This episode will be broadcast on Monday, hosts Brian Barrett and Zoë Schiffer are joined by Tim Marchman, WIRED’s director of science, politics, and security, to discuss the news of the week—including how far-right influencers spread misinformation in Minneapolis, and why TikTok’s US version is off to a rocky start. Also, we explore the current obsession with Moltbot by some.
The following articles are mentioned during this episode.
Bluesky is a great place to follow Brian Barrett. @brbarrett, Zoë Schiffer on Bluesky at @zoeschifferTim Marchman at Bluesky @timmarchman. You can write to us via uncannyvalley@wired.com.
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Transcript
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Brian Barrett: What is everyone doing?
Tim Marchman: I’m doing great.
Zoë Schiffer: Wow.
Brian Barrett: This is something.
Zoë Schiffer: The shocking thing is that I’d say.
Brian Barrett: Yeah. Tim, tell me your secret.
Tim Marchman: My anxiety is not a reflection of reality. I have been doing a pretty good job at keeping this in mind.
Brian Barrett: My kids are better at coping than I am. Mario KartSo I play a lot. Mario Kart. Zoë?
Zoë Schiffer: I’m fine. It’s safe to say I feel like I’ve hit an emotional-mental wall. I am grateful that the work we do is so important. If I had been trying to pretend my job in corporate was as valuable during the early years of Trump’s first presidency, when I worked for tech, then I wouldn’t be here. It was tough.
Brian Barrett: But Zoë, is there anything you’re looking forward to, say, in a day or so?
Zoë Schiffer: OK. Yes. Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes. As a way to show my versatility, I’m going to the Melania Trump premiere.
Brian Barrett: Yes.
Zoë Schiffer: Amazon Studios spent millions on the trailer. I thought—
Tim Marchman: Never before have I felt more jealous.
Zoë Schiffer: I know. I am sure. I know. The dramatization was amazing. As far as I’m concerned, that woman does not seem to have a personality. But they did everything possible to conceal this.
Brian Barrett: Tim, fairness to you, there is a good chance that you will still receive a ticket.
Zoë Schiffer: Yeah. Yes.
