Podcast Episodes
Back to SearchThe Geometry of Planned Cities
Season 1 Episode 157
City grids may look boring, but they quietly shaped the modern world. In this episode, we trace the rise of the rectilinear grid—from Renaissance Ita…
4 months, 2 weeks ago
China's Terracotta Army and Emperor Qin's Legacy
Season 1 Episode 156
More than 2,000 years ago, China’s first emperor set out to conquer death itself. In this episode, we explore the Terracotta Army—over 8,000 life-siz…
4 months, 2 weeks ago
The 100-Won Taxi: Rural Korea's Aging Lifeline
Season 1 Episode 155
In parts of rural South Korea, the future of public transport costs just nine cents. In this episode, we look at the “100-won taxi”—a heavily subsidi…
4 months, 2 weeks ago
Singapore's Urban Wildlife Renaissance and Challenges
Season 1 Episode 154
Singapore is getting wilder—and that’s both a triumph and a test. In this episode, we explore the city-state’s unexpected urban wildlife renaissance,…
4 months, 2 weeks ago
Bus Fare Cap: Central Power versus Local Control
Season 1 Episode 153
Britain’s £3 bus-fare cap has been a rare political hit—popular with passengers and hailed as proof that public transport can be affordable again. Bu…
4 months, 2 weeks ago
The Sweet Global Comeback of Pei Pa Koa
Season 1 Episode 152
Nin Jiom Pei Pa Koa is centuries old—but it’s having a very modern moment. In this episode, we trace how a traditional Chinese cough syrup first brew…
4 months, 2 weeks ago
The Enduring Cachet of Latin
Season 1 Episode 151
Latin may be fading from most British classrooms, but its mystique is alive and well. In this episode, we explore why a language barely spoken for ce…
4 months, 2 weeks ago
The Embalmer and the American Way of Death
Season 1 Episode 150
In this episode, we step inside the quiet, intricate world of American death care—seen through the practiced hands of veteran embalmer Shawn’te Harve…
4 months, 2 weeks ago
China's Youthful Heretical Life Hacks
Season 1 Episode 149
Chinese youth are embracing xiexiu—a playful, “heretical” approach to life that swaps burnout culture for ingenious shortcuts. In this episode, we ex…
4 months, 2 weeks ago
The Reckless Old: Boomers Behaving Badly
Season 1 Episode 148
Baby Boomers are aging—but not into the quiet, cardigan-wearing archetype many expect. This episode dives into the startling rise of risky, often rec…
4 months, 2 weeks ago