Quartz Obsession https://qz.com/se/quartz-obsession-podcast/ en We’re fascinated by everyday objects and what they can tell us about the global economy. Join us every week as reporters from our global newsroom dig into the most fascinating facets of an object: where it came from, how it got to us, and what it can tell us about the forces that are changing the way we live and work. https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/2e6b984a-1d64-11ec-8b33-8fc90162f990/image/image.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress Quartz Obsession https://qz.com/se/quartz-obsession-podcast/ no serial Quartz We’re fascinated by everyday objects and what they can tell us about the global economy. Join us every week as reporters from our global newsroom dig into the most fascinating facets of an object: where it came from, how it got to us, and what it can tell us about the forces that are changing the way we live and work. We’re fascinated by everyday objects and what they can tell us about the global economy. Join us every week as reporters from our global newsroom dig into the most fascinating facets of an object: where it came from, how it got to us, and what it can tell us about the forces that are changing the way we live and work.

]]> Quartz Media podcast@qz.com Sleep: The dreamiest new industry There’s a lot of money to be made in the business of sleep. Take sunrise alarm clocks, fancy mattresses, REM-tracking wearables, and monthly deliveries of melatonin. But should we really be investing this much in hopes of catching a few more Z’s? In the final episode of season 8, we consult a bonafide sleep doctor on the matter and get a physician’s POV on a few questions keeping us up at night: Why is there such a large market for catching some Z’s? Can any of these products actually help us find rest?  Why do we need to sleep? What’s happening in our brains and bodies while we dream? The Quartz Obsession is produced by Podcast Fast Track, with additional support from Jason Russum, Amy Perry, Liliana Zapata, Juan Palacios, and Lorena Caro. Our theme music is by Taka Yasuzawa and Alex Suguira. This episode was recorded at G/O Media headquarters in New York. Tue, 23 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -0000 Sleep: The dreamiest new industry full 8 6 Quartz Inside the business of battling insomnia and the science behind our slumber There’s a lot of money to be made in the business of sleep. Take sunrise alarm clocks, fancy mattresses, REM-tracking wearables, and monthly deliveries of melatonin. But should we really be investing this much in hopes of catching a few more Z’s? In the final episode of season 8, we consult a bonafide sleep doctor on the matter and get a physician’s POV on a few questions keeping us up at night: Why is there such a large market for catching some Z’s? Can any of these products actually help us find rest?  Why do we need to sleep? What’s happening in our brains and bodies while we dream? The Quartz Obsession is produced by Podcast Fast Track, with additional support from Jason Russum, Amy Perry, Liliana Zapata, Juan Palacios, and Lorena Caro. Our theme music is by Taka Yasuzawa and Alex Suguira. This episode was recorded at G/O Media headquarters in New York. There’s a lot of money to be made in the business of sleep. Take sunrise alarm clocks, fancy mattresses, REM-tracking wearables, and monthly deliveries of melatonin.


But should we really be investing this much in hopes of catching a few more Z’s?


In the final episode of season 8, we consult a bonafide sleep doctor on the matter and get a physician’s POV on a few questions keeping us up at night:


Why is there such a large market for catching some Z’s?

Can any of these products actually help us find rest? 

Why do we need to sleep?

What’s happening in our brains and bodies while we dream?


The Quartz Obsession is produced by Podcast Fast Track, with additional support from Jason Russum, Amy Perry, Liliana Zapata, Juan Palacios, and Lorena Caro. Our theme music is by Taka Yasuzawa and Alex Suguira. This episode was recorded at G/O Media headquarters in New York.

]]> 2319 Strollers: Pushing the limits of childrearing cache There are contactless thermometers, the Nose Frieda, co-sleeping. Trends in parenting gear and childrearing practices seem to evolve at faster rates than other sectors, a speed exemplified by a single product: strollers.  While we’ve been engineering ways to wheel children around for centuries, stroller manufacturers can’t seem to stop iterating on their models. Strollers have become a status identifier, a repository for parenting anxiety, and an emblem of consumerism run amok. As doctors and experts gather new research and best practices in childcare, strollers exemplify how quickly it’s all changing. Strap into episode 5 and get the latest about this new movement in industrial design. The Quartz Obsession is produced by Podcast Fast Track, with additional support from Jason Russum, Amy Perry, Liliana Zapata, Juan Palacios, and Lorena Caro. Our theme music is by Taka Yasuzawa and Alex Suguira. This episode was recorded at G/O Media headquarters in New York. Tue, 16 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -0000 Strollers: Pushing the limits of childrearing cache full 8 5 Quartz From simple pushcarts to AI-powered status symbols, how baby wheels reflect our accelerating parenting culture There are contactless thermometers, the Nose Frieda, co-sleeping. Trends in parenting gear and childrearing practices seem to evolve at faster rates than other sectors, a speed exemplified by a single product: strollers.  While we’ve been engineering ways to wheel children around for centuries, stroller manufacturers can’t seem to stop iterating on their models. Strollers have become a status identifier, a repository for parenting anxiety, and an emblem of consumerism run amok. As doctors and experts gather new research and best practices in childcare, strollers exemplify how quickly it’s all changing. Strap into episode 5 and get the latest about this new movement in industrial design. The Quartz Obsession is produced by Podcast Fast Track, with additional support from Jason Russum, Amy Perry, Liliana Zapata, Juan Palacios, and Lorena Caro. Our theme music is by Taka Yasuzawa and Alex Suguira. This episode was recorded at G/O Media headquarters in New York. There are contactless thermometers, the Nose Frieda, co-sleeping. Trends in parenting gear and childrearing practices seem to evolve at faster rates than other sectors, a speed exemplified by a single product: strollers. 

While we’ve been engineering ways to wheel children around for centuries, stroller manufacturers can’t seem to stop iterating on their models. Strollers have become a status identifier, a repository for parenting anxiety, and an emblem of consumerism run amok. As doctors and experts gather new research and best practices in childcare, strollers exemplify how quickly it’s all changing.

Strap into episode 5 and get the latest about this new movement in industrial design.


The Quartz Obsession is produced by Podcast Fast Track, with additional support from Jason Russum, Amy Perry, Liliana Zapata, Juan Palacios, and Lorena Caro. Our theme music is by Taka Yasuzawa and Alex Suguira. This episode was recorded at G/O Media headquarters in New York.

]]> 1674 Airline credit cards: the high-flying loyalty game From Dubai to Dublin to Dallas and back, air carriers are cashing in on a big business: credit cards.  In fact, analysts note that growth in the sector “significantly outpaces the overall credit card industry.” One carrier alone can profit billions from its cards in a calendar year and, in tandem, build loyalty by tying them up in frequent flier programs.  Why did airlines build out a business line through these little scraps of plastic?  What’s the history of these co-branded cards?  How did credit rewards come to make sky-high profits?  Fasten your seatbelts and put away your tray tables as the fourth episode of season 8 takes off, with a co-pilot who’s made a business of this business: The Points Guy himself. Tue, 09 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -0000 Airline credit cards: the high-flying loyalty game full 8 4 Quartz How little pieces of plastic became a sky-high profit center for carriers From Dubai to Dublin to Dallas and back, air carriers are cashing in on a big business: credit cards.  In fact, analysts note that growth in the sector “significantly outpaces the overall credit card industry.” One carrier alone can profit billions from its cards in a calendar year and, in tandem, build loyalty by tying them up in frequent flier programs.  Why did airlines build out a business line through these little scraps of plastic?  What’s the history of these co-branded cards?  How did credit rewards come to make sky-high profits?  Fasten your seatbelts and put away your tray tables as the fourth episode of season 8 takes off, with a co-pilot who’s made a business of this business: The Points Guy himself. From Dubai to Dublin to Dallas and back, air carriers are cashing in on a big business: credit cards. 


In fact, analysts note that growth in the sector “significantly outpaces the overall credit card industry.” One carrier alone can profit billions from its cards in a calendar year and, in tandem, build loyalty by tying them up in frequent flier programs. 


Why did airlines build out a business line through these little scraps of plastic? 

What’s the history of these co-branded cards? 

How did credit rewards come to make sky-high profits? 


Fasten your seatbelts and put away your tray tables as the fourth episode of season 8 takes off, with a co-pilot who’s made a business of this business: The Points Guy himself.

]]> 2144 F1: The global race to the future As the highest class of international racing for open-wheel, single-seater cars, F1 is worth more than $18B and stands to accelerate even more as a bonafide entertainment business as the Euro-born sport becomes more popular in China, the United States, and other global heavyweights. But F1 also faces its challenges, from new driving tech to adopt to new electrification pressures to confront.  In this episode our Jalopnik colleague Ryan King guest-stars to navigate a few high-speed laps around the past, present, and future of Formula One racing. The Quartz Obsession is produced by Podcast Fast Track, with additional support from Jason Russum, Amy Perry, Liliana Zapata, Juan Palacios, and Lorena Caro. Our theme music is by Taka Yasuzawa and Alex Suguira. This episode was recorded at G/O Media headquarters in New York. Tue, 02 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -0000 F1: The global race to the future full 8 3 Quartz How the pinnacle of motorsports is evolving for a new era As the highest class of international racing for open-wheel, single-seater cars, F1 is worth more than $18B and stands to accelerate even more as a bonafide entertainment business as the Euro-born sport becomes more popular in China, the United States, and other global heavyweights. But F1 also faces its challenges, from new driving tech to adopt to new electrification pressures to confront.  In this episode our Jalopnik colleague Ryan King guest-stars to navigate a few high-speed laps around the past, present, and future of Formula One racing. The Quartz Obsession is produced by Podcast Fast Track, with additional support from Jason Russum, Amy Perry, Liliana Zapata, Juan Palacios, and Lorena Caro. Our theme music is by Taka Yasuzawa and Alex Suguira. This episode was recorded at G/O Media headquarters in New York. As the highest class of international racing for open-wheel, single-seater cars, F1 is worth more than $18B and stands to accelerate even more as a bonafide entertainment business as the Euro-born sport becomes more popular in China, the United States, and other global heavyweights. But F1 also faces its challenges, from new driving tech to adopt to new electrification pressures to confront. 


In this episode our Jalopnik colleague Ryan King guest-stars to navigate a few high-speed laps around the past, present, and future of Formula One racing.


The Quartz Obsession is produced by Podcast Fast Track, with additional support from Jason Russum, Amy Perry, Liliana Zapata, Juan Palacios, and Lorena Caro. Our theme music is by Taka Yasuzawa and Alex Suguira. This episode was recorded at G/O Media headquarters in New York.

]]> 1685 EV chargers: The geographic forces driving electric vehicle adoption Powering an electric car or truck is designed for people with private garages or who live in a major city with lots of accessible charging stations. Rural and suburban apartment-dwellers can’t just run cords out their three-story windows to juice up their rides through a 140-volt outlet. That would take days.  If we want any shot at transitioning to greener vehicles, how can we turbo-charge access to EVs for everyone? Get all the answers in our second episode of season 8. The Quartz Obsession is produced by Podcast Fast Track, with additional support from Jason Russum, Amy Perry, Liliana Zapata, Juan Palacios, and Lorena Caro. Our theme music is by Taka Yasuzawa and Alex Suguira. This episode was recorded at G/O Media headquarters in New York. Tue, 25 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -0000 EV chargers: The geographic forces driving electric vehicle adoption full 8 2 Quartz Exploring the urban-rural divide in access to critical charging infrastructure Powering an electric car or truck is designed for people with private garages or who live in a major city with lots of accessible charging stations. Rural and suburban apartment-dwellers can’t just run cords out their three-story windows to juice up their rides through a 140-volt outlet. That would take days.  If we want any shot at transitioning to greener vehicles, how can we turbo-charge access to EVs for everyone? Get all the answers in our second episode of season 8. The Quartz Obsession is produced by Podcast Fast Track, with additional support from Jason Russum, Amy Perry, Liliana Zapata, Juan Palacios, and Lorena Caro. Our theme music is by Taka Yasuzawa and Alex Suguira. This episode was recorded at G/O Media headquarters in New York. Powering an electric car or truck is designed for people with private garages or who live in a major city with lots of accessible charging stations. Rural and suburban apartment-dwellers can’t just run cords out their three-story windows to juice up their rides through a 140-volt outlet. That would take days. 


If we want any shot at transitioning to greener vehicles, how can we turbo-charge access to EVs for everyone?


Get all the answers in our second episode of season 8.


The Quartz Obsession is produced by Podcast Fast Track, with additional support from Jason Russum, Amy Perry, Liliana Zapata, Juan Palacios, and Lorena Caro. Our theme music is by Taka Yasuzawa and Alex Suguira. This episode was recorded at G/O Media headquarters in New York.

]]> 977 Drug names: The machinations behind the monikers https://qz.com/series/quartz-obsession-podcast Ever heard of Viagra, Rogaine, or Ozempic?  The process for turning a chemical compound into a household name is both a science and an art. In fact, naming a prescription drug can take a manufacturer up to four years, as a set of three monikers per medicine must run the gauntlet of several regulatory agencies. It all starts with determining a drug’s chemical and generic names — both of which involve established rules. After those are settled, the rest is marketing.  So how do some drugs become memorable? What global trends dominate drug naming? And what happens when a company gets it wrong? Get all the answers in our season 8 opener. The Quartz Obsession is produced by Podcast Fast Track, with additional support from Jason Russum, Amy Perry, Liliana Zapata, Juan Palacios, and Lorena Caro. Our theme music is by Taka Yasuzawa and Alex Suguira. This episode was recorded at G/O Media headquarters in New York. Tue, 18 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -0000 Drug names: The machinations behind the monikers full 8 1 Quartz Unveiling the hidden world of pharmaceutical nomenclature with Rocio Fabbro and Bruce Gil. Ever heard of Viagra, Rogaine, or Ozempic?  The process for turning a chemical compound into a household name is both a science and an art. In fact, naming a prescription drug can take a manufacturer up to four years, as a set of three monikers per medicine must run the gauntlet of several regulatory agencies. It all starts with determining a drug’s chemical and generic names — both of which involve established rules. After those are settled, the rest is marketing.  So how do some drugs become memorable? What global trends dominate drug naming? And what happens when a company gets it wrong? Get all the answers in our season 8 opener. The Quartz Obsession is produced by Podcast Fast Track, with additional support from Jason Russum, Amy Perry, Liliana Zapata, Juan Palacios, and Lorena Caro. Our theme music is by Taka Yasuzawa and Alex Suguira. This episode was recorded at G/O Media headquarters in New York. Ever heard of Viagra, Rogaine, or Ozempic? 

The process for turning a chemical compound into a household name is both a science and an art. In fact, naming a prescription drug can take a manufacturer up to four years, as a set of three monikers per medicine must run the gauntlet of several regulatory agencies.

It all starts with determining a drug’s chemical and generic names — both of which involve established rules. After those are settled, the rest is marketing. 

So how do some drugs become memorable? What global trends dominate drug naming? And what happens when a company gets it wrong?

Get all the answers in our season 8 opener.


The Quartz Obsession is produced by Podcast Fast Track, with additional support from Jason Russum, Amy Perry, Liliana Zapata, Juan Palacios, and Lorena Caro. Our theme music is by Taka Yasuzawa and Alex Suguira. This episode was recorded at G/O Media headquarters in New York.

]]> 943 no The algorithm: Letters of recommendation Bought something you don’t need from an ad? Blame it on the algorithm. Disappointing singles on your dating app? Blame it on the algorithm. Come across a post that hits too close to home? Yep, it’s the algorithm. But what exactly is the algorithm, and when did it start shaping how we live digitally? We track the making of the algorithm — starting with ancient Babylonians and Greek mathematicians — to understand the forces filtering what we stream, shop, and see online today. Tue, 23 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0000 The algorithm: Letters of recommendation full 7 6 Quartz The making of the numbers that influence what we stream, shop, and see online today. Bought something you don’t need from an ad? Blame it on the algorithm. Disappointing singles on your dating app? Blame it on the algorithm. Come across a post that hits too close to home? Yep, it’s the algorithm. But what exactly is the algorithm, and when did it start shaping how we live digitally? We track the making of the algorithm — starting with ancient Babylonians and Greek mathematicians — to understand the forces filtering what we stream, shop, and see online today. Bought something you don’t need from an ad? Blame it on the algorithm. Disappointing singles on your dating app? Blame it on the algorithm. Come across a post that hits too close to home? Yep, it’s the algorithm. But what exactly is the algorithm, and when did it start shaping how we live digitally? We track the making of the algorithm — starting with ancient Babylonians and Greek mathematicians — to understand the forces filtering what we stream, shop, and see online today.

]]> 1455 no Video game remakes: Revival of the fittest Love a game, buy a game. Really love a game, buy a new, improved version of that game. The video game industry knows that you don’t even have to be a die hard gamer to get out your wallet for a chance to recapture the thrill of killing that zombie or discovering that master sword. Plus, there are new technologies to consider — new graphics to enjoy, new storylines to flesh out, the possibilities are endless, and the piles of gold coins keep growing. Tue, 16 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0000 Video game remakes: Revival of the fittest full 7 4 Quartz The games you loved once? Get ready to spend money on them a second time. Love a game, buy a game. Really love a game, buy a new, improved version of that game. The video game industry knows that you don’t even have to be a die hard gamer to get out your wallet for a chance to recapture the thrill of killing that zombie or discovering that master sword. Plus, there are new technologies to consider — new graphics to enjoy, new storylines to flesh out, the possibilities are endless, and the piles of gold coins keep growing. Love a game, buy a game. Really love a game, buy a new, improved version of that game. The video game industry knows that you don’t even have to be a die hard gamer to get out your wallet for a chance to recapture the thrill of killing that zombie or discovering that master sword. Plus, there are new technologies to consider — new graphics to enjoy, new storylines to flesh out, the possibilities are endless, and the piles of gold coins keep growing.

]]> 1636 no Green steel: Structural change https://qz.com/green-steel-eco-friendly-infrastructure-1851392207 Think of the world’s dirtiest industries and you’re probably thinking along the lines of oil or meat… but the buildings we live in, the bridges we drive on, the cars we drive in, those all involve something pretty nasty. Steel. Traditional steelmaking is a famously dirty process, but we’re here to tell you that there’s a greener way to make the thing that makes all the things. Tue, 09 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0000 Green steel: Structural change full 7 4 Quartz What if we changed not just the materials we used to make things, but the way we make our materials? Think of the world’s dirtiest industries and you’re probably thinking along the lines of oil or meat… but the buildings we live in, the bridges we drive on, the cars we drive in, those all involve something pretty nasty. Steel. Traditional steelmaking is a famously dirty process, but we’re here to tell you that there’s a greener way to make the thing that makes all the things. Think of the world’s dirtiest industries and you’re probably thinking along the lines of oil or meat… but the buildings we live in, the bridges we drive on, the cars we drive in, those all involve something pretty nasty. Steel. Traditional steelmaking is a famously dirty process, but we’re here to tell you that there’s a greener way to make the thing that makes all the things.

]]> 1475 no VR headsets: We're practically there https://qz.com/vr-headsets-practical-uses-history-apple-vision-pro-1851380077 We’ve long associated virtual reality with escaping to someplace more exciting, but the technology has never quite caught up with science fiction’s promise. But VR headsets’ emerging practical applications are a different kind of thrilling — training workers, helping in healthcare, making the workplace less stressful. All of these are reasons to celebrate, and show that VR headsets actually do have a place in every home and office, without being a means to escape them. Tue, 02 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0000 full 7 3 Quartz We’ve long associated virtual reality with escaping to someplace more exciting, but the technology has never quite caught up with science fiction’s promise. But VR headsets’ emerging practical applications are a different kind of thrilling — training workers, helping in healthcare, making the workplace less stressful. All of these are reasons to celebrate, and show that VR headsets actually do have a place in every home and office, without being a means to escape them. We’ve long associated virtual reality with escaping to someplace more exciting, but the technology has never quite caught up with science fiction’s promise. But VR headsets’ emerging practical applications are a different kind of thrilling — training workers, helping in healthcare, making the workplace less stressful. All of these are reasons to celebrate, and show that VR headsets actually do have a place in every home and office, without being a means to escape them.

]]> 1552 no Smart rings: Digital digits https://qz.com/smart-rings-digital-tech-wearables-data-1851364011 Smart rings have been around for years. And according to some tech experts (and a lot of consumers), they might outlast the smartwatch. These sleeker, less bulky wearables collect more accurate data, often at a lower price point. And the technology has come a long way. But do we really want or need all this information about our bodies? And does having all that information at our, well, fingertips actually help us in any practical way? Presented by Deloitte Episode art by Vicky Leta Tue, 26 Mar 2024 09:00:00 -0000 full 7 2 Quartz Smart rings have been around for years. And according to some tech experts (and a lot of consumers), they might outlast the smartwatch. These sleeker, less bulky wearables collect more accurate data, often at a lower price point. And the technology has come a long way. But do we really want or need all this information about our bodies? And does having all that information at our, well, fingertips actually help us in any practical way? Presented by Deloitte Episode art by Vicky Leta Smart rings have been around for years. And according to some tech experts (and a lot of consumers), they might outlast the smartwatch. These sleeker, less bulky wearables collect more accurate data, often at a lower price point. And the technology has come a long way. But do we really want or need all this information about our bodies? And does having all that information at our, well, fingertips actually help us in any practical way?

Presented by Deloitte

Episode art by Vicky Leta

]]> 1538 no Tail lights: Smart signals https://qz.com/tail-lights-car-design-automaking-history-technology-1851346466 You’ve seen the endless sea of red when you’re stuck in traffic. But chances are, you haven’t given the simple tail light much thought. Car designers past and present have, though — and so has Jason Torchinsky, co-founder of auto news blog The Autopian. These signals, which include the lights that indicate a car’s existence on the road, brake lights, and turn indicators, have traveled from oil lamp to bespoke brand signature over the years. All so we can show each other where we are and where we’re going. This episode is guaranteed to change how you think about any road-based journey (and it might involve a little tail light fan fiction, too). Presented by Deloitte Episode art by Vicky Leta Tue, 19 Mar 2024 09:00:00 -0000 full 7 1 Quartz You’ve seen the endless sea of red when you’re stuck in traffic. But chances are, you haven’t given the simple tail light much thought. Car designers past and present have, though — and so has Jason Torchinsky, co-founder of auto news blog The Autopian. These signals, which include the lights that indicate a car’s existence on the road, brake lights, and turn indicators, have traveled from oil lamp to bespoke brand signature over the years. All so we can show each other where we are and where we’re going. This episode is guaranteed to change how you think about any road-based journey (and it might involve a little tail light fan fiction, too). Presented by Deloitte Episode art by Vicky Leta You’ve seen the endless sea of red when you’re stuck in traffic. But chances are, you haven’t given the simple tail light much thought. Car designers past and present have, though — and so has Jason Torchinsky, co-founder of auto news blog The Autopian. These signals, which include the lights that indicate a car’s existence on the road, brake lights, and turn indicators, have traveled from oil lamp to bespoke brand signature over the years. All so we can show each other where we are and where we’re going. This episode is guaranteed to change how you think about any road-based journey (and it might involve a little tail light fan fiction, too).

Presented by Deloitte

Episode art by Vicky Leta

]]> 1612 no Trailer: Season 7 https://qz.com/series/quartz-obsession-podcast The Quartz Obsession is back for season 7, and this time, host Gabriela Riccardi will talk to guests obsessed with taillights, green steel, virtual reality headsets, and more. Join us on March 19 for a whole new set of topics you won't be able to stop thinking about. Thu, 07 Mar 2024 15:40:00 -0000 trailer 7 Quartz The Quartz Obsession is back for season 7, and this time, host Gabriela Riccardi will talk to guests obsessed with taillights, green steel, virtual reality headsets, and more. Join us on March 19 for a whole new set of topics you won't be able to stop thinking about. The Quartz Obsession is back for season 7, and this time, host Gabriela Riccardi will talk to guests obsessed with taillights, green steel, virtual reality headsets, and more. Join us on March 19 for a whole new set of topics you won't be able to stop thinking about.

]]> 110 no Synthetic Memories: Generating the past https://qz.com/synthetic-memories-ai-images-oral-history-1851164189 These days, we’ve got photographic evidence of our memories just about everywhere we turn. But what about the memories that you have no way of calling up at the touch of a button or the turn of a page? That’s the case for entire older generations, and one global research project is using artificial intelligence to create images of the memories of early-stage dementia patients. It’s a futuristic technology that recalls the past. Presented by Deloitte Episode art by Vicky Leta Tue, 16 Jan 2024 10:00:00 -0000 full 6 6 Quartz These days, we’ve got photographic evidence of our memories just about everywhere we turn. But what about the memories that you have no way of calling up at the touch of a button or the turn of a page? That’s the case for entire older generations, and one global research project is using artificial intelligence to create images of the memories of early-stage dementia patients. It’s a futuristic technology that recalls the past. Presented by Deloitte Episode art by Vicky Leta These days, we’ve got photographic evidence of our memories just about everywhere we turn. But what about the memories that you have no way of calling up at the touch of a button or the turn of a page? That’s the case for entire older generations, and one global research project is using artificial intelligence to create images of the memories of early-stage dementia patients. It’s a futuristic technology that recalls the past.

Presented by Deloitte

Episode art by Vicky Leta

]]> 1722 no Drive-thrus: Fastest food https://qz.com/drive-thrus-fast-food-tech-efficiency-1851149908 What began with a simple window has become an exercise in efficiency—and fast food chains are always looking for ways to move more people through drive-thrus more quickly. But until recently, the technology hadn’t changed all that much in the past few decades. Now, the age of artificial intelligence has ushered in new ways to shave off valuable seconds. Drive-thrus have become such cash cows that more and more fast food locations are doing away with the in-house dining experience full stop. Will the future of drive-thrus be a dystopian tech-nightmare, or a fast and easy way to get our burgers and fries? Presented by Deloitte Episode art by Vicky Leta Tue, 09 Jan 2024 10:00:00 -0000 full 6 5 Quartz What began with a simple window has become an exercise in efficiency—and fast food chains are always looking for ways to move more people through drive-thrus more quickly. But until recently, the technology hadn’t changed all that much in the past few decades. Now, the age of artificial intelligence has ushered in new ways to shave off valuable seconds. Drive-thrus have become such cash cows that more and more fast food locations are doing away with the in-house dining experience full stop. Will the future of drive-thrus be a dystopian tech-nightmare, or a fast and easy way to get our burgers and fries? Presented by Deloitte Episode art by Vicky Leta What began with a simple window has become an exercise in efficiency—and fast food chains are always looking for ways to move more people through drive-thrus more quickly. But until recently, the technology hadn’t changed all that much in the past few decades. Now, the age of artificial intelligence has ushered in new ways to shave off valuable seconds. Drive-thrus have become such cash cows that more and more fast food locations are doing away with the in-house dining experience full stop. Will the future of drive-thrus be a dystopian tech-nightmare, or a fast and easy way to get our burgers and fries?

Presented by Deloitte

Episode art by Vicky Leta

]]> 1485 no Pro Tools: Making waves https://qz.com/pro-tools-music-industry-editing-software-1851115662 Pro Tools—and other digital editing software like it—has become so entrenched in music creation that attempting to dislodge it would be akin to separating Google from the internet. But what did music-making look like when a studio relied on specialized professionals and expensive equipment? And can Pro Tools, which has now been around for decades, hold its own in a changing world? Presented by Deloitte Episode art by Vicky Leta Thu, 21 Dec 2023 10:00:00 -0000 full 6 4 Quartz Pro Tools—and other digital editing software like it—has become so entrenched in music creation that attempting to dislodge it would be akin to separating Google from the internet. But what did music-making look like when a studio relied on specialized professionals and expensive equipment? And can Pro Tools, which has now been around for decades, hold its own in a changing world? Presented by Deloitte Episode art by Vicky Leta Pro Tools—and other digital editing software like it—has become so entrenched in music creation that attempting to dislodge it would be akin to separating Google from the internet. But what did music-making look like when a studio relied on specialized professionals and expensive equipment? And can Pro Tools, which has now been around for decades, hold its own in a changing world?

Presented by Deloitte

Episode art by Vicky Leta

]]> 1847 no Streaming music: Tracking success https://qz.com/streaming-music-spotify-christmas-holiday-song-1851112596 It’s late December 2023. The presents are wrapped, the cookies have been set out, and Brenda Lee’s 65-year-old song “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” has overtaken Mariah Carey’s holiday juggernaut “All I Want for Christmas Is You” on the Billboard Hot 100. Streaming created this bizarre holiday miracle, just like streaming has changed everything about how the entire music industry defines success. Presented by Deloitte Episode art by Vicky Leta Wed, 20 Dec 2023 10:00:00 -0000 full 6 3 Quartz It’s late December 2023. The presents are wrapped, the cookies have been set out, and Brenda Lee’s 65-year-old song “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” has overtaken Mariah Carey’s holiday juggernaut “All I Want for Christmas Is You” on the Billboard Hot 100. Streaming created this bizarre holiday miracle, just like streaming has changed everything about how the entire music industry defines success. Presented by Deloitte Episode art by Vicky Leta It’s late December 2023. The presents are wrapped, the cookies have been set out, and Brenda Lee’s 65-year-old song “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” has overtaken Mariah Carey’s holiday juggernaut “All I Want for Christmas Is You” on the Billboard Hot 100. Streaming created this bizarre holiday miracle, just like streaming has changed everything about how the entire music industry defines success.

Presented by Deloitte

Episode art by Vicky Leta

]]> 1468 no Seaweed: It’s always greener https://qz.com/seaweed-climate-change-carbon-sink-sustainable-1851107936 There’s no single solution for fixing climate change, but one resource—one slimy, beautiful, underwater resource—has the potential to lend a big leafy hand. When properly put to use, seaweed can be a major carbon sink, a sustainable source for textiles and dyes for the fashion industry, and even a building material. And industry players are starting to dive deep in search of the green gold. Presented by Deloitte Episode art by Vicky Leta Tue, 19 Dec 2023 10:00:00 -0000 full 6 2 Quartz There’s no single solution for fixing climate change, but one resource—one slimy, beautiful, underwater resource—has the potential to lend a big leafy hand. When properly put to use, seaweed can be a major carbon sink, a sustainable source for textiles and dyes for the fashion industry, and even a building material. And industry players are starting to dive deep in search of the green gold. Presented by Deloitte Episode art by Vicky Leta There’s no single solution for fixing climate change, but one resource—one slimy, beautiful, underwater resource—has the potential to lend a big leafy hand. When properly put to use, seaweed can be a major carbon sink, a sustainable source for textiles and dyes for the fashion industry, and even a building material. And industry players are starting to dive deep in search of the green gold.

Presented by Deloitte

Episode art by Vicky Leta

]]> 1673 no GPTs: AI for you and me https://qz.com/gpts-generative-ai-digital-brains-tech-1851103960 In November 2023, OpenAI announced that soon, everyone will have the ability to make their own GPTs—generative pre-trained transformers, little digital brains that can be customized to do any number of complex tasks in mere seconds. If sci-fi novels are to be believed, our lives will change once this kind of technology is at our fingertips, but we’ve been made this kind of promise before. Will humans really have their worlds rocked by GPTs? Presented by Deloitte Episode art by Vicky Leta Mon, 18 Dec 2023 10:00:00 -0000 full 6 1 Quartz In November 2023, OpenAI announced that soon, everyone will have the ability to make their own GPTs—generative pre-trained transformers, little digital brains that can be customized to do any number of complex tasks in mere seconds. If sci-fi novels are to be believed, our lives will change once this kind of technology is at our fingertips, but we’ve been made this kind of promise before. Will humans really have their worlds rocked by GPTs? Presented by Deloitte Episode art by Vicky Leta In November 2023, OpenAI announced that soon, everyone will have the ability to make their own GPTs—generative pre-trained transformers, little digital brains that can be customized to do any number of complex tasks in mere seconds. If sci-fi novels are to be believed, our lives will change once this kind of technology is at our fingertips, but we’ve been made this kind of promise before. Will humans really have their worlds rocked by GPTs?

Presented by Deloitte

Episode art by Vicky Leta

]]> 1545 no Algorithmic hiring: We’re only human https://qz.com/algorithmic-hiring-companies-job-application-process-1850477046 Hiring is becoming less human. Companies large and small are turning to a suite of automated tools to help them find, recruit, interview, and select the right candidates for open positions. So, the next time you apply for a job, it’s possible that you’ll go through many different phases of the hiring process without ever talking to a real person. What could go wrong? Presented by Deloitte Episode art by Vicky Leta Fri, 26 May 2023 09:00:00 -0000 full 5 8 Quartz Hiring is becoming less human. Companies large and small are turning to a suite of automated tools to help them find, recruit, interview, and select the right candidates for open positions. So, the next time you apply for a job, it’s possible that you’ll go through many different phases of the hiring process without ever talking to a real person. What could go wrong? Presented by Deloitte Episode art by Vicky Leta Hiring is becoming less human. Companies large and small are turning to a suite of automated tools to help them find, recruit, interview, and select the right candidates for open positions. So, the next time you apply for a job, it’s possible that you’ll go through many different phases of the hiring process without ever talking to a real person. What could go wrong?

Presented by Deloitte

Episode art by Vicky Leta

]]> 1819 no Public tech bank: A newer deal https://qz.com/public-tech-bank-svb-us-government-1850462385 The failure of Silicon Valley Bank sent shockwaves throughout the tech and banking sector. The bank had played a pivotal role with venture capitalists, tech companies, and—in a lofty sense—America’s new ideas. The ripple effects were so enormous, the US government had to bail out depositors while allowing the bank itself to collapse. But what if the government was involved from the get-go? What if there was another option to financing America’s latest and greatest innovations? Episode art by Vicky Leta Tue, 23 May 2023 09:00:00 -0000 full 5 7 Quartz The failure of Silicon Valley Bank sent shockwaves throughout the tech and banking sector. The bank had played a pivotal role with venture capitalists, tech companies, and—in a lofty sense—America’s new ideas. The ripple effects were so enormous, the US government had to bail out depositors while allowing the bank itself to collapse. But what if the government was involved from the get-go? What if there was another option to financing America’s latest and greatest innovations? Episode art by Vicky Leta The failure of Silicon Valley Bank sent shockwaves throughout the tech and banking sector. The bank had played a pivotal role with venture capitalists, tech companies, and—in a lofty sense—America’s new ideas. The ripple effects were so enormous, the US government had to bail out depositors while allowing the bank itself to collapse. But what if the government was involved from the get-go? What if there was another option to financing America’s latest and greatest innovations?

Episode art by Vicky Leta

]]> 2472 no Online voting: Yes or no https://qz.com/online-voting-elections-cybersecurity-democracy-estonia-1850451708 In the US, voting is seen as a civic duty. It’s voluntary, but it’s an act of patriotism and a democratic responsibility. But there are many barriers to voting—one might have to take off from work, find childcare, or travel long distances to cast a ballot. Wouldn’t voting online instantly expand access to millions of people? Perhaps, but only if we can build a system that’s secure enough to handle it. Presented by Deloitte Episode art by Vicky Leta Fri, 19 May 2023 09:00:00 -0000 full 5 6 Quartz In the US, voting is seen as a civic duty. It’s voluntary, but it’s an act of patriotism and a democratic responsibility. But there are many barriers to voting—one might have to take off from work, find childcare, or travel long distances to cast a ballot. Wouldn’t voting online instantly expand access to millions of people? Perhaps, but only if we can build a system that’s secure enough to handle it. Presented by Deloitte Episode art by Vicky Leta In the US, voting is seen as a civic duty. It’s voluntary, but it’s an act of patriotism and a democratic responsibility. But there are many barriers to voting—one might have to take off from work, find childcare, or travel long distances to cast a ballot. Wouldn’t voting online instantly expand access to millions of people? Perhaps, but only if we can build a system that’s secure enough to handle it.

Presented by Deloitte

Episode art by Vicky Leta

]]> 1432 no Single-use plastics: The message in a bottle https://qz.com/single-use-plastics-recycling-environment-consumers-1850438689 Everywhere you go, there’s plastic: plastic water bottles, plastic coffee cups, plastic grocery bags... And recycling plastic is notoriously tricky—what do any of those little numbers even mean on the bottom of a container? We’ve long known that single-use plastics are a problem, but why is it so often the duty of consumers to do something about it? And if producers ultimately do start to take real action, how can they make a dent in this pressing environmental problem? Presented by Deloitte Episode art by Vicky Leta Tue, 16 May 2023 09:00:00 -0000 full 5 5 Quartz Everywhere you go, there’s plastic: plastic water bottles, plastic coffee cups, plastic grocery bags... And recycling plastic is notoriously tricky—what do any of those little numbers even mean on the bottom of a container? We’ve long known that single-use plastics are a problem, but why is it so often the duty of consumers to do something about it? And if producers ultimately do start to take real action, how can they make a dent in this pressing environmental problem? Presented by Deloitte Episode art by Vicky Leta Everywhere you go, there’s plastic: plastic water bottles, plastic coffee cups, plastic grocery bags... And recycling plastic is notoriously tricky—what do any of those little numbers even mean on the bottom of a container? We’ve long known that single-use plastics are a problem, but why is it so often the duty of consumers to do something about it? And if producers ultimately do start to take real action, how can they make a dent in this pressing environmental problem?

Presented by Deloitte

Episode art by Vicky Leta

]]> 2834 no AI hallucinations: Turn on, tune in, beep boop https://qz.com/ai-hallucinations-chatgpt-chatbots-training-data-1850425577 ChatGPT isn’t always right. In fact, it’s often very wrong, giving faulty biographical information about a person or whiffing on the answers to simple questions. But instead of saying it doesn’t know, ChatGPT often makes stuff up. Chatbots can’t actually lie, but researchers sometimes call these untruthful performances “hallucinations”—not quite a lie, but a vision of something that isn’t there. So, what’s really happening here and what does it tell us about the way that AI systems err? Presented by Deloitte Episode art by Vicky Leta Fri, 12 May 2023 09:00:00 -0000 full 5 4 Quartz ChatGPT isn’t always right. In fact, it’s often very wrong, giving faulty biographical information about a person or whiffing on the answers to simple questions. But instead of saying it doesn’t know, ChatGPT often makes stuff up. Chatbots can’t actually lie, but researchers sometimes call these untruthful performances “hallucinations”—not quite a lie, but a vision of something that isn’t there. So, what’s really happening here and what does it tell us about the way that AI systems err? Presented by Deloitte Episode art by Vicky Leta ChatGPT isn’t always right. In fact, it’s often very wrong, giving faulty biographical information about a person or whiffing on the answers to simple questions. But instead of saying it doesn’t know, ChatGPT often makes stuff up. Chatbots can’t actually lie, but researchers sometimes call these untruthful performances “hallucinations”—not quite a lie, but a vision of something that isn’t there. So, what’s really happening here and what does it tell us about the way that AI systems err?

Presented by Deloitte

Episode art by Vicky Leta

]]> 1633 no Superapps: There can be only one https://qz.com/superapps-chinese-tech-ecosystem-tiktok-wechat-1850417331 Apple’s early App Store ads famously proclaimed, “There’s an app for that”—anything you wanted to do on your phone, the company insisted, you could do through an app. That marketplace ethos still holds today. But when smartphones came to China, there was just one app that really mattered—WeChat, the self-styled “superapp.” In China, people use WeChat for just about everything, so why did the US and Chinese embrace such different mobile ecosystems? And why is the dream of building a superapp in the West so persistent? Presented by Deloitte Episode art by Vicky Leta Tue, 09 May 2023 09:00:00 -0000 full 5 3 Quartz Apple’s early App Store ads famously proclaimed, “There’s an app for that”—anything you wanted to do on your phone, the company insisted, you could do through an app. That marketplace ethos still holds today. But when smartphones came to China, there was just one app that really mattered—WeChat, the self-styled “superapp.” In China, people use WeChat for just about everything, so why did the US and Chinese embrace such different mobile ecosystems? And why is the dream of building a superapp in the West so persistent? Presented by Deloitte Episode art by Vicky Leta Apple’s early App Store ads famously proclaimed, “There’s an app for that”—anything you wanted to do on your phone, the company insisted, you could do through an app. That marketplace ethos still holds today. But when smartphones came to China, there was just one app that really mattered—WeChat, the self-styled “superapp.” In China, people use WeChat for just about everything, so why did the US and Chinese embrace such different mobile ecosystems? And why is the dream of building a superapp in the West so persistent?

Presented by Deloitte

Episode art by Vicky Leta

]]> 2316 no Smart homes: Built to crash https://qz.com/smart-homes-modern-virtual-assistants-tech-1850401779 Making one’s home “smart” may appear to be a logical step for modern dwellings, but with virtual assistants triggered by voice prompts, refrigerators that sense when your food is running low, and vacuum cleaners that zip around your home crashing into walls, we have substituted the home of the past for something altogether different. But is the smart home actually smart? And, if it’s not there yet, what could do the trick? Presented by Deloitte Episode art by Vicky Leta Fri, 05 May 2023 09:00:00 -0000 full 5 2 Quartz Making one’s home “smart” may appear to be a logical step for modern dwellings, but with virtual assistants triggered by voice prompts, refrigerators that sense when your food is running low, and vacuum cleaners that zip around your home crashing into walls, we have substituted the home of the past for something altogether different. But is the smart home actually smart? And, if it’s not there yet, what could do the trick? Presented by Deloitte Episode art by Vicky Leta Making one’s home “smart” may appear to be a logical step for modern dwellings, but with virtual assistants triggered by voice prompts, refrigerators that sense when your food is running low, and vacuum cleaners that zip around your home crashing into walls, we have substituted the home of the past for something altogether different. But is the smart home actually smart? And, if it’s not there yet, what could do the trick?

Presented by Deloitte

Episode art by Vicky Leta

]]> 2152 no The World’s Fair: Tech’s bygone showcase https://qz.com/worlds-fair-exhibition-technology-inventions-showcase-1850392046 Once the globe’s largest festival, World’s Fairs provided a glimpse into inventors’ newest creations, technologies, and human-contrived feats. The 1893 Chicago World’s Fair alone debuted electric irons, sewing machines, and laundry machines, along with the Ferris Wheel and Thomas Edison’s Kinetoscope, an early device for displaying motion pictures. So why do we no longer gather at massive exhibitions to show off our latest and greatest inventions? And what does the rise and fall of the World’s Fair tell us about the way technology and society are changing? Presented by Deloitte Episode art by Vicky Leta Tue, 02 May 2023 09:00:00 -0000 full 5 1 Quartz Once the globe’s largest festival, World’s Fairs provided a glimpse into inventors’ newest creations, technologies, and human-contrived feats. The 1893 Chicago World’s Fair alone debuted electric irons, sewing machines, and laundry machines, along with the Ferris Wheel and Thomas Edison’s Kinetoscope, an early device for displaying motion pictures. So why do we no longer gather at massive exhibitions to show off our latest and greatest inventions? And what does the rise and fall of the World’s Fair tell us about the way technology and society are changing? Presented by Deloitte Episode art by Vicky Leta Once the globe’s largest festival, World’s Fairs provided a glimpse into inventors’ newest creations, technologies, and human-contrived feats. The 1893 Chicago World’s Fair alone debuted electric irons, sewing machines, and laundry machines, along with the Ferris Wheel and Thomas Edison’s Kinetoscope, an early device for displaying motion pictures. So why do we no longer gather at massive exhibitions to show off our latest and greatest inventions? And what does the rise and fall of the World’s Fair tell us about the way technology and society are changing?

Presented by Deloitte

Episode art by Vicky Leta

]]> 2445 no Trailer: Season 5 https://qz.com/series/quartz-obsession-podcast This season, host Scott Nover and Quartz journalists around the world are checking in on how technology will, won’t, or simply shouldn’t change our lives in the next decade. Fri, 28 Apr 2023 17:42:47 -0000 trailer 5 Quartz This season, host Scott Nover and Quartz journalists around the world are checking in on how technology will, won’t, or simply shouldn’t change our lives in the next decade. This season, host Scott Nover and Quartz journalists around the world are checking in on how technology will, won’t, or simply shouldn’t change our lives in the next decade.

]]> 81 no Credit score: Numbers might lie https://qz.com/credit-score-system-global-economy-number-1850270218 In many parts of the world, you’ve got a number attached to your name, and the value of that number acts as a gatekeeper between you and the things you want and need. Credit scores are determined by complicated math done by private companies so that other private companies can decide if they’ll lend to you, and if so how much, and at what rate. With a long history of bias and intractability, and in a global economy that runs on debt, the credit score system works…until it doesn’t. Episode art by Vicky Leta Tue, 28 Mar 2023 11:00:00 -0000 full 4 9 Quartz In many parts of the world, you’ve got a number attached to your name, and the value of that number acts as a gatekeeper between you and the things you want and need. Credit scores are determined by complicated math done by private companies so that other private companies can decide if they’ll lend to you, and if so how much, and at what rate. With a long history of bias and intractability, and in a global economy that runs on debt, the credit score system works…until it doesn’t. Episode art by Vicky Leta In many parts of the world, you’ve got a number attached to your name, and the value of that number acts as a gatekeeper between you and the things you want and need. Credit scores are determined by complicated math done by private companies so that other private companies can decide if they’ll lend to you, and if so how much, and at what rate. With a long history of bias and intractability, and in a global economy that runs on debt, the credit score system works…until it doesn’t.

Episode art by Vicky Leta

]]> 1462 no Mushroom leather: Fungi saves fashion https://qz.com/mycelium-leather-mushroom-sustainable-vegan-fashion-1850258711 Leather is tough to greenify—vegan leather saves animals, but is largely made of petroleum-based plastic that doesn’t biodegrade. Plus, it doesn’t hold a candle to the look, feel, and smell of the real thing. But one day soon, you could be sporting shoes made of fungi, and you may even prefer it to the animal skin variety. The fashion industry just needs to decide it’s time to invest in mycelium. Presented by EY Episode art by Vicky Leta Fri, 24 Mar 2023 11:00:00 -0000 full 4 8 Quartz Leather is tough to greenify—vegan leather saves animals, but is largely made of petroleum-based plastic that doesn’t biodegrade. Plus, it doesn’t hold a candle to the look, feel, and smell of the real thing. But one day soon, you could be sporting shoes made of fungi, and you may even prefer it to the animal skin variety. The fashion industry just needs to decide it’s time to invest in mycelium. Presented by EY Episode art by Vicky Leta Leather is tough to greenify—vegan leather saves animals, but is largely made of petroleum-based plastic that doesn’t biodegrade. Plus, it doesn’t hold a candle to the look, feel, and smell of the real thing. But one day soon, you could be sporting shoes made of fungi, and you may even prefer it to the animal skin variety. The fashion industry just needs to decide it’s time to invest in mycelium.

Presented by EY

Episode art by Vicky Leta

]]> 1401 no The invisible hand: Capitalism's misunderstood metaphor https://qz.com/invisible-hand-economics-metaphor-adam-smith-1850245055 What drives the global economy? Any student of economics is likely to mention the “invisible hand”—the collective self-interest that acts as the market’s guiding force in a more powerful and beneficial way than government intervention can. Legendary 18th century Scottish philosopher Adam Smith coined the usage of this term, and one major economics textbook popularized it. But a closer look at context suggests Smith was saying something else entirely. Presented by EY Episode art by Vicky Leta Tue, 21 Mar 2023 11:00:00 -0000 full 4 7 Quartz What drives the global economy? Any student of economics is likely to mention the “invisible hand”—the collective self-interest that acts as the market’s guiding force in a more powerful and beneficial way than government intervention can. Legendary 18th century Scottish philosopher Adam Smith coined the usage of this term, and one major economics textbook popularized it. But a closer look at context suggests Smith was saying something else entirely. Presented by EY Episode art by Vicky Leta What drives the global economy? Any student of economics is likely to mention the “invisible hand”—the collective self-interest that acts as the market’s guiding force in a more powerful and beneficial way than government intervention can. Legendary 18th century Scottish philosopher Adam Smith coined the usage of this term, and one major economics textbook popularized it. But a closer look at context suggests Smith was saying something else entirely.

Presented by EY

Episode art by Vicky Leta

]]> 1210 no Your chart: A body of information https://qz.com/mychart-electronic-medical-records-health-1850234813 In the past few years in the US, the transition to digital medical data records has made access to one’s own medical history both easier and, somehow, harder. Your test results are a couple of clicks away—if you remember on what site or app they are, and how to get on it. And the system is so complicated and regulated that in some cases, health providers are still using the humble fax machine to send records back and forth. This is the story of how far the US got with digital medical record keeping in a relatively short time—and how far it still has to go. Presented by EY Episode art by Vicky Leta Fri, 17 Mar 2023 11:00:00 -0000 full 4 6 Quartz In the past few years in the US, the transition to digital medical data records has made access to one’s own medical history both easier and, somehow, harder. Your test results are a couple of clicks away—if you remember on what site or app they are, and how to get on it. And the system is so complicated and regulated that in some cases, health providers are still using the humble fax machine to send records back and forth. This is the story of how far the US got with digital medical record keeping in a relatively short time—and how far it still has to go. Presented by EY Episode art by Vicky Leta In the past few years in the US, the transition to digital medical data records has made access to one’s own medical history both easier and, somehow, harder. Your test results are a couple of clicks away—if you remember on what site or app they are, and how to get on it. And the system is so complicated and regulated that in some cases, health providers are still using the humble fax machine to send records back and forth. This is the story of how far the US got with digital medical record keeping in a relatively short time—and how far it still has to go.

Presented by EY

Episode art by Vicky Leta

]]> 1834 no Earth observation: Taking the long view https://qz.com/earth-observation-satellite-space-business-1850221565 Space business is often associated with rockets, space tourism, and attention-seeking billionaires. But the most impactful industry to launch into space in the past decade doesn’t have much to do with any of the above. Their focus is observing Earth, via the many satellites that we use to monitor what is happening on our planet. From weather patterns to human rights violations to chlorophyll production, there is a lot about the world we can learn by looking in from the outside. Presented by EY Episode art by Vicky Leta Tue, 14 Mar 2023 11:00:00 -0000 full 4 5 Quartz Space business is often associated with rockets, space tourism, and attention-seeking billionaires. But the most impactful industry to launch into space in the past decade doesn’t have much to do with any of the above. Their focus is observing Earth, via the many satellites that we use to monitor what is happening on our planet. From weather patterns to human rights violations to chlorophyll production, there is a lot about the world we can learn by looking in from the outside. Presented by EY Episode art by Vicky Leta Space business is often associated with rockets, space tourism, and attention-seeking billionaires. But the most impactful industry to launch into space in the past decade doesn’t have much to do with any of the above. Their focus is observing Earth, via the many satellites that we use to monitor what is happening on our planet. From weather patterns to human rights violations to chlorophyll production, there is a lot about the world we can learn by looking in from the outside.

Presented by EY

Episode art by Vicky Leta

]]> 2242 Firetech: A match for Silicon Valley https://qz.com/firetech-silicon-valley-wildfires-1850204437 Wildfires are getting larger, closer to human settlements, and more frequent. America’s west coast is especially vulnerable, which has Silicon Valley paying close attention. Its answer? Firetech, a whole new startup industry focused on developing technology to control and prevent fires. Presented by EY Episode art by Vicky Leta Fri, 10 Mar 2023 12:00:00 -0000 full 4 4 Quartz Wildfires are getting larger, closer to human settlements, and more frequent. America’s west coast is especially vulnerable, which has Silicon Valley paying close attention. Its answer? Firetech, a whole new startup industry focused on developing technology to control and prevent fires. Presented by EY Episode art by Vicky Leta Wildfires are getting larger, closer to human settlements, and more frequent. America’s west coast is especially vulnerable, which has Silicon Valley paying close attention. Its answer? Firetech, a whole new startup industry focused on developing technology to control and prevent fires.

Presented by EY

Episode art by Vicky Leta

]]> 1690 no Green burials: Leave no trace https://qz.com/green-burial-funeral-environment-sustainability-1850186079 Humans have been burying their dead for at least 40,000 years. But in the last couple of centuries, especially in Western countries, the practice has become toxic: From embalming fluids to casket materials, burials can contaminate soil and groundwater, and endanger the health of funeral workers. Enter green burials, an industry devoted to handling death in an ecologically sustainable way. Presented by EY Episode art by Vicky Leta Tue, 07 Mar 2023 12:00:00 -0000 full 4 3 Quartz Humans have been burying their dead for at least 40,000 years. But in the last couple of centuries, especially in Western countries, the practice has become toxic: From embalming fluids to casket materials, burials can contaminate soil and groundwater, and endanger the health of funeral workers. Enter green burials, an industry devoted to handling death in an ecologically sustainable way. Presented by EY Episode art by Vicky Leta Humans have been burying their dead for at least 40,000 years. But in the last couple of centuries, especially in Western countries, the practice has become toxic: From embalming fluids to casket materials, burials can contaminate soil and groundwater, and endanger the health of funeral workers. Enter green burials, an industry devoted to handling death in an ecologically sustainable way.

Presented by EY

Episode art by Vicky Leta

]]> 1384 no Fusion power: Don't overreact https://qz.com/nuclear-fusion-power-breakthrough-climate-change-1850175543 Nuclear fusion has long been a futuristic power source of sci-fi: clean, non-radioactive, bountiful energy capable of exceeding all of humanity's needs. And a recent breakthrough has shown it's surprisingly within reach. This promising new source of energy could power desalination and better carbon capture, and revolutionize our approach to consumption and climate change. Presented by EY Episode art by Vicky Leta Fri, 03 Mar 2023 12:00:00 -0000 full 4 2 Quartz Nuclear fusion has long been a futuristic power source of sci-fi: clean, non-radioactive, bountiful energy capable of exceeding all of humanity's needs. And a recent breakthrough has shown it's surprisingly within reach. This promising new source of energy could power desalination and better carbon capture, and revolutionize our approach to consumption and climate change. Presented by EY Episode art by Vicky Leta Nuclear fusion has long been a futuristic power source of sci-fi: clean, non-radioactive, bountiful energy capable of exceeding all of humanity's needs. And a recent breakthrough has shown it's surprisingly within reach. This promising new source of energy could power desalination and better carbon capture, and revolutionize our approach to consumption and climate change.

Presented by EY

Episode art by Vicky Leta

]]> 1505 no Tree planting: Sowing complacency https://qz.com/tree-planting-program-carbon-offsets-1850150737 Tree planting certainly seems like a wholesome, tidy way to make up for carbon emission. Take a flight? Plant a tree. Emissions: gone. But reforestation has gone from a radical political movement to a convenient corporate gimmick to encourage conscience-free consumption in the age of climate change. But not only is tree planting not that helpful in offsetting carbon emissions—it might even be counterproductive. Sponsored by EY Episode art by Vicky Leta Tue, 28 Feb 2023 12:10:00 -0000 full 4 1 Quartz Tree planting certainly seems like a wholesome, tidy way to make up for carbon emission. Take a flight? Plant a tree. Emissions: gone. But reforestation has gone from a radical political movement to a convenient corporate gimmick to encourage conscience-free consumption in the age of climate change. But not only is tree planting not that helpful in offsetting carbon emissions—it might even be counterproductive. Sponsored by EY Episode art by Vicky Leta Tree planting certainly seems like a wholesome, tidy way to make up for carbon emission. Take a flight? Plant a tree. Emissions: gone. But reforestation has gone from a radical political movement to a convenient corporate gimmick to encourage conscience-free consumption in the age of climate change. But not only is tree planting not that helpful in offsetting carbon emissions—it might even be counterproductive.

Sponsored by EY

Episode art by Vicky Leta

]]> 1558 no Work Reconsidered: Ambition https://qz.com/work/1849391714 Episode Five of our sister podcast: Work Reconsidered from Quartz. We all want to achieve great things. But in the wake of the pandemic, some of us have stopped to reconsider: What's the cost of all this collective desperation to succeed? From treating burnout to resisting oppressive systems, how can we get the things we want in life without sacrificing too much time, energy, and psychological well-being? Logo by Jo Minor Thu, 03 Nov 2022 04:01:00 -0000 Ambition full 3 15 Quartz Can giving up be good for you? Episode Five of our sister podcast: Work Reconsidered from Quartz. We all want to achieve great things. But in the wake of the pandemic, some of us have stopped to reconsider: What's the cost of all this collective desperation to succeed? From treating burnout to resisting oppressive systems, how can we get the things we want in life without sacrificing too much time, energy, and psychological well-being? Logo by Jo Minor Episode Five of our sister podcast: Work Reconsidered from Quartz. We all want to achieve great things. But in the wake of the pandemic, some of us have stopped to reconsider: What's the cost of all this collective desperation to succeed? From treating burnout to resisting oppressive systems, how can we get the things we want in life without sacrificing too much time, energy, and psychological well-being?


Logo by Jo Minor

]]> 1700 no Work Reconsidered: The four day week https://qz.com/series/work-reconsidered-podcast Episode Four of our sister podcast: Work Reconsidered from Quartz. A growing number of companies and countries are experimenting with reducing the number of working days per week from five to four. For many organizations and their employees, there can be clear benefits. But reducing the work week doesn’t affect everyone equally, and that means not everyone wins. Logo by Jo Minor Thu, 27 Oct 2022 04:01:00 -0000 The four day week full 3 14 Quartz When is less truly more? Episode Four of our sister podcast: Work Reconsidered from Quartz. A growing number of companies and countries are experimenting with reducing the number of working days per week from five to four. For many organizations and their employees, there can be clear benefits. But reducing the work week doesn’t affect everyone equally, and that means not everyone wins. Logo by Jo Minor Episode Four of our sister podcast: Work Reconsidered from Quartz. A growing number of companies and countries are experimenting with reducing the number of working days per week from five to four. For many organizations and their employees, there can be clear benefits. But reducing the work week doesn’t affect everyone equally, and that means not everyone wins.


Logo by Jo Minor

]]> 1570 no Work Reconsidered: Pay transparency https://qz.com/series/work-reconsidered-podcast Episode Three of our sister podcast: Work Reconsidered from Quartz. How would you feel if anyone who wanted could look up your salary on a public website? That's the case for the employees of some companies we spoke to for this episode on pay transparency. Making salaries totally transparent is one potential way to erase the persistent unfairness around pay gaps, like those around gender and race; Some countries are legislating, attempting to make it impossible to pay people unfairly. But can knowing too much about our colleagues' pay actually be damaging to our ultimate happiness? Logo by Jo Minor Tue, 18 Oct 2022 04:01:00 -0000 Pay transparency full 3 13 Quartz A double-edged sword Episode Three of our sister podcast: Work Reconsidered from Quartz. How would you feel if anyone who wanted could look up your salary on a public website? That's the case for the employees of some companies we spoke to for this episode on pay transparency. Making salaries totally transparent is one potential way to erase the persistent unfairness around pay gaps, like those around gender and race; Some countries are legislating, attempting to make it impossible to pay people unfairly. But can knowing too much about our colleagues' pay actually be damaging to our ultimate happiness? Logo by Jo Minor Episode Three of our sister podcast: Work Reconsidered from Quartz. How would you feel if anyone who wanted could look up your salary on a public website? That's the case for the employees of some companies we spoke to for this episode on pay transparency. Making salaries totally transparent is one potential way to erase the persistent unfairness around pay gaps, like those around gender and race; Some countries are legislating, attempting to make it impossible to pay people unfairly. But can knowing too much about our colleagues' pay actually be damaging to our ultimate happiness?


Logo by Jo Minor

]]> 1569 no Work Reconsidered: Feedback https://qz.com/series/work-reconsidered-podcast Episode Two of our sister podcast: Work Reconsidered from Quartz. Giving good, useful feedback is deceptively difficult. Managers aren’t trained to give it, and performance reviews are woefully inadequate, which often leaves employees stuck with feedback that is biased, incomplete, or even threatening. From embracing radical transparency to training managers in the metaverse, here’s how some companies are rethinking feedback by keeping in mind why employees need it in the first place. Logo by Jo Minor Wed, 12 Oct 2022 15:30:00 -0000 Feedback full 3 12 Quartz Talk it out Episode Two of our sister podcast: Work Reconsidered from Quartz. Giving good, useful feedback is deceptively difficult. Managers aren’t trained to give it, and performance reviews are woefully inadequate, which often leaves employees stuck with feedback that is biased, incomplete, or even threatening. From embracing radical transparency to training managers in the metaverse, here’s how some companies are rethinking feedback by keeping in mind why employees need it in the first place. Logo by Jo Minor Episode Two of our sister podcast: Work Reconsidered from Quartz. Giving good, useful feedback is deceptively difficult. Managers aren’t trained to give it, and performance reviews are woefully inadequate, which often leaves employees stuck with feedback that is biased, incomplete, or even threatening. From embracing radical transparency to training managers in the metaverse, here’s how some companies are rethinking feedback by keeping in mind why employees need it in the first place.


Logo by Jo Minor

]]> 1579 no Work Reconsidered: Office Design https://qz.com/work/1849385727 Episode One of our sister podcast, Work Reconsidered from Quartz: After sitting empty for two years, offices are finally getting foot traffic again, which means they’re getting renovations to match. As architects redesign the office for the ways we now use them—for both in-person and hybrid meetings—they’re tossing out the old templates and finally being given room and resources to explore the fundamental question: What makes for a happy and productive work environment? Episode art by Jo Minor Transcript Thu, 06 Oct 2022 04:01:00 -0000 Work Reconsidered full 3 11 Quartz Working towards joy Episode One of our sister podcast, Work Reconsidered from Quartz: After sitting empty for two years, offices are finally getting foot traffic again, which means they’re getting renovations to match. As architects redesign the office for the ways we now use them—for both in-person and hybrid meetings—they’re tossing out the old templates and finally being given room and resources to explore the fundamental question: What makes for a happy and productive work environment? Episode art by Jo Minor Transcript Episode One of our sister podcast, Work Reconsidered from Quartz: After sitting empty for two years, offices are finally getting foot traffic again, which means they’re getting renovations to match. As architects redesign the office for the ways we now use them—for both in-person and hybrid meetings—they’re tossing out the old templates and finally being given room and resources to explore the fundamental question: What makes for a happy and productive work environment?


Episode art by Jo Minor


Transcript

]]> 1632 no Trailer: Work Reconsidered https://qz.com/work/1849385672 TRAILER for our sister podcast, Work Reconsidered from Quartz: We’re in the middle of a work revolution. The pandemic upended our work lives overnight, but we’re still seeing the true impact of that shift. Work reconsidered is Quartz’s newest podcast all about what’s changing about work from the people who are seeing it first hand. Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode. Logo by Jo Minor Wed, 21 Sep 2022 04:01:00 -0000 Trailer trailer 3 10 Quartz Work Reconsidered TRAILER for our sister podcast, Work Reconsidered from Quartz: We’re in the middle of a work revolution. The pandemic upended our work lives overnight, but we’re still seeing the true impact of that shift. Work reconsidered is Quartz’s newest podcast all about what’s changing about work from the people who are seeing it first hand. Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode. Logo by Jo Minor TRAILER for our sister podcast, Work Reconsidered from Quartz: We’re in the middle of a work revolution. The pandemic upended our work lives overnight, but we’re still seeing the true impact of that shift. Work reconsidered is Quartz’s newest podcast all about what’s changing about work from the people who are seeing it first hand. Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode.

Logo by Jo Minor

]]> 64 no BONUS Best of Obsession https://harkaudio.com/obsession We’ve partnered with Hark Audio, a podcast curation app, to share some of our all-time favorite Obsession show moments. Stay tuned to hear the fascinating stories behind the things we use, eat, and wear everyday—from Google Docs to pasta and perfume to fish sticks. And if you listen on Hark, you can jump from each moment into a full episode. Try it at harkaudio.com/obsession Tue, 28 Jun 2022 04:01:00 -0000 bonus 3 9 Quartz We’ve partnered with Hark Audio, a podcast curation app, to share some of our all-time favorite Obsession show moments. Stay tuned to hear the fascinating stories behind the things we use, eat, and wear everyday—from Google Docs to pasta and perfume to fish sticks. And if you listen on Hark, you can jump from each moment into a full episode. Try it at harkaudio.com/obsession We’ve partnered with Hark Audio, a podcast curation app, to share some of our all-time favorite Obsession show moments. Stay tuned to hear the fascinating stories behind the things we use, eat, and wear everyday—from Google Docs to pasta and perfume to fish sticks. And if you listen on Hark, you can jump from each moment into a full episode.

Try it at harkaudio.com/obsession

]]> 1607 no Podcasts: Let's get meta https://qz.com/2159020/from-serial-to-spotify-how-the-podcast-industry-has-evolved/ Asynchronous, on-demand talk radio was a bold proposition back in 2004, when podcasts first started making waves. Less than 20 years later, podcasting is a big business. But monetization has its downsides: What began as a freewheeling, do-it-yourself space is evolving into a data-obsessed sector dominated by tech giants. Sponsored by EY. Is your technology moving fast enough to realize your ambitions? Learn more in the latest EY Tech Horizon Survey: ey.com/techhorizon Episode art by Eric Helgas, styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi Transcript: https://qz.com/2172700 Tue, 07 Jun 2022 04:01:00 -0000 full 3 8 Quartz Asynchronous, on-demand talk radio was a bold proposition back in 2004, when podcasts first started making waves. Less than 20 years later, podcasting is a big business. But monetization has its downsides: What began as a freewheeling, do-it-yourself space is evolving into a data-obsessed sector dominated by tech giants. Sponsored by EY. Is your technology moving fast enough to realize your ambitions? Learn more in the latest EY Tech Horizon Survey: ey.com/techhorizon Episode art by Eric Helgas, styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi Transcript: https://qz.com/2172700 Asynchronous, on-demand talk radio was a bold proposition back in 2004, when podcasts first started making waves. Less than 20 years later, podcasting is a big business. But monetization has its downsides: What began as a freewheeling, do-it-yourself space is evolving into a data-obsessed sector dominated by tech giants.

Sponsored by EY. Is your technology moving fast enough to realize your ambitions? Learn more in the latest EY Tech Horizon Survey: ey.com/techhorizon

Episode art by Eric Helgas, styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi

Transcript: https://qz.com/2172700

]]> 1796 no Inflation: The price isn't right https://qz.com/2159017/inflation-the-price-isnt-right/ Prices for goods from furniture to meat have been steadily rising for months. It’s the most obvious symptom of inflation, which is when money buys less than it used to. But there’s no need to panic: This is far from the first time inflation came for consumers’ purchasing power. The question is, how do you make it stop? Sponsored by EY. How can you create a growth strategy where everyone wins? Learn more in EY’s latest report: https://www.ey.com/en_gl/consulting/how-can-you-create-a-growth-strategy-where-everyone-wins  EY Future Consumer Index: https://www.ey.com/en_gl/future-consumer-index Episode art by Eric Helgas, styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi Transcript: https://qz.com/2171027 Tue, 31 May 2022 04:01:00 -0000 full 3 7 Quartz Prices for goods from furniture to meat have been steadily rising for months. It’s the most obvious symptom of inflation, which is when money buys less than it used to. But there’s no need to panic: This is far from the first time inflation came for consumers’ purchasing power. The question is, how do you make it stop? Sponsored by EY. How can you create a growth strategy where everyone wins? Learn more in EY’s latest report: https://www.ey.com/en_gl/consulting/how-can-you-create-a-growth-strategy-where-everyone-wins  EY Future Consumer Index: https://www.ey.com/en_gl/future-consumer-index Episode art by Eric Helgas, styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi Transcript: https://qz.com/2171027 Prices for goods from furniture to meat have been steadily rising for months. It’s the most obvious symptom of inflation, which is when money buys less than it used to. But there’s no need to panic: This is far from the first time inflation came for consumers’ purchasing power. The question is, how do you make it stop?

Sponsored by EY.

How can you create a growth strategy where everyone wins? Learn more in EY’s latest report: https://www.ey.com/en_gl/consulting/how-can-you-create-a-growth-strategy-where-everyone-wins 

EY Future Consumer Index: https://www.ey.com/en_gl/future-consumer-index

Episode art by Eric Helgas, styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi

Transcript: https://qz.com/2171027

]]> 1904 no Perfume: The strangest supply chain https://qz.com/2159012/perfume-the-strangest-supply-chain/ Shipping snafus have hit everything from Pelotons to paper towels, and they're coming for perfume. From Chanel No. 5's secret recipe to the modern proliferation of DIY scents, this global industry has supply chains as delicate as the scents captured in its tiny bottles. How does perfume adapt to a changing world? Sponsored by EY. Discover how EY can help you unlock new opportunities to reframe your future: https://www.ey.com/en_gl/reframe-your-future Episode art by Eric Helgas, styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi Transcript: https://qz.com/2167846 Tue, 24 May 2022 04:01:00 -0000 full 3 6 Quartz Shipping snafus have hit everything from Pelotons to paper towels, and they're coming for perfume. From Chanel No. 5's secret recipe to the modern proliferation of DIY scents, this global industry has supply chains as delicate as the scents captured in its tiny bottles. How does perfume adapt to a changing world? Sponsored by EY. Discover how EY can help you unlock new opportunities to reframe your future: https://www.ey.com/en_gl/reframe-your-future Episode art by Eric Helgas, styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi Transcript: https://qz.com/2167846 Shipping snafus have hit everything from Pelotons to paper towels, and they're coming for perfume. From Chanel No. 5's secret recipe to the modern proliferation of DIY scents, this global industry has supply chains as delicate as the scents captured in its tiny bottles. How does perfume adapt to a changing world?

Sponsored by EY. Discover how EY can help you unlock new opportunities to reframe your future: https://www.ey.com/en_gl/reframe-your-future

Episode art by Eric Helgas, styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi

Transcript: https://qz.com/2167846

]]> 1608 no Dyslexia: Thinking differently https://qz.com/2159014/dyslexia-thinking-differently/ Though scientists have known about dyslexia for well over a century, education systems still struggle to teach students with the condition. In the English-speaking world, it’s become a great unequalizer, pushing those with means into lucrative careers, and those without to the bottom of the socioeconomic ladder. But as technology mediates and alters how we read, it could level the economic playing field for people with dyslexia. Sponsored by EY. EY Work Reimagined webcast: How to prepare for renaissance and recommitment: https://www.ey.com/en_gl/webcasts/2022/05/work-reimagined-how-to-prepare-for-renaissance-and-recommitment  EY 2022 Work Reimagined Survey: https://www.ey.com/en_gl/workforce/work-reimagined-survey Episode art by Eric Helgas, styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi Transcript: https://qz.com/2166242 Tue, 17 May 2022 04:01:00 -0000 full 3 5 Quartz Though scientists have known about dyslexia for well over a century, education systems still struggle to teach students with the condition. In the English-speaking world, it’s become a great unequalizer, pushing those with means into lucrative careers, and those without to the bottom of the socioeconomic ladder. But as technology mediates and alters how we read, it could level the economic playing field for people with dyslexia. Sponsored by EY. EY Work Reimagined webcast: How to prepare for renaissance and recommitment: https://www.ey.com/en_gl/webcasts/2022/05/work-reimagined-how-to-prepare-for-renaissance-and-recommitment  EY 2022 Work Reimagined Survey: https://www.ey.com/en_gl/workforce/work-reimagined-survey Episode art by Eric Helgas, styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi Transcript: https://qz.com/2166242 Though scientists have known about dyslexia for well over a century, education systems still struggle to teach students with the condition. In the English-speaking world, it’s become a great unequalizer, pushing those with means into lucrative careers, and those without to the bottom of the socioeconomic ladder. But as technology mediates and alters how we read, it could level the economic playing field for people with dyslexia.

Sponsored by EY.

EY Work Reimagined webcast: How to prepare for renaissance and recommitment: https://www.ey.com/en_gl/webcasts/2022/05/work-reimagined-how-to-prepare-for-renaissance-and-recommitment 

EY 2022 Work Reimagined Survey: https://www.ey.com/en_gl/workforce/work-reimagined-survey

Episode art by Eric Helgas, styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi

Transcript: https://qz.com/2166242

]]> 1752 Replacement rate: Counting our chickens https://qz.com/2159008/how-does-the-global-fertility-rate-compare-to-replacement-rate/ 2.1—that’s how many children every woman “needs to have.” Any fewer, and a country’s population will eventually stop growing, age, and shrink, which could inhibit its economic growth and drain government coffers. But it’s easier said than done: China has been well below replacement rate for some time; India is just hitting that number. What happens to the world when 2.1 stops being a guarantee? Sponsored by EY EY Work Reimagined webcast: How to prepare for renaissance and recommitment: https://bit.ly/3MZdDLR  EY 2022 Work Reimagined Survey: https://bit.ly/3P7QzMI Episode art by Eric Helgas, styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi Transcript: https://qz.com/2162845 Tue, 10 May 2022 04:01:00 -0000 full 3 4 Quartz 2.1—that’s how many children every woman “needs to have.” Any fewer, and a country’s population will eventually stop growing, age, and shrink, which could inhibit its economic growth and drain government coffers. But it’s easier said than done: China has been well below replacement rate for some time; India is just hitting that number. What happens to the world when 2.1 stops being a guarantee? Sponsored by EY EY Work Reimagined webcast: How to prepare for renaissance and recommitment: https://bit.ly/3MZdDLR  EY 2022 Work Reimagined Survey: https://bit.ly/3P7QzMI Episode art by Eric Helgas, styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi Transcript: https://qz.com/2162845 2.1—that’s how many children every woman “needs to have.” Any fewer, and a country’s population will eventually stop growing, age, and shrink, which could inhibit its economic growth and drain government coffers. But it’s easier said than done: China has been well below replacement rate for some time; India is just hitting that number. What happens to the world when 2.1 stops being a guarantee?

Sponsored by EY

EY Work Reimagined webcast: How to prepare for renaissance and recommitment: https://bit.ly/3MZdDLR 

EY 2022 Work Reimagined Survey: https://bit.ly/3P7QzMI

Episode art by Eric Helgas, styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi

Transcript: https://qz.com/2162845

]]> 1515 no Pasta: A global staple https://qz.com/2159001/pasta-a-global-staple/ Pasta's path to pantries all over the world is inextricably tied to Italy, the country that used technology and mass production to turn a homemade food into a commercial product. Even as pasta-makers market an idealized version of the Italian lifestyle to the world and to Italians themselves, some of the things that make pasta the taste of home might be due for a rethink. Sponsored by EY. Discover how EY can help you unlock new opportunities to reframe your future. Episode art by Eric Helgas, styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi Transcript: https://qz.com/2160804 Tue, 03 May 2022 04:01:00 -0000 full 3 3 Quartz Pasta's path to pantries all over the world is inextricably tied to Italy, the country that used technology and mass production to turn a homemade food into a commercial product. Even as pasta-makers market an idealized version of the Italian lifestyle to the world and to Italians themselves, some of the things that make pasta the taste of home might be due for a rethink. Sponsored by EY. Discover how EY can help you unlock new opportunities to reframe your future. Episode art by Eric Helgas, styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi Transcript: https://qz.com/2160804 Pasta's path to pantries all over the world is inextricably tied to Italy, the country that used technology and mass production to turn a homemade food into a commercial product. Even as pasta-makers market an idealized version of the Italian lifestyle to the world and to Italians themselves, some of the things that make pasta the taste of home might be due for a rethink.

Sponsored by EY.

Discover how EY can help you unlock new opportunities to reframe your future.

Episode art by Eric Helgas, styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi

Transcript: https://qz.com/2160804

]]> 1302 no National debt: Acceptable imbalance https://qz.com/2158007/national-debt-acceptable-imbalance/ As individuals, we know it’s not great to have too much debt. But at the macro level, that narrative falls apart. In fact, most governments need some debt to take care of their people, especially in the wake of a crisis like a pandemic. How a country invests in itself—and how its leaders talk about that investment—says a lot about how it sees its future. Sponsored by EY Is your technology moving fast enough to realize your ambitions? Learn more in the latest EY Tech Horizon Survey. Episode art by Eric Helgas, styled by Alex Citrin-Safadi Transcript: https://qz.com/2158771 Tue, 26 Apr 2022 04:01:00 -0000 full 3 2 Quartz As individuals, we know it’s not great to have too much debt. But at the macro level, that narrative falls apart. In fact, most governments need some debt to take care of their people, especially in the wake of a crisis like a pandemic. How a country invests in itself—and how its leaders talk about that investment—says a lot about how it sees its future. Sponsored by EY Is your technology moving fast enough to realize your ambitions? Learn more in the latest EY Tech Horizon Survey. Episode art by Eric Helgas, styled by Alex Citrin-Safadi Transcript: https://qz.com/2158771 As individuals, we know it’s not great to have too much debt. But at the macro level, that narrative falls apart. In fact, most governments need some debt to take care of their people, especially in the wake of a crisis like a pandemic. How a country invests in itself—and how its leaders talk about that investment—says a lot about how it sees its future.

Sponsored by EY

Is your technology moving fast enough to realize your ambitions? Learn more in the latest EY Tech Horizon Survey.

Episode art by Eric Helgas, styled by Alex Citrin-Safadi

Transcript: https://qz.com/2158771

]]> 1699 no Edible insects: The original superfood https://qz.com/2155466/edible-bugs-the-original-superfood/ Between lab-grown meat and veganism going mainstream, we're in an age of abundance for alternative protein options. But one hasn’t been getting as much attention as the others: Edible insects, popular in places like Ghana and Mexico, are nutritious, plentiful, and much less damaging to the environment than, say, a steak. What would it take to put insects in more kitchens around the world? Sponsored by EY. Learn more about sustainable supply chain research from EY. Is your ESG data unlocking long-term value? Episode art by Eric Helgas, styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi Transcript: https://qz.com/2156082 Tue, 19 Apr 2022 04:01:00 -0000 full 3 1 Quartz Between lab-grown meat and veganism going mainstream, we're in an age of abundance for alternative protein options. But one hasn’t been getting as much attention as the others: Edible insects, popular in places like Ghana and Mexico, are nutritious, plentiful, and much less damaging to the environment than, say, a steak. What would it take to put insects in more kitchens around the world? Sponsored by EY. Learn more about sustainable supply chain research from EY. Is your ESG data unlocking long-term value? Episode art by Eric Helgas, styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi Transcript: https://qz.com/2156082 Between lab-grown meat and veganism going mainstream, we're in an age of abundance for alternative protein options. But one hasn’t been getting as much attention as the others: Edible insects, popular in places like Ghana and Mexico, are nutritious, plentiful, and much less damaging to the environment than, say, a steak. What would it take to put insects in more kitchens around the world?

Sponsored by EY.

Learn more about sustainable supply chain research from EY. Is your ESG data unlocking long-term value?

Episode art by Eric Helgas, styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi

Transcript: https://qz.com/2156082

]]> 1396 no Trailer: Season 3 https://qz.com/se/quartz-obsession-podcast/ Trust us, the economy has never been more fascinating. Mon, 18 Apr 2022 16:58:00 -0000 trailer 3 Quartz Trust us, the economy has never been more fascinating. Trust us, the economy has never been more fascinating.

]]> 60 no Sequels: Here we go again https://qz.com/2111333/sequels/ After the release of a great film, it seems natural to us now that they'd want to make another. But this was not always the case. Now that Hollywood seems to almost compulsively turn successful films into franchises, reboots, and cinematic universes, are there good reasons to keep making sequels? Sponsored by Alumni Ventures Photo by Eric Helgas, styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi Transcript: https://qz.com/2144841 Tue, 22 Mar 2022 04:01:00 -0000 full 2 8 Quartz After the release of a great film, it seems natural to us now that they'd want to make another. But this was not always the case. Now that Hollywood seems to almost compulsively turn successful films into franchises, reboots, and cinematic universes, are there good reasons to keep making sequels? Sponsored by Alumni Ventures Photo by Eric Helgas, styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi Transcript: https://qz.com/2144841 After the release of a great film, it seems natural to us now that they'd want to make another. But this was not always the case. Now that Hollywood seems to almost compulsively turn successful films into franchises, reboots, and cinematic universes, are there good reasons to keep making sequels?

Sponsored by Alumni Ventures

Photo by Eric Helgas, styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi

Transcript: https://qz.com/2144841

]]> 1369 no Prosthetics: Upgrade available https://qz.com/2111331/prosthetics-upgrade-available/ Athletes at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics had prosthetics perfectly designed to help them run, jump, or swim as the events required. Now the technology behind those prosthetics is coming to everyday people who need it—and, possibly, to people who don’t. Augmenting able bodies for super-human functions: What could go wrong? Sponsored by Alumni Ventures Photo by Eric Helgas; styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi Transcript: https://qz.com/2141719 Tue, 15 Mar 2022 04:01:00 -0000 full 2 7 Quartz Athletes at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics had prosthetics perfectly designed to help them run, jump, or swim as the events required. Now the technology behind those prosthetics is coming to everyday people who need it—and, possibly, to people who don’t. Augmenting able bodies for super-human functions: What could go wrong? Sponsored by Alumni Ventures Photo by Eric Helgas; styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi Transcript: https://qz.com/2141719 Athletes at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics had prosthetics perfectly designed to help them run, jump, or swim as the events required. Now the technology behind those prosthetics is coming to everyday people who need it—and, possibly, to people who don’t. Augmenting able bodies for super-human functions: What could go wrong?

Sponsored by Alumni Ventures

Photo by Eric Helgas; styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi

Transcript: https://qz.com/2141719

]]> 1489 no Disco: Choosing joy https://qz.com/2111329/disco-choosing-joy/ They tried to kill disco, but it will never die. The stubbornly upbeat genre came out of an economically turbulent moment—one to which we see a lot of parallels today. So what is it about a crisis that just makes us want to dance? Sponsored by Alumni Ventures Episode art by Eric Helgas, styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi Transcript: https://qz.com/2138049 Tue, 08 Mar 2022 05:01:00 -0000 full 2 6 Quartz They tried to kill disco, but it will never die. The stubbornly upbeat genre came out of an economically turbulent moment—one to which we see a lot of parallels today. So what is it about a crisis that just makes us want to dance? Sponsored by Alumni Ventures Episode art by Eric Helgas, styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi Transcript: https://qz.com/2138049 They tried to kill disco, but it will never die. The stubbornly upbeat genre came out of an economically turbulent moment—one to which we see a lot of parallels today. So what is it about a crisis that just makes us want to dance?

Sponsored by Alumni Ventures

Episode art by Eric Helgas, styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi

Transcript: https://qz.com/2138049

]]> 1706 no Fish sticks: The ocean's little problem solvers https://qz.com/2111238/fish-sticks-the-oceans-little-problem-solvers/ Fish sticks are more than just an easy way to get kids to eat healthy food. They’re the ocean’s little problem solvers, swimming in to solve a seafood glut after World War II, and to help working parents in need of cheap and easy meals. Now fish sticks might even help solve our latest challenge: an epidemic of global overfishing. Sponsored by Alumni Ventures Photo by Eric Helgas; styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi Transcript: https://qz.com/2133871 Tue, 01 Mar 2022 05:01:00 -0000 full 2 5 Quartz Fish sticks are more than just an easy way to get kids to eat healthy food. They’re the ocean’s little problem solvers, swimming in to solve a seafood glut after World War II, and to help working parents in need of cheap and easy meals. Now fish sticks might even help solve our latest challenge: an epidemic of global overfishing. Sponsored by Alumni Ventures Photo by Eric Helgas; styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi Transcript: https://qz.com/2133871 Fish sticks are more than just an easy way to get kids to eat healthy food. They’re the ocean’s little problem solvers, swimming in to solve a seafood glut after World War II, and to help working parents in need of cheap and easy meals. Now fish sticks might even help solve our latest challenge: an epidemic of global overfishing.

Sponsored by Alumni Ventures

Photo by Eric Helgas; styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi

Transcript: https://qz.com/2133871

]]> 1398 Indian weddings: The priciest party of your life https://qz.com/india/2111325/indian-weddings-the-priciest-party-of-your-life/ It’s the stuff of Bollywood dreams, come to life—the big fat Indian wedding has withstood the test of time, economic turbulence, social reform, and even modern technology. But when you factor in pent-up pandemic demand, can India’s $50 billion industry possibly keep it up? Sponsored by Alumni Ventures Episode art by Eric Helgas; styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi Transcript: https://qz.com/2130303 Tue, 22 Feb 2022 05:01:00 -0000 full 2 4 Quartz It’s the stuff of Bollywood dreams, come to life—the big fat Indian wedding has withstood the test of time, economic turbulence, social reform, and even modern technology. But when you factor in pent-up pandemic demand, can India’s $50 billion industry possibly keep it up? Sponsored by Alumni Ventures Episode art by Eric Helgas; styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi Transcript: https://qz.com/2130303 It’s the stuff of Bollywood dreams, come to life—the big fat Indian wedding has withstood the test of time, economic turbulence, social reform, and even modern technology. But when you factor in pent-up pandemic demand, can India’s $50 billion industry possibly keep it up?

Sponsored by Alumni Ventures

Episode art by Eric Helgas; styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi

Transcript: https://qz.com/2130303

]]> 1459 no Google docs: Life in the cloud https://qz.com/2111327/google-docs-life-in-the-cloud/ Google docs has revolutionized the way we work, and now it even functions as a tool for social sharing and political dissent. This is all because the world shifted from saving files locally to storing them in the cloud. But does life in the cloud present risks we aren't thinking about enough?  Sponsored by Alumni Ventures Photo by Eric Helgas; styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi Transcript: https://qz.com/2127812 Tue, 15 Feb 2022 05:01:00 -0000 full 2 3 Quartz Google docs has revolutionized the way we work, and now it even functions as a tool for social sharing and political dissent. This is all because the world shifted from saving files locally to storing them in the cloud. But does life in the cloud present risks we aren't thinking about enough?  Sponsored by Alumni Ventures Photo by Eric Helgas; styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi Transcript: https://qz.com/2127812 Google docs has revolutionized the way we work, and now it even functions as a tool for social sharing and political dissent. This is all because the world shifted from saving files locally to storing them in the cloud. But does life in the cloud present risks we aren't thinking about enough? 

Sponsored by Alumni Ventures

Photo by Eric Helgas; styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi

Transcript: https://qz.com/2127812

]]> 1639 no Egg freezing: Put it on ice https://qz.com/2111323/egg-freezing-put-it-on-ice/ As more people aren’t sure whether or when to have kids, a growing number of them are turning to egg freezing, a relatively new and expensive procedure that could help women become parents outside their biological bounds. But how realistic is any promise of parenthood entirely on your terms? Sponsored by Alumni Ventures Photo by Eric Helgas, styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi Transcript: https://qz.com/2122021 Tue, 08 Feb 2022 05:01:00 -0000 full 2 2 Quartz As more people aren’t sure whether or when to have kids, a growing number of them are turning to egg freezing, a relatively new and expensive procedure that could help women become parents outside their biological bounds. But how realistic is any promise of parenthood entirely on your terms? Sponsored by Alumni Ventures Photo by Eric Helgas, styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi Transcript: https://qz.com/2122021 As more people aren’t sure whether or when to have kids, a growing number of them are turning to egg freezing, a relatively new and expensive procedure that could help women become parents outside their biological bounds. But how realistic is any promise of parenthood entirely on your terms?

Sponsored by Alumni Ventures

Photo by Eric Helgas, styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi

Transcript: https://qz.com/2122021

]]> 1576 no Puffer jackets: The price of staying warm https://qz.com/2111321/puffer-jackets-why-are-they-so-expensive/ Puffer jackets have been worn by outdoorsmen, rappers, the military, luxury shoppers, and—eventually—everyone. Today, the market is still heating up. But as puffer jackets are worn by more people around the world, the difference between high- and low-end options can be increasingly difficult to parse. Are North Face jackets worth their price tag? Does "puffiness" automatically equal warmth? What do puffers from Prada and Uniqlo have in common? Sponsored by Alumni Ventures Photo by Eric Helgas; styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi Transcript: https://qz.com/2118817 Tue, 01 Feb 2022 05:01:00 -0000 full 2 1 Quartz Puffer jackets have been worn by outdoorsmen, rappers, the military, luxury shoppers, and—eventually—everyone. Today, the market is still heating up. But as puffer jackets are worn by more people around the world, the difference between high- and low-end options can be increasingly difficult to parse. Are North Face jackets worth their price tag? Does "puffiness" automatically equal warmth? What do puffers from Prada and Uniqlo have in common? Sponsored by Alumni Ventures Photo by Eric Helgas; styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi Transcript: https://qz.com/2118817 Puffer jackets have been worn by outdoorsmen, rappers, the military, luxury shoppers, and—eventually—everyone. Today, the market is still heating up. But as puffer jackets are worn by more people around the world, the difference between high- and low-end options can be increasingly difficult to parse. Are North Face jackets worth their price tag? Does "puffiness" automatically equal warmth? What do puffers from Prada and Uniqlo have in common?

Sponsored by Alumni Ventures

Photo by Eric Helgas; styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi

Transcript: https://qz.com/2118817

]]> 1522 no Trailer: Season 2 https://qz.com/2116667/season-2-of-the-quartz-obsession-podcast-is-coming-feb-1/ A podcast so nice we're doing it (at least) twice. In season two, Kira and Quartz journalists from around the world dig into the fascinating backstories behind everyday ideas, and what they tell us about the forces changing the way we live and work today. Tue, 25 Jan 2022 05:01:00 -0000 trailer 2 Quartz A podcast so nice we're doing it (at least) twice. In season two, Kira and Quartz journalists from around the world dig into the fascinating backstories behind everyday ideas, and what they tell us about the forces changing the way we live and work today. A podcast so nice we're doing it (at least) twice. In season two, Kira and Quartz journalists from around the world dig into the fascinating backstories behind everyday ideas, and what they tell us about the forces changing the way we live and work today.

]]> 63 no Season 1 recap: Our favorite fun facts https://qz.com/se/quartz-obsession-podcast/ We learned a lot over the course of season 1. Here are some of our favorite nuggets of information. Tue, 18 Jan 2022 19:27:42 -0000 bonus 1 Quartz Some gleaming gems of information from our first 11 episodes. We learned a lot over the course of season 1. Here are some of our favorite nuggets of information. We learned a lot over the course of season 1. Here are some of our favorite nuggets of information.

]]> 187 no Six Sigma: Manufacturing perfection https://qz.com/2062943/is-six-sigma-worthless/ In the early 2000s, GE was the world’s most powerful company, and its CEO Jack Welch was a firm believer in the Six Sigma system for eliminating errors in manufacturing. With GE as its poster child, management consultants spread the gospel of Six Sigma to companies everywhere. Now, as GE’s fortunes diminished, so has interest in Six Sigma. But what made this system so special in the first place, and how much is still useful today? Photo by Eric Helgas; styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi Transcript: https://qz.com/2062943 Tue, 14 Dec 2021 16:50:00 -0000 full 1 11 Quartz In the early 2000s, GE was the world’s most powerful company, and its CEO Jack Welch was a firm believer in the Six Sigma system for eliminating errors in manufacturing. With GE as its poster child, management consultants spread the gospel of Six Sigma to companies everywhere. Now, as GE’s fortunes diminished, so has interest in Six Sigma. But what made this system so special in the first place, and how much is still useful today? Photo by Eric Helgas; styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi Transcript: https://qz.com/2062943 In the early 2000s, GE was the world’s most powerful company, and its CEO Jack Welch was a firm believer in the Six Sigma system for eliminating errors in manufacturing. With GE as its poster child, management consultants spread the gospel of Six Sigma to companies everywhere. Now, as GE’s fortunes diminished, so has interest in Six Sigma. But what made this system so special in the first place, and how much is still useful today?

Photo by Eric Helgas; styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi

Transcript: https://qz.com/2062943

]]> 1272 no Office chairs: Engineered for extreme sitting https://qz.com/2084580/how-to-find-the-best-office-chair/ Everyone working from home knows just how painful it is to sit in the wrong kind of chair. Over the course of centuries, the modern office chair has emerged as the pinnacle of ergonomic comfort and support. Today, as a growing number of jobs are behind desks and computers, that design is more important than ever. Photo by Eric Helgas; styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi Transcript: https://qz.com/2084580 Tue, 07 Dec 2021 05:01:00 -0000 full 1 10 Quartz Everyone working from home knows just how painful it is to sit in the wrong kind of chair. Over the course of centuries, the modern office chair has emerged as the pinnacle of ergonomic comfort and support. Today, as a growing number of jobs are behind desks and computers, that design is more important than ever. Photo by Eric Helgas; styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi Transcript: https://qz.com/2084580 Everyone working from home knows just how painful it is to sit in the wrong kind of chair. Over the course of centuries, the modern office chair has emerged as the pinnacle of ergonomic comfort and support. Today, as a growing number of jobs are behind desks and computers, that design is more important than ever.

Photo by Eric Helgas; styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi

Transcript: https://qz.com/2084580

]]> 1842 no Japanese whisky: One steep sip https://qz.com/2062940/japanese-whisky-one-steep-sip/ After spending decades in relative obscurity, Japanese whisky is finally getting global appreciation for its masterful flavors. Global demand is high, with prices to match. There’s just one problem: There’s no technical definition of Japanese whisky, or formal system to regulate it. Does it matter if not all Japanese whisky is strictly from Japan? Episode art: Photograph by Eric Helgas, styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi Transcript: https://qz.com/2062940 Tue, 30 Nov 2021 05:01:00 -0000 full 1 9 Quartz After spending decades in relative obscurity, Japanese whisky is finally getting global appreciation for its masterful flavors. Global demand is high, with prices to match. There’s just one problem: There’s no technical definition of Japanese whisky, or formal system to regulate it. Does it matter if not all Japanese whisky is strictly from Japan? Episode art: Photograph by Eric Helgas, styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi Transcript: https://qz.com/2062940 After spending decades in relative obscurity, Japanese whisky is finally getting global appreciation for its masterful flavors. Global demand is high, with prices to match. There’s just one problem: There’s no technical definition of Japanese whisky, or formal system to regulate it. Does it matter if not all Japanese whisky is strictly from Japan?

Episode art: Photograph by Eric Helgas, styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi

Transcript: https://qz.com/2062940

]]> 1541 no Rare earths: Scarcity at your fingertips https://qz.com/2062525/how-china-keeps-a-grip-on-the-rare-earth-metal-industry/ A group of 17 elements make up a little-known group called rare earth metals. They are notoriously tricky to extract, which is unfortunate since they’re key components in smartphones, batteries, motors, and wind turbines, and essential to a clean-energy future. China has a near monopoly on the mining and processing of rare earth metals, but as demand for them rises, other countries are looking to get into the game. Photo by Eric Helgas; styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi Transcript: https://qz.com/2062525 Tue, 23 Nov 2021 05:01:00 -0000 full 1 8 Quartz A group of 17 elements make up a little-known group called rare earth metals. They are notoriously tricky to extract, which is unfortunate since they’re key components in smartphones, batteries, motors, and wind turbines, and essential to a clean-energy future. China has a near monopoly on the mining and processing of rare earth metals, but as demand for them rises, other countries are looking to get into the game. Photo by Eric Helgas; styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi Transcript: https://qz.com/2062525 A group of 17 elements make up a little-known group called rare earth metals. They are notoriously tricky to extract, which is unfortunate since they’re key components in smartphones, batteries, motors, and wind turbines, and essential to a clean-energy future. China has a near monopoly on the mining and processing of rare earth metals, but as demand for them rises, other countries are looking to get into the game.

Photo by Eric Helgas; styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi

Transcript: https://qz.com/2062525

]]> 1345 no Kudzu: We've made a big mistake https://qz.com/2084567/what-the-invasive-vine-kudzu-can-teach-us-about-climate-change/ Kudzu, an ornamental vine from Japan, first appeared on US soil in 1876. More than a century later, the plant has proliferated so uncontrollably that it threatens to choke out native plants in the American South. As the world looks for creative solutions to confront climate change, are we fated to keep repeating our same mistakes? Photo by Eric Helgas; styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi Transcript: https://qz.com/2084567 Tue, 16 Nov 2021 05:01:00 -0000 full 1 7 Quartz Kudzu, an ornamental vine from Japan, first appeared on US soil in 1876. More than a century later, the plant has proliferated so uncontrollably that it threatens to choke out native plants in the American South. As the world looks for creative solutions to confront climate change, are we fated to keep repeating our same mistakes? Photo by Eric Helgas; styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi Transcript: https://qz.com/2084567 Kudzu, an ornamental vine from Japan, first appeared on US soil in 1876. More than a century later, the plant has proliferated so uncontrollably that it threatens to choke out native plants in the American South. As the world looks for creative solutions to confront climate change, are we fated to keep repeating our same mistakes?

Photo by Eric Helgas; styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi

Transcript: https://qz.com/2084567

]]> 1478 no Oat milk: Don't call it creamy https://qz.com/2077496/is-oat-milk-good-for-you/ If you’re concerned about sustainability and wellness, chances are you’re a consumer of oat milk, the latest star in the alternative milk scene. But does oat milk have appeal around the world? And who will lose out as big dairy muscles into the alt milk space? Photo by Eric Helgas; styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi Transcript: https://qz.com/2077496 Tue, 09 Nov 2021 05:01:00 -0000 full 1 6 Quartz If you’re concerned about sustainability and wellness, chances are you’re a consumer of oat milk, the latest star in the alternative milk scene. But does oat milk have appeal around the world? And who will lose out as big dairy muscles into the alt milk space? Photo by Eric Helgas; styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi Transcript: https://qz.com/2077496 If you’re concerned about sustainability and wellness, chances are you’re a consumer of oat milk, the latest star in the alternative milk scene. But does oat milk have appeal around the world? And who will lose out as big dairy muscles into the alt milk space?

Photo by Eric Helgas; styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi

Transcript: https://qz.com/2077496

]]> 1624 no Business class: Luxury in the sky https://qz.com/2077489/is-flying-business-class-bad-for-the-environment/ Bigger seat, more legroom, even silk pajamas: Flying business class comes with major perks for travelers. It’s also crucial to the entire airline business model. But given the seats’ outsized carbon footprint, how ethical is it to keep flying business class? Photo by Eric Helgas; styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi Transcript: https://qz.com/2077489 Tue, 02 Nov 2021 04:01:00 -0000 full 1 5 Quartz Bigger seat, more legroom, even silk pajamas: Flying business class comes with major perks for travelers. It’s also crucial to the entire airline business model. But given the seats’ outsized carbon footprint, how ethical is it to keep flying business class? Photo by Eric Helgas; styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi Transcript: https://qz.com/2077489 Bigger seat, more legroom, even silk pajamas: Flying business class comes with major perks for travelers. It’s also crucial to the entire airline business model. But given the seats’ outsized carbon footprint, how ethical is it to keep flying business class?

Photo by Eric Helgas; styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi

Transcript: https://qz.com/2077489

]]> 1504 no Afrobeats: A global sound https://qz.com/africa/2074060/afrobeats-a-nigerian-music-genre-goes-global/ The beat-heavy, electronic music from Nigeria has been gaining a global fan base and is a point of pride across Africa. It’s also finally helping local artists make real money. But is Afrobeats establishing a path to global domination that other genres can follow, or is an entire continent being reduced to one country’s signature sound? Photo by Eric Helgas; styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi Transcript: https://qz.com/2074060 Tue, 26 Oct 2021 04:01:00 -0000 full 1 4 Quartz The beat-heavy, electronic music from Nigeria has been gaining a global fan base and is a point of pride across Africa. It’s also finally helping local artists make real money. But is Afrobeats establishing a path to global domination that other genres can follow, or is an entire continent being reduced to one country’s signature sound? Photo by Eric Helgas; styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi Transcript: https://qz.com/2074060 The beat-heavy, electronic music from Nigeria has been gaining a global fan base and is a point of pride across Africa. It’s also finally helping local artists make real money. But is Afrobeats establishing a path to global domination that other genres can follow, or is an entire continent being reduced to one country’s signature sound?

Photo by Eric Helgas; styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi

Transcript: https://qz.com/2074060

]]> 1626 CAPTCHA: Made you look https://qz.com/2060828/captcha-made-you-look/ Those internet security tests that ask you to retype blurry numbers or pick out photos of traffic lights have an important job: They stop robots from gumming up the internet. But by using them everywhere, we’re training computers to see the world like we do, and they’re getting really good at it. What happens as it gets harder to prove our humanity online? Photo by Eric Helgas; styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi Transcript: https://qz.com/2060828 Tue, 19 Oct 2021 04:01:00 -0000 full 1 3 Quartz Those internet security tests that ask you to retype blurry numbers or pick out photos of traffic lights have an important job: They stop robots from gumming up the internet. But by using them everywhere, we’re training computers to see the world like we do, and they’re getting really good at it. What happens as it gets harder to prove our humanity online? Photo by Eric Helgas; styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi Transcript: https://qz.com/2060828 Those internet security tests that ask you to retype blurry numbers or pick out photos of traffic lights have an important job: They stop robots from gumming up the internet. But by using them everywhere, we’re training computers to see the world like we do, and they’re getting really good at it. What happens as it gets harder to prove our humanity online?

Photo by Eric Helgas; styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi

Transcript: https://qz.com/2060828

]]> 1369 no Randomness: A need for chaos https://qz.com/2062955/why-do-we-need-true-randomness/ The global economy needs true randomness to encrypt messages and make sure elections are honest. But not all randomness is random enough, and humans and computers alike are really bad at generating it. So we turn to natural sources like seismic waves, radioactive decay, and lava lamps (yes, lava lamps) to generate it for us. Photo by Eric Helgas; styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi Transcript: https://qz.com/2062955 Tue, 12 Oct 2021 04:01:00 -0000 full 1 2 Quartz The global economy needs true randomness to encrypt messages and make sure elections are honest. But not all randomness is random enough, and humans and computers alike are really bad at generating it. So we turn to natural sources like seismic waves, radioactive decay, and lava lamps (yes, lava lamps) to generate it for us. Photo by Eric Helgas; styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi Transcript: https://qz.com/2062955 The global economy needs true randomness to encrypt messages and make sure elections are honest. But not all randomness is random enough, and humans and computers alike are really bad at generating it. So we turn to natural sources like seismic waves, radioactive decay, and lava lamps (yes, lava lamps) to generate it for us.

Photo by Eric Helgas; styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi

Transcript: https://qz.com/2062955

]]> 1330 no Cash: We just can't quit you https://qz.com/2063471/what-is-the-future-of-cash/ It’s anonymous, it’s stable, and it’s accepted pretty much everywhere. And despite the rise of mobile payments and the ubiquity of credit cards, it’s still moving everything around us; more cash is in circulation than ever. We talk about the pros and cons of cash in a world increasingly dominated by mobile payments, and try to figure out if cash is here to stay. Photo by Eric Helgas; styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi Transcript: https://qz.com/2063471 Tue, 12 Oct 2021 04:01:00 -0000 full 1 1 Quartz It’s anonymous, it’s stable, and it’s accepted pretty much everywhere. And despite the rise of mobile payments and the ubiquity of credit cards, it’s still moving everything around us; more cash is in circulation than ever. We talk about the pros and cons of cash in a world increasingly dominated by mobile payments, and try to figure out if cash is here to stay. Photo by Eric Helgas; styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi Transcript: https://qz.com/2063471 It’s anonymous, it’s stable, and it’s accepted pretty much everywhere. And despite the rise of mobile payments and the ubiquity of credit cards, it’s still moving everything around us; more cash is in circulation than ever. We talk about the pros and cons of cash in a world increasingly dominated by mobile payments, and try to figure out if cash is here to stay.

Photo by Eric Helgas; styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi

Transcript: https://qz.com/2063471

]]> 1454 no Trailer: The Quartz Obsession podcast Let's go down the rabbit hole, together. Coming Oct. 12, 2021. Fri, 24 Sep 2021 18:47:00 -0000 trailer Quartz Let's go down the rabbit hole, together. Coming Oct. 12, 2021. Let's go down the rabbit hole, together. Coming Oct. 12, 2021.

]]> 68 no