Podcast
Search Engine
Hosted by PJ Vogt · EN
We try to make sense of the world, one question at a time. No question too big, no question too small.Hosted by PJ Vogt, edited by Sruthi Pinnamaneni. Named one of the best podcasts of all time by Time Magazine
79episodes
Episodes
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How to pursue excellence … in noodles (unlocked bonus)
3d ago00:47:55Summary readyThe world right now, seems tilted towards the good enough. The AI-written wedding toast, the half-assed attempt. Despite this, a handmade noodle shop is trying to make perfect noodles. Trying so hard that they have signs admonishing their customers to ONLY EAT THEIR SPICY NOODLES THE CORRECT WAY, DO NOT TAKE THEM TO-GO, THE EXPERIENCE WILL BE RUINED.Why do some people still want to do small things perfectly, even at the expense of profits? An interview with Jason Wang, of Xi'an Famous Foods.Become a premium member!
SummaryWhy didn’t Chris and Dan get into Berghain? Pt. 2 (classic)
1w ago01:10:34Summary readyWe travel to Germany to trace techno’s history from Detroit to Berlin. The story of how, after the Wall fell, Berlin exorcised its brutal past with a very strange, decade-long party. A mission that takes us all the way to the gates of Berghain.Music Credits: Original composition in this episode by Armen Bazarian. Additional Tracks: Game One - Infiniti, Dead Man Watches The Clock - Marcel Dettmann & Ben Klock, The Call - Marcel Dettmann & Norman Nodge, Quicksand - Marcel Dettmann. Full playlist here.Sven von Thüle: https://soundcloud.com/svt // Der Klang der FamilieGesine Kühne: https://soundcloud.com/wannadosomething Become a premium member!
SummaryWhy didn’t Chris and Dan get into Berghain? Pt. 1 (classic)
2w ago00:52:40Summary readyTwo Americans embark on a quest: fly across an ocean to try to get into the most exclusive nightclub in the world – Berghain. A German techno palace where the line outside can last 8 hours, and the bouncers are merciless in their judgments. The club does not explain how it makes its decisions about who can enter, but one foolish podcaster will try to explain anyway.Become a premium member!
SummaryA Strange Voyage
3w ago01:00:38Summary readyThis month, SpaceX had the largest IPO in all of human history. In a mission to understand a bewildering moment, we trace the story of the stock market itself. From its very beginnings in the Netherlands, to its supersizing in America, through the prism of crypto and widespread speculation that has led to this moment with SpaceX. What happened? The World's First Stock Exchange by Lodewijk PetramThe Wisdom of Finance by Mihir DesaiLiftoff and Reentry by Eric BergerSearch Engine's earlier reporting on Elon Musk’s controversial data centers: Colossus 1 & Colossus 2Sign up to be a premium subscriber!
SummaryWhy doesn’t anybody come to my parties?
Jun 1500:47:22Summary readyClaire Haber-Harris has a question. When she sends out an invitation, why does she get a tidal wave of excuses and no's? How could someone claim to have had the same stomach virus three times in a row? Search Engine investigates why a random American mom might be annoying people in her community. Cartoons Hate Her on SubstackBecome a premium member!
SummaryWhy is the pool at Buckingham Palace a secret? (classic)
Jun 501:08:20Summary readyAn investigation into a mysterious room. A room that the most famous family in England apparently does not want you to see.Support the show!
SummaryWhy do we have to pay into the new Anti-Weaponization Fund?
May 2900:40:25Summary readyThe President has created a 1.776 billion dollar fund of taxpayer money he can direct to whoever he wants. Huh? How did this happen, and what might happen next? We talk to Pro Publica’s Jesse Eisinger, an investigative reporter who has played a strange role in this whole story. Listen to our series with Jesse: Why is it so hard to tax billionaires? (Part 1) and (Part 2) Check out the new ProPublica podcast Paper Trail. Support the show!
SummaryPresenting: Family Lore
May 2700:34:51Summary readyPresenting an episode of Family Lore, a new show on the Audacy network. The granddaughter of a prolific Jewish art collector who fled Europe during World War II embarks on a quest to recover the looted art.
SummaryThe many lives of Taiwan
May 2201:06:56Summary readyWe go deep into the story of Taiwan. How a tiny island escaped demise, chartered a course from colonial subjugation through mass Barbie production and into the technological powerhouse it is today. The Tiger Leading the Dragon: How Taiwan Propelled China's Economic Rise by Shelley Rigger Get tickets to hear PJ read live! Friends With Words at Roulette
SummaryWhy are people excited about nuclear power again?
May 800:49:36Summary readyNuclear energy was a taboo for decades, but it’s coming back, it’ll power AI data centers for Google and Microsoft. What does new nuclear technology look like, and why do the nuclear optimists believe this new tech is superior? Meltdowns, reactors that can fit in your backyard, and one podcaster’s heroic attempt to describe nuclear fission. Rachel Slaybaugh Rebecca Tuhus-Dubrow (check out her book Atomic Dreams) Adam Stein Search Engine’s episodes on data centers: Colossus 1 & Colossus 2 Support the show!
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