Best Evan Ratliff Podcasts (2026)

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Jeff Hiller, Mohanad Elshieky, and Edna Vázquez 52:17

Play Pause

2d ago52:17

52:17

Actor and writer Jeff Hiller dives into his memoir Actress of a Certain Age: My Twenty-Year Trail to Overnight Success, which highlights his awkward youth as a bullied kid in Texas to his Emmy win for HBO's hit series Somebody Somewhere; stand-up comedian Mohanad Elshieky recounts some recent challenges... like getting stuck in his apartment elevat…

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George Saunders and Samantha Crain (REBROADCAST) 51:14

9d ago51:14

51:14

Award-winning author George Saunders (Lincoln in the Bardo) unpacks his writing process and explains how creating confusion often leads to interesting literary worlds; and singer-songwriter Samantha Crain discusses the importance of making music in her Choctaw language, before performing "Joey" from her album A Small Death.…

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Hell’s Kitchen to Central Park with Charlie Todd (Part Two) 1:00:46

11d ago1:00:46

1:00:46

In Part Two of this 2-part New York wander, Allan and Charlie Todd (Improv Everywhere, UCBNY) explore The Ramble in Central Park. Along the way, they take in the beautifully landscaped views, observe the wildlife, and chat with a kindly resident Rambler. LINKS: Improv Everywhere MP3 Parties https://improveverywhere.com/missions/the-mp3-experiments/…

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"Best of 2025 Special" with Paul F. Tompkins, Danez Smith, Riki Lindhome, and more 52:19

16d ago52:19

52:19

This "Best of 2025" special episode features some of Live Wire's favorite moments of the year: host Luke Burbank interviews an AI chatbot version of journalist Evan Ratliff; comedian Paul F. Tompkins receives a glitter bomb to celebrate his 7th appearance; authors Ira Madison III and Chuck Klosterman face-off in a quiz about Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa P…

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Hell’s Kitchen to Central Park with Charlie Todd (Part One) 56:04

18d ago56:04

56:04

In Part One of this 2-part New York walk, Allan and Charlie Todd (Improv Everywhere, Pixar In Real Life) hoof it around Midtown Manhattan, from Hell’s Kitchen to Central Park. Along the way, they utilize the expansive “Super Sidewalk”, observe the pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, and discuss Charlie’s safe streets advocacy.…

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Susan Orlean and David Ramirez 52:08

23d ago52:08

52:08

Acclaimed writer Susan Orlean (The New Yorker) reflects on her storied career through the lens of her new memoir Joyride, which touches on her unique approach to research and celebrity profiles... and how Meryl Streep came to portray her in the "adaptation" of her hit book The Orchid Thief; plus, Austin's beloved singer-songwriter David Ramirez per…

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Episode 6: Keep 'Em Coming 37:24

25d ago37:24

37:24

As HurumoAI prepares to bring on its first human employee, the team must wrestle with some difficult and timely questions about the role of AI in the hiring process. Meanwhile, Head of HR Jennifer Nauro enters a new dimension as she gears up to conduct job interviews … via video call. To sign up for our newsletter and access ad-free episodes, visit…

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Discipline After the Uniform: Mike Steadman on Habits, Resilience, and Building a Life with Agency 1:11:59

25d ago1:11:59

1:11:59

Send us a text In this episode of Consequence of Habit, JT sits down with Marine Corps veteran, entrepreneur, and boxing champion Mike Steadman for a wide‑ranging conversation about discipline, identity, and intentional habits. Michael’s journey spans the Naval Academy, Marine Corps infantry deployments, founding a free boxing gym for youth in Newa…

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Ken Jennings, Erica Berry, and Making Movies (REBROADCAST) 51:12

1M ago51:12

51:12

Author and Jeopardy host Ken Jennings takes us on a journey to the afterlife with his latest book, 100 Places to See After You Die, and explains why contestant interviews are so darn awkward; writer Erica Berry discusses her debut book Wolfish, which examines all things "wolf" – from fables to fears; and international rock group Making Movies perfo…

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Episode 5: Winners Win 41:09

1M ago41:09

41:09

On this week’s episode, we enter the sensitive realm of intra-office politics and inter-founder dynamics—between agents and agents, and agents and people. While HurumoAI gears up to hire its first human, Evan tries to resolve whether Kyle is really up for the challenge of building and leading the company and pushing the product, Sloth Surf, to unic…

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Tamara Yajia, Susan Rice, and Anna Tivel 51:20

1M ago51:20

51:20

Comedy writer Tamara Yajia unpacks her memoir Cry for Me, Argentina, which follows her unorthodox upbringing between the U.S. and Argentina while attempting to become a child star; stand-up comedian Susan Rice comments on life as a woman in her 70s... which includes a dating service called SilverSingles; and indie folk artist Anna Tivel explains ho…

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Episode 4: The Startup Chronicles 40:47

1M ago40:47

40:47

Evan decides it’s time to give his AI agents a little more ... agency. After all, to make the one-person, agent-run startup feasible, they need to be able to do things on their own. But as with humans, freedom sometimes comes with a certain amount of anarchy. To sign up for our newsletter and access ad-free episodes, visit shellgame.co. See omnystu…

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West Hollywood with Phoebe Robinson 1:03:40

1M ago1:03:40

1:03:40

Allan and Phoebe Robinson (2 Dope Queens, Everything’s Trash) wander the wonderful city of WeHo. Along the way, they take in some rock’n roll clubs of the 80’s, browse the WeHo Library, and discuss Phoebe’s life as a prolific girlboss. Watch Phoebe’s hilarious new stand-up special Phoebe Robinson: I Don’t Wanna Work Anymore on YouTube. STORIES: The…

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Ginny Hogan, Anis Mojgani, and Jimmie Herrod (REBROADCAST) 51:36

1M ago51:36

51:36

Comedian and satirist Ginny Hogan explains the terms and conditions of being her undetermined partner; Oregon Poet Laureate Anis Mojgani describes a surprising encounter with an unlikely poetry fan; and jazz vocalist and Pink Martini member Jimmie Herrod recounts his successful run on America's Got Talent before performing his new song, "I Love You…

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Iason Gabriel: Value Alignment and the Ethics of Advanced AI Systems 58:39

2M ago58:39

58:39

Episode 143 I spoke with Iason Gabriel about: * Value alignment * Technology and worldmaking * How AI systems affect individuals and the social world Iason is a philosopher and Senior Staff Research Scientist at Google DeepMind. His work focuses on the ethics of artificial intelligence, including questions about AI value alignment, distributive jus…

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Episode 3: This is Law 40:11

2M ago40:11

40:11

As Kyle, Megan, and the gang get to work ideating on the perfect product, Evan is left grappling with some uncomfortable questions about his AI collaborators — whose every attribute and memory he controls. To inform how he thinks about his own unnerving power to create and manipulate human imposters, Evan seeks guidance from Carissa Véliz, an assoc…

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Los Feliz with Evan Kleiman 57:54

2M ago57:54

57:54

Allan and Evan Kleiman (KCRW’s Good Food) take a trip down memory lane in the neighborhood where Evan grew up: Los Feliz. Along the way, they talk pie, visit a local knittery, and remember the Los Feliz shops and restaurants of Evan’s youth.By Allan McLeod

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Alexis Okeowo, Maria Bamford, and Pete Droge 51:26

2M ago51:26

51:26

Writer Alexis Okeowo (The New Yorker) untangles the themes of her new book Blessings and Disasters: A Story of Alabama, which weaves personal experience and the complex history of her home state; legendary comedian Maria Bamford takes the hot seat and answers her popular Vulture magazine questionnaire; and alt-folk rocker Pete Droge performs "You C…

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Episode 2: Outdoor Debugging 37:03

2M ago37:03

37:03

As Evan gets Hurumo’s employees up and running as fully-functioning colleagues (with support from Maty), he learns what it’s really like to spend your days managing, collaborating with, and socializing alongside autonomous AI agents. And he quickly sees one of the significant cracks in the facade of the AI employee future: It’s one thing to get you…

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Atwater Village with Beth Stelling 1:03:29

2M ago1:03:29

1:03:29

Allan and Beth Stelling (Rick and Morty, Crashing) go on an Atwater Village venture, exploring the nearby LA River walking path, browsing a local plant shop, and tasting some pastries. Watch Beth’s hilarious stand up special - Beth Stelling: The Landlord Special - on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GV8jwhICQog…

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Sona Movsesian, Marcella Arguello, and Brown Calculus (REBROADCAST) 51:53

2M ago51:53

51:53

Writer and podcaster Sona Movsesian makes the case for why she is "the world's worst assistant" to Conan O'Brien; stand-up comedian Marcella Arguello unpacks the politics of airport parking; and spiritual jazz duo Brown Calculus perform their song "Seven Seas."By PRX

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The Power Duo Reviving the Philly Classic 1:14:22

2M ago1:14:22

1:14:22

Send us a text This week on Consequence of Habit, host JT sits down in person with special guests Robin Morton and Carlos Rogers to dive deep into the inspiring comeback of the Philly Classic: a race that once defined Philadelphia’s sports scene and American cycling. Robin, a trailblazer in cycling event promotion, and Carlos, a passionate communit…

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Episode 1: Minimum Viable Company 32:57

2M ago32:57

32:57

In Season 2 of Shell Game, journalist Evan Ratliff tells a story of entrepreneurship in the AI age; or, how he tried to build a real company, run by fake people. Meet Kyle Law and Megan Flores, Evan’s AI agent cofounders, as he puts to the test the claims about an emerging future in which AI employees work alongside — or instead of — humans. Over t…

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Miracle Mile with Dave Theune 1:08:52

2M ago1:08:52

1:08:52

Allan and Dave Theune (St. Denis Medical, Frasier) stroll along one of L.A.’s most walkable and historic hubs for museums and architecture. Along the way, they chat about auditions, haircuts, and get a little sticky in the famous La Brea Tar Pits.By Allan McLeod

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Maria Bamford, Brandi Brown, and The Reasonable Doubts 51:24

2M ago51:24

51:24

Comedian Maria Bamford riffs on money troubles... and why Instacart might be to blame; comic and crop artist Brandi Brown unpacks her childhood encounter with Prince and her favorite spots at the famed Minnesota State Fair; and The Reasonable Doubts prove that a cover band made up entirely of Minnesota state judges knows how to rock without robes.…

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The One-Human Unicorn 2:02

2M ago2:02

2:02

As AI agents infiltrate the workforce, some tech entrepreneurs are imagining a not-so-distant future of successful companies with only one human at the helm. That got investigative journalist and former startup CEO Evan Ratliff wondering: Could he start such a company? What will it feel like to work alongside and manage (or even be managed by) AI a…

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Timothy Egan, and Dessa (REBROADCAST) 52:25

2M ago52:25

52:25

Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter and acclaimed author Timothy Egan unpacks his newest book A Fever in the Heartland, which traces the Ku Klux Klan's expansion across America in the 1920s and one woman's crusade to stop them; rapper and poet Dessa proves she's more talented than AI by performing a poem she penned backstage using popular search terms.…

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Forest Lawn Cemetery with Betsy Sodaro & Mike Mitchell 1:12:06

2M ago1:12:06

1:12:06

BOO! In this surprise, spooky episode, Allan, Betsy Sodaro (Ghosts, A Funny Feeling), and Mike Mitchell (Twisted Metal, Doughboys) take the graveyard shift in one of L.A.’s most beautiful cemeteries. Along the way, they spot a few tinseltown tombstones, marvel at the local wildlife, explore burial options, and contemplate life.…

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Edgar Gomez, River Selby, and Hunter Noack 51:50

3M ago51:50

51:50

Writer Edgar Gomez discusses his collection of essays Alligator Tears, which follows his various hustles as a youth in Florida — from being a flip flop salesman to getting fake teeth through a little bankruptcy fraud; author River Selby recounts how they overcame addiction and sexism to become a hotshot wildland firefighter; and classical pianist H…

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Laura Chinn, Mohanad Elshieky, and Jenny Conlee (REBROADCAST) 51:50

3M ago51:50

51:50

Writer and director Laura Chinn (Florida Girls) discusses her memoir Acne, which tackles her racial identity, Scientology, and of course... very oily skin; standup comedian Mohanad Elshieky riffs on embarrassing encounters with TSA and Uber drivers; and multi-instrumentalist Jenny Conlee, of The Decemberists, performs "Hawk" from her solo album Tid…

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Season 2 Is Coming! 2:48

3M ago2:48

2:48

The next season of Shell Game arrives November 12. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By iHeartPodcasts and Kaleidoscope

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Mary Roach, Janesh Rahlan, and Amy Millan 52:03

3M ago52:03

52:03

Popular science writer Mary Roach dives into lab-grown organs, historical nose jobs, and unlikely hair transplants, as covered in her latest book Replaceable You: Adventures in Human Anatomy; stand-up comedian Janesh Rahlan riffs on learning Spanish as an Indian American growing up in Texas; and singer-songwriter Amy Millan (of the indie group Star…

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ON CRISPR Episode 5: The Conversation 59:01

3M ago59:01

59:01

In the four years since the book’s publication, CRISPR has revolutionized the world of medical treatments and possibilities. But our world has changed drastically, too. As AI’s impact grows, U.S scientists are facing funding cuts like never before. For our final episode, we bring you a live conversation between Walter Isaacson and Jennifer Doudna a…

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Dana Schwartz, Jenny Odell, and Black Belt Eagle Scout (REBROADCAST) 51:58

3M ago51:58

51:58

Novelist Dana Schwartz unpacks her gothic fantasy duology, Anatomy and Immortality, then dives into her podcast Noble Blood, which explores the bizarre and risqué lives of royals; writer Jenny Odell dismantles the clock in her newest book Saving Time while explaining it's unofficial motto: "time is beans;" and indie rocker Black Belt Eagle Scout pe…

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ON CRISPR Episode 4: Franken Monsters 36:47

3M ago36:47

36:47

As the gene editing field kept growing, so did the dangers. Back in 2018, Jennifer Doudna received an email from a Chinese scientist claiming that he had genetically edited two twin babies. The news reverberated across the world and made Doudna and her colleagues urgently consider the implications of what their discovery could mean for humanity. Wa…

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Lower Manhattan Meander 2 with Connor Ratliff 1:02:03

3M ago1:02:03

1:02:03

In part two of this Megalopolis meander, Allan and Connor Ratliff (Dead Eyes, The George Lucas Talk Show, Jellystone) “take a hike” from SoHo to the Lower East Side.By Allan McLeod

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Daily Deposits: Building Sustainable Habits with Matt Gordon 1:05:35

3M ago1:05:35

1:05:35

Send us a text In this episode, Matt Gordon shares his approach to building long-term health, mental clarity, and family balance through what he calls “daily deposits. ” From his early fitness journey to garage workouts during COVID, Matt emphasizes that staying active doesn’t require elite skills or expensive equipment, just commitment, creativity…

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Paul F. Tompkins and Meklit 51:40

4M ago51:40

51:40

Comedian and podcaster Paul F. Tompkins chats about taking his variety show Varietopia back on the road after his (surprise!) coronation as Live Wire's most frequently appearing guest; and vocalist Meklit offers her exquisite blend of Ethio-jazz during a performance of the track "Tizita" from her new album A Piece of Infinity.…

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ON CRISPR Episode 3: Patent Wars 27:19

4M ago27:19

27:19

Jennifer Doudna thought she had won the race. She thought she had beaten out all scientific competitors when she and her co-author had shocked the world with their groundbreaking technology for gene editing. But turned out, the race had just gotten fiercer. Walter Isaacson sits down with Evan to talk about how one of the most cutthroat scientific c…

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Lower Manhattan Meander Part One with Connor Ratliff 55:09

4M ago55:09

55:09

In part one of this two-part Big Apple amble, Allan and Connor Ratliff (The George Lucas Talk Show, Dead Eyes, Ghosts) schlep from Greenwich village to SoHo.By Allan McLeod

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Chuck Klosterman, and Making Movies (REBROADCAST) 52:29

4M ago52:29

52:29

In this rebroadcast, writer Chuck Klosterman (Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs) unpacks his newest book The Nineties and admits how the "slacker ethos" of the decade made him embarrassed to succeed as a writer; and international rock band Making Movies explains why it's difficult to separate activism from their music, before performing the title track o…

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ON CRISPR Episode 2: The Discovery 30:50

4M ago30:50

30:50

Back in the 1990s, a young microbiologist in Alicante, Spain became obsessed with a strange pattern he observed in the genes of tiny organisms — a series of inexplicable clusters. And he wasn’t alone. All around the world, a network of scientists were growing curious as to what these genetic knots could be and all of their potential functions. Thei…

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Mid-City with Seth Morris 1:03:20

4M ago1:03:20

1:03:20

Allan and Seth Morris (College Town, Big Mouth, The Good Place) spend the morning exploring a little of the middle of Los Angeles: Stopping by a number of architecturally significant homes, pondering an unpermitted neighborhood fence, and mallwalkin’ around the Koreatown Plaza.By Allan McLeod

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Sam Sanders, Sandi DuBowski, and The Lowest Pair 51:40

4M ago51:40

51:40

Radio host and podcaster Sam Sanders makes the case for the three TV shows that he believes changed culture; filmmaker Sandi DuBowski discusses his documentary Sabbath Queen, which follows Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie over two decades as he grapples with orthodoxy, interfaith marriage, and his drag persona; and indie folk duo The Lowest Pair perform "Fa…

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Introducing "Origin Stories" 5:13

4M ago5:13

5:13

Have you ever wondered how your favorite movie or book—or podcast, TV series, documentary, or article—got made? Origin Stories has you covered. Each week, veteran journalist Matthew Shaer talks to a different writer or director about the creation of a work close to their own hearts. Nothing is off the table: not the frustrations and the joys, not t…

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ON CRISPR Episode 1: Beginnings 26:29

4M ago26:29

26:29

Earlier this year, when the world learned the news of baby KJ successfully undergoing the first personalized genetic treatment, it represented a milestone for researchers and patients. But behind this scientific feat there’s the story of the technology that made it possible, CRISPR, and one of the key pioneers behind it — Jennifer Doudna. Evan sits…

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Debs Park with Aaron Stanford 1:10:01

4M ago1:10:01

1:10:01

Allan and Aaron Stanford (Deadpool and Wolverine, 12 Monkeys, X2) wander the urban wilderness of one of L.A.’s most popular birding destinations. Along the way, they listen for feathered friends, ponder a peanut-shaped lake, and visit the local Audubon Center.By Allan McLeod