Build For Tomorrow

Exploring the deceptive nature of memories and nostalgia, this podcast delves into why we remember good more than bad, how reminiscing about the past prepares us for the future, and the interconnectedness of memory and imagination. It also discusses how memories influence personal identity, the complexities of memory and storytelling, and the positive impact of nostalgia on mental well-being.

Are smartphones and social media addictive? Tech critics say yes. But actual addiction researchers say something else — and they point to ways in which our broad use of the word “addiction” can cause real harm. In this episode, we look at the history of supposedly “addictive” technologies, understand the surprisingly odd science behind today’s scariest claims, and discover who really has the power to break these supposed “addictions.” (Hint: It’s you.)Get in touch!Website: jasonfeifer.comNewsletter: jasonfeifer.bulletin.comInstagram: Instagram.com/heyfeiferTwitter: Twitter.com/heyfeifer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Explore how modern luxuries surpass those of ancient royalty, with shocking revelations about living standards. Discover predictions from 1921 that are now a reality in 2021, showcasing advancements in home automation, transportation, and entertainment. Reflect on the evolution of societal standards, from exclusive royal luxuries to accessible commodities for all. Delve into medieval class distinctions, attire regulations, and the privilege of scents in ancient times. Uncover the impact of language barriers and legal evolution in medieval England, highlighting the importance of accessibility to information. Learn how past actions shape the future and inspire progress for future generations.

You’ve heard the story: Young people got “participation trophies” as kids, and it taught them to be entitled, lazy workers. But here’s what you haven’t heard: Participation trophies are 100 years old, and for most of that time, they were considered a good thing. Here’s the real story of how these trophies became villainized… and what their actual impact is. Get in touch!Website: jasonfeifer.comNewsletter: jasonfeifer.bulletin.comInstagram: Instagram.com/heyfeiferTwitter: Twitter.com/heyfeifer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Livia Gershon, a journalist with a keen focus on the history of alcohol consumption, explores the fascinating evolution of to-go cocktails. She highlights how the recent legalization reflects a complex journey shaped by historical regulations and social norms. Gershon discusses the cultural shifts in alcohol consumption during the pandemic and contrasts past attitudes towards alcohol with today's relaxed laws. Listeners gain insight into the implications of prohibition and the ongoing debate surrounding alcohol industry regulations, all through the lens of a simple margarita.

We like to say that things were better before. But... what year was that, exactly? Join me on a trip through history, as we return to every supposed "golden age" to find out just how golden it was. Then we answer the big question: Is nostalgia useful or harmful, and how do we make people more excited for tomorrow?This is a full remake of our classic 2016 episode, now with lots more insights and history!Get in touch!Website: jasonfeifer.comNewsletter: jasonfeifer.bulletin.comInstagram: Instagram.com/heyfeiferTwitter: Twitter.com/heyfeifer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This podcast was called Pessimists Archive. Now it's called Build For Tomorrow.Why? Because this show is optimistic — and it needed a name that reflected that. It's the same show you love, now with a name that loves you back.Ready to help spread optimism? Here are some things you can do:1. Sign up for my newsletter about how to find opportunity in change!2. Tell friends about the show! Need my help? DM me on Instagram or Twitter. I'm happy to send a note to your friend.3. Stay tuned. Because there's lots more fun stuff to come.By the way, the Pessimists Archive social media feeds are NOT changing their name.Thank you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We once knew how to do important things... until new technology made us weaker, lazier, and dumber. That’s a story we’ve told ourselves for centuries. But is it true?Get in touch!Website: jasonfeifer.comNewsletter: jasonfeifer.bulletin.comInstagram: Instagram.com/heyfeiferTwitter: Twitter.com/heyfeifer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

These feel like historic times… so how can we share our wisdom and experiences with future generations? Turns out, it’s really hard! This episode explores why time capsules fail, why almost nothing lasts for thousands of years, why the future may not care about us after all—and why all of that is just fine.Get in touch!Website: jasonfeifer.comNewsletter: jasonfeifer.bulletin.comInstagram: Instagram.com/heyfeiferTwitter: Twitter.com/heyfeifer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you’ve ever voted in an election, watched the Bachelor, or worried about the end of days, then you’ve probably fallen for a specific rhetorical trick. In this episode, we explore the history of the phrase “the most important election of our lifetime,” and why the human brain is so UNIQUELY, INSANELY, OUTRAGEOUSLY(!!!) susceptible to hyperbole.Get in touch!Web: jasonfeifer.comEmail. jasonfeifer@gmail.comTwitter / Instagram: @heyfeiferNewsletter: https://jasonfeifer.bulletin.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices