Search Engine

Mar 21 2025 85 ep. 52 mins 19.2k
Search Engine Podcast artwork

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...)***

  Technology  Society & Culture  Business
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Viruses in the Air

Mar 21 2025 45 mins  
In the 1930s, two scientists made a very important discovery, but their breakthrough idea failed to spread. In large part because the two were considered so deeply annoying. Reporter Carl Zimmer brings us a story of the scientific process and its very human constraints. Airborne by Carl Zimmer Apply to work with Search Engine Support the show To learn more about listener data

The Puzzle of the All-American BBQ Scrubber

Mar 14 2025 63 mins  
Why it’s so difficult to manufacture something entirely in America, and what happens if you try anyway. The Smarter Scrubber Grill Brush Destin Sandlin’s YouTube Channel: Smarter Every Day Support Search Engine To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastc

DOGE and the Mystery of the State Department Teslas

Mar 07 2025 53 mins  
There’s a new president of America, and he’s doing a lot of things. How do you decide what to pay attention to? A story about reporters focusing on one mysterious line item during the DOGE headline storm, and where that led. Bobby Allyn Support Search Engine To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn mo

Does anyone actually like their job? (classic)

Feb 28 2025 47 mins  
... Or, am I being lied to by a Brooklyn-based musician? At twenty-five, I had a question for The Hold Steady’s Craig Finn. This week, I finally got to ask it. Support the show To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Can you cure picky eating?

Feb 21 2025 44 mins  
An adult picky eater, ostracized by his friends, castigated by society, asks the most human question of all: can I change? Our friends Manny, Noah, and Devan, the chicken bone squad, return to answer their own question. Check out Manny, Noah, and Devan's new podcast, No Such Thing Support Search Engine! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://ww

What should we do about teens using AI to do their homework?

Feb 14 2025 60 mins  
A teenager explains why he shouldn’t have to write homework essays anymore. Is there some way for adults to force teens to still do homework? Or to convince them they should want to? More Than Words - John Warner Center for Digital Thriving Support the show! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn mor

What happens when a cemetery goes out of business?

Feb 07 2025 55 mins  
We're supposed to be buried there forever, right? Right?? Answers this week from writer David Sloane, who grew up in a cemetery and spent his adult life studying them. The surprising history of the place we go where we die and an answer to what happens when it runs out of money. Is the Cemetery Dead? by David Charles Sloane Support the show at searchengine.show To learn more abou

What’s it like to fly when you’re fat?

Jan 24 2025 51 mins  
One of the most routine and uncomfortable miracles many of us experience, flight. Airplanes have gotten increasingly more cramped and less comfortable. What’s it like flying as a fat person, all the invisible negotiations and strategizing. Audio Producer Ronald Young, Jr. reports on the experience, and why it’s been changing. Check out Weight For It! (We recommend you begin at

The New Zuckerberg

Jan 18 2025 76 mins  
What’s going on with Mark Zuckerberg? He recently conspicuously pivoted toward MAGA, meeting quietly with incoming Trump officials, and complaining about the Biden administration on Joe Rogan’s podcast. This week, we trace the story of the Meta CEO, and investigate what his new persona means for the 4 billion people who use his products. Support the show: searchengine.show To

Is it ok to just work all the time?

Jan 10 2025 69 mins  
For our first episode in the new year, a reflection on how we spend our time. What we devote our life to, and the roads we choose not to take. A conversation with Ira Glass. Tickets for the Search Engine live show Support the show To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit