PODCAST · news
Rationalish
by Wack and Matthews
Two young researchers try to ask the right questions about world events and politics. Episodes every month. Come for the insight, stay for the puns.
Episodes
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74: How to Fix Congress
Here's a paradox: The best way to fix the House of Representives is have even more representatives in the House. I know what you're thinking: "You want more politicians?!" Hold your horses, hear us out. We did real research for this one. Here is the article that led to this idea: U.S. population...
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73: Nathan Fielder
Deadpan delivery. Monotonal narration. Provocateur. Brilliant cultural critic of postmodern America. Funniest man alive. Sound familiar? Perhaps you are thinking of one the hosts of this podcast. Or perhaps you are thinking of Nathan Fielder, the Canadian who got his start on "This Hour has 22...
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72: Killers of the Flower Moon
You may be wondering whether this is a movie podcast now. Truth is: We don't know! The important thing is that Martin Scorsese has a new picture out: "Killers of the Flower Moon." It's a formidable film, one that warrants discussion. Please enjoy this conversation between two cinephiles. We...
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71: Oppenheimer
Christopher Nolan's latest film chronicles the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, aka "Father of the Atomic Bomb." Morgan and Eddie, film scholars as they are, reflect on the merits of the film, the life of its protagonist, the oeuvre of Nolan, interspersing witticisms and erudite musings along the...
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70: Luddites!
In this episode, your two favorite researchers talk about the Writers Guild of America's strike and some shocking comparisons to the Luddites, courtesy of The Atlantic: The Luddites of Hollywood - Gavin Mueller
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69: How to Build a City
In this episode, our two favorite young researchers discuss how to improve cities through great ideas that are not widespread but should be. We talk about how to diversify police forces, intergenerational housing, proportional representation, publicly funded arts programs and many more ideas.…
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68: ChatGPT
I was too lazy to write cheeky show notes for this episode, so instead I asked ChatGPT (a machine-learning Artificial Intelligence) to write it for me. Here's what the AI wrote: "In today's episode, we have two brilliant young researchers who have taken it upon themselves to uncover the mystery...
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67: The Black List
Ever wonder how film executives find their material? Well, here's a peak behind the curtain. "The Black List" is a compilation of screenplays that are the most-mentioned by film executives. Three hundred film executives to be exact. Turns out, executives might have bad taste. Or maybe it's just...
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66: Anecdotal Evidence
Not all evidence is created equal. But in conversation it can appear that way.... In this episode we explore why anecdotal evidence is so appealing to people and how narrative and emotion speaks to human reasoning more than data and cold hard facts. We discuss the following article by Jens Eger,...
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65: Andor (Yeah - AGAIN)
I anticipate your eye-rolls and sighs of disgust. I get it. You don't think the world needs more Star Wars. Well -- turns out you are WRONG. This show rocks. It's the best thing on TV. 'Andor' is ten episodes of narrative perfection and exhilarating storytelling. Acting is pitch perfect. The…
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64: World Cup
The World Cup is currently being played in Qatar, a country completely undeserving to host the event given that a reported 6,000 migrant workers died to build its stadiums. Also, they criminalized homosexuality. Also, they are terrible at soccer. And yet, here we are with the most important...
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63: 'The Banshees of Inisherin' PLUS 'Andor'
What's that? You couldn't wait for Morgan and Eddie to break down the new Martin McDonagh flick? Well you are in luck, mister! And we threw in a littel 'Andor' because it's the best thing to grace the small screen since 'Succession.' Morgan and Eddie descend into a civil war of friendship set on…
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62: Qatar
Qatar is hosting the World Cup next month, human rights abuses be damned. In this episode, we discuss how human atrocities can happen in broad daylight as the Qatari regime bribed their way to hosting the 2022 World Cup. We discuss the term "sportswashing" and how authoritarian governments use a...
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61: Formula 1 Check-in
We're about midway through the Formula 1 season. You must be wondering what's going on. You must be wondering what Morgan and I make of the Red Bull dominance and the Mercedes acquiescence. The Ferrari blunders and the Danny Ric/McLaren situation. Well, we touch on each of these in a crisp 35...
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60: Nuclear Energy
In 2025, Diablo Canyon Power Plant on the central coast of California is scheduled to go off-line. Have we given up too soon on nuclear energy? We debate the dividends and drawbacks of nuclear power as a means of combatting climate change and kicking that nasty fossil fuel habit once and for all!...
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59: The Big Lebowski
Vietnam vets. German Nihilists. White Russians. Dance quintets. Kidnap. Ransom. Gulf War. The 1998 Coen Brothers' film "The Big Lebowski" has it all. This is one of the greatest American films ever made (but that's just, like, my opinion man). We analyze this absurdly entertaining film through…
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58: Formula 1
Fast cars. Big money. International locations. Netflix. No, I am not talking about my personal life, I am talking about the competitive motorsport Formula 1. In this episode, we break down what this sport is and why you should watch it. We talk "Drive to Survive" and discuss all the recent drama....
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57: Twilight Zone
[Read the following sentences in the iconic tone of Twilight Zone narrator Rod Serling]: Are you aware of the fifth dimension? That of imagination? The place where 'The Twilight Zone' resides? In this episode, we discuss "The Monsters Are Due On Maple Street," an episode from the first season of...
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56: Vonnegut
If you had control of the world’s most powerful force, how would you use it? In this literary escapade, Morgan and Eddie discuss Kurt Vonnegut’s short story “Report on the Barnhouse Effect.” It’s a story about a “superweapon with a conscience.” Does it have espionage? Yes it does. Dynamopsychism?...
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55: The End of History?
Is history linear? Are we making incremental improvements that are bettering humankind? Or are we repeating the same mistakes in an unending cycle? Morgan and Eddie answer all the big questions once and for all in this definitive episode. Listen to these young lads discuss Francis Fukuyama's…
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54: Ukraine
Ukraine is being invaded by Russia under Vladimir Putin's dictatorship. We invited Dr. Allyson Edwards, Teaching Fellow at Warwick University, to discuss Putin's rise to power, the formation of Russian democracy in the 1990s, it's dissolution under Putin, and the historic myth-making of Russia's...
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53: In Bruges
In 2008, British playwright Martin McDonagh released his first feature-length film ... and the world was never the same. Or, at least, Morgan and Eddie's world was never the same. Listen to an episode where they recount their favorite movie, one that chronicles the time two hitmen spent a…
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52: Enneagram
What's the Enneagram, you ask? Well, it's a method for interpreting human personality. And it tracks (in my opinion, Eddie speaking here). In this episode, we give the rundown of the nine Enneagram "types" and the attributes of each, while doing a deep dive on Types 3, 4, and 5. Maybe you have…
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51: German Election
In this episode, Dr. Niko Switek joins us to discuss the transition of power Germany is currently experiencing. After 16 years of Angela Merkel as German Chancellor, there's a new sheriff in town, Olaf Scholz, with a new coalition government. Dr. Switek is an expert in Germany's green party and...
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50: Metaverse
In this episode, Morgan and Eddie discuss Facebook's rebrand as "Meta" a company that is seeking to create the next iteration of the internet, which they call the "metaverse." If you're as scared about Mark Zuckerberg being on the frontlines of the next wave of tech innovation, then you're in…
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49: The Silk Road
Drawing off an excellent article from Joshuah Bearman, Eddie and Morgan welcome special guest Carson Wack onto the podcast to discuss the trials and tribulations involved in Ross Ulbricht's development of the Silk Road. Along they way they touch on details about libertarianism, morality on the...
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48: "America Has a Drinking Problem"
Is drinking heavily an American phenomenon? No. Is drinking alone an American phenomenon? Perhaps. Morgan and Eddie discuss The Atlantic article titled "America Has a Drinking Problem", an essay that walks us through the historical use of alcohol as a socialization tool. They also discuss the…
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46: Gentrification
Morgan and Eddie speak with special guest and Portland resident/aficionado Tyler Green about gentrification and its impact on parks, businesses, and the local community.
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45: Future of American Politics
Morgan and Eddie reflect on Trumpism and political activism and the implications this holds for American democracy moving forward.
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44: Epigenetics and Vaccines
Eddie and Morgan are joined by Stanford immunology PhD student Hunter Martinez to discuss epigentics, vaccines, and collaboration in academia.
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43: Fermi Paradox
There are plenty of seemingly inhabitable planets, so why no evidence of other life? On this episode, Morgan and Eddie discuss the Fermi Paradox.
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42: Election Reflection
Joe Biden won. And so did Mitch McConnell. So now Morgan and Eddie have to deal with what this means.
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41: Academia
Morgan and Eddie talk about academia, something they love like a relative they can't get rid of.
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40: Effective Altruism
Morgan's sister, Demi, describes the hyper-rational Effective Altruism movement.
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39: Online Gaming
We found a teenager to explain online gaming to us two has-been's.
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38: Panama Papers
What happens when there is the biggest financial data leak in history? Listen to find out...
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37: Conspiracy Theories
Everyone has a soft spot for some conspiracy theory. Morgan & Eddie share theirs.
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36: Debrief - Virtual Environmentalism
What is virtual environmentalism? Could it help with climate change? Listen & find out...
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35: North(?) Macedonia
What is the rightful name of the country north of Greece? Listen to this episode to find out...
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34: More Online Dating
In this episode, you get: a story of Tinder love, an update on Eddie's love life, and a memorable song.
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33: Debrief - Working from Home
Morgan and Eddie discuss what we might learn from millions of Americans working from home.
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32: Debrief - Tories
Learn how the Tory Party's free-wheeling style leads to victory in the U.K.
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31: CRISPR
Morgan and Eddie talk about CRISPR and why it's a BIG DEAL.
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30: Secularization
Is America getting less religious? Listen to this episode to find out...
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29: World Cup Corruption
Morgan and Eddie are joined by a special guest to discuss corruption in international soccer.
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28: Borders
Morgan and Eddie discuss the efficacy of hard borders.
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27: "The End of Babies"
Morgan and Eddie discuss a NY Times op-ed about declining fertility rates among Millennials.
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26: NBA & Hong Kong
Morgan and Eddie discuss the NBA's Hong Kong controversy.
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25: Climate Change
Morgan and Eddie give a new lens through which to view climate change.
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24: Debrief - Iron & Wine & Calexico
Eddie's brother, Sandy, talks about hanging out backstage with Iron & Wine & Calexico.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Two young researchers try to ask the right questions about world events and politics. Episodes every month. Come for the insight, stay for the puns.
HOSTED BY
Wack and Matthews
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Rationalish have?
Rationalish currently has 73 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Rationalish about?
Two young researchers try to ask the right questions about world events and politics. Episodes every month. Come for the insight, stay for the puns.
How often does Rationalish release new episodes?
Rationalish has 73 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Rationalish?
You can listen to Rationalish on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Rationalish?
Rationalish is created and hosted by Wack and Matthews.
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