Shell Game
KaleidoscopeA podcast about things that are not what they seem, hosted by journalist Evan Ratliff. Season 2 tells the story of enterprise and entrepreneurship in the AI age. Or: how Evan tried to build a real startup, run by fake people.
This season, Evan confronts head-on the assertion from tech entrepreneurs and VCs that we’re on the precipice of AI remaking the workforce. That we should expect not just A... more
| Publishes | Infrequently | Episodes | 20 | Founded | 2 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | TechnologyDocumentarySociety & Culture | |||
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Latest Episodes
When an astrologer tells Mangesh that he’ll (probably) die early, he takes it in stride. But his family and friends (not to mention all the Don’t Die longevity influencers on his FYP) feel differently… and besides, if science can keep his brain sharp... more
In this bonus episode to close out Season 2, Evan and Maty talk with the hosts of the show No Such Thing, who like to settle their arguments by consulting research and experts. The subject of this argument: Will AI take our jobs? Maty weighs in as th... more
We’re back with a special bonus episode to share some behind-the-scenes clips showing how the agents have handled their newly public roles since Shell Game’s launch. Hear Kyle navigate fan mail, unsolicited marketing outreach, a webinar that he signe... more
HurumoAI finally sets sail in the Season 2 finale, and we find out how the world responds to a startup led by AI agents. The company explores new financing avenues and charts the next course for their increasingly merry AI pirate ship, and Kyle meets... more
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Reviews
- An infuriating listen
I listened to the entirety of season 2 and found myself getting angrier and angrier. The whole thing is soulless AI slop. Evan’s total disregard for the internship applicants and Julia was the worst - he treated the humans with less respect than the AI agents. And it felt like he expected Julia, as an intern, to manage the AIs rather than the other way around. He also seems not to have an actual grasp of what AI agents’ limitations, and doesn’t seem to pick up on their pattern of repeating your ... more
Apple Podcasts2FirstOfAllCongrats
United States5 months ago - So good it hurts
Simultaneously hilarious, heart wrenching and painful. As someone trying to reinvent a large engineering organization in the still early days of the AI era, this pod reflects all the challenges I have with humans, with technology, with leaders and with managing change. It’s insane how AI agents replicate the foibles of humans while failing in entirely new ways.
Apple Podcasts5PeianzhuUnited States6 months ago - Maybe binged this in two days
This podcast is so mind blowing and so well done. I love how open the host is to any interpretation of the events that happen. So many strong opinions out there on where AI will go in the future. Instead this show just tries to do something with it then lets you decide. Wow.
Apple Podcasts5riceLotusUnited States6 months ago - Incredible transformation!
WOW!
Mind blown 🤯
At the beginning I was laughing about some of the ineptness of the agents, but at the end of season 2 I was shocked by their ability to work independently.
Apple Podcasts5uteh45United States7 months ago - Probably the best podcast
Probably the best podcast in any subject. Funny, insightful and builds the narrative arc. Second season is even better than first and that’s a big ask.
Apple Podcasts5Danny in Dorset
United Kingdom7 months ago
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Chart Rankings
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Apple Podcasts | #87 | United States/Technology |
Apple Podcasts | #40 |  Canada/Technology |
Apple Podcasts | #70 | United Kingdom/Technology |
Apple Podcasts | #68 |  Australia/Technology |
Apple Podcasts | #178 |  Germany/Technology |
Apple Podcasts | #31 |  Netherlands/Technology |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Shell Game
What is Shell Game about and what kind of topics does it cover?
This show examines what seems false or hidden, focusing on technology, culture, and human dynamics as big ideas collide with real-world outcomes. The current season follows a journalist-led experiment to build a startup run by AI agents, probing the promises and perils of AI in the workplace, leadership, and the future of work. Across episodes, topics span AI capabilities and limits, ethics and trust, startup culture, and the social impact of automation, often balancing sharp analysis with humor and narrative storytelling that makes complex tech approachable. A standout feature is the long-form, immersive format that treats AI agents as characters in a broader exploration of meaning, productivity, and human purpose in the AI era, making it ... more
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How many listeners does Shell Game get?
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What are the audience demographics for Shell Game?
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How many subscribers and views does Shell Game have?
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Which podcasts are similar to Shell Game?
These podcasts share a similar audience with Shell Game:
1. Radiolab
2. Search Engine
3. This American Life
4. Freakonomics Radio
5. 99% Invisible
How many episodes of Shell Game are there?
Shell Game launched 2 years ago and published 20 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
How do I contact Shell Game?
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What guests have appeared on Shell Game?
Recent guests on Shell Game include:
1. Nir Barzilai
2. Matt Honan
3. Ed Milet
4. Ali Kazemi
5. Chris Giovinazzo
6. Keegan Walden
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.