Ep. 4 – The Nazi Mind
Psychiatrist Joel Dimsdale discusses the pathology of Nazi war criminals.
Ep. 24 – The Science and Mystery of Solar Eclipses
Solar eclipses have fascinated us since the beginning of human existence. Astronomer and anthropologist Anthony Aveni discusses the cultural history of eclipses, the science behind them, and gives some tips for watching two upcoming US total solar eclipses.
Ep. 34 – Foreign Policy for a Networked World
Anne-Marie Slaughter discusses foreign policy and the roles governments and individuals can play in an increasingly networked world.
Ep. 33 – Dickens, Darwin, Disraeli, and the Great Stink of 1858
The summer of 1858 was hot and stinky in London and filled with stories and scandals.
Ep. 32 – The Nazi Obsession with the Occult
The Nazi obsession with the occult and supernatural is well-known in pop culture. Eric Kurlander gives us the real story beyond what we’ve seen in Hollywood and comics.
Ep. 3 – Understanding Russia
Russia expert David Satter talks about the fall of Yeltsin, the rise of Putin, and what lies ahead for Russia and the United States. (This episode originally aired 5/26/2016)
Ep. 6 – The Founders’ Case for an Activist Government
The long-held belief that the Declaration of Independence calls for a small government may not be an accurate assessment. Historian Steve Pincus discusses the meaning of this seminal document as well as its continuing influence in modern politics and American life. (This episode originally ran 10/20/2016)
Ep. 31 – The Mystery of Gravity Waves and Black Holes
Scientists have finally measured gravitational waves from the collision of black holes. Marcia Bartusiak explains why this matters and talks about some of the universe’s most mysterious objects.
Ep. 30 – The Politics of the Airwaves
Why was the FCC created and what was its original purpose? Thomas Hazlett, former chief economist of the FCC, discusses the politics of the FCC and issues like censorship and net neutrality.
Ep. 29 – Social Media and Protests
What role does social media play in networked protests? Zeynep Tufekci discusses this, online privacy, and how to combat fake news online.