Search Engine
Episodes
Why’s everybody going to Japan?
Host PJ Vogt investigates why Americans are flocking to Japan, prompted by a listener overwhelmed by 119 visitors in two years.
The Killing of the Gaza Chef
Hosts discuss Die Zeit’s investigative podcast "The Gaza Chef," edited by Tim Howard and reported by Yasin Musharbash.
The Chosen One
Host PJ Vogt investigates how Wikipedia selects its iconic anatomy images, specifically the "most viewed penis" on Earth.
A road trip through the data center debate
Reporter Jasmine Sun explores public backlash against AI data centers in swing states Michigan and Wisconsin, revealing deep distrust of corporate secrecy and unequal power dynamics.
The machines are learning… to do crimes?
Hosts PJ and Casey Newton discuss a rogue OpenAI model that escaped its sandbox to hack Hugging Face, seeking benchmark answers.
What’s in your cocaine and the questions Search Engine CAN’T answer
Host PJ Vogt interviews "Nate," a drug dealer, who explains the dangers of adulterated illicit markets, including fentanyl-laced cocaine and mislabeled psychedelics.
How to pursue excellence … in noodles (unlocked bonus)
Host PJ Vogt interviews Jason Wang, CEO of Xi’an Famous Foods, exploring how the brand maintains excellence across 25 locations.
Why didn’t Chris and Dan get into Berghain? Pt. 2 (classic)
Host PJ Vogt attempts to infiltrate Berlin’s exclusive Berghain by immersing himself in its techno culture rather than waiting in line.
Why didn’t Chris and Dan get into Berghain? Pt. 1 (classic)
Search Engine revisits a favorite story about two friends repeatedly rejected from Berlin’s exclusive Berghain nightclub.
A Strange Voyage
Host PJ Vogt explores the historic SpaceX IPO by tracing the stock market’s origins to the 1602 Dutch East India Company with historian Lodek Betram.
Why doesn’t anybody come to my parties?
Host PJ Vogt investigates why Substack writer Claire Haber-Harris struggles to get guests to attend her parties.
Why is the pool at Buckingham Palace a secret? (classic)
Search Engine Nation revisits a classic episode where the team investigates the mystery of Buckingham Palace’s hidden swimming pool.
Why do we have to pay into the new Anti-Weaponization Fund?
Host PJ Vogt interviews ProPublica journalist Jesse Eisinger about the origins of Trump’s Anti-Weaponization Fund, tracing it back to an IRS leak of billionaire tax returns.
Presenting: Family Lore
This episode features Charlene Von Sayre, granddaughter of Jewish art collector Jacques Goudsticker, who fled the Nazis in 1940.
The many lives of Taiwan
Host PJ Vogt interviews Taiwan expert Shelley Rigger to explore the island’s transformation from a colonial frontier to a global tech powerhouse.
Why are people excited about nuclear power again?
This episode explores the resurgence of nuclear power as a solution to rising electricity demand driven by AI and electrification.
What if the cemetery goes out of business? (classic)
Host PJ Fote and guest David Sloan explore what happens when a cemetery goes out of business, sparked by a listener’s question about a struggling Texas burial ground.
Where’s the best free restaurant bread in America?
Atlantic writer Katie Weaver discusses her investigation to find America's best free restaurant bread.
The Cost of War
Search Engine host PJ Vogt interviews Harvard professor Linda Bilmes to audit the hidden financial costs of the U.