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Top Comment

BBC
Disinformation
Social Media
Conspiracy Theories
Online Hate
Israel-Palestine Conflict
Trolling
Las Vegas Shooting
Misogyny
Psychological Impact
Deepfakes
Football
Social Media Trolling
Mental Health
Hate Speech
Algorithms
Donald Trump
Public Safety
Mass Shootings
Election Workers
Doxxing

The story behind your social media feed, from BBC correspondent Marianna Spring and investigative journalist Matt Shea.

Top Comment investigates what's blowing up online. From global events that go viral across social media, to bizarre moments that spill into real life, Marianna and Matt unpack the trends, theories and digital chaos shaping our world.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes73Founded3 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
News

Listen to this Podcast

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Latest Episodes

How has an algorithmic arms race created an environment where controversial and incendiary content is routinely amplified on our feeds? On this episode, Marianna discusses her latest investigation, which provides a paper trail showing how social medi... more

Almost six weeks since the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie (the 84-year-old mother of Today show host, Savannah Guthrie) the case which has shocked America remains unsolved. It's also led to a host of online amateur sleuths broadcasting their own inve... more

A series of posts appearing to encourage violence between neighbouring UK schools has caused widespread moral panic, and prompted police forces to issue dispersal orders. But, with zero incidents reported, could the 'red vs blue' phenomenon be a phan... more

Over the past year, prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket have exploded in popularity, as users bet on everything from battles in Ukraine to sex toys being thrown at sports games. So with concerns over both regulation and the prevalence of in... more

Key Facts

Contact Information
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Number of Listeners
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Recent Guests

Lindsay Rust-Purper
information aggregator on Nancy Guthrie case from New York
Independent influencer / online sleuth
Episode: Nancy Guthrie, TikTok sleuths, and Starmer's cringeposting era
Jordan Roan
TikTok analyst and investigator
Independent influencer / online sleuth
Episode: Nancy Guthrie, TikTok sleuths, and Starmer's cringeposting era
Sean Topham
political digital strategy consultant
Topham-Gwarham (agency)
Episode: Nancy Guthrie, TikTok sleuths, and Starmer's cringeposting era
Kate Shemarani
Paloma's mother and conspiracy theory influencer
Episode: Marianna in Conspiracyland 2: 1. The Dove and the Pigeon
Eni Aluko
A decorated former footballer and successful pundit
BBC Sport
Episode: Why Do You Hate Me?: 5. I Went Inside The World Of The Trolled And The Troll
Sadiq Khan
Mayor of London
London Mayor's Office
Episode: Why Do You Hate Me?: 3. Sadiq Khan: I Didn’t Say That!
Julia Wandelt
A young woman who claimed to be Madeleine McCann based on her personal experiences and traumas
Episode: Why Do You Hate Me?: 1. I Regret Posting Online That I Was Madeleine McCann

Host

Marianna Spring
BBC's social media investigations correspondent

Reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars from 892 ratings
  • She’s Back

    Know this is going to be great. Nice to hear you again.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Ithoughttoolong
    United Kingdoma month ago
  • When Alternative Medicine Harms

    Such an important but sad listen. Great journalism about how wrong Social Influencers can be. As Tim Minchin said, ‘you know what they call alternative medicine that's been proved to work? Medicine’.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Russtheblanker
    United Kingdom3 months ago
  • Marianna

    I love this podcast, this is the first one of Marianna’s podcasts I have heard. Easy to listen too, lovely voice! Hope there is more!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    J mc G
    Ireland5 months ago
  • Well constructed Documentary

    This pod could have been half the length. Only in my opinion, there was far too much family member impact, witness impact and emotion, and there was far too little actual inquest and deep dive into the conspiracy.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    Eldo19998
    United Kingdom5 months ago
  • Sobering and a must listen

    As a parent I cannot understand why you would persuade your child to not accept treatment. A chilling podcast, and very well put together.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Chilly mummy
    United Kingdom6 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Some criticisms focus on the depth of analysis in certain episodes, indicating a desire for more substantial insights.
Overall, the podcast is praised for its relevance and quality of content, striking a chord with contemporary issues.
The blend of personal stories with investigative journalism is highly valued.
Listeners appreciate the thorough and sensitive handling of complex topics.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#46
United Kingdom/News
Apple Podcasts
#205
Australia/News
Apple Podcasts
#80
Ireland/News
Apple Podcasts
#116
New Zealand/News
Apple Podcasts
#117
Netherlands/News
Apple Podcasts
#216
Indonesia/News

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Nancy Guthrie, TikTok sleuths, and Starmer's cringeposting era
Q: How do platforms' algorithms affect political narratives and public perception?
Algorithms prioritize engaging, often sensational content, which can amplify certain messages and force politicians to tailor their communications to maximize visibility, sometimes at the expense of accuracy or nuance.
Nancy Guthrie, TikTok sleuths, and Starmer's cringeposting era
Q: What motivates online sleuths to engage with missing-person cases, and what are the risks?
Sleuths are driven by curiosity and a desire to contribute, but the main risks include spreading misinformation, misidentifying people, and potentially endangering investigations or violating individuals' rights.
Nancy Guthrie, TikTok sleuths, and Starmer's cringeposting era
Q: Why does TikTok work for some politicians but not for others like Keir Starmer?
Experts suggested that matching the public persona with the platform's audience is critical; politicians who come off as genuine and relatable tend to perform better, while those seen as inauthentic or out of touch are penalized by the format's expectations.
Marianna in Conspiracyland 2: 6. The Inquest
Q: What did the coroner conclude about Paloma's death?
The coroner stated that Paloma was influenced and misinformed, and without such influence, she would have chosen to pursue treatment.
Marianna in Conspiracyland 2: 6. The Inquest
Q: How can we protect people from being misled by misinformation when they're unwell?
It's complex and it feels like we're still in a diagnostic phase, identifying the weak points in our social systems.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
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Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Top Comment

What is Top Comment about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This podcast provides an insightful exploration into the dynamics of social media, investigating how various trends and narratives emerge and evolve in the digital sphere. Hosted by an experienced BBC correspondent and an investigative journalist, it dissects both the significant global events and peculiar phenomena that resonate with audiences online. Episodes cover a wide range of topics grounded in thorough research, often intertwining personal stories with broader societal issues, making it a unique offering that combines journalism with storytelling. The podcast also discusses the impact of misinformation and the role social media plays in shaping opinions and behaviors, enhancing its relevance in today's digital landscape.

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Which podcasts are similar to Top Comment?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Top Comment:

1. The Slow Newscast
2. Americast
3. The News Agents
4. Foundling | Tortoise Investigates
5. Crime Next Door

How many episodes of Top Comment are there?

Top Comment launched 3 years ago and published 73 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Top Comment?

Recent guests on Top Comment include:

1. Lindsay Rust-Purper
2. Jordan Roan
3. Sean Topham
4. Kate Shemarani
5. Eni Aluko
6. Sadiq Khan
7. Julia Wandelt

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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