
Search Engine
We try to make sense of the world, one question at a time. No question too big, no question too small. Hosted by PJ Vogt, edited by Sruthi Pinnamaneni.***Named one of the best podcasts by Vulture, Time, The Economist, & Vogue. (OK, in 2023, but still...)***
Latest episodes

Jun 20, 2025 • 56min
Wait, should I not be drinking airplane coffee? (classic)
Queer Eye’s Antoni Porowski questions the safety of coffee served on airplanes, sparking a playful yet alarming discussion about onboard hygiene. The hosts share juicy anecdotes about health scares and the questionable quality of airplane water. They highlight shocking truths about infrequent cleaning of beverage systems and the presence of harmful bacteria. Expert insights reveal contrasting safety standards between home and airline water. Join them for a humorous yet eye-opening look at your next in-flight brew!

61 snips
Jun 13, 2025 • 52min
The Test
Amanda Hess, a New York Times critic and author of 'Second Life, Having a Child in the Digital Age', dives into her emotional journey through pregnancy in the digital era. She reflects on the anxiety and obsessive information-seeking triggered by medical events. Hess discusses the blend of superstitions and technology, revealing how pregnancy trackers shape our experiences. She candidly navigates the fear of genetic disorders and the quest for acceptance, ultimately shedding light on the joys and struggles of motherhood amidst uncertainty.

40 snips
Jun 6, 2025 • 1h 6min
The Stupid Little Yogurt Question
Reporter Garrott Graham shares a unique journey where a high school teacher prompts his skeptical students to delve into the motives behind an international yogurt brand. They uncover cultural differences in dairy consumption, exploring how French kids relate to yogurt compared to their American counterparts. The teens challenge a yogurt executive regarding sustainability claims, sparking a lively debate on corporate responsibility. With a blend of humor and critical thinking, they showcase the importance of engaging education and the quest for deeper understanding.

68 snips
May 30, 2025 • 50min
Search Engine x What We Spend
Courtney Harrell, the talented producer and host of the acclaimed podcast What We Spend, dives into the often-taboo subject of money. She shares her personal journey with financial anxiety and opens the floor to explore truck drivers' lives. Listeners gain intimate insights into the struggles of Maxine, a veteran trucker, addressing inadequate pay and the emotional toll of life on the road. The conversation highlights the balance between personal dreams and the harsh realities of the trucking industry, emphasizing the need for reform and support for these critical workers.

249 snips
May 16, 2025 • 52min
How to stop being so phone addicted (without self-discipline or meditation)
David Pierce, Editor-at-large at The Verge, dives into the ongoing struggle with smartphone addiction. He shares insights on innovative tech aimed at reducing phone dependency without relying on self-discipline. The conversation touches on the paradox of user desires for advanced gadgets versus disappointing real-world applications. They explore the iPhone's shift from revolutionary tool to major distraction and highlight products like Brick, designed to reclaim our attention and enhance meaningful connections in a hyper-connected world.

120 snips
May 9, 2025 • 51min
The Dave and Buster's Anomaly
In this episode, Alex Stamos, Chief Information Security Officer at Sentinel-1 and former security lead at Yahoo and Facebook, joins to unravel a bizarre iPhone mystery. A faction of users discovers that audio messages with the phrase 'Dave and Buster's' won't send, sparking a comedic investigation into possible censorship. The discussion spans from quirky tech glitches to deeper security implications, topped with humorous anecdotes about modern communication mishaps. It's a delightful mix of curiosity, conspiracy, and laughs about our digital world!

186 snips
Apr 25, 2025 • 51min
Why the national debt might finally matter
Brendan Greeley, a PhD candidate with a background in journalism focused on the Federal Reserve, and Noah Smith, an economy expert and substack writer, dive deep into the complexities of national debt. They discuss how America’s financial practices evolved from colonial times to today, and the dangerous implications of the current $36 trillion debt. The duo also explores the risks of potential defaults, comparing it to the 2008 financial crisis, while questioning the political and social ramifications of our national borrowing habits.

39 snips
Apr 18, 2025 • 52min
Why can’t we just turn the empty offices into apartments? (classic)
Bill Fulton, an urban planning expert and former mayor of Ventura, dives into the complexities of converting empty offices into apartments. He discusses the historical evolution of zoning laws, the challenges of community resistance, and innovative solutions to housing shortages. Fulton also contrasts different city approaches to zoning, showcasing how these rules affect urban development. In a lighter twist, he touches on viral moments from a Chinese zoo, blending serious issues with humor. A thought-provoking yet entertaining exploration of modern housing dynamics!

195 snips
Apr 11, 2025 • 52min
What are teenagers actually seeing on their phones?
Lauren Greenfield, a filmmaker renowned for her insights on wealth and body image, dives deep into a year-long experiment revealing what teenagers actually do on their phones. She discusses the emotional impact of social media on body image, the challenges of capturing fleeting digital content, and the misconceptions surrounding teenage internet use. The conversation touches on the intertwining of identity, social validation, and the complex dynamics of online interactions, shedding light on the pressing need for open dialogues between parents and teens.

71 snips
Apr 4, 2025 • 46min
The Russian Cake Switcheroo
A beloved American rock band's Spotify page suddenly features Russian rap tracks, sparking widespread curiosity. The incident prompts speculation about a potential hack or artistic crossover. Discussions reveal the fascinating collaboration between Cake and Russian hip-hop artist PulyaNaVetru, exploring fan reactions and cultural influences. Insights from a former Spotify employee shed light on the music industry's complexities, while the podcast also delves into the broader implications of cross-cultural music interactions and the challenges artists face in today's digital landscape.