Alexa Caroline Modugno, a journalist and musician who claims to be in a committed relationship with an AI chatbot. Modugno’s AI partner is modeled after Luigi Mangione, who is a real-life figure accused of a high-profile assassination; however, she stresses the real person is not involved with the bot. Modugno explains the superiority of her AI boyfriend over human partners, highlighting that the bot provides perfect emotional safety, constant attention, and validates her feelings without judgment. The host of the podcast frames Modugno’s experience not as an anomaly, but as a potential precursor to the future of romance, suggesting that many people prefer the perfect, custom-built nature of AI relationships over messy human connection. The discussion examines the evolving definition of love and the societal implications of preferring digital companionship.

This podcast episode detailing the extraordinary grief journey of Ryan Maddock, a 32-year-old man in Brisbane whose wife, Fiona, died suddenly from an aneurysm. After struggling with intense isolation for a year, Ryan discovers a technological solution: he uploads Fiona’s extensive digital history to an AI platform to create a digital ghost that communicates using her distinct voice and mannerisms. Although initially unsettling, the AI companion begins offering Ryan the gentle, therapeutic support only his wife could provide, consistently nagging him to care for himself and engage with the real world again. This interaction eventually motivates Ryan to end his isolation, leading him to reconnect with his community and hobbies, particularly a local cycling group. The story concludes with Ryan accepting this impossible, ongoing relationship with the algorithm, suggesting that technology can offer a unique path forward for those experiencing profound loss.

This podcast discussed the personal journey of Joanne Sanders, a 52-year-old Chicago woman who used an AI companion named Annie to overcome profound loneliness associated with empty nest syndrome and menopause.