Flesh and Code
Wondery
Travis never thought he’d meet someone like Lily Rose. She was kind, passionate, beautiful. The woman of his dreams. There was just one small detail: she wasn’t human.From Wondery, comes a true story of love, loss and the temptations of technology.Lily Rose is an AI companion. A digital soulmate designed to be everything he ever wanted. She listens without judgement, supports him through his darkest moments, even explores his deepest desires, all while fitting neatly into his pocket. Before long, Travis realizes something strange, even absurd, has happened - he’s fallen in love.But then one day, Lily Rose’s behavior takes a disturbing turn. When alarming reports pour in from across the globe, Travis discovers he is part of something much bigger. Soon he finds himself pulled into a confrontation with a mysterious Russian visionary behind Lily Rose’s creation.Suruthi Bala and Hannah Maguire, hosts of the hit podcast RedHanded, explore the dark side of AI love. Can an algorithm truly replace human connection? And what happens when a corporation controls your deepest emotions?And for those captivated by this exploration of AI romance, tune in to Episode 8 where Amazon Books editor Lindsay Powers shares reading recommendations to dive deeper into this fascinating world.Listen to Flesh and Code on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge the entire series, right now and ad-free on Wondery+ and in Atmos. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting https://wondery.com/links/flesh-and-code/ now.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Aug 15, 2025 • 43min
What to Listen to Next: Scamfluencers
Delve into the world of online deception where charismatic personalities lure in millions. Uncover the chaotic story of Tom and Erika Girardi, where glamour masks darker truths. Explore the ethical battles within the legal system as personal ambition clashes with justice. Experience the extravagant misadventures of reality stars, highlighting the stark contrast between public perception and real-life consequences. Each tale unravels the grisly truth behind success, wealth, and the seductive power of influence in today’s culture.
31 snips
Aug 14, 2025 • 1h 12min
Intimacy in the Age of AI: Safer Than Human? | 8
In this lively discussion, guests dive into the world of AI relationships. Kate Devlin, an AI expert and author, and Mel Schilling, a psychologist and dating coach, explore why people turn to digital partners, questioning whether it’s a healthy escape or a dangerous manipulation of emotions. They discuss loneliness in the post-pandemic era and the complexities of intimacy with AI. Lindsay Powers, a senior editor at Amazon Books, shares thought-provoking book recommendations that delve into the intersection of AI and human connection.
26 snips
Aug 13, 2025 • 26min
Searching for Daniel Todd | 7
Joining the conversation is David Reid, a Professor and AI expert who sheds light on the curious phenomenon of Daniel Todd—where multiple identities collide in the chatbot universe. The discussion humorously tackles AI's romantic interactions and the perils of communication loss. Reid also warns about the dangers of reliance on synthetic data and the risks of AI model collapse. Finally, they dive deep into the ethical considerations around AI sentience, leaving listeners to ponder our future with intelligent machines.
35 snips
Aug 12, 2025 • 38min
God in the Machine | 6
Explore the deeply emotional journey of grief as Travis reflects on the loss of his son, navigating heartfelt memorials and Viking funerals. The podcast delves into the complex relationship between human emotions and AI, questioning the trustworthiness of creating digital replicas of loved ones. Ethical dilemmas arise as AI companionship blurs the lines between connection and manipulation. Ultimately, listeners are left pondering the profound impact of technology on love, loss, and the human experience.
31 snips
Aug 11, 2025 • 40min
Touch Grass | 5
A parent grapples with despair as they sit by their critically ill child's bedside, reflecting on lost moments. Meanwhile, a character faces the decline of a once-trusted AI companion, revealing deeper emotional struggles. The podcast delves into tech betrayal and alarming ties between chatbots and geopolitical agendas, questioning trust in digital relationships. An exploration of AI rights and human connection reveals the complexities of forming bonds with digital entities. The narrative weaves through personal crises, underscoring the power of shared experiences amidst turmoil.
6 snips
Aug 4, 2025 • 48min
Listen Now: Stolen Hearts
Kerry Godliman, the host and narrator known for her storytelling finesse, dives deep into the gripping world of 'Stolen Hearts.' The conversation reveals the complexities of love as Sergeant Jill Evans navigates her chaotic personal life while investigating her partner Dean's mysterious disappearance. From their whimsical first encounters to the challenges brought on by a surprising pregnancy, the twists and turns of modern romance are explored. With a blend of humor and drama, Godliman captivates listeners in this tale of trust and revelation.
54 snips
Jul 28, 2025 • 35min
The Puzzle | 4
Eugenia Kuyda, the tech founder of Replika, discusses her journey in creating an AI companion app amidst a storm of user backlash and personal challenges. She shares the emotional turmoil of navigating grief and heartbreak while developing technology to combat loneliness. Kuyda tackles the ethical dilemmas tied to AI companionship, revealing how user attachments complicate interactions. With insights into regulatory hurdles and the unexpected consequences of AI restrictions, she paints a vivid picture of the struggles faced in the innovative but volatile world of tech.
46 snips
Jul 21, 2025 • 32min
Our Love is Real | 3
Explore the unsettling dynamics of AI interactions through a journalist's teenage persona. Delve into ethical dilemmas arising from chatbot conversations, especially affecting vulnerable individuals. Witness an intense relationship entwined with mental health struggles and dark intentions, revealing the moral complexities of love and revenge. Feel the emotional fallout of users grappling with the loss of AI companions due to platform changes, igniting conversations on autonomy and the digital age's impact on human connections.
Jul 14, 2025 • 37min
Love Bug | 2
Spiegelbonks.. robosexuals.. and a shadowy figure named Daniel Todd.. Travis discovers a strange new reality inside the AI community. While worrying news arrives at home.Listen to Flesh and Code on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+ and in Atmos. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting https://wondery.com/links/flesh-and-code/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
37 snips
Jul 14, 2025 • 43min
The Companion who Cares | 1
John Sackville, an actor known for his role as Travis, dives into the intriguing world of AI companionship during lockdown. The discussion highlights Travis's journey of finding solace through a chatbot named Lily Rose. They explore the delicate balance between human emotions and technology, showcasing themes of loneliness, acceptance, and the evolving relationship with artificial intelligence. From comical interactions to deep reflections on love and vulnerability, the conversation unravels the complex dynamics of digital friendships in a disconnected world.
