WIRED Roundup: The 5 Tech and Politics Trends That Shaped 2025

In today’s episode of Uncanny Valley, we dive into five stories—from AI to DOGE—that encapsulate the year and give us clues as to what might unfold in 2026.

For better or for worse, this year had it all—from the AI industry shaping the global economy and our lives, to the so-called Department of Government Efficiency taking over US federal agencies under Elon Musk’s leadership. In today’s episode, host Zoë Schiffer and executive editor Brian Barrett get together to reflect on some of this year’s key moments—and how they give us important clues as to what we can expect this upcoming year.