Discover the story behind the creation of e-cigarettes by Stanford students and the unintended consequences that followed. Dive into the rise and fall of Juul Labs, the illegal vape market, and the impact on public health. Explore the intricate journey of the vaping industry, struggles with addiction, and the quest for safer smoking alternatives. Learn about the challenges faced by vaping companies and the controversies surrounding the innovative JUUL vaping device.

Mike Schur, creator of The Good Place and Parks & Rec, joins to discuss the inspiration of 'The Power Broker'. They explore Moses' urban planning impact on marginalized communities and ethical compromises. Schur shares insights on the book's influence on TV shows like Parks and Rec, highlighting power dynamics and ethical dilemmas. The conversation delves into the shifting Overton window and the consequences of wielding dictatorial power. The episode concludes with hints at future book coverage and exciting insights from the guest.

Exploring the origins and limitations of the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, the evolving technology in hurricane forecasting, and the ongoing debate on whether a Category 6 should be added to the scale to account for stronger and more frequent storms.

Explore the controversial debate over leaf blowers in Los Angeles, from bans on gas-powered models to the intense showdown at a city hearing. Discover the impact of the ban on gardeners, including protests and negotiations with the City Council. Reflect on society's obsession with pristine lawns and the push for quieter, environmentally friendly alternatives

Delving into the debate between legal formalists and realists, the podcast explores the impact of the Brandeis Brief and challenges the objectivity of Supreme Court justices. It highlights the evolution of legal argumentation and the influence of historical inaccuracies in shaping court decisions, questioning the balance between facts and tradition in judgments. The episode also touches on the advocacy efforts of the Humane Society of the United States and the importance of fact-checking in Supreme Court briefs.

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.