Ian Kumekawa
Historian based at Harvard and MIT in Boston. Author of Empty Vessel, the story of the global economy in one ship.
Best podcasts with Ian Kumekawa
Ranked by the Snipd community
Jul 29, 2025 • 53min
A Journey into Uncharted Territories with David Attenborough, Miriam Margolyes, Nigel Planer, and others...
Colin Butfield, a filmmaker and co-author with David Attenborough, discusses the ocean's wonders, sharing a captivating narrative about a sperm whale's hunt intertwined with a mother's love that revealed war atrocities. Historian Ian Kumekawa sheds light on the global economy's complexities through the unique journey of a container ship, the Bibby Resolution. The podcast also features readings from Sir David Attenborough and other literary icons, exploring themes of resilience, cultural impact, and the intricate bond between nature and human stories.
Jun 27, 2025 • 43min
Ian Kumekawa, "Empty Vessel: The Story of the Global Economy in One Barge" (Knopf, 2025)
Ian Kumekawa, a historian of economic thinking and a lecturer at MIT, shares insights from his new work that delves into the multifaceted story of a barge that has served various roles—from a military barracks to a floating jail. He discusses how this vessel symbolizes the complexities of offshore economies and globalization. The conversation explores the impact of deregulation in shipping, the barge’s role in providing temporary housing for factory workers, and the broader implications of financialization and mass incarceration in our global landscape.
