Contortionism: Bend It Like Gumby

The Jeddah Tower is set to be the tallest building in the world. If it ever gets finished. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 

Ruth Lyons basically invented the daytime talk show, yet she doesn't get the credit. Why is that? Probably because she was a woman in a man's industry. Today we tell her story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 

Mangroves are incredible survivors and adapters. They're also amazing at lessening the impact of tropical storms and climate change. And heck, they're cool looking. So jump into the brackish waters and have a listen to this classic episode all about these beauts.See omnystudio.co ... Show More

<p>The Industrial Revolution began in Britain in the late 18th century, giving birth to an era that has changed world history. The period was characterised by rapid economic, social and technological growth. Marked by innovation and inventions like the steam engine, spinning jenn ... Show More

Andrew Carnegie, a Scottish American industrialist, who helped build the American steel industry. He became one of the richest men in the world, and also one of its leading philanthropists. But his very first job was as a “bobbin boy” in a cotton factory where he was responsible ... Show More

Father of free market economics, Adam Smith was one of many great philosophers of the 18th century Enlightenment period. His philosophies helped change the economy, putting an end to the long-standing feudal system. But outside of his well-known works, such as The Wealth of Natio ... Show More

This 2013 episode covers the years after the Industrial Revolution and the Civil War when the oyster supply became so scarce that people turned to oyster piracy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 

Today we’re going to wrap up this talk that we’ve been having on the development of social classes in Anglo Saxon britain. Hopefully, once we’re done, much like our talks on other matters like food, clothing, and warfare… you’ll have a fuller understanding of who these people wer ... Show More

<p>On "Fragment on Machines" (1858). Shouldn't automating work free workers? Not according to Marx, until capitalism is overthrown. Until then, automation actually just makes labor conditions worse and certainly doesn't give people more free time, since the capitalist keeps all t ... Show More

In the mid-12th century, England was in chaos.  The king of England, Henry I, died without an heir. The country was divided between forces loyal to his daughter, Matilda, and his nephew, Stephen.  For almost two decades, armed conflicts resulted in a breakdown of law and order an ... Show More

<p>Can we construct a society free of state coercion and inequality? Is there a place for Capitalism in that society? &nbsp;</p> <p>Contact us: Mark.Oppenheimer[at]gmail and Jwerbe[at]gmail</p> 

Our global economy is fundamentally governed by colonial logics. The resulting power inequalities, ecological destructions, and social corrosions severely impact the daily lives of people. They transform the way they feel about themselves, about others and about the world around ... Show More