The Hidden History of Assassins, Part I: An Origin Story

The CEO of Axon thought he had a solution to mass shootings in schools: putting taser-equipped drones in public facilities. Axon's ethics board resigned, but the story's not over yet. Researchers reveal an unprecedented finding -- it seems a new drug has completely eliminated all traces of a very specific type of cancer. All this and more in this week's Strange News.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

13 Jun 202249min

Most Americans can agree that society isn't perfect -- in fact, most people in other parts of the world can say the same about their own societies. But how can we attempt to address these issues? Is there genuinely a conspiracy between the world's wealthiest people to keep the disadvantaged divided? This week, the guys welcome special guest, author, comedian and philosopher Baratunde Thurston to explore these questions and more.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

10 Jun 20221h 19min

For the majority of human history, a failing vital organ was a death sentence. Yet hard-won lessons from countless tragic medical experiments have given modern humans the amazing ability to swap a failing organ from a healthy one, often with good odds of surviving the operation. So where do the organs come from? Is there really any truth to the rumors of an illegal organ trade?They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

9 Jun 202256min

For some, outsourcing is perfectly fine -- for others, it's dangerous. In today's episode, the guys dive into the ins and outs of outsourcing, from the advantages to the drawbacks... to the conspiracies and corruption surrounding it.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

8 Jun 20221h 4min

For millennia humankind has dreamed of reaching the heavens, and in recent decades several countries have begun turning these dreams into reality. Yet the path to the stars isn't all altruism and noble scientific advancement -- in fact, human activities in space have often been shrouded in secrecy, and the practice continues today.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

7 Jun 20221h

Brazen thieves make off with priceless religious artifacts in Brooklyn. AI pushes the boundaries of art. Recent sleuthing reveals the US government has a collection of contingency plans for any imaginable number of apocalyptic scenarios. Congress has no idea what they are -- which means American voters have no say in what might go down. All this and more in this week's Strange News.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

6 Jun 202250min

Past and current philosophers often argue the future of humanity is found not on Earth, but in the stars. In recent decades, private entities have pushed the boundaries of technology, achieving milestones once relegated to the scope of state-level powers. As organizations like SpaceX, Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin reach historic breakthroughs, more and more people wonder: Should humanity's exploration of the cosmos be beholden to profit-driven entities? To paraphrase Alfred E. Neuman -- "What, me worry?"They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

3 Jun 202254min

Like many inventors, Thomas Midgeley Jr. was certainly driven -- but he seemed driven to constantly create increasingly dangerous, deadly substances. As more and more Americans become concerned about various Supreme Court rulings being overturned, people across the country are trying to figure out just what happens when a trigger law goes into effect. All this and more in this week's listener mail.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2 Jun 202248min