This innovative podcast sounds different to every listener
It's called Sheldon County
![A woman wearing headphones.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/FhWJpmPBNBwB3JGt79TW64-415-80.jpg)
Each week, we spotlight a cool innovation recommended by some of the industry's top tech writers. This week's pick is an AI-generated podcast.
"Sheldon County is a podcast that will never sound the same twice," said James Vincent at The Verge. A Ph.D. student at the University of California, Santa Cruz, is developing an AI-generated podcast with completely unique characters and plotlines for each listener. To begin, the listener types in a random number, setting in motion a "Rube Goldberg machine of calculation that will create characters, relationships, jealousies, betrayals, and maybe even a murder or two."
These plot strands are converted into a narrative read aloud by a voice synthesizer, delivering a listening experience that is distinct every time. The creator, linguist turned programmer James Ryan, has already produced several episodes, to prove that the concept can work, and is now developing a website for the wider public. It's a glimpse at the future of entertainment, when "content is not just ubiquitous but unique."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
![https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516-320-80.jpg)
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
-
'Democrats now have a chance to present a vigorous, compelling case'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
What has Kamala Harris done as vice president?
In Depth It's not uncommon for the second-in-command to struggle to prove themselves in a role largely defined by behind-the-scenes work
By Theara Coleman, The Week US Published
-
How Black organizations quickly pivoted and mobilized for Kamala Harris
In the spotlight Harris has a shot at being the first Black woman to lead the Democratic ticket
By Theara Coleman, The Week US Published