The Rise of AI Romance: A Companion That Can't Consent

Turn on your dial-up modem & get ready to send this email to ten friends before a limewire virus crashes the family desktop  because today, we're getting a broader understanding of how the internet became an ad. In this episode we travel through the ghost town of the old internet through chain emails, geocities fan sites, LiveJournal confessions, MySpace betrayals, before making are way to the Facebook takeover & the rise of tiktokshop, all while asking:When did our online diaries turn into shopping malls?
When did our friendships turn into feed suggestions?
And what do we do now, on an internet (and in a world) where everything feels more algorithm than human?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/broads-next-door--5803223/support.

Grab your chargers, put your heart in airplane mode, and maybe delete that Replika app, because today, we are stepping into the uncanny valley of AI romance. We’ll be talking about the new film Companion, starring the brilliant Sofie Thatcher. We talk about real stories of people dating AI, films like Terminator, Her & Ex Machina before finally getting a broader understanding of AI companionship- why we’re obsessed with with media about dating robots, and why our next relationship may soon come with a software update.(originally released in April of 2025)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/broads-next-door--5803223/support.

Grab your true crime timeline and get ready for the defense reach out to the prosecution, because today we’re getting a broader understanding of Bryan Kohberger’s plea deal in the November 2022 murders of Kaylee Concalves, Maddison Mogen, Xana Kernodle & Ethan Chapin while also getting more info on the case and what happened that one night in Idaho.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/broads-next-door--5803223/support.

Grab a makeshift  weapon and say goodbye to your best friends, because today we're getting a broader understanding of the Final Girl trope- why we love them, why we root for them, how far they’ve grown & how far they still have to go. Plus, why it's lonely be to the last one left. Sources in show notes.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/broads-next-door--5803223/support.

Grab your backstage pass and put on a baby doll dress, because today, we’re getting a broader understanding of what happens when a woman in Hollywood opens her mouth before the media is ready to listen. When Courtney Love warned us about Harvey Weinstein in a 13 second red carpet clip at the Comedy Central roast of Pamela Anderson. It was one of her briefest but boldest moves, and like anyone who spoke out against the monster, it got her blacklist. Will hear harrowing stories from the scores of women that Weinstein violated, what if any consequences he faced, and why these atrocities are allowed to go on for so long. CW: graphic descriptions of SABecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/broads-next-door--5803223/support.

Grab your anti-aging routine and get ready to become another person as we discuss the 2024 film The Substance and the lengths people will go to have a younger self.(Originally released in October of 2024)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/broads-next-door--5803223/support.

Grab your emergency radio and whatever’s left of your faith in infrastructure, because today we’re getting a broader understanding of what happens when a system fails and the water comes anyway as we look at the devastating floods that hit Texas, the failure of leadership and lawmakers, the unsavory online discourse that followed, and a reminder that we should care about every child, not just the ones whose parents vote like us.Donations & Resources:Texsarhttps://texsar.networkforgood.com/projects/254910-responding-to-the-july-4-texas-floods?fbclid=IwY2xjawLWSV9leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFLM0g0MlJ2OFBNNkVmSUFSAR6gXCX9A5Qywv5AsNa_zAkbR17lH893hGuqVTGMRxjrLTo65rgxp7ojXjOrDA_aem_3cb4WaDPlYOOe56jww2s5w“The Austin-based nonprofit specializing in emergency response has deployed swiftwater rescue teams, boats, drones and search dogs to aid in the search for the missing. The group is aiming to raise $100,000 to sustain its efforts. Donations can be made online for those who are not local.”Kerr County Flood Relief Fund https://cftexashillcountry.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=4201“This fund will direct donations to vetted organizations providing rescue, relief, and recovery efforts as well as flood assistance. The Fund will support the communities of Hunt, Ingram, Kerrville, Center Point, and Comfort. It is in support of nonprofit organizations, first responder agencies, and local governments actively involved in response, relief, and recovery efforts.”Mercy Chefs https://mercychefs.com“providing free hot meals to families, first responders and volunteers impacted by the floods. They are also accepting donations to support their meal operations.”International Medical Corpshttps://intlmedcorps.donorsupport.co/page/TexasFloods2607&appeal=DPHHT2607“providing health facilities in Kerrville and the surrounding areas with medical supplies that will help these facilities remain operational and ensure that patients receive lifesaving services, and stands ready to send medical and mental health volunteers if requested.”The Uvalde Foundation for Kidshttps://www.theuvaldefoundation.com/post/uvalde-foundation-for-kids-launches-fundraiser-to-aid-kerr-county-flood-victims-volunteers-urgently“The Uvalde Foundation for Kids is accepting donations online as well as supplies for flood victims. Here's where you can drop off items. If interested in volunteering for search efforts or general relief assistance, email the foundation here or call (254)499-8027.”Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/broads-next-door--5803223/support.

Grab your pearls and pack up your personality, because today, we’re getting a broader understanding of the viral trad wife trend and why no broad is safe while barefoot submission is trending.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/broads-next-door--5803223/support.

Grab your towel animal, your bottomless daiquiri, and your basic human rights waiver, because today we’re getting a broader understanding of cruise ship horror stories. From the infamous “poop cruise” where passengers slept in sewage, to the final ship before COVID where people were locked in cabins while the virus spread like a nightmare… to the women who boarded and were never seen again- we’re setting sail into the absurd, the disgusting, and the unsolved. And don’t worry, I saw Titanic 13 times in theaters, so if the idea of this episode emotionally nauseates you? Just know- I’ve been preparing for this since 1997.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/broads-next-door--5803223/support.

Grab your court transcripts, your conspiracy corkboard, and a very strong cup of coffee, because today we’re getting a broader understanding of June’s wildest crimes, trials, acquittals, disappearances, and internet-fueled chaos. Trigger warning because this one contains everything from sexual assault to pet death to missing children to Stockholm syndrome and Twitter serial killers.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/broads-next-door--5803223/support.