Articles mentioned in this episode:

You can follow Brian Barrett at Bluesky at @brbarrettZoë Schiffer in Bluesky on @zoeschifferand Tim Marchman of Bluesky on @timmarchman. Write to us at [email protected].

How to Listen

You can always listen to this week’s podcast through the audio player on this page, but if you want to subscribe for free to get every episode, here’s how:

If you’re on an iPhone or iPad, open the app called Podcasts, or just tap this link. You can also download an app like Overcast or Pocket Casts and search for “uncanny valley.” We have it Spotify too.

Transcript

Note: This is an automated transcript, which may contain errors.

Brian Barrett: How is everyone?

Marchman Team: I did a great job.

Zoë Schiffer: wow

Brian Barrett: That’s one thing.

Zoë Schiffer: Shocking, I must say.

Brian Barrett: Yes. Tim, what’s your secret?

Marchman Team: I try and do a very good job of remembering that my anxious views do not reflect reality, and that it should be seen as reasonable.

Brian Barrett: That was a better coping mechanism than mine, which is what my kids discovered Mario Kartso I play a lot Mario Kart. Zoe?

Zoë Schiffer: I’m fine. I will say that I think I’ve hit a little bit of a mental-emotional wall with what’s going on, and I’m very grateful to be doing the work that we’re doing because if I try to pretend that my corporate job is as important as I was in the early days of the first Trump presidency when I was working in tech, I’m glad I can’t go back there. It was a difficult time.

Brian Barrett: But Zoë, is there anything you’re looking forward to, say, in a day or so?

Zoë Schiffer: it’s ok Yes. Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes. Showing how good I am, I will see the premiere of the Melania Trump movie.

Brian Barrett: Yes.

Zoë Schiffer: The movie Amazon Studios poured millions and millions and millions of dollars into the trailer. I thought—

Marchman Team: I have never been jealous.

Zoë Schiffer: i know i know Amazing work. They make it very dramatic. That girl, as far as I can tell, sorry to say it, doesn’t have any kind of personality to be found, but they try everything to cover that up.

Brian Barrett: Tim, in fairness, I think it’s a safe bet you’ll still score a ticket.

Zoë Schiffer: Yes. Well yes.