AI Deadbots Want To Cure Your Grief

AI Deadbots Want To Cure Your Grief

From Thanks For Asking by Feelings & Co.

March 31, 2026 · 59 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the intersection of AI technology and grief, featuring an interview with Charley about her brother Ben.

As long as people have been grieving, we have found a way to memorialize our dead people. We grievers keep voicemails, photos, letters, clothes – whatever we can to remember our people. With the rise of AI, it’s no wonder companies desperate to increase their shareholder value have turned to us, the grievers. But it’s not our money they want (or at least, not JUST our money) – it’s our dead people. Their voices, their words, their likeness. They want to reanimate our people, just without their bodies and souls. A few months ago, I read an incredible article in The Atlantic, titled The AI Companies Trying To Make Grief Obsolete. I knew it was something I NEEDED to talk about, and it just so happened that the author, Charley, was willing to talk to me and share the story of her big brother, Ben, who passed unexpectedly in 2014. Grief is not a problem to be solved. It is a part of life. A part that we need. Read more about AI deadbots here or here. My 2016 piece in Slate is here. _ Watch us on YouTube here! Get this episode ad-free here! Listen to Geoffrey’s album on Spotify and Apple! _ Refresh your spring wardrobe with Quince. Go to Quince.com/TFA for free shipping and 365-day…

People in this episode

Host: Geoffrey

Guest: Charley

Topics covered

  • grief
  • AI
  • memorialization
  • technology
  • personal stories
  • mental health

Keywords

  • grief
  • AI deadbots
  • memorialization
  • Charley
  • Ben
  • The Atlantic
  • Slate
  • Quince
  • SKIMS

Sponsors

Quince, SKIMS

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Atlantic, Slate

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