Episodes
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The many lives of Taiwan
Taiwan’s complex history involves indigenous roots, colonization by the Dutch, Spanish, Japanese, and later, political exile from mainland China.
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Why are people excited about nuclear power again?
Public sentiment towards nuclear power has shifted significantly in the US, with more support due to climate concerns and safety improvements.
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What if the cemetery goes out of business? (classic)
Cemeteries have a rich history intertwined with cultural attitudes toward death, evolving from communal spaces to private, often privatized entities.
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Where’s the best free restaurant bread in America?
Small gestures and tokens of kindness, like free bread or tote bags, carry emotional and cultural significance.
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The Cost of War
The US government has historically hidden and underestimated the true costs of wars through strategic budget manipulation and poor accounting.
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What we got wrong about GLP-1s
GLP-1 drugs have transformative medical benefits that extend beyond weight loss, including reducing cardiovascular risks and potentially affecting addiction.
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The Trial of the Driverless Car
Driverless cars pose significant challenges for traditional transportation jobs, requiring unions and policymakers to adapt.
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Are you a good driver?
The origin of driverless cars traces back over a century, with significant advancements made through competitions like DARPA's Grand Challenge.
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Mysteries of Claude
Anthropic is focusing on teaching its AI, Claude, ethical behavior through rigorous philosophical and practical explorations.
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Why don’t we eat people? (classic)
Cannibalism is largely considered a taboo and is deeply intertwined with cultural and ethical considerations.
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How Peptides Conquered the Internet
Peptides have moved from the bodybuilding community to mainstream culture, influencing various demographics.
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Are flushable wipes actually flushable?
Flushable wipes are a controversial topic, with significant debate surrounding their actual flushability and impact on sewage systems.
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The Venezuelan Curse (Part 2)
Hugo Chávez's governance initially appeared powerful but led to economic mismanagement and eventual failure.
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The Venezuelan Curse (Part 1)
Staying informed in today's digital landscape is challenging due to information overload and misinformation.
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The Fediverse Experiment
The current internet landscape is heavily influenced by major social media platforms that often prioritize engagement over user well-being.
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A Perfectly Average Anomaly
The TSA body scanners often flag average-sized male genitalia without clear explanations.
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Unlocked: The State of Search Engine 2025
Podcasts face unique challenges in monetization, especially in a shifting digital landscape dominated by short-form content.
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What's the best phone to do crimes on? (classic)
AN0M emerged as a favored encrypted phone among criminals, allowing them to communicate securely.
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How to talk (or not talk) politics at family holidays
Engaging in political conversations during family gatherings can be challenging but is often necessary for understanding family dynamics.
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Colossus 2
Data centers are transforming into monopolistic entities, reflecting an arms race rather than collaborative resources.
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