Best Brain In A Vat Podcasts (2025)

1
Animal Liberation Now | Peter Singer (Rebroadcast) 1:05:15

4h ago1:05:15

1:05:15

Peter Singer delves into difficult ethical questions regarding animal rights, the morality of factory farming, and difficult human-related ethical dilemmas. Singer discusses his views as a consequentialist, examining the impact of our choices on animal suffering, the ethical considerations around organ donation from anencephalic children, and the b…

1
American science brain drain 9:31

19h ago9:31

9:31

President Trump's federal cuts and scrutiny of academic institutions are forcing some U.S. scientists to head for the border. On today's show, an entomologist keeping America's farms safe from pests reconsiders America. And a CEO of a Canadian hospital explains how they are benefiting from the exodus. Related episodes: How much international studen…

1
How much international students matter to the economy 9:29

2d ago9:29

9:29

Many international students are rethinking their education in the United States as the federal government revokes visas, often over minor infractions. A shift away could carry a heavy economic toll, as international students contributed $44 billion to the U.S. economy last school year. So what happens when a generation of bright-eyed scholars decid…

1
How stable is Stablecoin? 9:28

3d ago9:28

9:28

Stablecoins are the latest digital asset to grab headlines. Congress is considering legislation around the cryptocurrency, and a Trump family-affiliated company is preparing to launch its own Stablecoin. But does this digital currency live up to its own name? Related episodes: What's this about a crypto reserve? (Apple / Spotify) Is 'government cry…

1
Is the US pushing countries towards China? 8:53

4d ago8:53

8:53

As the U.S. goes head-to-head with the rest of the world on tariffs, those countries are trying to figure out their best diplomatic strategy. One dilemma countries have is how close they get with another global superpower: China. On today's show, we hear from Pakistan's Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb about how the country is balancing trade re…

1
When do boycotts work? 9:14

5d ago9:14

9:14

For weeks, Target has been the subject of a boycott after its decision to pull back on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. And early data shows it's taken a toll on the company. But in other instances, boycotts haven't made much of a splash. Today on the show, when does a boycott actually make a difference? Related episodes: SPAM strik…

1
End Taxes? | Jessica Flanigan 55:05

7d ago55:05

55:05

Jess Flanigan argues that personal income tax is illegitimate. But is the state ever justified in extracting money from its population to pay for public goods? Are property taxes and privatization of state functions better options? And if taxes are illegitimate, are we permitted, or even obligated, to stop paying our taxes? [00:00] Introduction and…

1
Student loans are back, U.S. travel is whack, and AI — please, step back 9:25

10d ago9:25

9:25

It's ... Indicators of the Week! Our weekly look at the some of the most fascinating economic numbers from the news. On today's episode, we investigate falling foreign travel to the U.S., why student loan default collections are back, and why maaaaaaaybe being so friendly with our AI chatbot pals has a cost. Related episodes: Economists take on stu…

1
Who's advising Trump on trade? 9:29

10d ago9:29

9:29

President Trump has not been afraid to tack on tariffs over and over again. Allies and foes alike are anxiously wondering if the tariffs will stick or whether a trade deal will be made. On today's episode, we take a look behind the curtains of the White House administration and examine the advisors whispering into Trump's ear. Related episodes: Dea…

1
Dealmaker Don v. Tariff Man Trump 9:23

11d ago9:23

9:23

Donald Trump grew up learning to make deals. He's also loved tariffs since the 1970s. So are his market-shaking tariffs a bargaining chip? Or are they here permanently? We go all the way back to Trump's childhood to try to figure out if Dealmaker Don or Tariff Man Trump is in charge. Marc Fisher's book with Michael Kranish is Trump, Revealed. Relat…

1
China's trade war perspective 9:31

13d ago9:31

9:31

By now, you've heard a lot about how the U.S.-China trade war is affecting American consumers, businesses and the stock market. But how is the trade war being felt in China? Today on the show, two of NPR's in-house China experts, Emily Feng and John Ruwitch, explain the view from China. Related episodes: What might save China's economy (Apple / Spo…

1
A trap-loving DJ takes on economics 9:29

13d ago9:29

9:29

It's time for The Indicator Quiz! We test you, dear listener, on your knowledge of topics that we've covered on The Indicator. Today's quiz show involves a DJ from Vancouver, Washington that tests his economic education on the World Trade Organization, the Panama Canal, and of course, Bad Bunny. Play along with us and see how you do! Are you intere…

1
The Problem with Democracy | Jason Brennan (Rebroadcast) 1:01:12

14d ago1:01:12

1:01:12

If most voters are misinformed, is democracy legitimate? What sort of voting system should we have in its place? And should some votes count more than others? [00:00] Introduction to the Problems of Democracy [00:17] Brexit: A Case Study in Misinformed Voting [05:33] Voter Behavior: Social Benefits and Signaling [18:29] The Legitimacy of Democratic…

1
Economic lessons learned from Investopedia (and Ferris Bueller) 9:29

17d ago9:29

9:29

The current economic upheaval has lots of us scrambling for our glossaries and history books. Today on the show, the editor-in-chief of Investopedia walks us through three vocab terms — spanning topics from tariff history to market volatility — that are spiking on the website lately. Related listening: Did Trump enable insider trading? (Apple / Spo…

1
#203: Leading Global Operations in the Semiconductor Industry with Thomas Berden of VAT Group 27:59

17d ago27:59

27:59

*Hosted by Fei Yu* In this episode, I interviewed Thomas Berden, COO of VAT Group where we discussed VAT’s strategy of staying ahead of the curve, investing in capacities and capabilities, and maintaining a flexible cost model with a 25% temporary workforce. Thomas emphasizes the importance of customer focus, technology innovation, and a decentrali…

1
Did Trump enable insider trading? 9:15

18d ago9:15

9:15

On the morning of April 9, President Trump posted on Truth Social "THIS IS A GREAT TIME TO BUY!!! DJT." Around four hours later, he announced a pause on some new tariffs, causing a stock market spike. Now, Democrats are demanding an investigation into possible insider trading. But were Trump's posts actually insider trading? Related episodes: Moral…

1
The spat over VAT 9:29

19d ago9:29

9:29

If you've ever passed through airport customs overseas and been refunded a VAT — or value added tax — for souvenirs, you've benefited from the VAT system. But President Trump says VAT is unfair to the U.S. On today's episode, we learn what VAT is and what it isn't. Related episodes: What's so bad about a trade deficit? (Apple / Spotify) Tarrified! …

1
How much is a weather forecast worth? (Update) 8:48

20d ago8:48

8:48

The federal government has been tracking the weather for more than 150 years. But the rise of the Internet and big tech have made weather forecasting a more crowded space. Today on the show, the value of an accurate forecast and how the Trump administration's early moves are clouding the government's future forecasting. This piece originally aired …

1
Mass Shootings | Kurt Blankschaen 58:00

21d ago58:00

58:00

Does our common understanding of mass shootings help us to prevent them? Blankschaen argues that our common beliefs and media narratives around gun ownership, mental illness, and school policies are unhelpful in preventing future mass shootings. Can we even provide an adequate definition of mass shootings? Should we give up the concept of mass shoo…

1
IRS information sharing, bonds bust, and a chorebot future 9:27

23d ago9:27

9:27

Today on the show, we discuss why the IRS is sharing some taxpayer information, why bonds and stocks both fell, and how robots will replace you,or at least most of your chore wheel, in the near future. Related episodes: Why are stocks and bonds both falling? For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ vi…

1
What keeps a Fed president up at night 9:21

24d ago9:21

9:21

"There's no bad weather, only bad clothing." That's the motto of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, where Austan Goolsbee is president. As economic weather conditions stay unpredictable, Austan tells us how he's gearing up for tariffs, inflation, and more. Related episodes: The Fed cut rates ... now what? (featuring: Sasquatch) (Apple / Spotify) …

1
What happens when an economist becomes prime minister? 9:29

25d ago9:29

9:29

Today on the show, we meet Canada's new Prime Minister, economist Mark Carney. What's it like when your former job — being a non-political banker who decides a country's interest rate — bleeds into your now-political decisions on everything? Related episodes: A polite message from Canada to the U.S. (Apple / Spotify) Learn more about sponsor messag…

1
What's so bad about a trade deficit? 9:06

26d ago9:06

9:06

President Trump claims a main goal of his crippling tariffs is to address the U.S. trade deficit. So is the U.S. trade deficit a problem? On today's show, why we'll never have a trade surplus with every single country; what the benefits of a trade deficit are; and whether or not the trade deficit affects jobs. Related episodes: Tariffied! We check …

1
Tariffied! We check in on businesses 8:59

27d ago8:59

8:59

Trump's wave of tariffs is here. Just about everyone in the world of business is still processing exactly what this means. It's a massive, widespread increase in taxes. Today on the show, we hear from business people we've had on the show who tell us what they're doing in response to the latest, and largest, wave of tariffs. Related episodes: Trump…

1
The Problems with Virtue Ethics | Travis Timmerman 58:02

28d ago58:02

58:02

Through comparisons to consequentialism and deontological ethics, Travis dissects the core principles and critiques of virtue ethics. Along the way, we discuss moral dilemmas, the application of virtues, and the real-world implications of ethical theories. Whether you're a student of philosophy or just curious about moral reasoning, this discussion…

1
How states are scooping up federal workers 7:45

30d ago7:45

7:45

It's Jobs Friday and all eyes are on government workers. Will the Trump administration's layoffs finally show up in the latest jobs report? Today on the show, we look at the numbers for federal workers and who's trying to hire them. Related listening: Can ... we still trust the monthly jobs report (Apple / Spotify) The last time we shrank the feder…

1
Why the great vinyl shortage is over 9:19

1M ago9:19

9:19

There have now been a few major vinyl booms. And unbeknownst to many, a small village in the Czech Republic has been responsible for manufacturing a large number of these albums. On today's show, how this dominant player became a problem for its competitors in the U.S. Related episodes: Rumor has it Adele broke the vinyl supply chain 'Let's Get It …

1
What $10 billion in data centers actually gets you 9:00

1M ago9:00

9:00

Billions of tech dollars flowing into a community to build data centers should transform a local economy ... right? Well, maybe not. On today's episode: Why data centers create few permanent jobs. And why communities might want them anyway. Related episodes: Why China's DeepSeek AI is such a big deal (Apple / Spotify) Is AI overrated? (Apple / Spot…

1
Should we vote for all judges? 8:48

1M ago8:48

8:48

Mexico is gearing up to directly elect federal and state judges for the first time this June. President Claudia Sheinbaum says the new system will combat nepotism and increase the integrity of the courts. But critics see it as a naked attempt to dilute the court's independence. Today on the show, how Mexico's judicial reforms are creating angst for…

1
Overly Friendly Emails and other marketing pet peeves 9:22

1M ago9:22

9:22

Brands trying to be your best bud. Generational labels. Gendered double standards. Today on the show: three advertising experts bring their three pet peeves in advertisements. Related episodes: How to make an ad memorable (Apple / Spotify) J. Screwed The Gender Gap Series: The Problem With The Pink Tax For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator fro…

1
The End Goal of Wokeness | Nathan Cofnas 1:11:13

1M ago1:11:13

1:11:13

What is the underlying logic of woke ideology? Is it consistent, and can it justify the pursuit of equality of outcome, such as redistributing wealth and land? Cofnas discusses the origins and evolution of wokeism, the moral and empirical premises underlying it, and the political dynamics between conservatives and liberals. Tune in to gain a deeper…

1
Missing taxes, spiking copper and Napster's re-re-rebirth 9:31

1M ago9:31

9:31

On Indicators of the Week, we look at a huge projected tax shortfall, the price of copper and the afterlife of Napster, the peer-to-peer file-sharing service that refuses to die. Related episodes: A new-ish gold rush and other indicators (Apple / Spotify) Can the Federal Reserve stay independent (Apple / Spotify) For sponsor-free episodes of The In…

1
How nonprofits get cash from your clunker 8:47

1M ago8:47

8:47

Many nonprofits accept your used cars as a way to donate. This happens from Make-A-Wish America to Habitat for Humanity to ... public radio stations! So, how does the process actually work? And who takes a cut along the way? Today, we follow the car money. Related episodes: Show your love for The Indicator from Planet Money by making a donation For…

1
Can Europe stand without the US? 9:05

1M ago9:05

9:05

As relations between the US and Europe continue to sour, European countries are working to lower their reliance on the U.S. for weapons and security. Today on the show, we ask what Europe needs to do to become independent militarily and what potential barriers could stand in the way. Related episodes: Europe's NATO members take an economic hit (App…

1
How's ... everybody doing? 9:30

1M ago9:30

9:30

What's one word you'd use to describe the 2025 economy? That's the question we fanned out across the U.S. with microphones and open ears. From street parties in the South to an L.A. bookstore to a boardroom in Denver, we listen for financial signals in today's economy. Related episodes: How many times can you say uncertainty in one economic report?…

1
How specialization can lead to burn-out 9:28

1M ago9:28

9:28

Half of all workers are showing signs of burnout according to a survey of international workers. Burnout can come from feeling detached from your work's purpose, having too much work, or ... from specialization. Today on the show, we speak with Shigehiro Oishi, author of Life in Three Dimensions: How Curiosity, Exploration, and Experience Make a Fu…

1
Effective Altruism and Making a Difference | Jacob Bauer 57:38

1M ago57:38

57:38

How should we allocate our donations to address global issues effectively? Jacob discusses the principles guiding Effective Altruism, the importance of evidence-based charitable giving, the ethical implications of supporting local versus global causes, and the challenges of predicting long-term impacts. The episode also delves into the significant …

1
A new-ish gold rush and other indicators 9:29

1M ago9:29

9:29

It's Indicators of the Week! Our weekly look at interesting numbers from the news. On today's show, we welcome back co-host Adrian Ma. We also have the price of gold going up, German defense stocking up, and U.S. mergers and acquisitions slowing down. Related episodes: NPR's Adrian Ma remembers girlfriend, Kiah Duggins, who died in D.C. plane crash…

1
What's this about a crypto reserve? 9:29

2M ago9:29

9:29

In 2009, Bitcoin launched as the first cryptocurrency. Just under two decades, President Trump has signed an executive order to create the "Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and United States Digital Asset Stockpile." On today's show, we look at what the U.S. government plans for this new strategy, plus who benefits from a crypto reserve. Related episodes:…

1
Why there's no referee for the trade war 9:16

2M ago9:16

9:16

Thirty years ago, the U.S. helped create the World Trade Organization, a group of countries linked by a common set of free trade agreements. But then the U.S., starting with the Obama administration, turned against the WTO. This leaves a void where there should be a referee to settle trade disputes between countries. On today's show, how American g…

1
What might save China's economy 9:07

2M ago9:07

9:07

China has set out its target for economic growth this year: around 5 percent. That's a hefty goal for a nation coming off a painful real estate slump. But leaders have their eyes set on other industries to help its economy grow. Today, we dig into the headwinds and tailwinds facing China's economy. Related episodes: The mess at the heart of China's…

1
Why is the federal government still killing coyotes? 8:51

2M ago8:51

8:51

The federal government spends millions of dollars each year on wildlife damage management, a program that includes killing thousands of coyotes. Yet this program may actually have the opposite effect on the coyote's population. Today on the show, why the government keeps spending money on a problem it can't fix. Related episodes: Shooting Bambi to …

1
Ultimate Meaning | Rivka Weinberg (Rebroadcast) 51:03

2M ago51:03

51:03

Is it possible for us to lead meaningful lives? Is there an ultimate point to our existence? Can we enrich our lives with the pursuit of love, knowledge and friendship? [00:00] Introduction to the Meaninglessness of Life [00:14] Tolstoy's Existential Crisis [01:39] The Appropriateness of Sadness [04:18] Everyday Meaning vs. Ultimate Meaning [06:13]…

1
Southwest surprises, tariff guac shock, and fraud flourishes 9:25

2M ago9:25

9:25

It's Indicators of the Week! Our weekly look at interesting numbers from the news. On today's show, we have Southwest Airlines changing course on their free checked bag policy, skyrocketing fraud, and Americans' insatiable appetite for avocados. Related episodes: More fraud, higher bond yields, and faster airline boarding For sponsor-free episodes …

1
How many times can you say uncertainty in one economic report? 8:56

2M ago8:56

8:56

Uncertainty. That's the word-of-the-moment with tariffs, market swings and lots of economic volatility. It's also showing up in the Federal Reserve's latest Beige Book, featuring anecdotes across the U.S. economy. On our latest edition of the Beigies, what can a farmer from the Mississippi Delta tell us about uncertainty? Related episodes: How USAI…

1
The stock market is down, but you don't need to be 8:12

2M ago8:12

8:12

Government cuts. Tariff uncertainty. Sticky interest rates. These are not helping the tumbling stock market. There's a sinking feeling among some Americans that a crash is imminent. But ... should we all be so worried? Today, we brush away the cobwebs of stock market fear and confusion, and bring some long-held facts to the surface. Related episode…

1
Can you take government spending out of GDP? 8:29

2M ago8:29

8:29

The Trump administration has some nits to pick with government spending: They don't think it should be counted as part of the country's GDP, that it should be counted separately. In today's episode, we look at why government spending is part of the U.S.'s GDP and we speculate why Trump's administration might want to take it out ... and what that co…

1
What Bad Bunny teaches us about Puerto Rican tax law 9:29

2M ago9:29

9:29

Bad Bunny's new album DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS laments how Puerto Rico is changing. We look at whether tax breaks to newcomers contributed. Related episodes: The battle for Puerto Rico's beaches We Set Up An Offshore Company In A Tax Haven For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at …

1
Affirmative Action and Medical School | Stephen Kershnar 51:12

2M ago51:12

51:12

Join us for a provocative episode on Brain in a Vat as we rejoin the infamous Stephen Kershnar, whose prior discussions have made headlines. This episode delves into affirmative action, demographic considerations in education and employment, and the ethics of statistical predictions informed by race. The discussion debates the legitimacy and conseq…

1
Can ... we still trust the monthly jobs report? 8:45

2M ago8:45

8:45

Between the Trump administration wanting to change how GDP is calculated and DOGE accessing sensitive government information, statistical agencies are under the microscope. Can we still trust official numbers like the monthly jobs report? A former Bureau of Labor Statistics commissioner shares her worries about the future integrity of government da…

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