The American dream is a pyramid scheme

Why is it so hard for America to build things? Bridges take years to construct. Housing costs are soaring. Transit systems are crumbling. And we’re struggling to update our infrastructure to prepare for the climate crisis. Even when there’s broad agreement that something needs to ...  Show more

It’s not always the most wonderful time of the year. Every December, we’re told to be merry and stay positive. But a lot of us don’t feel that way. And when we don’t, the pressure to be happy makes everything worse. Sadness feels like failure. Grief feels like a personal mistake. ...  Show more

Taking cues from striking actors and writers, reality TV stars are lobbying for better treatment from networks like Bravo and Netflix. This episode was produced by Siona Peterous and Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by David Herman a ...  Show more

Better sunscreen exists, you just can’t get it in the US. Amanda Mull and Elise Hu explain why. This episode was produced by Jon Ehrens, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by David Herman, and hosted by Sam Sanders. If you liked this episode, che ...  Show more

China’s ambitious youth planned to cash in on their country’s meteoric rise on the world stage. Instead, many of these 20-somethings are disillusioned and “lying flat.” Economist Nancy Qian explains why. This episode was produced by Haleema Shah, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-check ...  Show more

The podcast host built a massive audience by speaking to fringe figures in culture, business, and science. During the pandemic, that got him in trouble with Neil Young, among others. This episode was produced by Will Reid and Amina Al-Sadi, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by ...  Show more