

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

22 snips
May 12, 2023 • 41min
How sad are the monkeys in the zoo?
Dr. Laurel Braitman, a Stanford professor and author known for her work on animal behavior and mental health, shares fascinating insights into the emotional lives of zoo animals. She discusses how a history of misunderstood animal emotions impacts their well-being. Listeners will learn about the touching moments of joy and darker realities in elephant lives and the surprising ways animals respond to live music. The conversation challenges our ethical perspective on zoos, offering a new understanding for those questioning their moral implications.

Jan 13, 2023 • 1min
Introducing: Search Engine
Dive into a fascinating exploration of life's big and small questions! This new series blends humor with serious societal discussions. Listeners are invited to submit their own questions for future episodes, ensuring a relatable and interactive experience. Get ready to ponder everything from the mundane to the profound!

Dec 22, 2022 • 55min
09 The End
Traveling to Greenland sparks a deep conversation about climate change and cryptocurrency, all inspired by an unexpected airport encounter with Coolio. The discussion dives into Bitcoin's environmental impact, with a focus on energy consumption and the tension between eco-conscious initiatives and traditional practices. Explorations of ice cores reveal our historical footprint on the planet, while breathtaking glacier views provide a poignant backdrop for reflections on sustainability and technology's future.

Jun 28, 2022 • 41min
08 The Kidnapping of Ape #8398
Dick Doyle, a Hollywood talent manager with a keen eye on the intersection of entertainment and NFTs, dives into the wild world of digital assets. He discusses the recent downturn in cryptocurrency, exploring the implications for celebrities who jumped on the NFT bandwagon. Doyle critiques the superficial motivations behind these endorsements and unpacks the emotional stakes in the kidnapping of a high-profile NFT. With anecdotes about a stolen digital asset and insights into the investigative side of blockchain, this conversation unveils the dramatic future of digital ownership.

May 26, 2022 • 35min
07 The Drug Trader
Dive into the hidden world of underground economies, where a dollar takes unexpected turns. Explore the quirky intersection of creativity and cryptocurrency with a Brooklyn artist-turned-trader. Discover how digital currencies are revolutionizing the drug trade, offering freedom and anonymity. Navigate the challenges faced by those leaving illicit activities, seeking legitimate paths. Uncover the intricacies of Bitcoin transactions, from peer-to-peer deals to navigating regulatory hurdles, revealing a fascinating blend of risk and opportunity.

May 13, 2022 • 34min
06 The Lunatic Who Crashed Crypto
Danny Nelson, a Coindesk reporter, dives into the chaotic demise of the Terra/Luna cryptocurrency. He unpacks how a risky financial product led to an $18 billion loss and a market-wide panic. The conversation highlights the audacious personality of founder Do Kwon and his controversial engagement on social media. Nelson reflects on the challenges that emerged in the crypto space, much like the 2008 financial crisis, and discusses the regulatory shifts spurred by this collapse, shedding light on the future of digital currencies.

May 7, 2022 • 1h 9min
05 Genesis
This week features Peter Thiel, a billionaire entrepreneur behind PayPal and Palantir, who dives into the transformative power of Bitcoin. He discusses its origins during the 2008 financial crisis and the fervent support it garners at the Miami conference. Thiel highlights the ideological clash Bitcoin represents against traditional financial systems, while attendees share personal journeys toward financial empowerment through crypto. The conversation touches on the vibrant community dynamics, the role of athletes in Bitcoin adoption, and the myths surrounding this revolutionary currency.

Apr 5, 2022 • 45min
04 The Skeptic
Cas Piancey, a former baker and current crypto skeptic, shares his journey from enthusiastic supporter to critical observer of the cryptocurrency world. He discusses the dramatic rise and fall of WorldCom, emphasizing the consequences of corporate fraud. Piancey also explores the unique book recommendations within the crypto community, reflecting on themes of accountability and moral choices. With a satirical approach, he highlights the complexities and challenges in navigating crypto, urging personal accountability amid the turmoil.

Mar 25, 2022 • 17min
03 Miguel
Miguel Piedrafita, a 19-year-old maker and coder from Madrid, shares his eclectic journey from creating 3D cabbage NFTs to his attempt to buy the US Constitution. The conversation touches on the humor and chaos of that auction process, revealing the challenges of managing a project without a clear plan. Miguel discusses the innovative potential of Web3 technology and contrasts it with everyday SaaS developments. He also reflects on navigating a confusing tech landscape while encouraging young professionals to embrace the exciting possibilities ahead.

Mar 23, 2022 • 52min
02 ConstitutionDAO
Quig Bruning, an Auctioneer at Sotheby's, who led the auction for the United States Constitution, joins Paki McCormick, a writer and founder of Not Boring Capital. Together, they dive into the dramatic Sotheby’s auction of the historic document, where ConstitutionDAO, a decentralized initiative, raised $47 million. Topics include the innovative role of DAOs in philanthropy, the excitement of grassroots movements, and the emotional aftermath of high-stakes bidding. They also share insights into the volatile crypto landscape and unexpected gains from people's tokens.