CNN Audio Launches New Podcast Series ''The Account''

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, April 30, 2025 | 10:03am CT

''The Account from CNN''

CNN Audio has announced the debut of its latest podcast initiative, "The Account from CNN," a new series focused on immersive, narrative-driven audio storytelling. Each season of The Account will feature multi-episode arcs spotlighting in-depth journalism from CNN's global reporting team.

"We are launching The Account as a home for audio-first storytelling built specifically for listeners, not just adapted for them," said Steve Lickteig, Executive Producer at CNN Audio. "This narrative style gives our journalists the space to comprehensively capture their reporting from multiple angles and points of view, and each series within the feed will showcase a story uniquely suited to our reporters' expertise-stories best experienced through the depth and intimacy of podcasting."

The premiere season, entitled Persuadable, is hosted by CNN Senior Correspondent Donie O'Sullivan and explores how individuals become drawn into conspiracy theories. O'Sullivan, who has covered misinformation and online extremism for more than a decade, investigates the psychological and emotional forces behind belief in fringe narratives. He also reflects on his personal mental health journey as a way to connect more deeply with the subject.

"We are living in what has been described as the 'golden age' of conspiracy theories, but we often focus too much on the things people believe rather than why they believe them," said O'Sullivan. "In Persuadable, we wanted to show how anyone is capable of holding irrational beliefs so that when our loved ones find themselves deep in conspiracy theory rabbit holes, we have the tools to help. That started with an open conversation about my own mental health struggles."

Persuadable features interviews with cult survivors, psychologists, and family members of those affected by conspiracy theories, offering listeners a nuanced look at the human side of misinformation and guidance on how to help others escape its grip.

The first episode is now available on all major podcast platforms. The second and third episodes will be released on May 7 and May 14, respectively. CNN Audio says details on upcoming seasons of The Account will be shared in the coming weeks.