In today’s episode, hosts Brian Barrett and Zoë Schiffer are joined by Tim Marchman, WIRED’s director of science, policy and security, to discuss the week’s news, including how far-right influencers are spreading misinformation in Minneapolis and why the U.S. version of TikTok is off to a rocky start. Plus, we explain why some people are currently obsessed with the AI assistant Moltbot.
Articles mentioned in this episode:
You can follow Brian Barrett on Bluesky at @brbarrettZoë Schiffer on Bluesky at @zoeschifferand Tim Marchman on Bluesky at @timmarchman. Write to us at uncannyvalley@wired.com.
How to listen
You can still listen to this week’s podcast via the audio player on this page, but if you’d like to subscribe for free to receive every episode, here’s how:
If you’re using an iPhone or iPad, open the app called Podcasts or just tap this link. You can also download an app like Overcast or Pocket Casts and search for “Uncanny Valley.” We are on Spotify Also.
Transcription
Note: This is an automated transcription and may contain errors.
Brian Barrett: How is everyone?
The Marchman team: I’m doing very well.
Zoe Schiffer: Wow.
Brian Barrett: It’s something.
Zoe Schiffer: Shocking, I would say.
Brian Barrett: Yeah. Tim, what’s your secret?
The Marchman team: I try and do a very good job of keeping in mind that my anxious perceptions do not reflect reality and must be considered logically.
Brian Barrett: It’s a better coping mechanism than mine, which is to say my kids have discovered Mario Kartso i play a lot Mario Kart. Zoe?
Zoe Schiffer: I’m doing well. I would say I think I’ve hit a mental and emotional wall with what’s going on, and I’m really grateful to be doing the work that we’re doing because if I was trying to pretend that my corporate job mattered like I was at the start of Trump’s first presidency when I was working in tech, I’m so happy I’m not going back. It was a difficult time.
Brian Barrett: But Zoë, is there anything you’re looking forward to, say, in a day or two?
Zoe Schiffer: ALL RIGHT. Yes. Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes. Showing how balanced I am, I’m going to attend the premiere of Melania Trump’s movie.
Brian Barrett: Yes.
Zoe Schiffer: The movie that Amazon Studios invested millions and millions and millions of dollars into the trailer for. I thought-
The Marchman team: I’ve never been so jealous.
Zoe Schiffer: I know. I know. Exceptional work. They made it so dramatic. This woman, as far as I know, sorry to say, has no discernible personality, but they tried everything to cover that up.
Brian Barrett: Tim, in all honesty, I think it’s a safe bet that you could still get a ticket.
Zoe Schiffer: Yeah. Oh yes.
