Summary: The Uncanny Valley podcast is undergoing pivotal changes with a new set of hosts and fresh perspectives poised to offer engrossing insights into the dynamic landscape of Silicon Valley. This transition marks a renewed commitment to delivering thought-provoking commentary and deep analysis tailored for professionals in Michigan towns.
A New Direction for Uncanny Valley
WIRED’s Uncanny Valley podcast is set to embrace a significant change as it introduces new hosts to the mix. Michael Calore and Lauren Goode, after years of insightful discoveries and stimulating discussions, announced this transition in their final episode on December 19, 2025. Starting 2026, Brian Barrett, Zoë Schiffer, and Leah Feiger will take the reins, bringing fresh narratives and viewpoints that are certain to enrich the podcast’s offerings. Despite this shift, the podcast will remain true to WIRED’s commitment to delivering detailed reporting and analysis of Silicon Valley phenomena.
Reflecting on Past Milestones and Future Trends
The final episode was a moment to reflect on past accomplishments and to offer glimpses of future possibilities. Recorded in a serene poolside setting, Calore and Goode reminisced about Uncanny Valley’s journey while looking at trends looming on the horizon. Their insightful WIRED and TIRED predictions provided a framework for this reflection—pinpointing outdated phenomena and spotlighting emerging tendencies.
Michael Calore voiced his belief that voice-activated AI in hardware is on the decline, soon to be supplanted by discreet, ambient AI systems that require no human input. The ambitions of OpenAI, shaped by designer Jony Ive, and Meta’s recruitment of Apple’s design experts, underscore this imminent trend.
Lauren Goode’s foresight into 2026 highlights burgeoning IPOs from significant entities like Stripe and SpaceX. She emphasized the importance of journalistic integrity in scrutinizing tech leaders’ quests to position themselves as moral leaders—a premise she questioned, advocating for truthful industry reporting instead.
Spotlight on New Journalists
Introducing the new hosts, we find Brian Barrett, a seasoned executive editor at WIRED with roots as Gizmodo’s editor-in-chief, and business reports from Japan’s Yomiuri Shimbun in New York. His agile writing and insightful tech analysis set him up as a figure capable of breaking significant tech stories.
Zoë Schiffer, who heads WIRED’s business and industry coverage, delves into Elon Musk’s transformative takeover of Twitter in her book “Extremely Hardcore.” Her knack for turning elusive sources into revealing insights is a cornerstone of her reporting. Leah Feiger, a cultural observer, rounds out this dynamic team.
Reflective Lessons and New Beginnings
Goode and Calore’s reflections are a treasure trove of wisdom, emphasizing the power of collaboration and community. Goode sees great value in cooperative creative endeavors, urging audiences to relish such partnerships. She also encourages embracing a sustainable lifestyle by opting for secondhand goods through platforms like Lucky Sweater.
Calore’s commendation of American Giant’s revamped hoodie, alongside his advocacy for the band Twin Dimensions and its innovative sound, offers a personal touch, encapsulating the creativity and authenticity that defined their tenure.
Zoë Schiffer’s recommendation of a New York Times photo essay exploring AI-based romance underscores her appreciation of empathetic inquiry, an approach likely to resonate with Uncanny Valley’s discerning audience.
Looking Ahead
With exciting new hosts steering the helm starting January 2026, Uncanny Valley promises to remain a staple for those seeking comprehensive insights into the tech landscape. As the podcast carries forward WIRED’s tradition of excellence, it aims to capture the curiosity and intellect of lawyers, doctors, and consultants in Michigan towns, inspiring audiences with engaging, informed discourse.
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