The discussion kicks off with a contentious look at benefits, debunking misconceptions about illegal migrants versus pensioners. Next, the complexities of renewable energy auctions are explored, linking them to future energy prices. The episode dives into the baffling question of dividing by zero, clarifying the myths surrounding it. There’s an engaged analysis of the necessity for evidence-based government policies. Finally, a surprising revelation emerges about how quickly oil tankers can turn around, challenging common assumptions with impressive insights.

Erica York, an expert from the Tax Foundation, sheds light on the intricate world of tariffs and their unexpected consequences. She explains how proposed tariffs by politicians like Trump and Biden aim to protect domestic industries but often burden American consumers. The discussion highlights the challenges faced in sectors like electric vehicles and the ripple effects on the economy. A fascinating perspective emerges on the trade-offs between protecting certain industries while risking broader economic setbacks and international trade relationships.

Are half of Welsh children facing special educational needs? The rise in permanent school exclusions hits alarming levels in England. Delve into the £22 billion budget shortfall and the impact on public services. Did you know there are more Ghanaian nurses in the UK than in their home country? Tim Harford humorously breaks down the perplexing math of dividing by zero. Engaging stories and insightful stats come together for a thought-provoking discussion on education, finance, and healthcare.

Dr. Emily Morris, an academic from University College London, and Dr. Jorge Duany, an expert at the Cuban Research Institute, discuss Cuba's alarming population decline. They reveal that over a million residents have vanished in two years, driven by historic low birth rates and rising death rates. The conversation delves into the socio-economic factors fueling emigration, highlighting the challenges of accurate census data. They also compare government estimates and explore the implications of this mass exodus for Cuba's future.

Professor Jamie Woodward, a researcher from the University of Manchester, dives into the striking statistic claiming we consume 5.5 grams of microplastic weekly—akin to a credit card's weight. He unpacks the study's origins, revealing the vast range of ingestion estimates that span from 0.1 to 5.5 grams. Woodward critiques media sensationalism around these numbers, discusses the challenges of measuring microplastics accurately, and emphasizes the importance of particle size over mere quantity when assessing health risks.

Jan Eeckhout, a Professor of Economics at Pompeu Fabra University, shares insights into the dramatic rise in company markups from 17% in 1980 to nearly 60% by 2020. He discusses the challenges in calculating these figures and examines how tech firms are central to this shift. The conversation highlights the detrimental impact of monopolies on innovation, revealing a concerning drop in start-up rates. Eeckhout also addresses the complexities of digital firms, navigating their dual roles in both enhancing and hindering market competition.

Jordan Peterson, a Canadian psychologist and culture war commentator, joins Dr. Chi Chen, a researcher at Rutgers University, to discuss whether Earth is truly getting greener. They explore revealing satellite data showing a 20% increase in vegetation over two decades while unpacking the myths surrounding global greening. The conversation examines the successes of China's tree planting and the complexities of climate change impacting vegetation growth. They highlight that despite some positive trends, the overall repercussions of climate change remain detrimental.

Gary Simons, an executive editor at Ethnologue, delves into the alarming state of global languages, revealing that while 7,164 languages exist, many are at risk. He critically examines claims that a language dies every two weeks, questioning the accuracy of such statistics. Simons discusses the impact of urbanization, migration, and colonialism on language loss and emphasizes the role of communities in language preservation. With fresh data suggesting lower extinction rates than feared, he highlights hope amidst the crisis.

The podcast delves into the controversial claim that women are 14 times more likely to die in natural disasters, questioning its source and reliability. It highlights a critical meeting advocating for gender diversity in disaster research, revealing historical oversights. The conversation emphasizes the need for gender-inclusive data that accurately reflects socio-economic disparities. Case studies from disasters like Hurricane Katrina illustrate the unique challenges women face, underscoring the importance of technology and support systems in these crises.

Turbulence expert Paul Williams discusses the link between climate change and increased turbulence, its impact on flight safety, and advancements in turbulence avoidance. Exploring injury statistics, projections of rising turbulence, and strategies for managing fear of turbulence.