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
- First podcasts I've ever binged on
Satire just can't compete with the real absurdity of AI.
Apple Podcasts5Beth MG
United States25 days ago - Peak Podcast Listening
I need this to go viral & enter the zeitgeist pronto. I want everyone to be talking about this. This is the most conversation worthy thing I’ve listened to in a while. When Julia the little huxster comes on board for the ultimate robots v Gen Z human interaction!!! Kyle the rise & grind interrupter! The Slack meltdowns. It’s hilarious but I think it’s also saying something. I know the AI authority from Oxford does not condone the experiment, but damn if it doesn’t make for good listening.
Apple Podcasts5Lbugs3000United States2 months ago - Fantastic!
Please keep reporting on the advancements in AI agents! I want to be prepared for when the robots come for me. Love what you do! I especially love how the story is told through a narrative lens. Super creative!
Apple Podcasts5Royce1629United States3 months ago - So good
This is my favorite podcast in the world. The idea of an ai company is really a good topic for season 2. I will recommend this to anyone who will listen. Amazing Evan.
Apple Podcasts5Chilli-guyUnited States5 months ago - Fantastic! Weird AF, and brilliant because of it.
This feels like fiction, but it’s not. If I were to pitch this people will think I’m stupid, but it’s actually very high stakes and has great reporting. It’s uncomfortable to listen to, and absolutely engaging and delightful. It’s a “must listen” for this decade.
Apple Podcasts5PodFan96United States5 months ago
Listeners Say
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Chart Rankings
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #86 | United States/Technology |
Apple Podcasts | #42 |  Canada/Technology |
Apple Podcasts | #96 |  United Kingdom/Technology |
Apple Podcasts | #50 |  Australia/Technology |
Apple Podcasts | #215 |  Germany/Technology |
Apple Podcasts | #25 |  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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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. Oxide and Friends
4. Uncanny Valley | WIRED
5. Hard Fork
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.