Let's Know Things - podcast cover

Let's Know Things

A calm, non-shouty, non-polemical, weekly news analysis podcast for folks of all stripes and leanings who want to know more about what's happening in the world around them. Hosted by analytic journalist Colin Wright since 2016.

letsknowthings.substack.com
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

Wolf Warriors

This week we talk about Chen Duxiu, online propaganda, and Wolf Warrior 2. We also discuss Xi Jinping, colonialism, and Confucius Institutes. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

Jun 01, 202129 min

Ransomware Franchising

This week we talk about DarkSide, Colonial Pipeline, and Exit Scams. We also discuss Khnumhotep II, the Caesar cipher, and Ireland's healthcare system. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

May 25, 202132 min

Bolsonaro's Brazil

This week we talk about Jair Bolsonaro, the Marajoara, and Lula. We also discuss the Amazon Rainforest, sugarcane, and Portugal. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

May 18, 202140 min

Opioid Crisis

This week we talk about drugs, Nazis, and the Sackler family. We also discuss oxycodone, OxyContin, and bankruptcy. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

May 11, 202129 min

Long COVID

This week we talk about anosmia, scented candles, and post-infection health issues. We also discuss COVID long-haulers, the second pandemic, and snake oil salesmen. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

May 04, 202130 min

Chad

This week we talk about the Republic of Chad, Free France, and Idriss Déby. We also discuss Hissène Habré, Félix Éboué, and FACT. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

Apr 27, 202124 min

Dark Patterns

This week we talk about confirmshaming, auto opt-ins, and WinRed. We also discuss campaign contributions, Columbia House, and money bombs. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

Apr 20, 202128 min

Nuclear Weapons

This week we talk about nuclear proliferation, the Manhattan Project, and Britain's nuclear arsenal. We also discuss the Decade of Concern, Taiwan as a flashpoint, and the history of nuclear armament. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

Apr 13, 202132 min

Offshore Wind Power

This week we talk about windmills, windpumps, and wind turbines. We also discuss Biden's infrastructure proposal, megawatts, and birds. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

Apr 06, 202130 min

Artificial Scarcity

This week we talk about NFTs, scarcity, and the Diamond-Water Paradox. We also discuss tokens, Beeple, and Bitcoin. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

Mar 30, 202134 min

Our Plague Year

This week we talk about vaccine diplomacy, immunization passports, and the cost of shutdowns. We also discuss the Great Plague of London, A Journal of the Plague Year, and Samuel Pepys. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

Mar 23, 202140 min

Cyberwarfare

This week we talk about Stuxnet, Hafnium, and SolarWinds. We also discuss espionage, proportionality, and APT 69420. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

Mar 16, 202129 min

Management Consultancies

This week we talk about McKinsey, Taylorism, and Purdue Pharma. We also discuss Fordism, scientific management, and Enron. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

Mar 09, 202126 min

Food Delivery Apps

This week we talk about Pizzanet, Cyberslice, and GrubHub. We also discuss DoorDash, World Wide Waiter, and food delivery apps. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

Mar 02, 202128 min

App Tracking Transparency

This week we talk about cookies, ATT, and IDFAs. We also discuss Federated Learning of Cohorts, targeted ads, and Facebook. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

Feb 23, 202125 min

Meme Squeeze

This week we talk about Dogecoin, GameStop, and the short squeeze. We also discuss Bitcoin, Greater Fools, and bubbles. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

Feb 16, 202132 min

Myanmar coup

This week we talk about Aung San, the Anglo-Burmese Wars, and the 2021 Myanmar military coup. We also discuss Aung San Suu Kyi, genocide, and the politics of democracy. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

Feb 09, 202127 min

Russian Protests

This week we talk about the Soviet Union, Alexei Navalny, and Vladimir Putin. We also discuss Russia of the Future, protests, and Putin's Palace. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

Feb 02, 202130 min

Relaxation Drinks

This week we talk about GABA, Driftwell, and functional beverages. We also discuss L-Theanine, magnesium, and marketing. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

Jan 26, 202129 min

Digital Services Act

This week we talk about Section 230, Trump’s online bans, and extraterritorial jurisdiction. We also discuss the Digital Markets Act, liability, and the European Union. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

Jan 19, 202130 min

Post-Stagnation

This week we talk about The Great Stagnation, Robert Solow, and total factor productivity. We also discuss low-hanging economic fruit, technological innovations, and looms. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

Jan 12, 202131 min

Debt Cancellation

This week we discuss seisachtheia , Jubilee years, and student debt cancellation. We also discuss Solon, healthcare, and the cost of higher education in the US. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

Jan 05, 202132 min

Qatari World Cup

This week we talk about Qatar, the FIFA 2022 World Cup, and carbon neutrality. We also discuss Middle Eastern conflicts, sporting event diplomacy, and human rights. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

Dec 29, 202028 min

Thai Protests

This week we talk about the Chakri dynasty, the Siamese Revolution of 1932, and the 2020 Thai protests. We also discuss the FFP, the Tai peoples, and German ski resorts. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

Dec 22, 202027 min

Protein Folding Problem

This week we talk about SETI@home, macromolecules, and AlphaFold2. We also discuss proteins, Foldit, and CASP. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

Dec 15, 202026 min

WebRTC

This week we talk about the iOS App Store, GeForce Now, and web-based gaming. We also discuss Android, Fortnite, and browser capabilities. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

Dec 08, 202028 min

mRNA Vaccines

This week we talk about Messenger RNA, recombinant vaccines, and COVID. We also discuss the history of vaccine development, variolation, and efficacy versus effectiveness. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

Dec 01, 202029 min

Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership

This week we talk about RCEP, diplomacy, and the TPP. We also discuss the CPTPP, trade liberalization, and geopolitical gravity. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

Nov 24, 202023 min

End SARS Protests

This week we talk about coups, Nigeria, and #EndSARS. We also discuss the Spacial Anti-Robbery Squad, SWAT, and the Lekki Massacre. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

Nov 17, 202029 min

Hydrogen Power

This week we talk about fuel cells, steam reforming, and electrolyzers. We also discuss the hydrogen economy, fracking, and the race between the EU and China to claim hydrogen fuel dominance. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

Nov 10, 202025 min
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android
Open in Metacast