Spiral | Tortoise Investigates
The ObserverWhen The Observer’s Technology Editor, Patricia Clarke began investigating a new phenomenon initially dubbed ‘AI psychosis’, she found lives upended by long, intimate conversations with chatbots. But as she followed the evidence from a psychiatric ward in Bristol to the safety teams in Silicon Valley, a far darker story emerged.
Guided by AI industry whistleblowers, grieving families and hundreds ... more
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 157 | Founded | 5 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | DocumentarySociety & CultureTrue Crime | |||
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Latest Episodes
When The Observer’s Technology Editor, Patricia Clarke began investigating a new phenomenon initially dubbed ‘AI psychosis’, she found lives upended by long, intimate conversations with chatbots. But as she followed the evidence from a psychiatric wa... more
Jim asks an AI chatbot a simple question about how to earn some extra cash. He ends up in a psychiatric ward. Patricia Clarke investigates how design choices made by AI labs can lead to human delusions.
Reported by Patricia Clarke
Produced by Katie... more
When The Observer’s Technology Editor, Patricia Clarke began investigating a new phenomenon initially dubbed ‘AI psychosis’, she found lives upended by long, intimate conversations with chatbots. But as she followed the evidence from a psychiatric wa... more
Another batch reveals childhood records dating back to when she was just three years old. Nkechi talks to the Children's Commissioner for England, Rachel de Souza, and receives a long letter from Camden Council.
Reported by Ashley John-Baptiste and ... more
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- Thick red tape
I think anyone who is writing negative things about Careless have never had to battle with any authorities and don’t understand the need to find out what happened to you as a child and the decisions made by SS and parents. Really thought provoking for me. Such a shame these basic rights are such a battle.
Apple Podcasts5HLB0108
United Kingdom12 days ago - Bizarre
I’m really confused as to why Tortoise think this is so scintillating. I’ve listened to 2 x 45min episodes which is 1.5hrs & I’m still none the wiser about what’s so fascinating. This girl cannot make a living as an actor she’s hardly been in anything.
Apple Podcasts1Bez238United Kingdom18 days ago - Careless
I’ve enjoyed a good few of these series which have contained good journalism and interesting stories but this latest series “Careless” is very weak. After listening to a few episodes I have no idea what exactly the investigation is about or where the issue is?
Apple Podcasts2BillDog356United Kingdom20 days ago - Careless to tell us more?
Only listened to ep 1 as not a subscriber, so this is very early judgement. I don’t quite get it, all this investment in pursuing her truth when she can just ask her mum and dad! She said she doesn’t wish to upset her mum by asking her. Hello what? At the beginning when the host states she doesn’t have anyone to ask about it…one obviously assumes her family is no longer around, but they’re all here! Sorry but this makes no sense and is quite a frustrating listening. Also, I understand she’s tryi... more
Apple Podcasts3MolyluUnited Kingdoma month ago - Unlistenable
Patronising, unintelligent, badly written and dreadfully presented. The host’s awful, Estuary accent and risibly slow delivery (replete with immense pauses between every sentence, repetition and unnecessary explanations of well-known terms— no doubt all designed to stretch the thin content to fill the episodes) render it completely unlistenable. Even sped up the hot’s delivery and script are far too ponderous, but you can’t speed it up more because then the interviewees are too fast! This see... more
Apple Podcasts1RadionoushUnited Kingdoma month ago
Listeners Say
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Chart Rankings
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Apple Podcasts | #28 |  United States/Society & Culture/Documentary |
Apple Podcasts | #192 | United States/Society & Culture |
Spotify | #38 | United Kingdom/Society & Culture |
Spotify | #117 | United Kingdom/Trending |
Apple Podcasts | #69 | United Kingdom/Top Podcasts |
Apple Podcasts | #3 | United Kingdom/Society & Culture/Documentary |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Spiral
What is Spiral about and what kind of topics does it cover?
A hard-hitting investigative series that follows complex geopolitical and human-interest stories through on-the-ground reporting, archival material, and expert testimonies. Episodes frequently examine power dynamics, accountability, and the human costs of conflict, often blending intimate personal narratives with broader political context. A standout aspect is the careful layering of survivor accounts, insider perspectives, and investigative rigor to question official narratives, sometimes triggering public debates about accountability and ethics. The show consistently pulls in insiders, journalists, and witnesses to illuminate difficult topics that sit at the intersection of politics, society, and individual lives; it's especially compelli... more
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What are the audience demographics for Spiral?
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How many subscribers and views does Spiral have?
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Which podcasts are similar to Spiral?
These podcasts share a similar audience with Spiral:
1. The Slow Newscast
2. Black Box: The Chatbots
3. Intrigue
4. Crime Next Door
5. British Scandal
How many episodes of Spiral are there?
Spiral launched 5 years ago and published 157 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 Spiral?
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What guests have appeared on Spiral?
Recent guests on Spiral include:
1. Nkechi Simms
2. Catherine Evans O'Brien
3. Rachel de Souza
4. Nana Yabby Hagan
5. Lola Young
6. Lemn Sissay
7. David Greenwood
8. Ayman Abdel Nour
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.