Omnibus

Linus Chan, Minneapolis-based immigration lawyer and law professor who runs a legal clinic for people detained by ICE. He traces the constitutional history of citizenship, retells the Missouri Compromise story and its 36°30' line, and debates how compromises shaped rights, travel, and later crises in American law.

Helena Merriman, a BBC presenter and investigative journalist, dives into the 1999 Russian apartment bombings that marked a turning point for Vladimir Putin. The discussion reveals the chaos the bombings caused and raises the chilling question: who was responsible? Merriman shares insights from journalists who covered the story and explores withheld evidence and potential cover-ups. The conversation also delves into the bombings' implications for Putin's rise to power and the dangers faced by those delving too deeply into this unresolved mystery.

Dive into the nostalgic world of Neopets, from its humble beginnings as a dorm project in 1999 to its peak popularity backed by Viacom. Discover how the platform shaped internet culture with its unique gameplay and vibrant community. Learn about the controversies surrounding commercialization and safety measures for young users. Kate reveals the challenges of modernization and the site's eventual decline, plus recent efforts at revival and community engagement. Join the conversation about this quirky digital universe!

Richard Stephens, an FDA milk and dairy specialist and history enthusiast, delves into the life of Thomas-Alexandre Dumas, a groundbreaking Revolutionary general. He highlights Dumas's rise within the military amid the challenges he faced as a person of color. The discussion covers his rapid promotions during the French Revolution, his fierce confrontations with Napoleon, and the tragedy of his decline. Stephens also reflects on Dumas's legacy and how his son became a celebrated author, keeping the family's story alive through literature.

Discover the incredible tale of a WWII fighter plane that crashed in Greenland and was painstakingly recovered over two decades. From exciting Arctic aviation stunts to the harrowing 1942 Lost Squadron incident, the hosts delve into why these planes were abandoned. Hear about the gold rush of private expeditions and the innovative techniques developed to locate the wrecks beneath the ice. The climax features the thrilling excavation of an intact P-38, leading to its stunning restoration. A fascinating journey through history and engineering!

Nathan Jennings, a corporate attorney with a background in tech and a history in Singapore's expat scene, shares compelling tales from the 1990s. He discusses the complex cultural impact of 'Singlish' and the notorious Michael Fay caning case that captivated international attention. Nathan also recounts the curious urban legend of exiling dissidents to Sentosa, touching on themes of authority and personal ethics through the lens of historical events and figures like Lee Kuan Yew and Chia Tai Po. Join him for a fascinating look at life in Singapore and the costs of standing up for one's beliefs.

Discover the extraordinary life of E.A. Wallis Budge, who rose from humble beginnings as a Cornish housekeeper's son to a key figure in Egyptology. Learn about his self-taught language skills and dramatic career moves, including a questionable heist of the Papyrus of Ani. Dive into his notorious practices and fierce rivalries with contemporaries, all while exploring his prolific publications and ties to the occult. Budge's story is one of ambition, controversy, and lasting impact in the world of archaeology.

Christopher Frizzell, a journalist and former editor of The Stranger, shares riveting tales of orca captures and the dark history of marine entertainment. He enlightens listeners about the harrowing Penn Cove capture of 1970, where many orcas were violently taken from their home. The discussion unveils the cruel realities of captivity, including orca boredom and mistreatment. They also celebrate wild orca behavior and recent positive signs of recovery in the Puget Sound. Frizzell's blend of personal anecdotes and deep knowledge captivates as they explore orcas' complex social lives.

Dive into a world where a determined immigrant launched a puzzling newspaper that captured the imaginations of young boys for generations. The hosts reflect on quirky childhood mail-order items like Sea Monkeys and iconic ads, revealing the magic and deception behind them. The mystery of Grit's ads' allure, which encouraged boys to sell newspapers for prizes, is explored. Discover Grit's evolution from a unique youth-driven sales model to a niche DIY farming magazine, as well as its surprising links to Little League and rural life.

A government-backed desert race sparks the creation of technologies shaping our autonomous future. Andrew Miller shares insights on his journey from designing infrastructure for self-driving cars to leading transit initiatives. He discusses the challenges and triumphs of the DARPA Grand Challenge and how it propelled innovations like Stanford's Stanley. Miller debates long-haul trucking's viability, the rise of Waymo, and the implications of autonomous vehicles on employment and urban planning. His thoughts on policy choices highlight the importance of proactive strategies for a smoother transition.