Uncanny Valley | WIRED

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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