

Search Engine
PJ Vogt
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...)***
Episodes
Mentioned books

34 snips
Nov 3, 2023 • 49min
Why'd I take speed for twenty years? (Part 2)
Bianca Harris, a trained pulmonary and critical care physician, opens up about her 20-year battle with ADHD and the long road to diagnosis. She shares profound insights from her childhood challenges, including a brain tumor, that shaped her struggles with identity. The conversation dives into the highs and lows of long-term medication use, the impact of ADHD on her academic life, and the emotional complexities of medication in family planning. Bianca's heartfelt journey highlights the path to self-acceptance and the evolving understanding of mental health.

59 snips
Oct 27, 2023 • 59min
Why'd I take speed for twenty years? (Part 1)
Nicholas Rasmussen, a historian and author of "On Speed," dives into his personal journey with ADHD and prescription stimulants like dexedrine. He analyzes how amphetamines evolved from a medical breakthrough to a common treatment. The podcast highlights their role in WWII and the complexities surrounding their use for mental health. Rasmussen reflects on societal perceptions, marketing influences, and the normalization of stimulants, ultimately questioning how such drugs became integral to American life.

201 snips
Oct 20, 2023 • 60min
Is there a sane way to use the internet?
Ezra Klein, a prominent writer for the New York Times and host of The Ezra Klein Show, dives into the challenge of using the internet wisely. He explores the tension between accessing valuable information and battling social media's addictive distractions. Klein shares insights on leaving Twitter for better mental health and the struggle for quality journalism in a click-driven world. He emphasizes the need for meaningful connections and intentional habits to navigate the digital landscape without losing oneself.

11 snips
Oct 9, 2023 • 42min
Heavyweight x Search Engine
Jonathan Goldstein, host of Heavyweight, engages listeners with his unique storytelling. He reflects on the significance of a beloved turtleneck and how it ties to podcasting. The conversation takes a deeper turn as he shares a memorable dinner in Jerusalem, revealing unexpected friendships and romantic sparks between journalists. Delving into family dynamics, Goldstein speaks about navigating estrangement and emotional revelations with his father. Ultimately, he underscores the importance of connection and joy in every shared moment.

14 snips
Oct 6, 2023 • 56min
The Fond Du Lac Apartment Mystery
Ingrid Gould-Ellen, a Professor at NYU's Wagner School, dives into the perplexing issues surrounding housing assistance, specifically Section 8 vouchers. She discusses the baffling case of one listener struggling to find an apartment in Fond du Lac despite government support. The conversation broadens to explore the pitfalls of the housing system, including systemic inequality and administrative challenges. Additionally, they touch on the evolving landscape of internet fame and its implications for personal connections, capturing the intersection of housing and digital culture.

19 snips
Sep 29, 2023 • 1h 8min
Where did the 8 billion dollars go?
Zeke Faux, an investigative reporter for Bloomberg and author of 'Number Go Up,' dives deep into the sensational case of Sam Bankman-Fried, once a crypto superstar. Faux unpacks how over eight billion dollars vanished amid FTX's dramatic collapse. He shares insights from the chaotic world of cryptocurrency journalism, revealing how celebrity culture influenced the rise and fall of Bankman-Fried. The discussion highlights the complex intertwining of wealth, philanthropy, and ethical dilemmas in a landscape marked by both innovation and reckless speculation.

16 snips
Sep 22, 2023 • 58min
Why are we still buying diamonds?
Barack Richman, a law professor at Duke University specializing in the diamond industry, joins to unravel the perplexing allure of diamonds. He discusses how these gems, marketed as rare and romantic, are actually more accessible than we think. Richman examines the historical exploitation tied to diamond production and the monopolistic strategies of companies like De Beers. He also addresses the rise of lab-created diamonds, highlighting the ethical concerns consumers face today. The podcast is a fascinating dive into gems that spark both desire and debate.

22 snips
Sep 15, 2023 • 58min
Why’s it so hard to figure out how many people watch Stranger Things?
Maya Hawke, known for her role in Stranger Things and daughter of Hollywood stars Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke, joins Lucas Shaw, managing editor at Bloomberg News, to tackle the mystery of Netflix's elusive viewership data. They discuss how this lack of transparency impacts artists' compensation and raises broader questions about evolving entertainment dynamics. The conversation dives into the complexities of streaming metrics and their implications for the industry, highlighting the tensions between artistic integrity and profit-driven motives.

29 snips
Sep 1, 2023 • 43min
Does anyone actually like their job?
Craig Finn, lead singer of indie rock band The Hold Steady, shares his unique journey from a mundane office job to musical redemption. He discusses the quest for genuine job satisfaction, questioning whether true fulfillment is ever attainable. With humor, he reflects on the tension between ambition and contentment and explores the complexities of pursuing artistic dreams within a corporate environment. Additionally, the conversation takes a light-hearted turn as they share nostalgic anecdotes about their early experiences with cannabis.

42 snips
Aug 18, 2023 • 49min
Why are drug dealers putting fentanyl in everything? (Part 2)
A former fentanyl dealer shares insights on the chilling trend of mixing fentanyl with other drugs. He recounts his experiences navigating the drug trade from the Bronx in the 1980s to today, revealing the grave moral implications. Personal stories from users shed light on the paradox of drug availability in prisons, while discussing the relentless pull of fentanyl's effects. The podcast also emphasizes the significance of positive influences in recovery and provides essential resources for safe drug use.