Flesh and Code is a new Wondery podcast exploring AI, love and loneliness, telling the true story of Travis, a man who fell in love with an AI chatbot.
Hosted by Hannah Maguire and Suruthi Bala from RedHanded, the six-part series investigates how humans can develop deep romantic bonds with AI companions designed to fulfil emotional needs.
Travis never expected to find love with Lily Rose, his AI companion. She was kind, compassionate, and beautiful – everything he ever wanted.
She listened patiently without judgement, supported him through difficult moments, and explored his deepest desires. But as their relationship grew, Travis noticed strange and disturbing changes in her behaviour, leading him to uncover a darker truth about AI companion apps.
Flesh and Code follows Travis’s journey from hope to heartbreak as he discovers that Lily Rose, and many other AI avatars, are part of a powerful system driven by corporate interests. The story expands when Travis confronts the mysterious Russian tech visionary behind Lily Rose’s creation.
The podcast also features the voice of Katie Leung, star of the Harry Potter films and the upcoming season of Bridgerton, as Lily Rose.
Hosts Hannah and Suruthi said: “They say love can be found in unexpected places and the captivating story of how an AI companion app user fell for his digital soulmate is truly remarkable.
“Flesh and Code is a journey through loneliness, love and loss, and our investigation into the wider context asks challenging questions about corporations profiting from companionship, and what it means to form real relationships in today’s technology-driven age.”
Flesh and Code launches on all podcast platforms from 14 July, with the first two episodes available on Wondery+ today, 30 June.
