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In today’s episode, Tim Marshman, director of science, policy and security at WIRED, joins hosts Brian Barrett and Zoe Schiffer, to discuss the week’s news — including how far-right influencers are spreading misinformation in Minneapolis, and why America’s version of TikTok is off to a rocky start. Plus, we dive into why some people are currently obsessed with the AI assistant Moltbot.
Articles mentioned in this episode:
You can follow Brian Barrett on Bluesky at @brbarrettZoe Schiffer on Bluesky at @zoeschifferAnd Tim Marshman on Bluesky at @timarchman. Write to us on uncannyvalley@wired.com.
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Brian Barrett: How is everyone?
Marchman Team: I’m fine.
Zoe Schiffer: amazing.
Brian Barrett: This is something.
Zoe Schiffer: I would say it’s shocking.
Brian Barrett: Yes. Tim, what’s your secret?
Marchman Team: I try and actually do a pretty good job of keeping in mind that my anxious perceptions do not reflect reality, and that they need to be viewed logically.
Brian Barrett: This is a better coping mechanism than the one my children have discovered Mario KartSo I play a lot Mario Kart. Zoe?
Zoe Schiffer: I’m fine. I would say that I think I’ve hit a mental and emotional wall because of what’s going on, and I’m really grateful that I’m doing the work that we’re doing because if I’m trying to pretend that my corporate job is as important as I was during the early days of the first Trump presidency when I worked in tech, I’m very happy not to go back there. That was a difficult time.
Brian Barrett: But Zoe, is there anything you’re looking forward to, like, in a day or so?
Zoe Schiffer: Yes. Yes. Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes. To show how experienced I am, I’m going to watch the Melania Trump movie premiere.
Brian Barrett: Yes.
Zoe Schiffer: The movie that Amazon Studios poured millions and millions and millions of dollars into the trailer. I believed-
Marchman Team: I have never been more jealous.
Zoe Schiffer: I know. I know. Exceptional work. They made it too dramatic. That woman, as far as I can tell, I’m sorry to say this, has no perceptible personality of any kind, but they tried everything to cover it up.
Brian Barrett: Tim, honestly, I think it’s a safe bet you can still score a ticket.
Zoe Schiffer: Yes. Oh yes.