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Nicholas Rasmussen, a historian specializing in the history of drugs and author of 'On Speed', shares a compelling narrative about the rise and fall of amphetamines in America. He reflects on his personal journey with ADHD and the transformative role of prescription stimulants. The discussion reveals how amphetamines evolved from little-known medications to societal staples, their use in WWII, and the cultural shift towards cocaine in the 1970s. Rasmussen also explores the implications of ADHD diagnoses and the complexities surrounding long-term medication use.

Dan Harris, author of "10% Happier" and host of its namesake podcast, dives into the fascinating intersection of skepticism and psychic phenomena. He shares his humorous journey from journalism to mindfulness, reflecting on transformative Buddhist teachings. Harris reveals how a chance meeting with a psychic sparked curiosity about the unseen, addressing both his skepticism and evolving beliefs. The discussion highlights the complexities of spirituality, personal growth, and the importance of embracing uncertainty in understanding our existence.

Queer Eye’s Antoni Porowski questions the safety of coffee served on airplanes, sparking a playful yet alarming discussion about onboard hygiene. The hosts share juicy anecdotes about health scares and the questionable quality of airplane water. They highlight shocking truths about infrequent cleaning of beverage systems and the presence of harmful bacteria. Expert insights reveal contrasting safety standards between home and airline water. Join them for a humorous yet eye-opening look at your next in-flight brew!

Amanda Hess, a New York Times critic and author of 'Second Life, Having a Child in the Digital Age', dives into her emotional journey through pregnancy in the digital era. She reflects on the anxiety and obsessive information-seeking triggered by medical events. Hess discusses the blend of superstitions and technology, revealing how pregnancy trackers shape our experiences. She candidly navigates the fear of genetic disorders and the quest for acceptance, ultimately shedding light on the joys and struggles of motherhood amidst uncertainty.

Reporter Garrott Graham shares a unique journey where a high school teacher prompts his skeptical students to delve into the motives behind an international yogurt brand. They uncover cultural differences in dairy consumption, exploring how French kids relate to yogurt compared to their American counterparts. The teens challenge a yogurt executive regarding sustainability claims, sparking a lively debate on corporate responsibility. With a blend of humor and critical thinking, they showcase the importance of engaging education and the quest for deeper understanding.

Courtney Harrell, the talented producer and host of the acclaimed podcast What We Spend, dives into the often-taboo subject of money. She shares her personal journey with financial anxiety and opens the floor to explore truck drivers' lives. Listeners gain intimate insights into the struggles of Maxine, a veteran trucker, addressing inadequate pay and the emotional toll of life on the road. The conversation highlights the balance between personal dreams and the harsh realities of the trucking industry, emphasizing the need for reform and support for these critical workers.

David Pierce, Editor-at-large at The Verge, dives into the ongoing struggle with smartphone addiction. He shares insights on innovative tech aimed at reducing phone dependency without relying on self-discipline. The conversation touches on the paradox of user desires for advanced gadgets versus disappointing real-world applications. They explore the iPhone's shift from revolutionary tool to major distraction and highlight products like Brick, designed to reclaim our attention and enhance meaningful connections in a hyper-connected world.

In this episode, Alex Stamos, Chief Information Security Officer at Sentinel-1 and former security lead at Yahoo and Facebook, joins to unravel a bizarre iPhone mystery. A faction of users discovers that audio messages with the phrase 'Dave and Buster's' won't send, sparking a comedic investigation into possible censorship. The discussion spans from quirky tech glitches to deeper security implications, topped with humorous anecdotes about modern communication mishaps. It's a delightful mix of curiosity, conspiracy, and laughs about our digital world!

Brendan Greeley, a PhD candidate with a background in journalism focused on the Federal Reserve, and Noah Smith, an economy expert and substack writer, dive deep into the complexities of national debt. They discuss how America’s financial practices evolved from colonial times to today, and the dangerous implications of the current $36 trillion debt. The duo also explores the risks of potential defaults, comparing it to the 2008 financial crisis, while questioning the political and social ramifications of our national borrowing habits.

Bill Fulton, an urban planning expert and former mayor of Ventura, dives into the complexities of converting empty offices into apartments. He discusses the historical evolution of zoning laws, the challenges of community resistance, and innovative solutions to housing shortages. Fulton also contrasts different city approaches to zoning, showcasing how these rules affect urban development. In a lighter twist, he touches on viral moments from a Chinese zoo, blending serious issues with humor. A thought-provoking yet entertaining exploration of modern housing dynamics!