305: AI’s Cultish Leader

305: AI’s Cultish Leader

From Conspirituality by Derek Beres, Matthew Remski, Julian Walker

April 23, 2026 · 1h 22m

About this episode

The episode discusses Ronan Farrow's investigation into Sam Altman and the implications of AI being controlled by powerful individuals.

Ronan Farrow is at it again. The reporter has a new feature in The New Yorker, written alongside staff writer Andrew Marantz, about OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. In many ways, the 16,000-word investigation is a meditation on the existential risks of AI being placed in the hands of a few powerful men, and in this case a possible sociopath. Today we discuss the article and then zoom out on broader questions in AI: who is it for, how is it being used, and can it be reined in? Show Notes Sam Altman May Control Our Future—Can He Be Trusted? John Henry for the AI Era: Raging with the Machine Alex Bores rolls out “AI dividend” plan to share AI wealth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People in this episode

Hosts: Derek Beres, Matthew Remski, Julian Walker

Topics covered

  • AI
  • existential risks
  • sociopathy
  • power dynamics
  • technology ethics

Keywords

  • AI
  • Sam Altman
  • Ronan Farrow
  • existential risks
  • sociopath
  • OpenAI
  • technology ethics

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: OpenAI

More episodes of Conspirituality

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Conspirituality podcast page.