Seven-Minute Explainers

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 39: America's secret and forgotten wars Mar 16, 2017

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President Trump inherited several undeclared wars around the world. Will he change U.S. policy?

Ep. 38: Why it's difficult to tell a Canadian accent from a Californian one Mar 09, 2017

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Not so easy, eh?

37: The mainstreaming of mindfulness meditation Mar 02, 2017

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Stressed-out Americans, from war veterans to Google workers, are embracing mindfulness meditation. Does it really work?

Ep. 36: Why Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds couldn't stay apart Feb 23, 2017

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HBO's documentary Bright Lights highlights the intimacy between the famous mother and daughter

Ep. 35: Life after the White House Feb 16, 2017

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Once they've relinquished the highest office in the land, many presidents enjoy rewarding second acts

Ep. 34: The great billionaire space race Feb 09, 2017

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A brief history of the space race then and a look at what rich entrepreneurs are to open a new frontier of privately funded space travel.

Ep. 33: The true origin story of the football huddle Feb 02, 2017

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It was first invented by deaf players

Ep. 32: Are Google and Facebook the new monopolies? Jan 26, 2017

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Google and Facebook are the new railroads. And the media is a powerless farmer trying to get his vegetables to town.

Ep. 31: A brief history of Inauguration Day traditions Jan 19, 2017

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The Constitution mandates only the day and the oath of office. The rest is dictated entirely by tradition.

Ep. 30: How the geeks inherited the Earth Jan 12, 2017

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What the presidential election tells us about the geeks' ascension in politics, business, and culture.