Well-Informed & Open-Minded

They move 90% of the world’s goods—but most people never see the lives behind the ships. In this episode, we journey into the demanding world of Filipino seafarers, the backbone of global trade. Their months-long contracts bring higher wages and the promise of a better life for their families back home, fueling an entire industry of marine colleges in the Philippines. But the work comes at a steep cost: dangerous seas, crushing boredom, deep isolation, and missed milestones like the birth of their own children. Through stories of shipboard karaoke, centuries-old superstitions, and the tradition of bolitas, we explore what keeps these men going—and why a new generation is dreaming of lives anchored on land.https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/30/world/asia/philippines-mariners-cargo-ships.html

Why do some cities feel instantly navigable while others feel like mazes? In this episode, we explore the enduring power of the urban grid—with Chicago as its most precise, most elegant example. From ancient Mohenjo-Daro to the block-by-block logic of America’s great cities, we trace how the grid became one of humanity’s most successful planning ideas: efficient to build, easy to navigate, and perfect for dividing and selling land. We also look at why the mid-century love affair with cul-de-sacs and curving streets didn’t quite deliver on its promises, and why the humble grid may be making a comeback in a world shifting toward walking, biking, and transit. In short: the future of urban mobility might look a lot like its past.https://www.economist.com/interactive/christmas-specials/2022/12/20/the-decline-of-the-city-grid

When something goes wrong at work, do people look for answers—or for someone to blame? In this episode, we dive into the hidden cost of blame culture inside organizations. From aviation and healthcare to tech’s blameless postmortems, we explore how the highest-stakes industries have learned that pointing fingers destroys trust and prevents real learning. Yet shifting to a “just culture” isn’t easy: it demands discipline, clear documentation, and leaders willing to examine systems rather than scapegoat subordinates. And when leaders do choose blame, research shows it spreads fast—dragging down morale, performance, and even stock prices. So how do you build a workplace where mistakes teach instead of terrify?https://www.economist.com/business/2023/01/19/why-pointing-fingers-is-unhelpful

Vaping is either a public-health menace or a lifesaving tool—depending on who you ask. In this episode, we dive into the global tug-of-war over e-cigarettes, as countries from Belgium to New Zealand push bans and restrictions even while researchers insist vaping is far less harmful than smoking. We break down the real risks, from the EVALI outbreak linked to vitamin E acetate to the questionable chemicals found in legal vape mixes. And we explore the flip side: growing evidence that vaping can help smokers quit more effectively than traditional nicotine-replacement therapies. Caught between fear and potential, regulation and harm reduction, we ask: what role should vaping play in the future of public health?https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2025/03/21/how-harmful-are-electronic-cigarettes

Vietnam’s streets have long been a whirlwind of noise, chaos, and creative rule-bending—until now. In this episode, we explore the country’s dramatic new traffic crackdown, where fines have surged tenfold and a single violation can cost more than a month’s wages. The government says the goal is safety and “civilization,” pointing to fewer drunk drivers and smoother intersections. But for taxi drivers and low-income workers, these sky-high penalties feel less like reform and more like punishment. As once-freewheeling roads slow into cautious, congested lanes, we ask: is Vietnam moving toward a more orderly future, or fueling a new clash between state control and everyday survival?https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/28/world/asia/vietnam-traffic-fines.html

Sports used to be about what happened on the field—now, it’s just as much about what happens on Netflix. In this episode, we dive into the explosive rise of streaming sports documentaries, led by the blockbuster success of Drive to Survive. The series didn’t just chronicle Formula 1; it reinvented it, turning drivers into characters and turbocharging F1’s fanbase, especially in America. Now Amazon, Disney, and others are racing to replicate the formula with tennis, golf, cricket, and socce—turning real athletes into cast members in ongoing, high-stakes dramas. But as the line between sport and storytelling blurs, we ask: are these shows creating new fans or new soap operas? And what happens when the drama on screen starts rewriting the truth on the pitch?https://www.economist.com/culture/2023/03/03/does-the-netflixisation-of-sport-spoil-the-action

For decades, fluoride in tap water has been hailed as one of America’s greatest public-health wins. But a new wave of scientific concern is reshaping the debate. In this episode, we explore the complicated story behind water fluoridation—how it protects teeth, why some communities are now reconsidering it, and what a 2024 review linking high fluoride levels to lower IQ in children really means. Public-health experts urge caution, noting that the evidence is far from settled and that fluoridated water remains a crucial safety net for people with limited access to dental care. We also break down where fluoride actually shows up in our lives — from tea and coffee to the toothpaste that delivers the most effective dose. At the heart of it all is a question of equity: how do we protect public dental health while navigating uncertain science?https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2025/03/14/what-is-the-best-way-to-keep-your-teeth-healthy

Who gets to decide what’s “authentic”—and why do we care so much? In this episode, we dig into the messy, delicious truth about ethnic cuisine and the biases hiding beneath our obsession with keeping dishes “pure.” From hard-shell American tacos to Mexico’s own tacos al pastor, born from Lebanese shawarma, we explore how food naturally evolves as people move, mingle, and make dinner their own. And we uncover how the authenticity police often reveal more about cultural prejudice than culinary insight—especially when “authentic” non-European food is associated with dirt floors, while “authentic” European fare evokes white tablecloths. The real question: is authenticity a flavor… or a story we tell ourselves?https://www.economist.com/culture/2022/04/02/in-praise-of-mass-market-american-tacos

What can dragons and samurai teach us about modern politics? In this episode, we pit House of the Dragon against Shōgun to ask which world—the honor-bound courts of 17th-century Japan or the cutthroat kingdoms of Westeros—better reflects today’s global power struggles. As it turns out, the fire-breathing fantasy feels uncomfortably real. From ruthless leaders and expendable foot soldiers to populist gambits and endless battles for territory and weaponry, the political logic of Westeros maps eerily onto the ambitions of figures like Vladimir Putin and Nayib Bukele. We explore why the brutal amorality of the Game of Thrones universe resonates more strongly with our current moment than any code of honor—and what that says about the world we’re living in now.https://www.economist.com/culture/2024/07/05/power-grabbing-tips-from-house-of-the-dragon-and-shogun

In Singapore, moving out in your twenties or early thirties isn’t just unusual—it’s almost rebellious. In this episode, we explore the quiet revolution taking place as young Singaporeans choose independence over the long-standing norm of living with their parents well into adulthood. With public housing off-limits to singles under 35 and private rentals notoriously expensive, this shift comes with real challenges—from financial strain to first-time loneliness. Yet changing marriage patterns, pandemic fatigue, and a growing desire for personal space are pushing more young adults to strike out on their own. We dive into what’s driving this cultural shift and why, for many families, a little distance might actually lead to stronger relationships.https://www.economist.com/asia/2021/08/26/singapores-thirty-somethings-are-leaving-home

When the monsoon hits Mumbai, the snakes come with it. In this episode, we explore the dramatic surge in snake sightings across the city—from pythons curled inside auto-rickshaws to serpents surfacing in shipping containers—and the tragic consequences when curiosity turns fatal. Experts warn that climate change, rapid urban expansion, and mountains of garbage are driving reptiles into closer contact with people, even as fear and misinformation put both humans and snakes at risk. We dive into the ecology, the myths, and the urgent need for public education to help residents distinguish danger from harmless visitors. As Mumbai transforms, so does its relationship with the wildlife forced to share its streets.https://www.economist.com/asia/2021/08/05/snake-sightings-are-becoming-increasingly-common-in-mumbai

Chess is getting younger—fast. In this episode, we explore the stunning rise of youth dominance in the game, where the average new Grandmaster is now barely 21, down from 30 just a few decades ago. With the internet expanding the talent pool and powerful digital tools accelerating learning, prodigies like Abhimanyu Mishra and Aswath Kaushik are breaking records once thought untouchable. While other sports celebrate older champions thanks to sports science, chess is racing in the opposite direction—and fans are loving it. Is this the golden age of the young chess prodigy? We dive into the technology, the talent, and the thrill of a game transformed by its newest stars.https://www.economist.com/culture/2024/09/20/the-sport-in-which-nine-year-old-prodigies-are-world-beaters

Chilli crisp didn’t just spice up meals—it spiced up an entire moment in history. In this episode, we explore how a humble Chinese condiment, long beloved by brands like Lao Gan Ma, became a global obsession during lockdowns. As home cooks grew tired of the same old meals, chilli crisp delivered exactly what they craved: heat, crunch, and instant flavor. We unpack its meteoric rise powered by social media, its irresistible texture that fits effortlessly into Western kitchens, and why market researchers now say it’s here to stay—following in the footsteps of salsa as the next great pantry staple. How did one sauce go from niche to necessary? Tune in for the full flavor.https://www.economist.com/culture/2023/02/23/the-rise-of-chilli-crisp-is-a-study-in-how-foods-become-fads

In India, finding an address can feel like solving a riddle—and the cost of all that confusion is enormous. In this episode, we dive into the country’s stubborn address crisis, where vague landmarks, missing street names, and constantly changing local labels create daily chaos for couriers, e-commerce companies, and anyone trying to navigate a city. With estimates that poor addressing shaves 0.5% off India’s GDP, the stakes are higher than most people realize. We explore why land records are so tangled, how bad data fuels fraud and raises borrowing costs, and whether new digital fixes like DIGIPINs and unique parcel IDs can finally bring clarity. The question: can a nation on the rise build an address system worthy of its ambitions?https://www.economist.com/asia/2025/06/05/the-real-reason-indians-are-lost

Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder—but in the seafood aisle, it can decide the fate of entire species. In this episode, we dive into the surprising power of aesthetics in shaping what we eat from the ocean, and how our aversion to “ugly” creatures is quietly harming marine sustainability. From the once-despised monkfish to lobster’s rise from prison fare to luxury dish, we trace how culinary tastes flip over time. We explore why geoducks, catfish, and other delicious but odd-looking species struggle for acceptance, even as overfished favorites like tuna bear the brunt of our narrow preferences. The question is clear: if we want healthy oceans, can we learn to love the seafood that doesn’t love the camera?economist.com/culture/2022/06/09/why-everyone-should-eat-more-ugly-seafood

Retirement used to follow a predictable script—step away, slow down, fade out. Not anymore. In this episode, we explore how longer lives, financial pressures, and a hunger for purpose are rewriting what it means to retire. From icons like Giorgio Armani and Warren Buffett, who prove that work can be a powerful source of vitality, to everyday professionals wrestling with whether they can afford to stop working, we examine the tension between freedom and relevance, leisure and identity. As more people discover that stepping back from a career doesn’t automatically fill their days with meaning, we ask: what does a fulfilling life look like after the office—and who gets to choose it?https://www.economist.com/business/2024/01/25/why-you-should-never-retire

Ramyeon isn’t just a quick meal anymore—it’s a global phenomenon. In this episode, we trace how South Korea’s iconic instant noodles leapt from convenience-store shelves to international stardom, fueled by K-culture cameos, viral spice challenges, and the irresistible ease of a boiling pot and a flavor packet. As exports surge and sales double in markets like the U.S., we explore why ramyeon has become both a cultural symbol and a comfort food with worldwide appeal. From animated film tie-ins to social media dares that test the limits of heat, we ask: how did a humble noodle become the next big global craving?https://www.economist.com/culture/2025/10/28/young-people-are-hot-for-ramyeon-spicy-instant-noodles

China’s quality of life has soared—but for many, the quality of death has not kept pace. In this episode, we examine the quiet crisis in China’s end-of-life and palliative care system, where hospitals favor profitable treatments over comfort, hospice beds remain scarce, and cultural taboos often keep families from even acknowledging a loved one’s diagnosis. Despite government pilot programs and a rapid expansion of hospice units in recent years, access is uneven, support for migrant families is limited, and the financial incentives simply don’t align with dignified dying. We ask: in a nation racing forward, why does a peaceful death remain a privilege? And what will it take to make comfort, not cure, a realistic option for the many?https://www.economist.com/china/2025/06/12/would-you-want-to-know-if-you-were-terminally-ill

In the world of distance running, the race doesn’t always end at the finish line—sometimes, it begins in the data. In this episode, we uncover the strange, growing battlefield of amateur race cheating, from classic course-cutting to the digital deceptions of the smartwatch era. As “runfluencers” chase online clout and potential sponsorships, a new class of self-appointed detectives—armed with split-time math, GPS sleuthing, and photo forensics—are exposing runners who didn’t quite run the miles they claim. With talk of AI facial recognition entering the sport and public accusations carrying real-world consequences, we ask: how did recreational racing become a high-stakes arena for fraud, fame, and digital vigilantism?https://www.economist.com/culture/2024/03/22/why-cheat-in-marathons

In Southern California’s Reche Canyon, wild burros aren’t just animals—they’re neighbors, mascots, and a battleground for a community in transition. In this episode, we explore the complicated bond between residents and the hundreds of free-roaming donkeys that roam the canyon’s roads and backyards. They break fences and block traffic, yet many locals defend them fiercely, even rallying to stop a plan to relocate the herd to Texas. But as development creeps in, the burros face new dangers—including disturbing arrow attacks that have triggered investigations and rescue efforts. Caught between rural heritage and suburban expansion, these animals are at the heart of a fight over what Reche Canyon is… and what it’s becoming.https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/06/us/donkey-country-reche-canyon.html

Once, India watched the Ambani weddings with awe—now, many are watching with unease. In this episode, we explore how two of the most extravagant celebrations in modern history went from symbols of national pride to lightning rods for public frustration. From Beyoncé in 2018 to Rihanna and Justin Bieber in 2024, the spectacle has only grown… but so has India’s inequality. As the wealth of the country’s richest family pulls further away from the everyday reality of millions, public sentiment is shifting from admiration to discomfort. We ask: what changed, what these weddings reveal about India’s social mood, and why the latest Ambani nuptials might mark the end of an era of unrestrained opulence.https://www.economist.com/business/2024/07/16/what-a-600m-wedding-says-about-indias-attitude-to-wealth

Perfume isn’t just back—it’s booming. In this episode, we explore the global fragrance renaissance powered by TikTok, where “#PerfumeTok” tastemakers, not glossy ads, are driving sales to record heights. Gen Z is leading the charge, experimenting with scent wardrobes instead of sticking to a single signature spray, while even teenage boys are diving in through the rise of “smellmaxxing.” From niche indie brands to viral mid-range hits, we unpack how social media has transformed the fragrance world from predictable to wildly expressive—and why this scented surge is outpacing every other corner of beauty.https://www.economist.com/culture/2025/04/24/tiktok-is-changing-the-perfume-business

Family businesses aren’t just companies—they’re dynasties with balance sheets. In this episode, we dive into the real-life drama behind the firms that make up over 90% of the world’s companies, where loyalty collides with profit and every board meeting feels like a family reunion with higher stakes. From generational handovers fraught with expectation and insecurity to power struggles between heirs and outside professionals, we explore why running a family business is both uniquely challenging and deeply human. And at the heart of it all is a simple truth: in these companies, leadership isn’t inherited—it has to be earned.https://www.economist.com/business/2023/04/05/the-resistible-lure-of-the-family-business

It’s not a pepper, it’s not about heat—it’s about a sensation that rewrites the rules of flavor. In this episode, we explore the electrifying world of Sichuan pepper, the citrus-family berry that delivers a signature tingle unlike anything in your spice rack. We break down the chemistry behind its numbing buzz, how it shapes the iconic “mala” profile of Sichuan cuisine, and why adventurous eaters seek out spices that don’t just taste good—they feel unforgettable. From classic dishes like shui zhu yu to the growing culture of gastronomic thrill-seeking, we ask: what happens when food does more than flavor the tongue… it transforms the whole experience?https://www.economist.com/culture/2023/06/29/the-curious-anaesthetising-charm-of-sichuan-peppers

South Korea loves coffee—maybe a little too much. In this episode, we dive into Seoul’s hyper-crowded café scene, where iced Americanos are practically a national drink and new coffee shops pop up on every corner. But behind the aesthetic interiors and Instagram buzz lies a tougher truth: razor-thin margins, brutal hours, and a market so saturated that thousands of cafés close as quickly as they open. We explore why so many people chase the dream of owning a café, how trend-driven customers make survival a constant race to reinvent, and why experts warn that the business is far less romantic than it looks. In a country where cafés are cultural anchors, what does it really take to keep the doors open?https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/12/03/world/asia/south-korea-coffee-shops.html

What started as a backyard fix for bored kids has become America’s fastest-growing obsession. In this episode, we trace the unlikely rise of pickleball—the 1965 mash-up of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong that’s now taking over courts, driveways, and community centers nationwide. We explore how the pandemic turbocharged its growth, why it’s easier, cheaper, and more welcoming than traditional racquet sports, and how manufacturers and clubs are racing to cash in. With soaring participation and talk of Olympic dreams, we ask: is pickleball just a trend, or the future of American sport?https://www.economist.com/united-states/2021/01/28/pickleball-is-the-fastest-growing-sport-in-america

Your skin isn’t just a surface—it’s an organ with a full-time job. In this episode, we break down what really causes dryness and aging, and why your moisturiser might be doing less (or more) than you think. From humectants that pull in water to occlusives that lock it in and emollients that smooth everything out, we decode the science behind the products lining your bathroom shelf. We also dive into the powerhouse ingredients, like retinol, that can boost collagen and soften fine lines—and the irritation that sometimes comes with them. But above it all, dermatologists agree on one truth: the only real anti-aging secret is sunscreen. Tune in to learn what your skin actually needs.https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2025/03/01/is-posh-moisturiser-worth-the-money

In China, the king of fruits has become the king of imports. In this episode, we dive into the explosive rise of durian demand — a $6.7 billion craving that’s turned the spiky, polarizing fruit into a status symbol for the country’s growing middle class. But this isn’t just a food story; it’s geopolitics wrapped in a thick, fragrant shell. As China opens its market to suppliers from Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines, “Durian Diplomacy” is reshaping regional ties, offering opportunity on one hand and political leverage on the other. We explore how Southeast Asian farmers are racing to meet demand, why suppliers remain cautious, and whether China can ever grow enough of the fruit to feed its obsession.https://www.economist.com/china/2024/06/13/china-is-going-crazy-for-durians

Marathon records are falling at a breathtaking pace—but is it human achievement, new technology, or both rewriting the limits of endurance? In this episode, we break down the stunning performances of runners like Tigst Assefa and Kelvin Kiptum, and the explosive debate surrounding the “super-shoes” propelling them forward. With ultra-springy foam soles delivering measurable energy gains, critics claim the technology cheapens the sport. But is this genuine concern… or just old-fashioned technophobia? We explore why World Athletics allows the shoes, what history tells us about game-changing gear, and why trying to ban innovation may be more unrealistic than expecting these records to stand. The future of the marathon is here—and it’s only getting faster.https://www.economist.com/culture/2023/11/03/athletics-should-embrace-super-shoes

In Sinaloa, the dead don’t rest quietly — they rise in towering monuments of marble, glass, and neon. In this episode, we explore the surreal world of Humaya Gardens, where members of the Sinaloa cartel are memorialized in mausoleums outfitted with air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, and the kind of luxury most people never experience in life. These “narcdeco” tombs aren’t just extravagant architecture; they’re symbols of power, fear, and a culture shaped by decades of cartel influence. We trace how this flamboyant afterlife tradition echoes ancient displays of wealth, why local authorities struggle to intervene, and what these structures reveal about a community where the drug trade is woven into everyday reality. Behind the spectacle lies a deeper story — one about identity, legacy, and the shadows cast long after life ends.https://www.economist.com/culture/2023/10/26/drug-lords-tombs-are-monuments-to-opulence

Wine has always promised truth in the glass — but behind the cork lies a long, intoxicating history of deception. In this episode, we uncork the world of wine fraud, from ancient additives to modern masterminds like Rudy Kurniawan, who fooled elite collectors with blends designed to mimic rare vintages. We explore how the value of wine, like art, hinges on the fragile judgment of connoisseurs, even as blind tastings repeatedly show everyday drinkers prefer cheaper bottles. From Roman flavorings to the deadly lead powders of early Europe, to France’s creation of strict appellation laws and today’s surge of knock-off wines in China, this is the story of a marketplace where authenticity is priceless — and endlessly forged.https://www.economist.com/culture/2023/11/14/how-to-spot-a-fake-wine

Some foods rely on seasoning—others rely on disguise. In this episode, we dive into the strange, skillful world of culinary subterfuge, where butchers have long transformed the least appetizing animal parts into beloved staples. At the center of it all is the notorious French andouillette—a pig-intestine sausage so unabashedly honest about its origins that critics compare it to “a urine-soaked barnyard” or “botched abdominal surgery on a plate.” Why do some sausages, like the humble hot dog, hide their secrets so well while others flaunt them? And what does this reveal about the art—and necessity—of dressing up the unlovely bits of our food? Tune in for a journey into the delicious, the disguised, and the defiantly pungent.https://www.economist.com/culture/2022/07/21/in-praise-of-subterfuge-an-underappreciated-culinary-skill

Modern parenting has never looked so luxurious — or so overwhelming. In this episode, we explore the booming market of high-end baby gear and premium parenting services, from thousand-dollar smart bassinets to designer infant perfume and overnight specialists who cost as much as a hotel stay. As people have fewer children later in life, with more disposable income and less family support, convenience has become a commodity — and social media is pouring fuel on the fire. But with targeted ads, influencer pressure, and rising anxiety shaping what parents buy, we ask: are these products genuinely helping, or are they just the new status symbols of early parenthood?https://www.economist.com/business/2025/01/30/from-cribs-to-carriers-high-end-baby-products-are-in-vogue

In pro cycling, the most dangerous moments aren’t always on the climbs — they’re on the way down. In this episode, we dive into the high-speed art of descending, where riders like Tom Pidcock can gain glory in seconds… and where tragedy, like the death of Gino Mäder, is never far from the edge. As downhill attacks become essential to modern racing, the sport grows faster, riskier, and harder to control. We explore the new safety measures meant to protect riders, the unpredictable threats they still face, and the brutal truth at the heart of the peloton: cycling remains a magnificent but cruel sport, and every competitor must decide how much danger they’re willing to accept.https://www.economist.com/culture/2023/07/05/high-speed-descents-are-the-talk-of-the-tour-de-france

In Singapore, owning a car isn’t just expensive — it’s a luxury defined by government design. In this episode, we unpack the staggering cost of car ownership in the city-state, where the Certificate of Entitlement system can add tens of thousands of dollars to even the most basic vehicle. Through the stories of everyday residents balancing convenience, status, and financial strain, we explore why many still feel compelled to buy a car despite world-class public transport. As COE prices soar and the wealthy remain unfazed, we ask: is this the price of keeping Singapore moving — or a system that increasingly leaves the middle class stuck at the curb?https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/24/world/asia/car-certificate-singapore-luxury.html

Matcha has gone from ancient ritual to global obsession — but can the world’s hottest wellness drink keep up with its own hype? In this episode, we trace matcha’s journey from a 12th-century “elixir of the immortals” to a billion-view social-media phenomenon and a staple in Western cafés. Loved for its steady, calm energy and marketed as a healthier alternative to coffee, matcha is fueling explosive market growth among younger drinkers. But behind the frothy green boom lies a tougher reality: shrinking farmland, falling tea production in Japan, and a supply chain struggling to meet demand. Is matcha’s meteoric rise sustainable, or is the trend brewing toward a slowdown?https://www.economist.com/culture/2025/01/14/why-matcha-made-from-green-tea-is-the-drink-of-the-moment

We all say we want fairness at work — but what happens when everyone can see exactly what everyone else earns? In this episode, we dive into the messy, fascinating world of pay transparency. From Scandinavian salary databases to new U.S. laws and an incoming EU directive, the push to break open long-protected pay secrecy is gaining global momentum. Research shows it can shrink wage gaps… but not without side effects: slower raises for top earners, lower overall wages, and surprising dips in productivity. Yet transparency in job ads can actually push salaries up, and some workers perform better when they discover they’re overpaid. So is pay transparency the cure for inequality — or a recipe for workplace chaos?https://www.economist.com/business/2025/01/23/knowing-what-your-colleagues-earn

They’re tiny, quirky, and suddenly everywhere — from farms to theme parks to backwoods trails. In this episode, we explore the surprising rise of Japan’s Kei trucks in America. Imported under a 25-year “collector” rule, these pint-sized pickups are winning over farmers, contractors, and hobbyists with their low cost and go-anywhere attitude. But with limited safety features and growing questions about road legality, fans are starting to worry: how long will this loophole last? Through personal stories and industry insight, we look at why Kei trucks have captured America’s imagination — and whether their future on U.S. roads is already at risk.https://www.economist.com/united-states/2023/04/20/rural-americans-are-importing-tiny-japanese-pickup-trucks

Before a perfect slice of tuna reaches a chef’s knife, it passes through the most sophisticated seafood marketplace on Earth. In this episode, we step inside Toyosu — Tokyo’s colossal, high-tech fish market — to follow the journey of a single tuna from ocean to auction to omakase. We explore the precision techniques, like ikejime, that preserve quality and drive sky-high prices; the fierce early-morning bidding wars; and the network of wholesalers whose expert eyes and long-trusted relationships shape the world’s seafood supply. But even this legendary market is facing new pressures, from sustainability risks to the shifting tides of warming seas. What does the future look like for the beating heart of global seafood?https://www.economist.com/christmas-specials/2024/12/19/a-day-in-the-life-of-toyosu-the-worlds-greatest-fish-market

Caviar is back — not just in gilded dining rooms, but all over TikTok. In this episode, we explore how a once ultra-exclusive luxury has gone viral, transforming “caviar bumps” and unexpected pairings into a mainstream obsession. Sales are surging, restaurants are getting playful, and China now leads the world in farmed sturgeon production. But with sky-high prices and slow-growing fish, the industry is racing to develop lab-grown alternatives that could make caviar cheaper… and maybe less glamorous. So we ask: when luxury becomes accessible, does it stop being luxury at all?https://www.economist.com/culture/2025/02/27/caviar-is-the-internets-favourite-indulgence

The Philippines is locked in a fight over its most iconic ride — and the future of millions who depend on it. In this episode, we dive into the heated battle over the jeepney phaseout, where a push for cleaner, modern minibuses collides with the livelihoods of drivers and a symbol woven into the nation’s identity. From soaring vehicle costs to the cooperative model that many fear will force them out of work, we hear why operators are resisting change and what’s really at stake. As protests spill into the streets and the government hits pause, we ask: can the country modernize its transport without abandoning the very people — and the cultural icon — that has carried it for generations?https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/09/world/asia/philippines-jeepney.html

How did a once-frumpy comfort sandal become a billion-dollar cultural icon? In this episode, we unpack the Birkenstock phenomenon — from its unlikely star turn in the Barbie movie to its meteoric rise among Gen Z’s post-pandemic craving for effortless comfort. We explore how a shoe once synonymous with “practical and plain” doubled its revenues, landed high-fashion collaborations, and strutted onto the New York Stock Exchange with a $1.5 billion IPO. But with limited production capacity and a customer base sensitive to rising prices, we ask: can Birkenstock stay cool without stepping outside what made it beloved in the first place?https://www.economist.com/business/2023/10/12/why-young-consumers-love-birkenstocks

Coffee fuels billions of mornings — but is it helping us, hurting us, or a little of both? In this episode, we dive into the science behind the world’s favorite brew, from the anti-inflammatory compounds that may lower cancer risk to the caffeine kick that could slow neurological decline. But not all cups are created equal: bean origins, brewing methods, and the sugary add-ons we love can turn a health boost into a health risk. And when daily intake pushes past 400 milligrams, insomnia and anxiety aren’t far behind. So what does the research really say about your daily coffee ritual — and how much is too much?https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2025/05/30/how-much-coffee-is-too-much

Japan’s geisha tradition is fading — but a new generation is fighting to keep it alive by reinventing what it means to be a geisha today. In this episode, we explore how modern performers like Azuha and Seiko are blending centuries-old elegance with livestreams, casual livehouse shows, crowdfunding, and playful, informal entertainment. As they compete with cheaper hostess bars and push back against stubborn misconceptions, these women are reshaping an art form once thought too rigid to survive. The question now is: can innovation breathe new life into one of Japan’s most misunderstood — and most mesmerizing — traditions?https://www.economist.com/asia/2023/12/07/the-new-geishas

China is facing an unexpected public-health crisis — and it starts with the eyes of its children. Myopia now affects more than a third of the population, driven by relentless schoolwork, screen-heavy lifestyles, and too little time outdoors. In this episode, we explore why short-sightedness has become a national priority for Xi Jinping’s government, from fears about long-term health to concerns over future military readiness. With mandatory eye exams, outdoor quotas, homework limits, and even traditional eye exercises, China is trying everything. But can any policy truly succeed while the pressure-cooker education system remains untouched?https://www.economist.com/china/2020/01/18/most-12-to-14-year-olds-in-china-are-short-sighted

It’s one of the world’s deadliest health threats — yet most people never talk about it. Snakebites kill nearly 140,000 people every year, with India carrying the greatest share of tragedy and lifelong disability. In this episode, we uncover why a crisis of this scale remains in the shadows: from fragile rural health systems that can’t deliver antivenom in time, to the poverty-driven conditions that bring people and venomous snakes dangerously close. We follow the story of one survivor whose rescue required extraordinary luck, and explore how simple fixes — better sanitation, sturdier footwear, and smarter data — could save thousands of lives. With India rolling out a national plan, we ask: can a long-ignored killer finally be confronted head-on?https://www.economist.com/asia/2025/06/19/why-india-has-so-many-snakebites

Why are ACL injuries exploding — and why are young women bearing the brunt of the crisis? In this episode, we unpack the soaring rates of one of sports’ most feared injuries, from the split-second movements that tear a ligament to the long, painful road back to play. We explore how early specialization, artificial turf, and overlooked biomechanics are raising the stakes — and why female athletes face a dramatically higher risk tied to anatomy and hormonal cycles. With new training methods and cycle-tracking tech offering hope, we ask: is the sports world finally ready to talk openly about the real causes of ACL injuries, and what it will take to stop them?https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2021/06/24/acl-injuries-are-a-growing-problem

Butter is back on America’s tables — but is it quietly taking years off our lives? In this episode, we dig into the science and controversy behind the nation’s renewed love affair with saturated fats. A massive 30-year study suggests higher butter consumption may raise the risk of death, especially from cancer — yet experts warn the story isn’t that simple. From the chemistry of fats to the confounding habits that muddy nutritional research, we unpack what the evidence really says. And we ask the big question: should we be swapping butter for olive oil, or is this just another chapter in nutrition’s never-ending whiplash?https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2025/03/07/is-butter-bad-for-you

What if every Bible you’ve ever read is already an interpretation — not just of words, but of theology itself? In this episode, we explore the hidden battle behind every sacred translation: the tension between preserving ancient language and making timeless truths understandable today. From the shift that turned a “young girl” into a “virgin,” to the debate over whether Scripture should be treated as an exact script or an unfolding story, we uncover why translation is never neutral. And we ask: when translators choose between literal accuracy and meaningful clarity, what do we gain — and what do we risk losing?https://www.economist.com/culture/2023/01/19/translating-the-bible-is-a-vexed-task-as-a-new-book-shows

What happens to the human body after death — and why do some countries quietly import what others willingly donate? In this episode, we step into the strange, often unseen world of the global cadaver trade. From the high cost of shipping fresh-frozen bodies to the ethical divide between nations that require first-person consent and those that don’t, we uncover how medical science depends on a resource wrapped in taboo. And we visit one organization in Britain trying to rewrite the rules with a transparent, ethical approach. It’s a story about medicine, morality, and the surprising economy that exists long after life ends.https://www.economist.com/britain/2023/06/14/how-much-is-a-human-head