Shell Game

Summary

What happens when you trade human intuition for algorithmic efficiency? Shell Game is a fascinating deep dive into an experiment that feels pulled from a near-future science fiction novel. Hosted by Evan Ratliff, the podcast chronicles the audacious attempt to build and operate a functioning company managed entirely by autonomous AI agents. Rather than just theorizing about the rise of artificial intelligence, Ratliff puts it into practice, tasking software with the messy, human-centric reality of corporate life. Throughout the series, you get a front-row seat to the friction between technical innovation and human workplace culture. From delegating human resources to an AI avatar named Jennifer to managing corporate communications through digital agents, the show documents every glitch, breakthrough, and existential question that arises. You will hear how AI handles everything from recruiting real-world job candidates to navigating the nuances of daily professional tasks. The podcast is as unsettling as it is educational. It explores the uncanny valley of machine interaction, examining how these systems mirror our own behavior while lacking the judgment to truly replace us. If you are interested in the ethical dilemmas of automation, the complexities of the modern job market, or simply want to witness a high-stakes tech experiment unfold in real-time, Shell Game offers a gripping, behind-the-scenes look at the future of work and the unintended consequences of putting technology in charge.

Updated Jun 23, 2026