
1 big thing
Axios podcast host Niala Boodhoo digs deep with leaders you know — or need to know — in business, politics and culture. Every week, all in under 20 minutes.About Axios: Axios is a digital media company launched in 2017. Axios helps you become smarter, faster with news and information across politics, tech, business, media, science and the world. Subscribe to our newsletters at axios.com/newsletters and download our mobile app at axios.com/app. About Niala Boodhoo: Niala Boodhoo is the host of 1 big thing and previously hosted Axios Today She was the founding Host and Executive Producer of the award-winning news program The 21st. An alum of Reuters, The Miami Herald and WBEZ/Chicago, Niala was a 2019-2020 Knight-Wallace fellow.
Latest episodes

Feb 15, 2024 • 21min
Helen Fisher: How we choose who we love
Anthropologist Helen Fisher explains her research on the brain's influence on love and reveals four thinking and behaving styles linked to dopamine, serotonin, testosterone, and estrogen. The podcast also covers the Singles in America survey, AI in online dating, alternatives to monogamy, and legal protections for polyamorous relationships.

Feb 8, 2024 • 21min
Kristin Kobes Du Mez: Inside the Evangelical MAGA vote
Scholar Kristin Kobes Du Mez discusses the strong support for Trump among evangelicals and the intersection of evangelicalism and politics, highlighting the concept of Christian nationalism. The podcast also explores the implications of white evangelicals in America and the nuances of Christian nationalism and democracy. Additionally, it touches on how evangelical leaders have embraced online platforms to share their politics and become influential figures in the Trump-supporting community.

Feb 1, 2024 • 20min
Sean Daniels: Using humor on stage to combat addiction
Playwright and recovering addict, Sean Daniels, discusses using humor on stage to combat addiction. They explore the growing popularity of sobriety movements and the role of religion and science in recovery. The conversation focuses on changing the narrative around addiction, highlighting the power of the arts to bring about positive change.

Jan 25, 2024 • 21min
Songyee Yoon: Transforming gaming using responsible AI
Songyee Yoon, Head of one major video game developer, discusses responsible AI in gaming and the importance of fostering community. They explore biases in AI systems, the appeal of games, and the need for responsible development. Discusses the impact of MMORPG games on community building.

Jan 18, 2024 • 21min
Fawn Sharp: The world needs Indigenous leaders
Fawn Sharp, Vice President of the Quinault Indian Nation, discusses the importance of Indigenous leadership in tackling global issues like climate change and violence against women. The podcast also explores the challenges faced by indigenous leaders and the wisdom needed for their role. Additionally, the host discusses themes and risks from the World Economic Forum, such as global inflation, energy threats, and the influence of conversations on shaping global events.

Jan 11, 2024 • 21min
Noah Feldman: Cracks in the Constitution
Constitutional scholar Noah Feldman discusses the strength and cracks in the Constitution, its role in unifying the country, and its ability to handle unprecedented challenges. They explore the evolving nature of the Constitution, rules and consequences in elections and free speech, and the delicate balance between free speech and respect. They also touch on claims of Biden as an insurrectionist.

Jan 4, 2024 • 22min
Misty Copeland: Ballet as activism
Misty Copeland, the first Black woman to reach the title of principal dancer with the prestigious American Ballet Theatre, discusses the importance of diversity in ballet, ballet as activism, creating opportunities, mentorship, and arts education.

Dec 28, 2023 • 21min
2023: The year China's economic miracle ended
Bethany Allen-Ebrahimian, an expert on China's economic miracle and its growing power, discusses the decline of China's economy in 2023 due to negative foreign direct investment. They explore China's evolving role in the global economy, the impact on China's supply chains, and its influence in developing countries.

Dec 21, 2023 • 21min
Daniel Lubetzky and Lonnie Ali: Fighting hate with humanity
Daniel Lubetzky, founder of KIND Snacks, and Lonnie Ali, co-founder of the Muhammad Ali Center, discuss the growing hatred on American college campuses due to the Israel-Hamas war. They present solutions such as empathy, understanding, and the need to burst social media bubbles. They also tackle the challenges faced by DEI programs on campuses. An inspiring conversation on fighting hate with humanity.

Dec 14, 2023 • 21min
Dr. Fredi Otto: Attributing extreme weather to climate change
Dr. Fredi Otto, the leader of World Weather Attribution, discusses the team's unique ability to link extreme weather events to climate change within weeks. She emphasizes the importance of timely and specific information. Topics include analyzing extreme weather events in East Africa, the process of attributing them to climate change, changing the narrative around climate change, phasing out fossil fuels, outcomes of the COP28 conference, and air pollution in Dubai.