Jay Foreman

Join Jay Foreman, a witty YouTuber and geography enthusiast, along with Mark Cooper-Jones, his collaborator in mapping humor, and physicist Mithuna Yoganathan, who dives into quantum mechanics. They explore fascinating topics like P.T. Barnum’s grand elephant parade, the quirks of retronyms, and the story behind the unplayable record of 'Gangsters.' Laugh along as they untangle the confusion of cool cash scratch cards and explain why East African motorcycle taxis are called boda bodas.

Jay Foreman, co-host of MapMen and author of This Way Up, dives into the quirky world of maps, revealing why early maps weren’t for navigation and how inaccuracies affect perceptions. He shares tales of big map industry rivalries and the curious omittance of New Zealand in modern maps. Ranjay Gulati, Harvard professor and author of How to Be Bold, discusses the psychology of everyday courage, exploring how fear and narratives shape our actions. He offers strategies for fostering genuine bravery, contrasting it with recklessness.

Join comedy writer Jay Foreman and co-host Mark Cooper-Jones of the Map Men as they delve into quirky geographical trivia. They tackle puzzling questions like why aircraft landing precision was compromised and the inspiration behind a spy-themed room in Dubai. Physics expert Mithuna Yoganathan adds a scientific twist, exploring the implications of colorful artillery markers from historical battles. The trio also discusses unique church pew designs that accommodate different denominations, ensuring a blend of humor and insight throughout!

Jay Foreman, a comedian and co-creator of the Map Men, dives into the unexpected impact of Google Maps over the past 20 years. He shares poignant stories of New Orleanians using Google Earth after Hurricane Katrina to regain agency over their lives. The discussion examines the dual-edged sword of navigation technology, revealing how it has transformed our spatial skills and perceptions. Foreman also humorously suggests getting lost intentionally to boost our geographical instincts, pushing back against the blue dot dependency.

Mark Cooper-Jones, co-creator of the Map Men YouTube series and author of This Way Up, teams up with comedian Jay Foreman to explore the captivating world of maps. They dive into the mystery of phantom islands like Sandy Island and the fascinating history behind map errors. The duo discusses how cartographic mistakes reveal deeper stories about society and perspective, while also touching on the emotional connections we have with maps. Their witty banter makes the topic of navigation both entertaining and thought-provoking.