Seasons & episodes
S2 · E5Coding 2019-10-24 · 24 min
Computer code now controls how we live. But how did these programming languages evolve? And how can they be used to build a new and better world?
S2 · E6Pirates 2019-10-31 · 20 min
In pop culture, pirates are often depicted as booty-looting rogues, but their history is far more complicated. See how they became enemies of humanity.
S2 · E7The Next Pandemic 2019-11-07 · 20 min
If you're not worried about a looming global pandemic, you probably should be. Are we prepared for an outbreak? Bill Gates and other experts weigh in.
S2 · E8The Future of Meat 2019-11-14 · 23 min
The planet's current rate of meat consumption is unprecedented -- and becoming unsustainable. In the future, will meat alternatives be the answer?
S2 · E9Beauty 2019-11-21 · 16 min
Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but what exactly makes things such as art and architecture aesthetically pleasing, and why do we like looking?
S2 · E10Diamonds 2019-11-28 · 23 min
A diamond is forever. But why is that? Dig into how these mined pieces of carbon became both a status symbol and a sparkly sign of everlasting love.
S3 · E1Sugar 2021-07-16 · 24 min
Once crucial for survival, sugar now poses a health risk. Is there a way to satisfy our primeval craving for sweetness in a healthy, balanced way?
S3 · E2Royalty 2021-07-23 · 25 min
How do monarchies survive when they no longer wield power? By presenting a royal fairy tale that may not reflect the reality of the past — or present.
S3 · E3Flags 2021-07-30 · 25 min
A flag can unite, divide and terrorize. Explore how a piece of cloth transformed into a powerful symbol of both love and hate, freedom and oppression.
S3 · E4Dogs 2021-08-06 · 20 min
Who's a good dog? They all are! From puppy-dog eyes to feats of heroism, see how canines evolved into humankind's best friends and sources of pure love.
S3 · E5The End of Oil 2021-08-13 · 24 min
Oil led to huge advancements - and vast inequities. As the planet warms, why is it so hard to turn away from fossil fuels, and can it be done in time?
S3 · E6Chess 2021-08-20 · 23 min
For centuries, chess has captured hearts and minds — and pawns — and it's more popular than ever. What makes this ever-changing board game so special?
S3 · E7Your Skin 2021-08-27 · 22 min
Don’t panic, but our skin plays host to trillions of bacteria, fungi, mites and other microscopic guests. Go beyond skin-deep with our largest organ.
S3 · E8Apologies 2021-09-03 · 21 min
Apologizing is tough, and in this era of public mea culpas, forgiveness isn't guaranteed. What makes for a good apology, and why does it hold such power?
S3 · E9Hurricanes 2021-09-10 · 23 min
As the planet warms, hurricanes could become even more dangerous and destructive.
S3 · E10Plastic Surgery 2021-09-17 · 21 min
The Instagram face. A shapely posterior. Cosmetic surgery can make the latest beauty trends a reality. Explore its origins and effects, inside and out.
S3 · E11Dance Crazes 2021-09-24 · 23 min
From the waltz to voguing, dance crazes have connected people throughout history. But when a dance catches on, who gets the credit — and compensation?
S3 · E12Time 2021-10-01 · 22 min
Time flies… sometimes. Its passage can seem to speed up and slow down. Why do we experience time the way we do, and how do we take back some control?
S3 · E13Country Music 2021-10-08 · 24 min
Dirt roads. Pickup trucks. Hip-hop? As the borders around country music shift, who decides what defines the popular genre, and who gets to be a star?
S3 · E14Fairy Tales 2021-10-15 · 24 min
Fairy tales have survived thousands of years for a reason. Explore their far-flung history and how the stories speak to fundamental human concerns.