Tom Steyer Makes His Case for Billionaires

From Mixed Signals: Bluesky COO Rose Wang on building a better social network

Jul 7, 202638 minSummary

In this episode of Uncanny Valley, hosts Max Tani and Ben Smith sit down with Rose Wang, the COO of BlueSky, to discuss the platform’s rapid growth and its alternative approach to social media. Born from a vision to decentralize online interaction, BlueSky operates as an open protocol rather than a traditional platform. Wang explains that this architecture is designed to break the reliance on a few powerful companies that dictate what users see and how they interact. By moving away from engagement-driven algorithms that prioritize outrage, BlueSky aims to create a more modular and user-controlled ecosystem. The conversation covers the challenges of scaling a mission-driven organization, particularly as the user base has surged in response to shifts at other social networks. They explore the complexities of managing a growing community, the potential for new revenue models like creator-focused subscriptions, and the introduction of AI tools designed to help users build their own custom feeds. Wang emphasizes that the goal is to empower users and developers to experiment, ultimately fostering a diverse digital landscape where the best experiences can thrive independently of centralized control.

Bernie Sanders Wants You to Own Half the Profits from AI

Jun 30, 202634 minSummary

In this episode of Uncanny Valley, host Katie Drummond sits down with Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders to discuss his legislative efforts to regulate the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence. Sanders expresses deep concern over the lack of urgency from Congress regarding a technology he describes as the most transformational in human history. He argues that AI is currently being controlled by a handful of billionaires who prioritize profit over the needs of ordinary citizens. To address this power imbalance, Sanders highlights two major proposals: a moratorium on new data centers to allow for necessary environmental and social safeguards, and the creation of a sovereign wealth fund. He contends that because AI is built upon the collective knowledge of humanity, the public deserves to own half of the industry and receive a significant share of the wealth it generates. The conversation also explores the threat of deep fakes, the displacement of the workforce, and the intersection of corporate oligarchy and authoritarianism. Despite these challenges, Sanders emphasizes the importance of grassroots mobilization and a clear alternative vision for a future where technology serves to improve, rather than erode, the quality of human life.

Why Amazon Dropped Its OpenAI Movie; Data Center Workers Are Fighting Back

Jun 25, 202632 minSummary

In this episode of Uncanny Valley, the hosts explore the increasingly blurred lines between the technology and film industries. A primary focus is the sudden decision by Amazon’s MGM Studios to drop a biographical drama about OpenAI—a project described as a high-stakes look at the company’s internal "blip" regarding Sam Altman. The hosts discuss how billionaire ownership and deep financial ties between tech giants and Hollywood studios are inevitably influencing which stories are told on screen. The conversation then shifts to the growing backlash against AI infrastructure. From local communities protesting the environmental and economic impact of data centers to electricians questioning the morality of constructing them, the hosts analyze why this opposition is becoming a bipartisan issue. Additionally, the episode covers the internal crisis at Meta, where a controversial employee-surveillance system was paused following a security leak, and concludes with an update on the evolving relationship between Anthropic and the U.S. government. The hosts highlight how the company’s ability to navigate national security concerns is proving to be as much about diplomatic communication styles as it is about technical safety.

FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez Will Fight for Press Freedom—Until Trump Fires Her

Jun 23, 202636 minSummary

In this episode of Uncanny Valley, host Katie Drummond interviews Anna Gomez, a commissioner at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), regarding the current state of media regulation and press freedom under the Trump administration. Gomez discusses the agency's primary role in managing national telecommunications and explains her efforts to dissent against what she describes as a coordinated campaign of censorship and control directed at major media companies like Disney and Paramount. The conversation centers on the FCC’s recent aggressive tactics, such as the premature renewal of broadcast licenses and the targeting of specific editorial content, which Gomez characterizes as retaliatory measures against outlets that refuse to align with the administration's political demands. Gomez emphasizes the importance of the First Amendment, detailing her ongoing "First Amendment tour" and her belief that legal pushback from broadcasters is essential to curbing government overreach. Despite facing an uncertain future in her role and acknowledging the risks of speaking out, Gomez remains committed to her position as a dissenting voice. The episode concludes by shifting focus to the critical need for digital literacy and affordable broadband access to ensure that all citizens, rather than just the privileged few, are equipped to participate in the emerging AI economy.

Until Trump Fires Her, Anna Gomez Will Fight for Press Freedom

Jun 23, 202636 minSummary

In this episode of the Big Interview, Wired’s Katie Drummond sits down with Anna Gomez, a commissioner at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), to discuss the intersection of government regulation, media independence, and the current political climate. Gomez, who has served as a commissioner since 2023, provides an insider perspective on how the current administration is utilizing the FCC to exert pressure on major broadcast networks. A primary focus of the discussion is the administration’s strategy of using license renewal processes as a tool for political retribution. Gomez highlights the recent targeting of Disney and ABC, characterizing the abrupt demand for license renewals—years ahead of schedule—as a transparent attempt to force the network to alter its editorial practices and abandon specific programming. Gomez argues that such tactics represent a dangerous shift toward government-mandated censorship and a clear violation of First Amendment principles. Throughout the episode, Gomez explains her commitment to speaking out against these practices, even at the risk of personal and professional fallout. She emphasizes the importance of digital equity, broadband access, and transparency in AI-generated political content, while warning that the ongoing consolidation in the media industry poses further threats to a healthy democratic discourse.

Meta's AI Workers Are Revolting; Peter Thiel's Secret Society; Will Trump Free SBF?

Jun 18, 202632 minSummary

In this episode of Uncanny Valley, hosts Zoey Schiffer and Brian Barrett navigate the latest developments in the tech industry, starting with the deep unrest inside Meta’s AI division. Employees are reportedly demoralized and frustrated by a recent corporate restructuring that has forced them into perceived menial, AI-supportive tasks. The hosts detail the internal chaos, including a viral meeting recording where an employee voiced severe grievances, and discuss how management’s attempts to boost morale—such as organizing a hackathon—have largely backfired. The conversation then shifts to the recent leak of a directory for Dialogue, an exclusive, invite-only society co-founded by Peter Thiel. The document exposes a network of high-profile figures from government, tech, and academia, shedding light on the secretive nature of these elite gatherings. Additionally, the hosts examine the unconventional lobbying efforts of convicted fraudster Sam Bankman-Fried as he seeks a presidential pardon from the Trump administration. Finally, the episode covers SpaceX’s multi-billion dollar acquisition of the AI startup Cursor and provides an update on Anthropic’s high-stakes negotiations with the White House regarding the export and safety constraints of their latest models.

Tim Heidecker Thinks Twitter Should Be a World Heritage Site

Jun 17, 202639 minSummary

In this episode of Uncanny Valley, host Katie Drummond interviews comedian Tim Heidecker about his ambitious, satirical mission to take over the Infowars platform. Heidecker, known for his surreal and absurdist comedy, discusses his long-standing parody of conspiracy theorist Alex Jones and his evolving perspective on how to satirize an increasingly bleak political landscape. The discussion dives into the origins of Heidecker’s involvement with The Onion’s bid to acquire Infowars, a move intended to hold Jones accountable for his defamation of Sandy Hook families while simultaneously reclaiming the digital space for creative, satirical expression. Heidecker shares his vision for the platform’s future, describing it as a potential hub for experimental comedy and an independent streaming destination that avoids the constraints and volatility of major social media algorithms. Throughout the conversation, Heidecker emphasizes that while the legal battle for the site remains in a state of limbo, he and his collaborators are moving forward with the goal of creating a curated, brand-driven comedy network that captures the absurdity of the modern internet.

Why Anthropic Shut Down Its Best AI (Special News Update)

Jun 15, 202619 minSummary

In this emergency episode of Uncanny Valley, hosts Zoe Schiffer and Brian Barrett break down the unprecedented conflict between Anthropic and the Trump administration. The episode centers on the administration's sudden decision to impose export controls on Anthropic’s most advanced models, Fable 5 and Mythos 5, effectively forcing the company to bar foreign nationals from accessing them. To ensure regulatory compliance, Anthropic responded by disabling access to these models entirely. The hosts explore the complex origins of this standoff, tracing it back to Anthropic’s public messaging regarding the immense power and potential risks of their models, particularly in cybersecurity. They discuss how a reported jailbreak—flagged by Amazon CEO Andy Jassy—triggered the administration’s aggressive intervention. The conversation delves into the broader implications of these actions, questioning the logic of applying hardware-style export controls to software and how this sets a challenging precedent for the AI industry. Ultimately, the hosts consider whether this clash signals a shift in the global AI race, particularly as open-source alternatives proliferate, and reflect on what these high-level regulatory tensions mean for the future of AI development and accessibility in the United States.

Why You Might Already Own SpaceX Shares; Inside the Knicks' Owner's Surveillance Machine

Jun 11, 202640 minSummary

In this episode of Uncanny Valley, the hosts explore a range of pressing issues at the intersection of technology, privacy, and corporate power. The discussion begins with an analysis of Apple’s recent developer conference, where the company introduced its latest AI strategy. Despite the hype, the hosts question whether Apple’s efforts to integrate "Apple Intelligence" into Siri will be enough to move the needle, noting the company’s reliance on third-party partnerships to bolster its capabilities while maintaining a strict focus on on-device privacy. The episode then shifts to the business world, specifically the historic SpaceX IPO. The hosts examine the massive scale of the offering and discuss how the company’s interconnectivity with Elon Musk’s other ventures creates a complex, circular economic tapestry. They also touch on how the inclusion of SpaceX in major indices could mean retail investors are exposed to the stock through their retirement accounts. Finally, the program highlights a troubling report regarding secret facial recognition code found within Meta’s AI app, before concluding with an investigation into the aggressive surveillance machine deployed by Madison Square Garden’s leadership to track and ban individuals deemed unfavorable by the organization.

Trump Foe Mounts Competitive Senate Bid in Florida

Jun 9, 202639 minSummary

In this episode of Uncanny Valley, host Katie Drummond interviews retired Army Lieutenant Colonel Alex Vindman regarding his unconventional Senate campaign in Florida. Best known nationally for his role as a whistleblower during the first impeachment trial of President Trump, Vindman discusses his transition from a distinguished military career to the political arena. He details his personal journey as a refugee from the Soviet Union and explains his motivation for running, emphasizing his desire to address local issues like the rising cost of living, housing affordability, and infrastructure in Florida. The conversation explores Vindman’s approach to governance, highlighting the importance of independent, thoughtful leadership over partisan loyalty. He critiques the current administration’s handling of foreign policy—specifically regarding Iran—and argues for reasserting congressional authority over war powers and tariffs to provide economic relief to families. Furthermore, Vindman offers his perspective on the intersection of technology and policy, particularly regarding artificial intelligence. He acknowledges the necessity of maintaining America’s competitive edge while stressing the need to mitigate risks like deepfakes and the strain that massive data centers place on local water and energy resources.