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291. Evolution, Accelerated
Episode 291
A breakthrough in genetic technology has given humans more power than ever to change nature. It could help eliminate hunger and disease; it could als…
8 years, 9 months ago
290. He’s One of the Most Famous Political Operatives in America. America Just Doesn’t Know It Yet.
Episode 290
Steve Hilton was the man behind David Cameron's push to remake British politics. Things didn't work out so well there. Now he's trying to launch a ne…
8 years, 9 months ago
289. How Stupid Is Our Obsession With Lawns?
Episode 289
Nearly two percent of America is grassy green. Sure, lawns are beautiful and useful and they smell great. But are the costs — financial, environmenta…
8 years, 9 months ago
288. Are the Rich Really Less Generous Than the Poor?
Episode 288
A series of academic studies suggest that the wealthy are, to put it bluntly, selfish jerks. It's an easy narrative to swallow — but is it true? A tr…
8 years, 9 months ago
287. Hoopers! Hoopers! Hoopers!
Episode 287
As CEO of Microsoft, Steve Ballmer was famous for over-the-top enthusiasm. Now he's brought that same passion to the N.B.A. -- and to a pet project c…
8 years, 9 months ago
286. How Big is My Penis? (And Other Things We Ask Google)
Episode 286
On the Internet, people say all kinds of things they'd never say aloud -- about sex and race, about their true wants and fears. Seth Stephens-Davidow…
8 years, 10 months ago
Food + Science = Victory! (Rebroadcast)
A kitchen wizard and a nutrition detective talk about the perfect hamburger, getting the most out of garlic, and why you should use vodka in just abo…
8 years, 10 months ago
285. There’s a War on Sugar. Is It Justified?
Episode 285
Some people argue that sugar should be regulated, like alcohol and tobacco, on the grounds that it's addictive and toxic. How much sense does that ma…
8 years, 10 months ago
284. Is Income Inequality Inevitable? (Earth 2.0 Series)
Episode 284
In pursuit of a more perfect economy, we discuss the future of work; the toxic remnants of colonization; and whether giving everyone a basic income w…
8 years, 10 months ago
283. What Would Our Economy Look Like? (Earth 2.0 Series)
Episode 283
If we could reboot the planet and create new systems and institutions from scratch, would they be any better than what we've blundered our way into t…
8 years, 11 months ago