Exploring the history of urban squirrels in American cities, the impact of squirrels on power outages, and the unexpected consequences of feeding and protecting squirrels. Also, discussing the rivalry between NYSE and Nasdaq, the significance of the completed Squirrel Census, and the perception of squirrel population in New York City parks.

Author Jake Berman discusses the rise and fall of subway systems in North America, highlighting challenges like dysfunctional politics, bureaucracy, infrastructure favoring cars over mass transit, and racism. The podcast explores how cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Atlanta navigated these obstacles, while also showcasing Vancouver's innovative Skytrain system and the efforts towards automation in other North American cities.

Senior reporter Brandy Zadrozny from NBC News discusses journalism evolution & the press's relationship to power. Topics cover political power struggles, deceptive tactics, investigative journalism challenges, and debunking conspiracy theories. The podcast delves into the manipulation of authority figures, societal inequalities, and the allure of power & influence.

Explore the history and mystery of jetpacks, from childhood memories to military innovation during the Cold War. Learn about the challenges of rocket belt development and the rise and fall of the program. Delve into the enduring fascination with jetpacks and debunking hoaxes, all while reflecting on the impact of excitement on critical thinking.

Delve into the fascinating history of The Howdy Doody Show, a pioneer in early television, with insights on its impact on childhood, marketing to kids, and the inventiveness of TV's wild-west days.

Delving into the cultural impact of vulture conservation on the Parsis community in India, the podcast explores the decline and efforts to safeguard vultures. It highlights the challenges faced during the COVID lockdown, the impact on waste management, and the complexities of vulture conservation efforts. The episode reflects on human influence on the environment and acknowledges the team behind the storytelling.

Discover the origins of Mr. Yuk, the iconic symbol for poisonous substances. Gillian Jacobs shares her love for Mr. Yuk, a hometown hero. Explore the challenges of designing warning symbols for future generations to communicate dangers like radiation. Learn about the evolution of symbols from pirates to radiation warnings.

Discover the ancient tradition of Towers of Silence in Mumbai's urban forest, where special caretakers handle the burial rituals. Learn about the challenges faced by the Parsi community due to the decline of vulture populations and their struggles to balance tradition with modern solutions. Explore the emotional turmoil and preservation struggles surrounding Parsi funeral practices, highlighting the importance of maintaining cultural customs in a changing world.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez discusses the impact of Moses' highways on her district and her political philosophy. The podcast covers Moses' power struggles, discriminatory practices at Jones Beach, and his influence on urban development in New York City. Ocasio-Cortez reflects on community engagement in urban planning and the complexities of government. The episode ends with a teaser for the next section of the series.

Join Dan Pashman on a journey through Italy to uncover lesser-known pasta dishes, challenge pasta stereotypes, and explore the evolution of Italian cuisine. Discover the secrets behind spaghetti all’assassina, the history of carbonara, and the unique pasta dishes of Lece. Preorder Dan's cookbook today and follow his culinary adventures on Instagram!