David Sloane, a professor at the University of Southern California and author specializing in cemeteries, shares his unique journey growing up in one. He discusses the surprising business challenges cemeteries face today, including what happens when they go bankrupt. The podcast explores evolving attitudes toward death, from communal mourning rituals of the past to contemporary, isolated grief experiences. Sloane highlights historical burial practices, financial struggles, and community responses to cemetery closures, making for a thought-provoking conversation on mortality.

In this insightful discussion, podcaster Ronald Young Jr., known for his work on Wait For It, and Aubrey Gordon, author and co-host of Maintenance Phase, dive into the uncomfortable realities of air travel for plus-size individuals. They explore the societal stigma surrounding fatness, sharing personal experiences of humiliation and the emotional complexities of flying. Addressing the inadequacies of the airline industry, they advocate for better accommodations and highlight the need for inclusivity, emphasizing that comfort should be a right for all passengers.

Casey Newton, a journalist known for covering social media companies, and Mike Isaac, a technology reporter for The New York Times, delve into Mark Zuckerberg's surprising pivot toward more politically conservative positions. They analyze his evolving persona and the implications for Meta's 4 billion users. The discussion highlights Zuckerberg's historical struggles with public scrutiny, his controversial content moderation policies, and the ongoing challenges of misinformation in today's political landscape.

In a thought-provoking discussion, Ira Glass, the renowned host of This American Life, dives into the complexities of work-life balance. He shares his insights on the emotional tug-of-war between gratitude and overwhelm in professional life. Ira reflects on the sacrifices made for passion, the tension between career and family, and the legacy left for future generations. He candidly explores his early challenges in audio storytelling and emphasizes the transformative power of creativity in finding personal fulfillment. A must-listen for anyone navigating their own work passions!

Heidi Blake, a New Yorker writer specializing in powerful families, and Hrithik Kharia, host of Football for Sale, dive into the enigma of Buckingham Palace's secret swimming pool. They humorously unpack the stark contrast between the royal family's public image and the hidden aspects of palace life. With personal anecdotes and investigative flair, they explore cultural differences between the UK and the US regarding royal privacy, revealing the pool's surprising simplicity and the complexities of royal secrets.

A.J. Daulerio, a writer and the creator of the newsletter "The Small Bow," shares his gripping journey of recovery from addiction. He discusses the emotional intricacies of navigating sobriety, from the challenges of Dry January to the harsh realities of self-acceptance. A.J. emphasizes the importance of community support and genuine connections in the recovery process. The conversation dives deep into when it's truly time to stop drinking, highlighting the complexities behind setting personal boundaries and fostering a healthier relationship with alcohol.

Sarah Haider, a former activist and podcaster, shares her eye-opening journey after trying ayahuasca. She reveals how this powerful psychedelic shifted her perspective on life and her podcasting career, leading her to reevaluate her engagement with online culture. The conversation also explores her transition from a Muslim upbringing to activism, the allure and risks of ayahuasca, and the emotional toll of societal outrage. Haider emphasizes the importance of meaningful conversations over sensationalism and the need for clarity in a chaotic digital world.

Alastair Gordon, a cultural historian and author of "Naked Airport," dives into the peculiar phenomenon of airport luggage stores. He explores the strange trend of shopping for luggage in places where travelers already have bags, revealing the cultural significance of these retail spaces. Gordon shares insights on the evolution of air travel and the transformation of airports into shopping destinations. He also discusses the quirky demographics of luggage buyers and the intriguing history of unclaimed baggage, uncovering surprising stories behind lost items.

Ryan Broderick, author of the Garbage Day newsletter and host of the Panic World podcast, dives into the curious world of jawmaxxing. He explores how an unconventional dental theory gained traction among young men online. The discussion touches on the influence of classic TV shows on masculinity and unpacks the rise of jaw-maxxing and mewing as social media trends. Ryan highlights the clash between self-improvement aspirations and the realities faced by today's youth navigating identity within fragmented internet culture.

A human caught in a bureaucratic nightmare navigates the chaos between the DMV and Carvana. They face absurd challenges while trying to purchase a car online during a major life change. The tale unfolds with a mix of personal stories, highlighting the emotional struggles of dealing with customer service and missing documents. Insights into Carvana’s ambitious plans to reshape the used car market are shared, alongside their regulatory battles and the inefficiencies of the DMV system. Amid the frustration, a slice of joy emerges with a wedding license story.