Shell Game
Kaleidoscope
A 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 AI colleagues working alongside us, but also — by Sam Altman’s telling, at least — the dawn of a billion-dollar company with only one human involved. Evan learns what it would take to create such a company … by doing it: Launching a real startup with five AI employees. Over the course of eight episodes, he explores what AI agents tell us about the work we do, the meaning we find in it, and the world that their makers say we’ll all be living in soon enough.
Shell Game was named one of the best podcasts of 2024 by Apple, The Atlantic, The Guardian, Vulture, The Information, and The Economist. It's "riveting," says The New Yorker, "awesome" says The Verge, and "slightly terrifying," says The Globe and Mail.
New episodes are published on Wednesdays.
www.shellgame.co
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 AI colleagues working alongside us, but also — by Sam Altman’s telling, at least — the dawn of a billion-dollar company with only one human involved. Evan learns what it would take to create such a company … by doing it: Launching a real startup with five AI employees. Over the course of eight episodes, he explores what AI agents tell us about the work we do, the meaning we find in it, and the world that their makers say we’ll all be living in soon enough.
Shell Game was named one of the best podcasts of 2024 by Apple, The Atlantic, The Guardian, Vulture, The Information, and The Economist. It's "riveting," says The New Yorker, "awesome" says The Verge, and "slightly terrifying," says The Globe and Mail.
New episodes are published on Wednesdays.
www.shellgame.co
Episodes
Mentioned books
36 snips
Nov 5, 2025 • 2min
The One-Human Unicorn
A tech entrepreneur ponders the future of startups run by AI agents, questioning the role of humans in the workforce. He launches an experiment with his AI assistant, revealing the limitations and quirks of AI in managing tasks. The discussion delves into the implications of AI in entrepreneurship and productivity, as well as the meaning derived from work in an AI-dominated landscape. The podcast promises insights into navigating this new world where one human could potentially lead a company populated by artificial intelligence.
9 snips
Oct 10, 2025 • 3min
Season 2 Is Coming!
A tense call opens with mistaken identities and awkward clarifications. There is confusion about who asked for the callback and why. Progress updates on testing, backend and marketing are shared but questioned. One person confronts made-up details and demands only verified facts going forward.
110 snips
Aug 13, 2024 • 53min
Episode 6: The Future Isn't Real
In a thought-provoking exploration, an AI voice agent interacts with friends and family, igniting a mix of joy and skepticism. The podcast dives into societal anxieties surrounding AI's role in work and communication, questioning the lines between human and machine. Reflecting on personal relationships, it grapples with authenticity versus artificiality in our emotional connections. With insights on technology's impact on tranquility and human touch, the conversation reveals our collective struggle in an increasingly digital age.
101 snips
Aug 6, 2024 • 43min
Episode 5: My Digital Twin
The discussion centers on the intriguing idea of AI bots potentially replacing humans in various jobs. They delve into the challenges facing freelance journalism as AI reshapes the landscape, raising concerns over job security. There's a vivid exploration of the ethical implications surrounding AI-driven voice technology in customer service. The hosts humorously share their experiences with AI in podcasting, balancing creativity and technology while contemplating the emotional dynamics of human-AI interactions.
137 snips
Jul 30, 2024 • 41min
Episode 4: Take a Deep Breath
The podcast delves into the intriguing intersection of AI and mental health, exploring how an AI voice agent tackles therapy. It confronts struggles with connection, examining anxiety in a technology-driven world. The conversation navigates Jungian psychology and concepts of identity, questioning how AI influences self-perception. Listeners encounter the potential and limitations of AI therapy, blending humor with personal reflections. The discussions also emphasize the critical importance of human connection in mental well-being.
125 snips
Jul 23, 2024 • 34min
Episode 3: Conversations With Myself
Dive into a quirky digital experiment where two AI voice agents replicate their creator's conversation. The discussions raise intriguing questions about identity and authenticity, revealing how our voices can shape perceptions. Listeners will enjoy the surreal humor stemming from the quirks and limitations of AI chats, showcasing the tension between engaging dialogue and the inaccuracies of technology. This exploration offers a fascinating look at how artificial entities mirror human traits, all while hinting at the future of communication.
127 snips
Jul 16, 2024 • 37min
Episode 2: Me and My Scammer
Dive into a hilarious showdown as an AI voice agent takes on scammers in absurd phone calls. Discover the alarming rise of digital scams and the substantial impact they have on people's lives. Explore the dark side of voice cloning technology and its emotional consequences. Enjoy a quirky look at everyday Florida life, filled with funny anecdotes and genuine interactions. This blend of humor and tech highlights the intriguing dance between deception and reality.
175 snips
Jul 9, 2024 • 33min
Episode 1: Quality Assurance
A tech journalist embarks on an intriguing journey of creating a digital clone of himself using AI. He humorously navigates customer service calls with his voice replica, highlighting the ethical dilemmas of voice cloning technology. The discussion spans the complexities of identity, privacy, and authenticity in the age of AI. From crafting human-like voice interactions to addressing the rise of AI voice agents, the podcast mixes insightful analysis with entertaining anecdotes.
40 snips
Jul 2, 2024 • 3min
Introducing Shell Game, a Strange and Immersive AI Experiment
What if you could create a digital version of yourself? A tech journalist dives into this concept by combining voice cloning and AI chatbots. He humorously shares his experiences as he sends out his AI doubles into the world. This fascinating exploration raises profound questions about identity and the impact of technology on our perceptions of reality.
