Tag: podcast

‘CultureCon Uncut’ Video Podcast Returns for Season 2 With Host Imani Ellis

October 16, 2025

In 2017, Imani Ellis launched CultureCon, a conference that’s become a must-attend event for more than 10,000 diverse creatives and Black professionals to connect, learn, and build community. CultureCon 2025 was packed with curated conversations designed to spark inspiration while celebrating the expansiveness of Black creativity.

Luckily, the conversation doesn’t end when the conference wraps. It continues on CultureCon Uncut, Imani’s video podcast that brings the unfiltered energy of the live event to fans everywhere. Now, Spotify is celebrating the return of the series for its second season.

Produced by The Ringer, the new season features Imani alongside special guest co-host Ike Slimster, a comedian and visual artist, in conversations with culture shifters blazing their own trails.

“We’re so proud to continue our partnership with CultureCon Studios to center and amplify the stories and creatives that shape our culture and community while celebrating creativity in all its forms,” said Kristin Jarrett, Lead, Equity, Diversity & Impact at Spotify.

The podcast’s return follows a powerhouse panel hosted by Spotify at this year’s CultureCon creative conference. On October 4, industry experts and creators—including Melyssa Ford, host of Hot & Bothered; Scott Evans, part of the new RADAR Creators class of 2025, co-host of Access Hollywood, and creator of the digital series House Guest; and Gil Arias, Spotify Creator Partner Manager—shared their insights on how to launch, grow, and thrive as audio and video creators. The conversation was moderated by none other than Xavier “X” Jernigan, the voice model for Spotify’s DJ in English.

Ready to dive in? Stream Season 2 of the CultureCon Uncut video podcast now.

El podcast de ficción de Spotify, ‘Caso 63,’ llega a un épico final

October 14, 2025

Desde su debut, el podcast original de Spotify Caso 63 ha sido mucho más que una historia: se ha convertido en un fenómeno cultural. Este thriller de ciencia ficción cautivó a millones de oyentes en América Latina, España y Estados Unidos, marcando un nuevo estándar para lo que la narrativa en audio puede lograr, y destacando la profundidad creativa de los escritores, actores y directores latinoamericanos. Ahora, el viaje llega a su emocionante final con la quinta y última temporada, cuyos 14 episodios para maratonear se estrenan hoy.

Creado por Julio Rojas y llevado a la vida por las potentes interpretaciones de Antonia Zegers (Dra. Elisa Aldunate) y Néstor Cantillana (Paciente 63), la serie estableció un nuevo punto de referencia para los podcasts de ficción en el mundo hispanohablante. Además, fue el primer Spotify Original latinoamericano en ser adaptado a múltiples idiomas —entre ellos inglés, portugués e hindi—, convirtiéndose en un referente global para la narración inmersiva en audio.

La entrega final nos sitúa en el año 2062, en un mundo postapocalíptico que aún lidia con las secuelas de Pegaso, un misterioso evento que fracturó la línea temporal. Un grupo dedicado de científicos y colaboradores anónimos trabaja incansablemente para localizar una sola línea de tiempo anómala —Caso 63— que podría contener la clave para salvar a la humanidad. Pero hay un detalle: la única manera de avanzar es retroceder y alterar el evento original que provocó el colapso de la civilización hace 40 años.

La quinta temporada ofrece un final ambicioso y definitorio del género, que honra el legado de la serie. Es una conclusión que promete un viaje ininterrumpido, misterioso y emocionalmente resonante, brindando un cierre épico a una historia que ha mantenido en vilo a oyentes de todo el mundo.

El equipo de For the Record tuvo la oportunidad de conversar con su creador, Julio Rojas, sobre el final de temporada y sus reflexiones acerca del proyecto.

Mientras los fans se preparan para despedirse de la serie, ¿Qué pueden esperar de esta última temporada?

Sobre todo, cerrar un ciclo que comenzó hace cuatro años. Es una temporada de homenaje a los fanáticos, donde podemos esperar el inicio del desenlace, las respuestas finales y ese cierre que, al mismo tiempo, abre nuevas posibilidades, porque se trata de un loop temporal. Los espero en esta última temporada de Caso 63.

Con la creación de esta historia ¿Cómo ha cambiado tu propia visión del tiempo y las oportunidades?

Para mí, el tiempo dejó de ser un evento invisible, una variable que solo existe en los relojes, y pasó a formar parte de la arquitectura de la realidad. El tiempo es parte de nosotros como humanidad, y debemos entender que no podemos jugar con esa variable. Lo que hacemos importa.

¿Qué mensaje o emoción esperas que se lleven las personas cuando terminen el último episodio?

Primero, nostalgia por una audioficción que nos acompañó en uno de los momentos más difíciles de la historia humana: la pandemia. Luego, una reconexión con los personajes principales y, sobre todo, la posibilidad de comprender que cada acción que realizamos tiene consecuencias. Lo que hacemos hoy genera efectos en el futuro que pueden ser relevantes, aunque en este momento no los percibamos así.

Para alguien que aún no lo ha hecho, ¿Por qué deberían escuchar Caso 63?

Básicamente porque es una historia que nos involucra a todos. Vivimos un momento en el que la gran pregunta es qué nos depara el futuro y cuáles serán las consecuencias de las acciones que estamos tomando hoy. Esta es una audioficción que habla precisamente de eso, de lo que se aproxima, o de lo que no se aproxima…

Los escritores suelen estar marcados por los mundos que crean. ¿De qué manera te ha transformado Caso 63, no solo como escritor, sino también como persona?

Ha sido una historia que me ha acompañado durante los últimos cuatro años. He sentido una conexión profunda con los personajes, pero también a nivel personal, porque me ha permitido contemplar el tiempo no como un evento aislado en nuestras vidas, sino como una cadena de causalidades. Hoy soy muy consciente de que los acontecimientos y las palabras que decimos tienen relevancia en el futuro. Caso 63 me ha permitido, en muchos sentidos, contemplar el futuro.

¿Listo para descubrir cómo termina todo? Dale play a la temporada final de Caso 63.

Enjoy the Ride with Your Ultimate Road Trip Podcast Playlist

August 27, 2025

It’s the waning days of summer, and for anyone trying to squeeze in one more road trip before the leaves begin to turn, Spotify is here with a collection of captivating stories that will melt the miles away. 

Our editors have hand-picked nine bingeable shows to make the most of your time behind the wheel. From sorority scandals to an Alaskan murder mystery, these podcasts will turn any drive into an adventure and help keep your mind engaged while your hands rest at 10 and 2.

BuzzFeed Unsolved: Supernatural
By BuzzFeed Studios

Join Ryan Bergara and Shane Madej as they delve into notorious supernatural folklore, with Ryan trying to convince his skeptical friend that the paranormal is real. This series offers chills and a fun look at unexplained phenomena.

One Song
By Hartbeat

Emmy-nominated Diallo Riddle and music producer Blake “LUXXURY” Robin hilariously dissect a single pop music classic in each episode. Discover familiar tunes in an entirely new light.

Cold Blooded: Mystery in Alaska
By ABC News

When a beloved doctor is found dead in remote Ketchikan, Alaska, what first seems like natural causes unravels into a true-crime tale of murder, secret romances, theft, and suspicious characters.

Money for Couples with Ramit Sethi
By Ramit Sethi

Ramit Sethi guides real couples through candid conversations about the psychology of money, offering practical advice to turn everyday discussions into a shared financial vision.

Hands Tied
By iHeartPodcasts

Lizz Melgar Rose’s life was upended when her mother was found bound and her father murdered. Follow her relentless quest for answers and justice as a shocking crime unravels and a daughter fights to prove the wrong person is imprisoned.

Good Hang with Amy Poehler
By The Ringer

Join Amy Poehler for unscripted, laugh-out-loud conversations in a podcast that’s pure fun and the perfect escape for any journey.

StanLand
By The Sonar Network

When podcaster Melanie Hughes disappears, her recorder uncovers a satirical tale of an IKEA wardrobe leading to a magical realm threatened by commercialism. The story is brought to life by a star-studded cast, including Rhea Seehorn, Bobby Moynihan, and Jon Hamm.

The Retrievals, Season 2
By Serial Productions and the New York Times

After investigating the world of in-vitro fertilization in Season 1, this podcast returns with New York Times reporters uncovering the hidden truths behind the widespread yet underreported problem of severe pain during C-sections, and the efforts to solve this medical mystery.

Dirty Rush: The Truth about Sorority Life
By iHeartPodcasts

Go behind the veiled world of sorority life, from intense recruitment rituals to the surprising realities of sisterhood. Co-hosts Daisy Kent, Gia Giuduce, and Jennifer Fessler reveal the good, the bad, and the scandalous truths of Greek life.

VidCon 2025: Top Creators Join Spotify to Discuss the Impact of Video Podcasts

June 24, 2025

Last week, content creators from all over the world flocked to Anaheim for VidCon 2025, one of the largest creator conferences in the U.S. As an official sponsor, Spotify was part of the three-day experience, educating and entertaining attendees with a panel session, live podcast episodes, and more. 

Top creators reveal how video podcasts help them grow

We kicked things off at VidCon with our panel discussion Press Play: Turning Views into Fandoms on Spotify. Moderated by Publish Press writer Hannah Doyle, and featuring Spotify Head of Podcast Product Maya Prohovnik, Sad Boyz host Jarvis Johnson, and The Unplanned Podcast’s Matt & Abby, the conversation offered an inside look at the positive impact of video podcasts on the platform, from audience growth to revenue streams. 

“It’s undeniable the appetite consumers have for video,” Maya said during the discussion. “Video has roughly doubled the size of the podcast industry, and I think that’s really exciting for creators because it means you can reach way more people.” 

Jarvis added that the appeal of video podcasts on Spotify is that they offer more ways to reach new viewers. 

“Spotify bringing video to podcasts democratizes [the user experience across formats] by adding more ways for people to get [creator content] on the platform of their choosing,” he said. “It’s another reason for us to jump at the opportunity.” 

Meanwhile, Abby offered her insights on video podcasting—not just as a creator, but how she connects with her favorite shows as a fan.

“[When I’m watching video podcasts] as a consumer, I’m like ‘Oh my gosh!’” she said. “I’ve laughed, and I’ve seen [hosts] cry. It’s a great aspect of video.”

Spotify presents the Podcast Theater at VidCon 2025

In addition to the panel session, we invited a number of creators to our Podcast Theater so they could record live episodes of their shows. VidCon attendees were able to sit in on recording sessions for Dropouts, No Filter With Zack Peter, The Unplanned Podcast with Matt & Abby, Much To Discuss…!, Created with Jon Youshaei, and more.

With another successful VidCon in the books, Spotify remains committed to building a sustainable ecosystem where creators can thrive. Whether it’s helping creators grow their audiences with new resources and programs or giving fans ways to connect with their favorite shows on a deeper level with new features, we’re excited for the future of video podcasts on Spotify.

Learn more about video podcasts at Spotify for Creators.

Glastonbury 2025 Is Calling: Discover Your Next Favorite Artist With Our Personalized Experience

June 20, 2025

In just a few days, the pilgrimage to Worthy Farm begins. Glastonbury, the legendary green-field gathering of music lovers, is nearly upon us. Get ready for a weekend packed with epic performances, unforgettable moments, and—if you’ve prayed to the weather gods—no mud.

This year Spotify is back for a second time, bringing the power of personalization and discovery to your Glastonbury 2025 festivities. After a successful partnership last year, we’re leveling up the fun with even more ways to connect with the music and artists you love.

Discover the performers that vibe with your taste

With our personalized in-app experience on mobile, you can see exactly how well your music taste aligns with the Glastonbury lineup, find out which artists you’ve been listening to the most, and discover new favorites you’re bound to love with a playlist crafted just for you.

 

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And for those who’ll be on the ground in Glastonbury, we’re once again teaming up with Vodafone on the Official Glastonbury App. Just link your Spotify account within the app and we’ll whip up a curated lineup of recommendations based on your listening habits, highlighting artists you already love and introducing you to potential new obsessions. It’s like having your own personal music guru guiding you through the festival.

Dive into our revamped Glastonbury hub and official playlist

The Glastonbury 2025 hub on Spotify is your one-stop shop for all things Glastonbury. Browse individual stage lineups, discover hidden gems, and explore a handpicked selection of Glastonbury-related podcasts and audiobooks. It’s the perfect way to get hyped for the festival and keep the vibes going long after the last note has faded.

Your official personalized Glastonbury 2025 playlist, found in the Glastonbury hub, takes cues from your listening habits to offer a musical experience catered to you. 

“We’re delighted to once again partner with Glastonbury to bring Spotify’s hugely popular personalization and discovery tools to support the world’s greatest celebration of music,” said Marc Hazan, Vice President Global Marketing and Partnerships for Spotify. “We hope the sharecards, the Glastonbury hub on Spotify, and the personalized lineups via the app will help fans feel an even deeper connection to the artists they love before, during, and after their time at Worthy Farm.”

For the Record caught up with Spotify Senior Music Editor Shannon Carragher to get the inside scoop on the Glastonbury 2025 playlist, the in-app experience, and the performances she’s most excited for. 

What makes the perfect Glastonbury playlist?

Variety, familiarity, and curiosity. That’s what we set out to capture in the official Glastonbury 2025 playlist. The festival is packed with everything from underground DJs spinning at Stonebridge Bar and Shangri La, to brand-new artists playing smaller stages, to massive headline acts, so we wanted the playlist to reflect that same range.

The official Glastonbury 2025 playlist is also tailored to you. The sequencing of the songs selected by our editors are shaped around your listening habits, so the artists you already love will shine through, while also introducing you to others playing the festival who might just become new favorites.

How does the in-app integration with Spotify enhance the fan experience at the festival?

It’s all about making the experience better for fans. In the Glastonbury app, you can connect your Spotify account to get personalized lineup recommendations based on your listening habits. You’ll see your top 10 artists from the lineup, along with a broader selection when you tap Discover More, helping you uncover acts you’re likely to love.

Once you’ve found someone that interests you, you can head to their artist page in the app to check out their most popular tracks, with a direct link to listen on Spotify. It’s a seamless way to explore the lineup, discover new favorites, and get even more excited for the festival.

Who are you most excited to see perform at Glastonbury this year?

 

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If I had to pick a few, CMAT’s debut on the Pyramid Stage is right up there. It’s going to be a career-defining moment and, honestly, so much fun to watch. Then there’s Sunday: Turnstile into Wolf Alice into The Maccabees. That’s the dream. An explosive set of Baltimore hardcore finally hitting Worthy Farm, followed by a transcendent and ethereal performance from North London’s finest, and then the reunion I’ve been waiting almost a decade for from South London legends. I’ll probably be sobbing through all of it.

For all things Glastonbury 2025, check out this year’s hub and your very own personalized playlist.

Dua Lipa’s Service95 Book Club Podcast Is Launching on Spotify, Plus Her Summer Reading Picks

June 4, 2025

Whether she’s in the studio, on a tour bus, or traveling the world, there’s one thing Dua Lipa always carries with her: a good book. And now, the star’s acclaimed Service95 Book Club video interview series is expanding its reach with a new presence on Spotify. Starting June 10, Dua’s conversations with authors will be available for Spotify’s vast audience to view, creating new avenues for discovery and connection.

The Service95 Book Club has become a beloved space for Dua’s fans and literary enthusiasts alike, featuring her personally curated monthly reads and exclusive Q&As with authors, plus reading recommendations from the Service95 team. The Service95 Book Club With Dua Lipa podcast will feature both brand-new interviews with authors of Dua’s monthly reads and a treasure trove of conversations from the Service95 archives.

“For me, one of the best things about reading is getting to chat with my friends about the book that’s just blown my mind,” said Dua. “But surely the ultimate fantasy would be to have the author in the room there with us, answering all our questions about the incredible world they’ve created. Well, I get to live out my fantasy with the Service95 Book Club podcast, where in each episode I share a book I love and I’m joined by the author themselves. As someone who really is obsessed with books, it’s a dream come true.”

To celebrate the launch, here are a few of Dua’s summer 2025 book picks: 

  • This House of Grief by Helen Garner: “It wouldn’t be my book pile without at least one harrowing story. [This is] a nonfiction account of a case that follows an accused father driving his car into a dam with his three sons in the back. I couldn’t put it down.”
  • Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: “This has been in my TBR [to-be-read] pile for a while and I can’t wait to have time to read it this summer.”
  • Fearless and Free by Josephine Baker: “Formed from over 20 years of conversations with French journalist Marcel Sauvage, this memoir has just been published in English for the first time.”

“It’s a genuine thrill to welcome Dua Lipa and the Service95 Book Club to Spotify,” said Roshni Radia, Audiobooks Editor at Spotify. “Dua’s unique style and clear passion for literature make this a perfect fit for us, and it really showcases the full ecosystem of creative talent on Spotify. We’re excited to see fans of Dua’s music fall in love with this interview series, and then go on to discover new authors whose audiobooks they can listen to right there on Spotify, too.”

Check out the trailer for the Service95 Book Club With Dua Lipa, launching June 10 on Spotify.

Big ‘Higher Learning’ Fan? We Are Too. Rachel Lindsay Shares Why Video Is Such an Important Part of the Podcast

November 14, 2024

This week, talented creators traveled to Los Angeles to join Spotify for Now Playing, where we unveiled a series of new offerings aimed at helping them better monetize their video podcasts on Spotify and grow their audiences. It was an exciting event that spotlighted our biggest update to podcasts on Spotify—including an exciting evolution of the name and brand of our accompanying platform to Spotify for Creators—all to better serve the multiformat needs of our community.

One creator in attendance was Rachel Lindsay. The attorney, internet personality, author, and Bachelorette star is also the cohost of the Ringer podcast Higher Learning. On the show, Rachel and her cohost Van Lathan dissect the biggest topics in Black culture, politics, and sports. At Now Playing, Rachel shared her experience and expertise in a panel titled “Fandoms Are Culture: How Creators & Content Grow on Spotify.”

For the Record caught up with Rachel to learn more about how her show comes together, as well as the creators and artists she’s currently listening to on Spotify.

What inspired you to start your show?

Sometimes other people recognize what is right for you before you can see it for yourself. I always wanted to be in the media but thought that only could be with television. I met Bill Simmons because I was doing some interviews with Juliet Litman on Bachelor Party. I ended up doing some other work with The Ringer, and eventually Bill asked me if I wanted to create a project that was purposeful and I could be proud of. He had an idea and introduced me to my cohost, Van Lathan. We immediately connected and had a brother-sister relationship. Originally we were supposed to start our podcast in March 2020, but COVID hit and changed everything regarding the production and launch of our podcast. We eventually launched in May 2020, which was a very pivotal and dark time for Black people in this country. We decided to change the direction of our podcast to be the pulse of the culture…the rest is Higher Learning history.

How do you select the topics you cover?

We have a topical show that is a reflection of what is happening in the culture. If something is happening in the world, we want people to know that you can find us covering it that week. We select topics by following the news, social media, reading articles, podcasts, and talking with friends. We don’t want to miss breaking news or viral moments. We share stories, ideas, and topics in a group chat and narrow down what is the most effective rundown for our show.

How has working with Spotify helped strengthen your connection with your fans?

Higher Learning was one of the first podcasts to have the video element. This allowed our viewers to feel as if they were sitting at the podcast table with us in an intimate way. Video brings the podcast to life in a different way. My favorite thing is to spot one of our listeners (aka Thought Warriors) in the wild. They will often tell me how they feel like they know us and relate to us, and it is because they can watch us on Spotify with video.

What advice do you have for emerging creators?

There is so much content available out there that covers every genre, topic, etc. What makes the content different is the creator. I would encourage you to find something that you are passionate about and then apply your unique voice and perspective to it because that is what will differentiate you. Do not try to emulate your favorite creator. Learn from them and use them as a guide to build something special.

Are there any Spotify features or tools that are especially helpful for you?

I cannot talk enough about Spotify video!

Who are some of your favorite creators to follow?

Everyone on The Ringer and Ringer Reality TV, Danny Pellegrino, Kid Fury and Crissle, and Natasha Parker.

What are you currently listening to?

Akeem Ali, Tyler, The Creator, Willie Jones, GloRilla, BigXthaPlug, Doechii, and Muni Long.

Rachel Lindsay, Van Lathan, and Mallory Rubin speak onstage during the “Now Playing” Event

Check out more coverage from Spotify’s Now Playing event.

Spotify’s New ‘Countdown To’ Vodcast Series Kicks Off With Artists Jelly Roll and mgk in Debut Episode

September 13, 2024

As fans patiently await their favorite artists’ new album releases, the anticipation often leaves them eager for something in the meantime. With Spotify’s first-of-its-kind vodcast series Countdown To, which launched today, artists are giving viewers an intimate behind-the-scenes introduction to their latest projects as the clock ticks closer to an album launch.

In July, Spotify expanded access to one of its latest tools, Countdown Pages, to help artists garner excitement for album releases. The feature, located on an artist’s page, lets listeners preview tracklists, watch Clips, purchase merch, and see a timer count down the actual seconds until launch.

Now we’re bringing listeners even more exclusive content with the artists themselves. In Countdown To, artists sit down with fellow artists, collaborators, family members, or friends to discuss the new music’s themes, inspiration, and more. So much goes into the creation of an album, and this series shines a light on that process.

“Countdown To is the latest effort in our ongoing commitment to spotlight artists and their new music on Spotify,” explains Sarah Patellos, Head of Spotify Music Studios. “Working with director Karam Gill and mgx creative, these intimate conversations are shot documentary-style to really get to the root of each artist’s creative journey.”

Clips from the interview-driven series can be found on the artist’s Countdown Page, and the full video will be available as a vodcast episode on Spotify and Spotify’s YouTube profile.

The debut episode features Jelly Roll in conversation with mgk about the release of Jelly Roll’s forthcoming album, Beautifully Broken. Fans may have to wait until October 11 to listen to all the new tracks, but this episode provides a deeper look behind the music, as well as the pair’s now-quelled artistic rivalry. “I got to sit down with mgk and give viewers a real window into a candid conversation between two artists as a part of Countdown To,” teases Jelly Roll.

Count down to the release of Jelly Roll’s album by watching the vodcast episode below. You can also presave Beautifully Broken on Jelly Roll’s official Countdown Page here.

 

 

In Her New Podcast, CultureCon Founder and CEO Imani Ellis Shares an Unfiltered Look at the Path to Success

August 29, 2024

In 2017, Imani Ellis revealed CultureCon to the world, a first-of-its-kind conference that spotlights culture, community, entrepreneurship, and diverse creatives. At the annual event, Black creative professionals convene to unpack topics like marketing, financing, and networking. Now, Imani is expanding the CultureCon universe with her new video podcast, CultureCon Uncut.

Spotify partnered with CultureCon Studios to develop the new series, in which Imani interviews Black culture shifters about how they forged their own paths to success. Guests include journalist and birthFUND founder Elaine Welteroth, actor and author Jay Ellis, beauty and wellness creative director Sir John, Uncle Nearest CEO and founder Fawn Weaver, and more. 

“We’re so excited to collaborate with Spotify to amplify journeys of some incredible visionaries,” said Imani. “The vulnerability and rawness of each episode is sure to inspire the next generation of world-changing creatives.”

New episodes will be released every week leading up to CultureCon, which takes place this year in New York City on October 5 and 6.

We caught up with Imani to learn more about the podcast, including why it adds a new dimension to the IRL conference this fall.

What inspired you to start a podcast?

CultureCon has become the go-to destination where ambitious creatives can share their journeys with the next generation of culture shifters. We’re dedicated to creating brave spaces where our speakers are invited to center both their triumphs and their challenges. CultureCon Uncut is our most unfiltered conversation yet, and we knew a podcast was the perfect medium to tell these brave stories. Working hand in hand with Spotify on this project has been incredible—I’m so excited for our community to tap in. 

Can you tease a specific guest or conversation?

Each guest taught me something new about the world and myself, so I enjoyed them all. I had a really great conversation with Jay Ellis where we talked about the fear of success and how you have to notice when your fear of something begins to evolve into self-sabotage. I found that topic so interesting, because we often talk about the fear of failure but don’t spend as much time discussing the fear of everything going right. 

What makes this podcast the perfect primer to CultureCon 2024?

We cover so many different topics on CultureCon Uncut—from entrepreneurship to dating to overcoming self-doubt. It’s the perfect example of what our community can expect at our conference in October. We want to meet our community wherever they are and inspire them to keep chasing their wildest ambitions.

Dive into the first episode of the podcast, featuring guest Elaine Welteroth, below:

Explore the Complexities of Human and AI Connection in the New Science Fiction Podcast ‘Selección Natural’

August 27, 2024

What does the future look like when it comes to AI personalities interacting with humans? This fundamental question of our present day is explored in the new Spotify Original fiction podcast Selección Natural. 

In this science fiction tale, Sofía, an advanced humanoid artificial intelligence robot, embarks on a scientific mission in Antarctica with climate change expert Ismael. Throughout the five episodes, listeners learn that Sofía is not just any AI. She develops feelings and complexities so human that one nearly forgets that Sofía is a machine, resulting in a variety of consequences. 

The Spanish-language podcast is written by Julio Rojas, the creator and screenwriter of the acclaimed series Caso 63. “In Selección Natural, I am keen to explore a pressing question: What will the dynamics be like between a human and a self-aware, emotionally capable machine? What kinds of connections could form? How will power dynamics play out, and ultimately, who will make the decisions?” explains Rojas.

Danna

Sofía is brought to life by Mexican actress, singer, and producer Danna, and Ismael is voiced by Chilean actor Álvaro Rudolphy. 

The series not only examines key questions about the use of artificial intelligence, but it also utilizes AI-based tools for various production aspects. While the script was written by Rojas, he used AI tools to adjust some parts of the protagonist’s content, making her sound more humanoid. Additionally, Sofía’s voice recordings were done in Spotify studios in Los Angeles and then introduced to an AI model to obtain the final voice. The aim of this creative approach was to have a realistic recording of what an AI would sound like. Finally, AI was also used for the podcast’s visual of Sofía. A digital artist and graphic designer specializing in AI design worked with a real portrait of Danna and subjected it to an AI program to create the final character.

Selección Natural is a captivating show that demonstrates the power of AI—both in storytelling format and for production tools. Discover this unique and exciting story of love and connection by listening to the first episode, below.

Selección Natural, el nuevo podcast de ciencia ficción que explora las complejidades de la conexión entre el ser humano y la inteligencia artificial

August 27, 2024

¿Cómo será el futuro cuando la IA interactúe con los humanos? Esta y otras complejidades se exploran en Selección Natural, el nuevo podcast original de ciencia ficción de Spotify.

En esta historia de ficción, Sofía, un robot humanoide de inteligencia artificial avanzada, se embarca en una misión científica en la Antártida con Ismael, un experto en cambio climático. A lo largo de los cinco episodios, los oyentes descubren que Sofía no es una inteligencia artificial cualquiera. Sofía desarrolla sentimientos y complejidades tan humanas que uno casi se olvida de que Sofía es una máquina, lo que provoca diversas consecuencias. 

El podcast está escrito por Julio Rojas, creador y guionista de la aclamada serie Caso 63. “En Selección Natural me interesa explorar algo inminente: Cómo será la dinámica entre un  humano y una máquina que tiene conciencia de sí misma y puede jugar a experimentar emociones. ¿Qué vínculos se generarán? ¿Cuáles serán las dinámicas de poder y por último, quién tomará las decisiones?,” explica Rojas.

La actriz, cantante y productora mexicana Danna da vida a Sofía, mientras que el actor chileno Álvaro Rudolphy pone voz a Ismael. 

La serie no sólo examina cuestiones clave sobre el uso de la inteligencia artificial, sino que también utiliza herramientas basadas en la IA para diversos aspectos de la producción. Aunque el guión fue escrito por Rojas en su totalidad, utilizó herramientas de IA para ajustar algunas partes del contenido de la protagonista, haciéndola sonar más humanoide. Además, las grabaciones de voz de Sofía se hicieron en los estudios de Spotify en Los Ángeles y luego se introdujeron en un modelo de IA para obtener la voz final. El objetivo de este enfoque creativo era obtener una grabación realista de cómo sonaría una IA. Por último, también se utilizó la IA para el aspecto visual de Sofía en el podcast. Un artista digital y diseñador gráfico especializado en diseño de IA trabajó con un retrato real de Danna y lo sometió a un programa de IA para crear el personaje final.

Selección Natural es un podcast atrapante que demuestra el poder de la IA, tanto en la trama de la historia como en las herramientas de producción. Descubre esta historia única y emocionante de amor y conexión escuchando el primer episodio, a continuación.

Alexander Skarsgård Spotlights Innovative Solutions to Our Planet’s Biggest Challenges on the New Podcast ‘How We Fix This’

June 12, 2024

Our planet is facing some serious issues. And How We Fix This—a new podcast hosted and narrated by Emmy and Golden Globe awarded actor Alexander Skarsgård—offers some serious solutions. Co-produced by non-profit impact ecosystem Norrsken and Spotify, the series will spotlight eight pioneering startups that are building tools to combat some of the world’s most pressing social and environmental challenges. 

Over 8 episodes, How We Fix This will explore a significant global dilemma and highlight the innovative approaches startups are taking to address them. The series not only features the founder’s journeys, but also includes insights from leading researchers and experts, including the World Wide Fund for Nature and Stockholm Resilience Centre.

“From Nigerian solar panel rentals and German chocolate made without cocoa to burping cows in Sweden, this project highlights the people out there who are building innovative and awe-inspiring solutions to the world’s greatest challenges,” said Alexander. “I am very excited to introduce these heroes to a global audience.”

By highlighting these role models selected from the Norrsken Impact/100 list—an annual ranking of the world’s most promising impact startups—How We Fix This hopes to inspire recent graduates, aspiring entrepreneurs, and business professionals who are passionate about affecting change through technology, innovation, and environmental sustainability.

“We can no longer celebrate companies simply for their growth and valuation, no matter if they destroy the planet. Instead, we need role-models like the founders on How We Fix This,” says Niklas Adalberth, founder of Norrsken Foundation. “They are part of a growing, global movement of purpose-driven entrepreneurs leveraging innovation and technology to tackle problems like climate change, sustainability and poverty. We need thousands more like them, and I hope their stories can inspire others to pursue their own ideas for how to positively impact the world.”  

The startups featured on How We Fix This include:

  • Brimstone (USA): Developing deeply decarbonized cement.
  • Planet A Foods (Germany): Producing chocolate without cocoa. 
  • Volta Greentech (Sweden): Seaweed-based feed supplements reducing cows’ greenhouse gas emissions. 
  • Neoplants (France): Bioengineered plant systems designed to eliminate indoor pollutants.
  • SunFi (Nigeria): Helping consumers transition to solar power. 
  • Commons (USA): A platform for individuals to track and reduce their carbon footprint. 
  • Nilus (Argentina): Rescuing and redistributing food to combat food insecurity. 
  • Plan A (Germany): Tools for corporations to measure and act on their carbon footprint. 

“How We Fix This follows companies that provide tangible solutions to some of the world’s most pressing matters, and as a global audio platform we have a crucial role to play to amplify these,” says Hanna Grahn, Sustainability Lead at Spotify. “I’m thrilled to be able to collaborate with Norrsken, leading scientists, and Alexander to inspire more people around the world to get involved on these topics.”

Dive into the first episode of How We Fix This below, and look out for a new episode every Wednesday that explores a pressing new challenge our planet faces.