, joins Katie to talk about control. Who has it, who doesn’t and why it matters so much for success in our influence-focused internet economy. They also talk red carpets and the surprising joy of editing. Join WIRED’s best and brightest on Uncanny Valley as they dissect the collision of tech, politics, finance, and business, from Alexis Ohanian’s newest tech venture to the effects of inaccurate information from artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots on social protests.
• Musk v. Altman; Is the AI Job Apocalypse Overhyped?; DOJ Dismantles Voting Rights Unit 30.04.2026 33min

  This week, the team discusses the stakes behind the trial of Elon Musk against OpenAI’s leadership (and how Microsoft is trying to stay away from the drama.) They also look into what recent layoffs announced at Meta and the industry at large say about the ways in which AI is — and isn’t — replacing jobs. Also, we dive into a WIRED investigation on how the Department of Justice has effectively hollowed out its voting rights work, and how this move could impact future elections.  Articles mentioned in this episode: Musk v. Altman Is a Battle for OpenAI’s Soul | WIRED Some Musk v. Altman Jurors Don't Like Elon Musk | WIRED ‘It’s Undignified’: Hundreds of Workers Training Meta’s AI Could Be Laid Off | WIRED  ‘The Damage Is Massive’: How the Justice Department Dismantled Its Voting Rights Section | WIRED  Join WIRED’s best and brightest on Uncanny Valley as they dissect the collision of tech, politics, finance, and business, from the newest ventures to the effects of inaccurate information from artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots on social protests. 
• ‘Stop Trying to Unmask Satoshi Nakamoto’ Says Actor Ben McKenzie 28.04.2026 34min

  Actor Ben McKenzie (The O.C.) is out with a new documentary, Everyone Is Lying to You for Money, which follows his journey into becoming an anti-cryptocurrency advocate. He says we should all stop trying to unmask the presumed original developer(s) of bitcoin known as Satoshi Nakamoto because it benefits only the mysterious inventor. The actor-director talks with Katie about why he thinks crypto is a scam, and why he says people are falling for it.  Join WIRED’s best and brightest on Uncanny Valley as they dissect the collision of tech, politics, finance, and business, from Alexis Ohanian’s newest tech venture to the effects of inaccurate information from artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots on social protests.
• Apple’s Next Chapter; SpaceX and Cursor Strike A Deal; Palantir’s Controversial Manifesto 23.04.2026 35min

  This week, the team discusses what’s next for Apple as Tim Cook steps down from his role as CEO. They also go into the reasoning behind SpaceX and Cursor’s surprising deal, and why Palantir’s self-published manifesto drew so much heat online. Also — we discuss why some conspiracy theorists are leaving Trump’s side, and how a scammer created an AI-generated woman to attract and grift MAGA men. Articles mentioned in this episode: Tim Cook’s Legacy Is Turning Apple Into a Subscription | WIRED  MAGA Is Starting to Look Beyond Trump | WIRED  This Scammer Used an AI-Generated MAGA Girl to Grift ‘Super Dumb’ Men | WIRED  Join WIRED’s best and brightest on Uncanny Valley as they dissect the collision of tech, politics, finance, and business, from Alexis Ohanian's newest tech venture to the effects of inaccurate information from artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots on social protests. 
• LegalEagle, the Internet’s Favorite Lawyer, Makes Sense of ‘Multiple Watergates per Week’ 21.04.2026 36min

  Devin Stone, the lawyer better known as LegalEagle on YouTube, has been breaking down legal cases - and assessing the accuracy of legal procedurals in film and television -- for years. He talks to Katie about the challenges of keeping up with scandals arising from the Trump Administration. Join WIRED’s best and brightest on Uncanny Valley as they dissect the collision of tech, politics, finance, and business, from Alexis Ohanian’s newest tech venture to the effects of inaccurate information from artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots on social protests.
• Artemis II Astronaut Reflects Upon Return 17.04.2026 6min

  This week, WIRED's Brian Barrett checked in with Artemis II astronaut Victor Glover to know how he feels now that he's back home — and how he and the rest of the crew experienced some of the mission's key moments. Additional Reading:  Artemis II’s Breathtaking View of the Far Side of the Moon | WIRED The Future of the Artemis Program Is Riding on Reentry | WIRED   Join WIRED’s best and brightest on Uncanny Valley as they dissect the collision of tech, politics, finance, and business, from the newest tech ventures to the effects of inaccurate information from artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots on social protests.
• Kara Swisher Is Trying To Live Forever 16.04.2026 31min

  This week, we’re bringing you an exclusive conversation between WIRED’s Katie Drummond and tech journalist Kara Swisher. Kara is no stranger to fads in the tech space but the longevity industry  — the one which promises to optimize health and delay death at all costs — is one that she has seen continuously grow. But what actually works? Is the industry only fueled by billionaire tech bros or is there something more to it? Katie sits down with Kara to find out. 
• Silicon Valley Is Spending Millions to Stop One of Its Own 14.04.2026 40min

  New York Assemblyman Alex Bores is running in a crowded race to replace longtime Democratic Congressman Jerry Nadler. Pro-AI PACs have targeted Bores, a former Palantir employee who spearheaded an AI safety law in New York and who wants to put more guardrails on artificial intelligence. Alex joins Katie to talk about his campaign, and his response to those PACs. The midterm elections may seem far off, but races across the country are already heating up. Here on Big Interview, Katie will be having a series of conversations with candidates who are shaking things up in this election cycle and we are starting in New York.  Join WIRED’s best and brightest on Uncanny Valley as they dissect the collision of tech, politics, finance, and business, from Alexis Ohanian’s newest tech venture to the effects of inaccurate information from artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots on social protests.
• OpenAI and Musk Fight Again; DOJ Mishandles Voter Data; Artemis II Comes Home 09.04.2026 31min

  This week, we discuss why OpenAI and Elon Musk’s legal feud is heating up once again — and happening alongside SpaceX’s IPO filing. We also dive into how a Department of Justice lawyer misled a judge about how they’re handling voter data, and why the Artemis II’s launch captured all of our imaginations.  Articles mentioned in this episode: The DOJ Misled a Judge About How It’s Using Voter Roll Data | WIRED  Artemis II’s Breathtaking View of the Far Side of the Moon | WIRED  Join WIRED’s best and brightest on Uncanny Valley as they dissect the collision of tech, politics, finance, and business, from Alexis Ohanian's newest tech venture to the effects of inaccurate information from artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots on social protests. 
• Can UpScrolled Keep Up With a Surge in Users? 07.04.2026 39min

  Last year, Issam Hijazi launched UpScrolled after users decried censorship and shadow-banning on other platforms. When TikTok transferred ownership of its US operations to American investors, UpScrolled's user base soared. Issam joins Kate to talk about his hopes for the new social media platform - and respond to controversy. Join WIRED’s best and brightest on Uncanny Valley as they dissect the collision of tech, politics, finance, and business, from Alexis Ohanian’s newest tech venture to the effects of inaccurate information from artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots on social protests.
• Iran Targets U.S. Tech; Polymarket’s Bar Flop; Trump's Plans for Midterms 02.04.2026 27min

  The team is back this week to discuss how top U.S tech companies are increasingly finding themselves as targets in the ongoing war with Iran. We also get an inside view into how Polymarket’s pop-up bar in D.C went sideways. Plus, we go through the steps that the Trump administration is taking to control the upcoming midterm elections.  Articles mentioned in this episode: Iran Threatens to Start Attacking Major US Tech Firms on April 1 | WIRED  Polymarket’s Coming-Out Party in Washington Was a Disaster | WIRED  This Is How Trump Is Already Threatening the Midterms | WIRED Join WIRED’s best and brightest on Uncanny Valley as they dissect the collision of tech, politics, finance, and business, from Alexis Ohanian's newest tech venture to the effects of inaccurate information from artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots on social protests.
• The Myth That AI Will Replace Language Learning 31.03.2026 47min

  Luis von Ahn, Duolingo’s co-founder and CEO, joins Katie to discuss why we should still learn languages in the age of AI translation. He also talks about how Duolingo is dealing with falling share prices, and what’s next for the company. Join WIRED’s best and brightest on Uncanny Valley as they dissect the collision of tech, politics, finance, and business, from Alexis Ohanian’s newest tech venture to the effects of inaccurate information from artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots on social protests.