Top Comment

Episódios

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  How Charlie Kirk achieved internet immortality 11.09.2026 29min

  A year since the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, social media users are marking what has controversially become known as the 'Kirkiversary'. Far from the enduring political legacy many predicted, he has rather been immortalised as an icon of the internet, his image utterly ubiquitous in meme culture. On this episode, Marianna and Matt discuss how Kirk's life and death paved the way for an online resurrection few could have anticipated.Plus - Tommy Robinson's latest diss track, and Sneako has been in touch!Top Comment is hosted by Marianna Spring and Matt Shea. The series producer is Laurie Kalus. The social producer is Sophie Millward. The technical producer was Philip Bull. The editor is Justine Lang. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.If you want to get in touch about something that's popped up on your feed, our email address is [email protected] or you can send us a WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.
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  Angel Vic and the truth about hustle culture 04.09.2026 34min

  It's the latest example of an influencer's digital persona disintegrating before our eyes. For several years, Angel Victoria Murdock has been portraying a life of self-made success, from real estate deals to a watchalong student experience at Duke University. She curated hundreds of thousands of followers and even appeared on reality show Temptation Island - only, the majority of her online life appears to have been fabricated. After being outed by real graduates of the programme she claimed to attend, Murdock's profile has gone dark. On this episode, we examine her case, and the long line of predecessors who have leveraged a fake identity on social media.Also this week, as long-time internet provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos cries foul over his deportation from the US, Matt and Marianna consider what his downfall tells us about the state of social media. A man who forged a career from controversy, they discuss why the splintered conservative community may have united in abandoning him, and how cancel culture is evolving.Plus - Raygun is back online.Top Comment is hosted by Marianna Spring and Matt Shea. The series producer is Laurie Kalus. The social producer is Sophie Millward. The technical producer was Philip Bull. The editor is Justine Lang. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.If you want to get in touch about something that's popped up on your feed, our email address is [email protected] or you can send us a WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.
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  Lindsay Clancy and the age of TikTok trials 27.08.2026 38min

  A Massachusetts jury are deliberating in the shocking case of Lindsay Clancy, a mother who admits to killing her three young children amid suffering, her lawyers argue, extreme post-partum psychosis. Online sleuths have been streaming the trial, and aggregating clips online to advance unfounded and defamatory conspiracies in the name of activism and awareness. Matt and Marianna explain how these creators operate, and consider the broader risks connected with the growing phenomenon of TikTok trials, from Depp v Heard to Karen Read.Top Comment is hosted by Marianna Spring and Matt Shea. The series producer is Laurie Kalus. The social producer is Sophie Millward. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The editor is Justine Lang. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.If you want to get in touch about something that's popped up on your feed, our email address is [email protected] or you can send us a WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.
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  Everybody wants to be Ellie Ellis 21.08.2026 38min

  How did a 16-year-old girl with no prior online presence manage to gain more than 700k TikTok followers within a week of her first post? On this episode, we discuss the theories behind Ellie Ellis' unlikely explosion, ask whether her multimillion-view debut video could have gone viral organically, and consider how platforms profit from the aspirational lottery underpinning their algorithms. Also this week, a growing number of influencers in Bali have been panic-posting as a specialised taskforce ramps up its crackdown against those working illegally there. Matt and Marianna explain how the island paradise became a hotspot for digital nomads, and why the lifestyle they are selling isn't entirely transparent. And, we get the perspective of Alita, an Indonesian content creator who decided to leave.Plus - Clavicular defends his latest flex from the ick allegations.Top Comment is hosted by Marianna Spring and Matt Shea. The series producer is Laurie Kalus. The social producer is Sophie Millward. The technical producer was Ben Andrews. The editor is Justine Lang. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.If you want to get in touch about something that's popped up on your feed, our email address is [email protected] or you can send us a WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.
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  Exposed: the faceless accounts inflaming the Ceuta crisis 14.08.2026 30min

  After roughly 78,000 migrants made the journey from Morocco to the Spanish enclave of Ceuta in a matter of hours at the end of July, reporters across the world were quick to identify the role of social media. Capitalising on misinformation about a Spanish Supreme Court ruling, millions of posts appeared over several weeks portraying the territory as a viable path to a new life in Europe. On this episode of Top Comment we take a detailed look at the accounts sharing what we're calling 'mirage content', revealing a network of coordinated profiles spamming the algorithm. For the first time, we expose a direct link between these faceless creators and those profiting from the movement of people, uncovering an integrated business operation run through Instagram.Top Comment is hosted by Marianna Spring and Matt Shea. The series producer is Laurie Kalus. The social producer is Sophie Millward. The technical producer was Stephen Bailey. The editor is Justine Lang. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.In response to our reporting, Meta told the BBC: “We have a team monitoring the situation in Ceuta in real time and removing content that violates our policies - including content that offers to provide, facilitate or seek human smuggling services”. If you want to get in touch about something that's popped up on your feed, our email address is [email protected] or you can send us a WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.
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  A grievance syndicate is defrauding young men 07.08.2026 33min

  The manosphere is just the tip of the iceberg - that's the premise of a new report, shared exclusively with Top Comment, about the so-called male grievance industry. Its author, Kristina Wilfore, has spent years investigating state information warfare, a playbook she says is now being followed by influencers weaponising economic anxiety, body dysmorphia, and political disenfranchisement. We've also been given access to brand new data about the viral looksmaxxing trend, which reveals how just 216 accounts drove 14.6bn views on this type of content within the last two years. Kristina, Matt and Marianna discuss the pipeline behind these numbers, and with effective algorithmic regulation seemingly a way off, consider more ambitious methods to clamp down on the exploitative practices which mid-tier creators are using to monetise at scale.Plus - why the streamers flocking to Epstein island are being sued, and Boy Throb's Darshan finally got a visa!Top Comment is hosted by Marianna Spring and Matt Shea. The series producer is Laurie Kalus. The social producer is Sophie Millward. The technical producer was Dafydd Evans. The editor is Justine Lang. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.You can access the full report from Reset Tech and Equimundo, 'The Grift Economy: How Young Men Are Being Sold Fake Belonging and Fake Wealth Online', via this link: https://www.equimundo.org/resources/the-grift-economyIf you want to get in touch about something that's popped up on your feed, our email address is [email protected] or you can send us a WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.
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  The vigilante streamers destroying reputations on Kick 30.07.2026 35min

  From chasing pickpockets to unmasking predators, vigilantism has become one of the biggest trends on social media. On this episode Matt and Marianna discuss how the age of streaming has added a new layer of risk to content like this, with the potential for devastating consequences including reputational damage and even legal repercussions.Also this week, as national media fangirls over Andy Burnham's TikTok persona, we ask what the new prime minister is doing right online. Is social media now the ultimate test of a politician's authenticity, and could cosying up to influencers set a dangerous precedent in terms of transparency and accountability for those in positions of power.Plus - Clavicular can't run in those little high heels, and the foxes have their say!Top Comment is hosted by Marianna Spring and Matt Shea. The series producer is Laurie Kalus. The social producer is Sophie Millward. The technical producer was Ben Andrews. The editor is Justine Lang. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.If you want to get in touch about something that's popped up on your feed, our email address is [email protected] or you can send us a WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.
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  Andrew Tate is blaming the Matrix again 23.07.2026 31min

  Manosphere kingpin Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan were arrested in the US over the weekend after British authorities announced dozens of new charges against the pair, including rape and sex trafficking, which they deny. On this episode, we unpack the allegations being made against the influencers, and what it could mean for those associated with them. Matt, who has reported extensively on the Tate empire, describes the social media narrative being pursued by the brothers as they attempt to paint a picture of a deep state conspiracy and undermine trust in the justice system.Also this week, should parents be able to profit from posting content of their kids on social media? From the Rizzler to Lil Tay, shooting to internet superstardom at an early age can come with criticism and complications. Marianna has been speaking to former child youtuber turned activist and entrepreneur, Beckii Flint, about the dilemmas around consent, monetisation and exploitation in a space which remains largely unregulated. And, as a new U16 ban approaches in the UK, what happens when kidfluencers become viral on platforms they can’t use?Plus - Jimothy the viral racoon, and another affiliate marketing scandal.Top Comment is hosted by Marianna Spring and Matt Shea. The series producer is Laurie Kalus. The social producer is Sophie Millward. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The editor is Justine Lang. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.If you want to get in touch about something that's popped up on your feed, our email address is [email protected] or you can send us a WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.
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  Erling Haaland, crypto billionaires, and the foxes incident 16.07.2026 39min

  You may already think crypto is overexposed online, but is what we're experiencing just the tip of the iceberg? On this episode, Matt talks about his new BBC documentary in which he meets some of the tech billionaires who believe blockchain can be used to transform the fabric of society. From micronations to corporate monarchies, we outline their radical vision for the future. Also this week, why psychologists are worried about the growing trend of ADHD self-diagnosis via social media. A study from earlier this year said 52% of ADHD-related videos on TikTok were inaccurate. Matt and Marianna discuss the real world impacts, and why this type of misinformation can attract such high levels of engagement.Plus, Erling Haaland's 'braut summer' in Agartha.Top Comment is hosted by Marianna Spring and Matt Shea. The series producer is Laurie Kalus. The social producer is Sophie Millward. The technical producer was Jonny Baker. The editor is Justine Lang. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.You can watch Matt's full documentary, The Tech Billionaire Takeover, via this link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002z1j2If you want to get in touch about something that's popped up on your feed, our email address is [email protected] or you can send us a WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.
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  Solo-maxxing and the femosphere (live at Crossed Wires) 09.07.2026 49min

  Marianna is joined by guest host Rachel Connolly to journey into the lives of femcels, tradwives, and so-called loneliness influencers. As the merits of social isolation are preached on our feeds, why has solo-maxxing gone from a cheap Gen Z life hack to a dedicated philosophy for many users? How is the femosphere shifting conversations around gender dynamics and heteropessimism? And what does the tradwife trend tell us about the perils of pursuing authenticity as a creator in the volatile world of social media?This episode of Top Comment was recorded live at Crossed Wires in Sheffield. It was presented by Marianna Spring. The series producer is Laurie Kalus. The social producer is Sophie Millward. The technical producer was Hannah Montgomery. The editor is Justine Lang. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.If you want to get in touch about something that's popped up on your feed, our email address is [email protected] or you can send us a WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.
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  Gabriel Shemirani on medical misinfo and rejecting Conspiracyland 03.07.2026 31min

  One year on from the BBC's investigation into the death of 23-year-old Paloma Shemirani - and two years since it happened - this episode of Top Comment explores what the case tells us about the dangers of medical misinformation.Last June, Marianna revealed how Paloma’s brothers blamed their mother - the prominent anti-medicine conspiracy theorist Kate Shemirani - for Paloma’s decision to reject chemotherapy. She denies these allegations.Now, we speak to Paloma's twin brother Gabriel about the aftermath of the inquest, what he wants to change to protect people like his sister, and the evolution of unregulated health advice online.This episode of Top Comment is presented by Marianna Spring. The series producer is Laurie Kalus. The social producer is Sophie Millward. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The editor is Justine Lang. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.To listen to the full series investigating Paloma's death, Marianna in Conspiracy Land 2, just follow the link here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002fcbhIf you want to get in touch about something that's popped up on your feed, our email address is [email protected] or you can send us a WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.
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  Restore Britain, Merlin the duck, and FIFA's content farm 25.06.2026 34min

  After achieving 7% of the vote in last week's Makerfield by-election, the social-led strategy of emerging right-wing party Restore Britain has come under the spotlight. Various anecdotal reports have concluded that their relative success feels disproportionate to their presence on the ground, but their growing prominence online is inarguable - leader Rupert Lowe has over 2m followers across X and Facebook, and Elon Musk has repeatedly backed the party. So, was this a party born out of social media, and are they rejecting traditional campaigning? Marianna has been speaking to the party's chief strategist, Charlie Downes, about their approach and similar online movements which may have inspired them.Also this week - as the World Cup group stage approaches its climax, internet discourse surrounding the tournament is already moving at a lightning pace. From the overnight fame of Vozinha and Merlin the duck to Lawrence, Kansas falling in love with the Algerian national team, it has provided a conveyor belt of viral moments. Matt and Marianna discuss whether global events like this represent an idealist vision of the benefits social media platforms could have, and why some may see it as the ultimate 'bread and circuses' distraction.Top Comment is hosted by Marianna Spring and Matt Shea. The series producer is Laurie Kalus. The social producer is Sophie Millward. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The editor is Justine Lang. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.If you want to get in touch about something that's popped up on your feed, our email address is [email protected] or you can send us a WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.
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  Agartha explained, and hot girls revolt on BookTok 18.06.2026 30min

  The BookTok community has erupted after creator AllieRoseCo announced she had trademarked merchandise featuring the phrase 'Hot Girls Read'. User backlash was instantaneous, with many accusing her of attacking small businesses and even betraying her own followers. On this episode, Marianna explains why BookTok is such an influential marketing demographic on TikTok, and what this controversy tells us about the fragility of influencer careers tied exclusively to a personal brand.Also this week, a viral photo which appears to show Donald Trump meeting with a group of mysterious figures has led to a raft of theories about their identities. One of the most prominent narratives to emerge is that the men are representatives of the mythical kingdom Agartha. Matt dives deep into the lore on Agartha, and its adoption by Nazi occultists. Why has this theory seen such a resurgence among young people on TikTok, and how dangerous is the implicit ideology behind it?Top Comment is hosted by Marianna Spring and Matt Shea. The series producer is Laurie Kalus. The social producer is Sophie Millward. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The editor is Justine Lang. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.If you want to get in touch about something that's popped up on your feed, our email address is [email protected] or you can send us a WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.
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  Belfast, Henry Nowak, and how Grok is supercharging misinfo 11.06.2026 35min

  After a second night of rioting in Belfast, social media companies are being accused of playing a role in creating disorder. Technology secretary Liz Kendall has said an update to the Online Safety Act will be brought to parliament next week, putting greater pressure on platforms to remove content which seeks to incite violence. On this episode, we explain why X is receiving particular scrutiny, and how its integrated AI chatbot Grok has fuelled misinformation surrounding cases from the murder of Henry Nowak to the deadly Bondi Beach shooting.Also this week, with the UK government reportedly poised to announce significant restrictions for young people using social media, Matt and Marianna discuss how we got here. They examine some of the arguments for and against limits for under-16s, and ask whether a de facto ban could be reversible if companies address safety concerns.Plus, another platform monetising dares, and the return of fake BBC crypto ads.Top Comment is hosted by Marianna Spring and Matt Shea. The series producer is Laurie Kalus. The social producer is Sophie Millward. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The editor is Justine Lang. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.If you want to get in touch about something that's popped up on your feed, our email address is [email protected] or you can send us a WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.
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  Is Hasan Piker NSFW now? And Tung Tung's generational run 05.06.2026 30min

  When Twitch streamer Hasan Piker was denied entry into the UK this week, it rekindled a conversation around the Home Office's approach to free speech. From Kanye West to Valentina Gomez, the list of prominent names who have seen their travel plans derailed in recent months is growing, with commentators across the political spectrum accusing the government of overreaching. Piker, whose highly critical stance on Israel has led to disputed allegations of antisemitism, says he is being targeted for his position on the war in Gaza. On this episode, Matt and Marianna explain why many young people in particular are outraged by the decision, and consider whether some of his more inflammatory comments should be considered less extreme in the amplified environment of social media.Also this week, the police officers who were falsely identified in the aftermath of Henry Nowak's murder. And, how Tung Tung Tung Sahur's recent resurgence has secured his crown as the undisputed king of brainrot.Top Comment is hosted by Marianna Spring and Matt Shea. The series producer is Laurie Kalus. The social producer is Sophie Millward. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The editor is Justine Lang. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.If you want to get in touch about something that's popped up on your feed, our email address is [email protected] or you can send us a WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.
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  Sleuth wars, incels in STEM, and just want Harambe back 29.05.2026 25min

  An inquest is set to open on Friday into the deaths of three sisters whose bodies were recovered from the sea off the coast of Brighton. The case has led to rampant speculation online, particularly after it emerged that a widely shared image provided by family members appeared to be AI-generated. From unfounded conspiracies about serial killers, to a broader debate over the handling of cases involving black people, it has captivated TikTok sleuths, some of whom are even turning on each other.Also this week - a decade on from his death, Matt and Marianna remember Harambe, the gorilla who achieved internet immortality. Plus, an intriguing job ad from a virtual relationship site, and the Fox News interview being reposted over false claims that a featured contributor was wearing a prosthetic mask.Top Comment is hosted by Marianna Spring and Matt Shea. The series producer is Laurie Kalus. The social producer is Sophie Millward. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The editor is Justine Lang. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.If you want to get in touch about something that's popped up on your feed, our email address is [email protected] or you can send us a WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.
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  Why you're wrong about Palantir, and TL;DR Tolkien 22.05.2026 27min

  The US tech giant Palantir holds contracts with some of the most influential entities in the world, from government departments and pharmaceutical companies to military contractors and banking powerhouses. Funding links to the CIA, misconceptions about how it operates, and broader concerns surrounding the use of private data, have all led to a significant protest movement online at the firm's increasing integration into major institutions. On this episode, Matt and Marianna consider why a narrative framing Palantir as a malevolent force is flourishing on social media, and ask whether this stealthy reputation actually suits its business model.Also this week, after a former Meta AI researcher told the BBC that smart glasses are "an invasion of privacy", is being filmed covertly for content a new reality of everyday life?Top Comment is hosted by Marianna Spring and Matt Shea. The series producer is Laurie Kalus. The social producer is Sophie Millward. The technical producer was James Piper. The editor is Justine Lang. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.If you want to get in touch about something that's popped up on your feed, our email address is [email protected] or you can send us a WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.
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  BONUS: Taylor Lorenz says "don't blame social media" 19.05.2026 41min

  On this bonus interview episode, Matt and Marianna are joined in the studio by leading social media journalist Taylor Lorenz. They discuss the evolution of meme culture, Clavicular's enduring virality, and why Elon Musk briefly kicked her off X. Plus, as the list of countries seeking stricter regulation of social media grows, why is Taylor so resistant to the legislation being proposed in the UK and US, and what are the alternatives?Top Comment is hosted by Marianna Spring and Matt Shea. The series producer is Laurie Kalus. The social producer is Sophie Millward. The technical producer was Ben Andrews. The editor is Justine Lang. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.If you want to get in touch about something that's popped up on your feed, our email address is [email protected] or you can send us a WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.
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  Decline porn (part II), VPN patriotism, and Charli XCX's finsta drop 15.05.2026 25min

  Foreign-based social media accounts are masquerading as patriotic Brits lamenting the UK's 'decline'. These profiles, which use AI to amplify anti-immigrant rhetoric, are being viewed and shared by vast audiences who are often unaware of the content's origin. The BBC has seen evidence that dozens of those posting from Eastern Europe to South Asia are coordinating their activity through group chats, with some even claiming to be in communication with political actors inside the UK. Marianna and Matt discuss the ideological approach of these remote creators, and explain why their tactics are reminiscent of modern state-backed influence campaigns.Also this week, the TikTok users reclaiming fruit from AI, and why Charli XCX's latest promo campaign is splitting opinion.Top Comment is hosted by Marianna Spring and Matt Shea. The series producer is Laurie Kalus. The social producer is Sophie Millward. The technical producer was Ben Andrews. The editor is Justine Lang. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.Listeners in the UK can see Marianna's full Panorama investigation here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002wwqxIf you want to get in touch about something that's popped up on your feed, our email address is [email protected] or you can send us a WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.
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  Dare Market, hantavirus, and wtf is going on at JPMorgan? 08.05.2026 33min

  Launched last year, the website Dare Market describes itself as "the platform where you can dare anyone to do almost anything for real cash bounties". On this episode, Marianna speaks to Isla Rose Perfito, the founder of the site inviting comparisons to Black Mirror. From the individuals putting themselves at risk for financial gain, to brands sponsoring increasingly outlandish challenges, we ask whether her vision of a flourishing attention economy which rewards small entrepreneurial creators is realistic. And, why did the Church of Scientology send her a cease and desist letter?Also this week, a viral interview from SXSW has reignited online discourse surrounding music's so-called 'industry plants'. Revelations about fake influencer campaigns are calling into question the rapid rise of bands and artists like Geese and Oklou, who were once celebrated for growing loyal audiences independently. In an online ecosystem dominated by digital marketing, Matt considers whether the concept of discovering new music organically is now an illusion.Plus - panic over hantavirus, and the wild JPMorgan lawsuit sending meme production into overdrive.Top Comment is hosted by Marianna Spring and Matt Shea. The series producer is Laurie Kalus. The social producer is Sophie Millward. The technical producer was Jack Graysmark. The editor is Justine Lang. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.If you want to get in touch about something that's popped up on your feed, our email address is [email protected] or you can send us a WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.