He built a hit podcast about the Epstein files. It’s entirely AI-generated

Fast Company Tech

by Chris Stokel-Walker

February 24, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The Epstein Files podcast has skyrocketed in popularity, becoming a top-ranked show on platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify despite being entirely AI-generated and run by a non-journalist. Created by Adam Levy, an entrepreneur with expertise in data products, the podcast processes over 3.5 million documents related to Jeffrey Epstein using an automated pipeline that extracts text, cross-references sources, and generates episodes narrated by AI voices. Within days of its February launch, it amassed more than 700,000 downloads, achieving a 4.4-star rating on Apple Podcasts. The podcast’s success lies in its efficiency and novel approach to data-driven storytelling. Levy built the project in just 48 hours, leveraging multiple large language models—such as Anthropic’s Claude, Google, and OpenAI—to analyze and connect information across millions of files. To combat skepticism about AI-generated content, he included detailed source citations, drawing from tools like Google Pinpoint and Jmail to supplement the raw data. This method allows the podcast to produce new episodes twice daily, a feat unmatched by traditional outlets, capitalizing on podcast app algorithms to attract listeners eager for deep dives into complex topics. While the podcast has garnered significant attention, its long-term appeal remains uncertain. Critics like Emily Bell, director of the Tow Center for Digital Journalism, note that while the AI-generated content is technically impressive, it lacks the emotional and human elements that keep audiences engaged over time. For Levy, this success highlights a potential shift in journalism: embracing AI as a tool rather than fearing replacement by it. He envisions himself not as a reporter but as a curator, using AI to process vast amounts of information while focusing on delivering value to listeners. The rise of The Epstein Files also challenges traditional media’s approach to complex, document-heavy stories. Journalists may need to adapt by either incorporating AI tools or doubling down on human-centric storytelling. As Levy prepares to launch his next project, applying the same AI-driven pipeline to a new subject, the implications for journalism—and design—are clear: AI can process and disseminate information at unprecedented speeds, but its effectiveness ultimately depends on how well it aligns with audience needs for both accuracy and emotional resonance.

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Originally published on Fast Company Tech on 2/24/2026