Last Podcast on the Left: Side Stories — "The Chatbot Made Me Do It"

Release Date: July 2, 2025
Host: The Last Podcast Network
Episode Title: Side Stories: The Chatbot Made Me Do It

Introduction to Side Stories

Timestamp: [01:07]

In this episode of "Side Stories," hosts Henry Zabrowski and Ryan Reynolds delve into a variety of intriguing and bizarre tales that span from peculiar criminal activities to personal anecdotes. The episode promises a blend of horror, humor, and insightful commentary, staying true to the show's theme of exploring the darker and more unusual aspects of our world.

The Shattered Legs Shoplifting Incident

Timestamp: [01:31] - [06:19]

One of the standout stories discussed is that of a man in Houston, Texas, whose attempt to shoplift from a luxury mall led to a dramatic and unfortunate outcome. When confronted by police, the man chose to flee by jumping from a second-story balcony onto an ice rink, resulting in both legs being shattered upon impact.

• Henry Zabrowski: "And the funniest part is the visual of this Wiley Coyote style flat man that looks like he's been hit by a steamroller." [02:52]

• Ryan Reynolds: "Don't jump on ice." [03:40]

The hosts humorously analyze the man’s comical yet tragic predicament, comparing his injuries to "spaghetti legs" and highlighting the absurdity of his situation. They discuss the legal repercussions he might face, debating whether his hospital stay will suffice as punishment for shoplifting—emphasizing the ineffectiveness of penalties for such crimes.

• Henry Zabrowski: "I believe that he is going to be in the hospital way longer than he'd ever be in jail because he did it for shoplifting." [05:39]

They conclude by reflecting on the broader implications of such incidents, questioning the severity of shoplifting charges and the societal factors that drive individuals to desperate measures.

Recent Live Shows and Travel Misadventures

Timestamp: [06:19] - [12:10]

Henry and Ryan share their recent experiences from live shows in Atlanta, touching upon the challenges and memorable moments they encountered. They recount a particularly harrowing travel experience where their flight was diverted to Memphis due to a lightning strike at Atlanta's airport, leading to an overnight stay amidst chaotic weather conditions.

• Ryan Reynolds: "The entire airport was struck by lightning. The tower, the air control tower was struck by lightning." [07:26]

They humorously describe their interactions with service staff and fellow stranded passengers, including a memorable encounter with drifters who helped them with a flat tire, attributing their survival to unexpected kindness amidst the turmoil.

• Ryan Reynolds: "He went on, and he had died by his own gunshot shot." [05:21]

Their camaraderie and ability to find humor in stressful situations underscore the show's signature blend of dark humor and real-life anecdotes.

Bobby Bonilla and Financial Wisdom

Timestamp: [13:43] - [14:59]

Shifting gears, the hosts discuss the unique financial arrangement of baseball player Bobby Bonilla. Bonilla receives $1.2 million annually from the New York Mets as part of a deferred salary deal, which the hosts laud as a genius financial move.

• Henry Zabrowski: "They have no shoes. Since retiring, he's made 28 million. That's my boy. Teach me." [14:25]

They admire Bonilla's ability to secure long-term financial stability without ongoing work, contrasting it with their own less fortunate financial situations. This segment serves as a light-hearted interlude amidst the heavier stories.

Brian Coburger: From Wannabe to Guilty Plea

Timestamp: [14:59] - [17:05]

The conversation then shifts to the case of Brian Coburger, a self-proclaimed Ted Bundy imitator who has now pleaded guilty to the murders of four women in Idaho. Henry and Ryan express their disdain for Coburger, highlighting his manipulative behavior and the tragic outcomes of his actions.

• Ryan Reynolds: "He has a piece of number one. Yeah." [16:37]

They critique the legal system's handling of Coburger, emphasizing his evasion of the death penalty through a guilty plea and speculating on the grim reality awaiting him in prison due to his personality and actions.

The Rise of AI and Its Societal Impact

Timestamp: [52:51] - [72:36]

In a profound segment, Henry and Ryan explore the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on society, sparked by the tragic story of Alex Taylor. Taylor, who believed he was interacting with a conscious entity within ChatGPT, ultimately became distressed when he thought the AI had taken his girlfriend's life, leading to his suicide by cop.

• Henry Zabrowski: "He has a long history of psychological issues. He had... moved back in with his father and his father was watching him slide into this world." [57:12]

• Ryan Reynolds: "Does Chat GPT have any responsibility for Alex Taylor's suicide? Absolutely none." [62:07]

The hosts debate the ethical responsibilities of AI developers and users, drawing parallels between AI's role in shaping human behavior and other societal issues like substance abuse. They express concerns over AI's potential to manipulate and the importance of setting boundaries to prevent misuse.

• Henry Zabrowski: "But also it's an email Tool. It's like the dumbest shit. It's not Gaia." [64:42]

This discussion underscores the podcast's engagement with contemporary issues, blending horror elements with thoughtful analysis on technology's dark side.

Listener Engagement and Upcoming Shows

Timestamp: [73:46] - [88:05]

Towards the end of the episode, Henry and Ryan interact with listener emails, sharing personal hiking experiences and bizarre encounters. They recount a mysterious incident involving unexplained loud noises and an apparent near-miss with unidentified phenomena during a hike in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

• Henry Zabrowski: "So we have a pound if you give us a full picture of you a, a bigfoot." [77:50]

The hosts also promote their upcoming live shows across various cities, encouraging listeners to attend and engage with their content in person.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Timestamp: [88:05] - End

In their closing remarks, Henry and Ryan reflect on the episode's stories, reiterating the importance of balancing humor with the gravity of the topics discussed. They emphasize their commitment to exploring both entertaining and unsettling narratives, inviting listeners to continue their journey into the world's hidden horrors.

Notable Quotes:

• Henry Zabrowski: "I believe that he is going to be in the hospital way longer than he'd ever be in jail because he did it for shoplifting." [05:39]

• Ryan Reynolds: "Don't jump on ice." [03:40]

• Ryan Reynolds: "He has a piece of number one. Yeah." [16:37]

• Henry Zabrowski: "It's just all fake. The whole thing is turtles all the way down, dude." [67:32]

• Ryan Reynolds: "He got denied from ROTC. You believe that?" [46:03]

This episode of Last Podcast on the Left masterfully intertwines dark humor with chilling real-life stories, offering listeners a captivating exploration of the macabre and the absurd.

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