Podcast Episodes

338. How to Catch World Cup Fever

Episode 338

For soccer fans, it's easy. For the rest of us? Not so much, especially since the U.S. team didn't qualify. So here's what to watch for even if you have no team to root for. Because the World Cup isn…

Published on 7 years, 6 months ago

337. How to Build a Smart City

Episode 337

We are in the midst of a historic (and wholly unpredicted) rise in urbanization. But it's hard to retrofit old cities for the 21st century. Enter Dan Doctoroff. The man who helped modernize New York …

Published on 7 years, 6 months ago

How Stupid Is Our Obsession With Lawns? (Rebroadcast)

Nearly two percent of America is grassy green. Sure, lawns are beautiful and useful and they smell great. But are the costs — financial, environmental and otherwise — worth the benefits?

Hosted by Si…

Published on 7 years, 7 months ago

336. The Most Vilified Industry in America Is Also the Most Charitable

Episode 336

Pharmaceutical firms donate an enormous amount of their products (and some cash too). But it doesn't seem to be helping their reputation. We ask Pfizer's generosity chief why the company gives so muc…

Published on 7 years, 7 months ago

335. Does Doing Good Give You License to Be Bad?

Episode 335

Corporate Social Responsibility programs can attract better job applicants who'll work for less money. But they also encourage employees to misbehave. Don't laugh — you too probably engage in “moral …

Published on 7 years, 7 months ago

334. 5 Psychology Terms You’re Probably Misusing

Episode 334

We all like to throw around terms that describe human behavior — “bystander apathy” and “steep learning curve” and “hard-wired.” Most of the time, they don't actually mean what we think they mean. Bu…

Published on 7 years, 7 months ago

Evolution, Accelerated (Rebroadcast)

A breakthrough in genetic technology has given humans more power than ever to change nature. It could help eliminate hunger and disease; it could also lead to the sort of dystopia we used to only rea…

Published on 7 years, 7 months ago

333. The Most Ambitious Thing Humans Have Ever Attempted

Episode 333

Sure, medical progress has been astounding. But today the U.S. spends more on healthcare than any other country, with so-so outcomes. Atul Gawande — cancer surgeon, public-health researcher, and best…

Published on 7 years, 8 months ago

332. Why the Trump Tax Cuts Are Terrible/Awesome (Part 2)

Episode 332

Three former White House economists weigh in on the new tax bill. A sample: "The overwhelming evidence is that the trickle-down, magic-beanstalk beans argument — that's just nonsense."

Hosted by Simp…

Published on 7 years, 8 months ago

331. Why the Trump Tax Cuts are Awesome/Terrible (Part 1)

Episode 331

Kevin Hassett, chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, explains the thinking behind the controversial new Republican tax package — and why its critics are wrong. (Next week, we'll hear from the…

Published on 7 years, 8 months ago