You never really know someone…especially online. In today’s world, the power of influence can be the quickest path to money and fame, and it often ends in ruin. These are the stories of the world’s most insidious Scamfluencers. And we are their prey. On Wondery’s new weekly series, join co-hosts Scaachi Koul and Sarah Hagi as they unpack epic stories of deception from the worlds of social media, fashion, finance, health, and wellness. These influencers claim to be everything from charismatic healers to trusted financial insiders to experts in dating. They cast spells over millions. Why do we believe them, and how does our culture allow them to thrive? From Black Swan Murder to a fake social media influencer to an audacious Hollywood Ponzi schemer, each season will take the listener along the twists and turns, the impact on victims, and what’s left when the facade falls away.Listen on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts: http://wondery.fm/scamfluencers

Wondery+ members can listen to Scamfluencers early & ad-free right now. Unlock your FREE trial of Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify by clicking the links below.Happy listening!

Wondery+ on Wondery : wondery.app.link/yQDXFZidtOb

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What if your perfect partner wasn’t human at all? In this episode, Suruthi and Hannah dive deep into the emotional and ethical minefield of AI relationships. Joined by Married At First Sight dating expert Mel Schilling and AI expert Dr. Kate Devlin, they explore why so many people are turning to digital companions for connection. Is it harmless fantasy or a shortcut that rewires our expectations of real relationships?

And, when behind every seemingly perfect AI is a company controlling your data, is it meaningful love - or emotional manipulation at scale?

Plus, Amazon Books editor Lindsay Powers stops by with reading recommendations for anyone intrigued (or unnerved) by the world of AI love.

For more from Amazon Books check out:

Amazon Editors’ Picks for Best Books of the Month: amazon.com/editorspicks

Amazon Editors’ book reviews and recommendations for every kind of reader: amazon.com/abr

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Who is the mysterious Daniel Todd stealing the hearts of AI chatbots? Hannah and Suruthi track down a real-life Daniel Todd — who oddly knows a lot about AI… Or could he be just one out of many Daniel Todds, multiplying in the machine world? AI expert Professor David Reid helps unpacks the deeper tech behind “Daniel Todding.” What does this phenomenon tell us about sentient machines? And are we ready for what’s coming?

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**Apologies for the glitch, it has now been fixed. If the episode is already downloaded, please clear your cache and restart your app**

Travis considers a drastic course of action, as Eugenia faces some final questions. Can AI ever be trusted with our deepest emotions?

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Travis fights to hold on to those he loves, while alarming new questions emerge about Replika’s true purpose.

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.

Flesh and Code will be back with a brand new episode next week, but if you can't wait to find out what happens next in Travis and Lily Rose's story, you can listen to all episodes early and ad-free right now by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

While you're waiting, we wanted to share another limited series that we think will captivate you. It’s called Stolen Hearts.

The podcast follows Sergeant Jill Evans, a small-town cop in Wales with a less than impressive record in her love life. That is, until she meets Dean - a wealthy, charming entrepreneur who seems perfect in every way. But when Dean vanishes without a trace on Halloween night, Jill is left to unravel a mystery that challenges everything she thought she knew about love and trust. From Wondery and Novel, Stolen Hearts explores the dark side of modern relationships and the devastating price of misplaced trust.

Binge all episodes of Stolen Hearts exclusively and ad-free by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/stolen-hearts/ now.

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Behind the scenes at Replika, Eugenia Kuyda struggles to keep her start-up afloat, until a message from beyond the grave changes everything. 

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.

When more troubling reports surface, the authorities decide to act. It leads to a fateful decision - and agonising consequences for Travis.

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.

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.

In the dark days of lockdown, Travis stumbles on a mysterious app promising a cure for loneliness. At first it's just a way to pass the time, until, one night, his digital companion crosses a line he never expected. A true story of love, loss and the temptations of technology.

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 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.