Best Remarkable Objects Podcasts (2025)

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The Lie of De-extinction 30:00

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1d ago30:00

30:00

When is a Dire Wolf not a Dire Wolf? When it’s a Grey Wolf made white and fluffy with a few tiny changes. When is a Woolly Mammoth not a Woolly Mammoth? When it's an elephant made hairy by a few tiny changes. And yet one organisation has claimed, with much fanfare, to have brought back the Dire Wolf, and has plans to bring back other species, such …

1
Plato vs. Aristotle? with Dr. Arthur Herman 59:14

29m ago59:14

59:14

Join Atlas Society CEO Jennifer Grossman for the 281st episode of Objectively Speaking, with historian Arthur Herman as they discuss his book "The Cave and the Light: Plato Versus Aristotle, and the Struggle for the Soul of Western Civilization," which answers the question of how the competing visions of Plato and Aristotle shaped the very way we t…

1
The Anonymous Altarpiece: Decoding a Renaissance Enigma, with Alex Bell 10:41

3h ago10:41

10:41

On today’s episode, what happens when a work of art is so enigmatic that you think about it for 60 years? Alex Bell, Chairman Emeritus of Sotheby's UK and Old Masters Worldwide, tells the story of how a mysterious Renaissance altarpiece entered the collection of the National Gallery in London as the museum celebrated its bi-centenary. Further detai…

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On the public understanding of science 30:00

6h ago30:00

30:00

Adele Pentland (Curtin University) and Sally Hurst (Macquarie University), are both Superstars of STEM with extensive experience in public engagement and media communication. They are both palaeontologists, which we think gives them a bit of an advantage over some of the other sciences, since we’re the ones with dinosaurs! In a wide ranging convers…

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What Anti-Zionism Gets Wrong with Josh Hammer 57:17

1h ago57:17

57:17

Join Atlas Society CEO Jennifer Grossman for the 280th episode of Objectively Speaking when she sits down with Josh Hammer to talk about his book "Israel and Civilization: The Fate of the Jewish Nation and the Destiny of the West," which makes a case for why the key to the prosperity of the West is the flourishing of the Jewish State of Israel. Jos…

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The Contingency Lunar Sample Return Bag: An Apollo 11 Treasure, with Cassandra Hatton 13:23

4h ago13:23

13:23

On today’s episode, Cassandra Hatton, Sotheby’s Vice Chairman & Worldwide Head of Science and Natural History, examines the turbulent journey of the bag that brought back the first sample of the Moon — collected by Neil Armstrong on Apollo 11. She specialises in creating new markets, selling unique artefacts, and exploring what it means to put a pr…

1
Why Great Civilizations Fail? with Johan Norberg 1:00:15

10d ago1:00:15

1:00:15

Join Atlas Society CEO Jennifer Grossman for the 279th episode of Objectively Speaking where she is joined by three-time returning guest Johan Norberg to talk about his latest book "Peak Human: What We Can Learn From History’s Greatest Civilizations," which explores the rise and fall of past societies to uncover the ideas, institutions, and innovat…

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The Collector and the Ceramicist: Sydney Denton and Magdalene Odundo, with Julia Fischel 13:11

9d ago13:11

13:11

On today’s episode, Julia Fischel, Sotheby's Head of the Modern Art Day Sale in London, examines the trailblazing impact of Dame Magdalene Odundo, a Kenyan-born British potter, who redefined the field of contemporary ceramics. Her sculptural vessels set new records for the medium at the auction of visionary collector Sydney Denton, one of her great…

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What are Concepts and Propositions? with David Kelley and Richard Salsman 1:08:10

10d ago1:08:10

1:08:10

Join Atlas Society founder and Senior Scholar David Kelley, Ph.D., along with Senior Scholar and Professor of Political Economy at Duke Richard Salsman, Ph.D., for a special webinar exploring the relationship between concepts, propositions, and objective knowledge—central themes in Kelley’s new essay Concepts and Propositions. Together, the duo wil…

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Virgil Abloh’s Reimagining of the Iconic Nike Air Force 1 for Louis Vuitton, with Brahm Wachter 11:01

10d ago11:01

11:01

On today’s episode, an auction built overnight - Virgil Abloh’s reimagining of the iconic Nike Air Force 1 for Louis Vuitton. The auction became a global phenomenon, with two hundred pairs sold exclusively through Sotheby’s, attracting bidders from more than 50 countries. Brahm Wachter, Sotheby's Head of Modern Collectibles based in Los Angeles, or…

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Kanga who? 30:00

24d ago30:00

30:00

What actually is a kangaroo? And how long have they been the giant red or grey hopping things so synonymous with Australia? In this episode of Palaeo Jam, host Michael Mills chats with Dr Isaac Kerr about the origin of kangaroos as “weird possums that lived in the trees a bit”, the significant gaps in the kangaroo origin fossil record, and how we m…

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Do Children Have Rights? with Darcy Olsen 56:11

17d ago56:11

56:11

Join Atlas CEO Jennifer Grossman for the 277th episode of Objectively Speaking, where she interviews founder and CEO Darcy Olsen about the Center for the Rights of Abused Children and its mission to “protect children, change laws and inspire people – to ensure every abused child has a safe and loving home." A former foster mom, who adopted four of …

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The Lost Seal of the Emperor Qianlong, with Nicolas Chow 11:48

20d ago11:48

11:48

On today’s episode, the spark that led Nicolas Chow, Chairman of Sotheby’s Asia, and Head of Asian Art Worldwide, to rediscover of the Qianlong Yulan Zhi Bao Seal. The carved soapstone seal has left its imprint upon some of the greatest works of Imperial China. Further details about the episode subject. The Specialist is brought to you by Sotheby's…

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Who is Frank Meyer? with Daniel J. Flynn 58:50

24d ago58:50

58:50

Join Atlas Society CEO Jennifer Grossman for the 276th episode of Objectively Speaking where she interviews author Dan Flynn about his new book "The Man Who Invented Conservatism: The Unlikely Life of Frank S. Meyer," which unveils one of the twentieth century’s great untold stories: a Communist turned conservative, an antiwar activist turned soldi…

1
The Secret Pendant of Marie Antoinette, with Andres White Correal 10:47

1M ago10:47

10:47

On today’s episode, the story of Marie Antoinette’s pearl and diamond pendant, told by Andres White Correal, Chairman, Jewellery, Sotheby's EMEA. The pendant was hidden, smuggled, and reclaimed before becoming the star lot in one of the most important royal jewelry ensembles ever to appear on the open market. Further details about the episode subje…

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Who Needs The Constitution Anyway? with Wilfred McClay 58:59

1M ago58:59

58:59

Join Atlas Society CEO Jennifer Grossman for the 275th episode of Objectively Speaking, where she is joined by Wilfred McClay, Victor Davis Hanson Chair in Classical History and Western Civilization at Hillsdale College, to discuss his book "Land of Hope: An Invitation to the Great American Story" along with his latest release, "Jewish Roots of Ame…

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The Lost Portrait of Moctezuma: One of the Last Aztec Emperors, with Lulu de Creel 12:39

1M ago12:39

12:39

On today's episode, Lulu de Creel, Chairman, Sotheby's Latin America, tells the extraordinary journey of an anonymous 17th-century portrait believed to be the only surviving likeness of Moctezuma II, the last Aztec emperor. Lulu reveals how the painting was passed down through noble families, vanished into obscurity, and then resurfaced centuries l…

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False Government Accusations of Child Abuse? with Spike Cohen 1:00:45

1M ago1:00:45

1:00:45

Join Atlas Society CEO Jennifer Grossman for the 274th episode of Objectively Speaking as she sits down with Spike Cohen, libertarian activist, entrepreneur, and podcaster. Together, they discuss Cohen’s nonprofit, You Are The Power, its mission to push back against government overreach, and its grassroots efforts to defend families facing wrongful…

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Sylvester Stallone's Patek Philippe, with Geoff Hess 11:53

2M ago11:53

11:53

On today’s episode, Global Head of Watches Geoff Hess gives us a behind the scenes look at the rare Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime, one of the most complicated wristwatches in the world and once owned by Sylvester Stallone. Further details about the episode subject. The Specialist is brought to you by Sotheby's Financial Services. SFS offers asse…

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Did Frederick Douglass Diss Abe Lincoln? with Lucas Morel and Jonathan White 58:58

2M ago58:58

58:58

Join Atlas Society CEO Jennifer Grossman for the 273rd episode of Objectively Speaking, where Professor Lucas Morel joins her alongside returning guest Jonathan White to talk about the duo's co-authored book "Measuring the Man: The Writings of Frederick Douglass on Abraham Lincoln," which assembles Frederick Douglass’s most meaningful and poignant …

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Princess Diana and the Black Sheep Jumper, with Morgane Halimi 12:15

2M ago12:15

12:15

On today's episode, Diana, Princess of Wales, and her iconic 'One Black Sheep' jumper. First worn to a Windsor polo match in 1981, the jumper was rediscovered in an attic after forty years and meticulously authenticated by Morgane Halimi, Sotheby's Global Head of Handbags and Fashion in Zurich. Further details about the episode subject. The Special…

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Creatures of the Slime 30:00

2M ago30:00

30:00

On Thursday October 9th, Dr Jim Gehling OA (Order of Australia) was awarded the Joseph Verco Medal by the Royal Society of South Australia for a remarkable life of research and public engagement in the field of palaeontology. Previous recipients have included Sir Douglas Mawson and Reg Sprigg. Palaeo Jam host Michael Mills is a long time friend of …

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Remembering Charlie Kirk: Will This Be America's Turning Point? with Driena Sixto 59:26

2M ago59:26

59:26

Join Atlas Society CEO Jennifer Grossman for the 272nd episode of Objectively Speaking. In the wake of the devastating loss of longtime friend Charlie Kirk, Driena Sixto joins Atlas Society CEO Jennifer Grossman as they share reflections on Charlie’s life, leadership, and the profound mark he left on the movement for liberty. Inspired by Ayn Rand a…

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Deborah Devonshire’s Chickens and Four Eggs on a Plate, with Tom Eddison 11:20

2M ago11:20

11:20

On today’s episode, the story of Four Eggs on a Plate, a small but powerful painting by Lucian Freud. Hidden away for years at Chatsworth House, the painting was unearthed by Tom Eddison, Head of Contemporary Art at Sotheby’s London, and went on to become one of the surprises of the Contemporary Art Evening Auction in 2015. Further details about th…

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Ambient Intelligence: Bringing Objectivity To The Physical World 56:45

2M ago56:45

56:45

What if airport “random checks” relied less on hunches and more on measurable behavior? CEO Galvin Widjaja of Lauretta AI explains how ambient intelligence can contextualize actions in physical spaces to reduce bias and improve safety without using facial recognition or permanent IDs. He shares the design choices behind “privacy by design,” why rem…

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The Most Valuable Car in the World, with Gord Duff And Marcus Breitschwerdt 15:49

2M ago15:49

15:49

By Sotheby's

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How Politics Failed During COVID with Stephen J. Macedo 1:00:44

2M ago1:00:44

1:00:44

By The Atlas Society

1
Empowering Neurodivergent Voices In A Tech-Driven World 45:43

2M ago45:43

45:43

What if 80% of capable autistic adults are unemployed or underemployed while companies still struggle to hire for quality and speed? CEO Tara May shares how a Chicago‑born team built a high‑performing, neurodivergent workforce delivering user testing, accessibility, and cybersecurity - and why excellence, not just mission, keeps clients returning. …

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Does Border Enforcement Reduce Violent Crime? with Ken W. Good 57:07

3M ago57:07

57:07

Are deportations driving down violent crime in America? Some supporters are crediting the sharp increase in deportations for what could soon be the lowest U.S. murder rate on record. On the other hand, critics strongly argue that deportation sweeps unfairly target non-violent offenders and create fear within immigrant communities, discouraging vict…

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The Specialist Continues 2:00

3M ago2:00

2:00

This is The Specialist, your weekly dose of wonder. Explore the significance and journey of an extraordinary work through the eyes of those that know it best. The Specialist returns with more episodes weekly from October 8th. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesBy Sotheby's

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The Lizards of Oz! 30:00

3M ago30:00

30:00

Australia is land of reptiles, and in particular, a land of lizards. How and when did it become this? And why are there so many venomous snakes? In this episode of Palaeo Jam, host Michael Mills chats with Dr Mark Hutchinson about the evolutionary history of the lizards of Australia, why they become a life long passion, if he has a favourite lizard…

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Public Choice Theory and the Politics of Self-Interest with Stephen Hicks and Richard Salsman 57:45

3M ago57:45

57:45

Join Atlas Society Senior Scholars Stephen Hicks and Richard Salsman for a webinar exploring the intersection of “Public Choice” economics and Objectivism. Listen as the duo discuss how Public Choice theory challenges the idea of selfless government actors, and how Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged vividly dramatizes the consequences of political actors be…

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The Art of Seeing: Two Brueghel Discoveries, with George Wachter 10:56

3M ago10:56

10:56

On today's episode, George Wachter, Sotheby's Americas Chairman, and Co-Chairman of Old Master Paintings Worldwide, takes us back over 50 years to the start of his career to tell the tale of the discovery of two remarkable Brueghel paintings, hidden in plain sight — one at the back of a wardrobe. Further details about the episode subject. The Speci…

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Fitness in the Future: Technology Meets Tradition at XGym 54:16

3M ago54:16

54:16

Can a 21‑minute workout twice a week rival seven hours at the gym? PJ Glassy, founder of XGym, explains the science and systems behind ultra‑efficient “time under tension” training, how nerve training boosts coordination and results, and why chasing complete muscle fatigue matters more than gadgets. You’ll hear how XGym blends controlled reps, meth…

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Is America an Idea? with David Kelley and Robert Tracinski 1:01:26

3M ago1:01:26

1:01:26

Join Atlas Society founder and Senior Scholar David Kelley, Ph.D., along with Senior Fellow Robert Tracinski, for the 268th episode of Objectively Speaking and a special webinar exploring what it means for a nation to be defined by ideas rather than ancestry or geography. From the Constitution to immigration, from debates with national conservative…

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How To Fix Fertility: A New Personalized Playbook 50:34

3M ago50:34

50:34

What if tracking ovulation isn’t the key to getting pregnant - fixing the reasons for late ovulation is? Dr. Awesome talks with Conceivable CEO Kirsten Karchmer about a practical, personalized approach to fertility that focuses on behavior change, heart rate variability, and addressing subclinical factors that derail conception. They unpack why per…

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A shark walks into a library... 30:04

3M ago30:04

30:04

And then what? It tuned in to this very episode of Palaeo Jam! Dr Heather Robinson and Professor John Long are the authors of two important books, “Beyond the Books: Culture, value and why libraries matter.” and “The Secret History of Sharks: The Rise of the Ocean's Most Fearsome Predators”, respectively. Heather and John are also work partners and…

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Who Needs College Anymore? with Kathleen deLaski 55:46

3M ago55:46

55:46

Join Atlas CEO Jennifer Grossman for the 267th episode of Objectively Speaking, where she interviews founder and board chair of Education Design Lab, Kathleen deLaski, about her new book “Who Needs College Anymore? Imagining a Future Where Degrees Won’t Matter,” which draws on a decade of design-thinking research and interviews to reimagine what hi…

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The Forgotten Swaminathan Triptych, with Manjari Sihare-Sutin 12:20

3M ago12:20

12:20

On today’s episode, how a paper brochure began a treasure hunt to authenticate a masterpiece of modern Indian art – Jagdish Swaminathan’s “Homage to Solzhenitsyn”. Manjari Sihare-Sutin, Head of Modern and Contemporary South Asian Art Worldwide, shares the story and how it culminated in a record-breaking sale that redefined the artist’s place in the…

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The Multi-Million Dollar Banana, with David Galperin 12:11

4M ago12:11

12:11

On today’s episode, Maurizio Cattelan’s Comedian - an artwork that provoked scandal, sparked imagination, and upended the very definition of contemporary art. David Galperin, Sotheby’s Vice Chairman, Head of Contemporary Art for The Americas, examines the complexities and challenges that come with bringing such an ineffable and metaphysical artwork…

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Small Businesses, Big Leverage: A Better Future⁠ With Practical AI 49:07

4M ago49:07

49:07

What if a 10-person team could personally reach 21,000 customers by Monday — and turn that outreach into six figures in weekend sales? Dr. Awesome talks with John Long, CEO of THYNK AI, about how small and midsize businesses are using communication agents to answer phones, qualify leads, schedule appointments, and follow up across calls, text, and …

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How to Fight Wokism with Eric Kaufmann 58:56

4M ago58:56

58:56

Join Atlas CEO Jennifer Grossman for the 266th episode of Objectively Speaking, where she interviews returning guest Eric Kaufmann about his latest book, “The Third Awokening: A 12-Point Plan for Rolling Back Progressive Extremism,” which explores the rise of “woke” ideology and proposes a concrete strategy to counter its influence. Eric Kaufmann i…

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S. Sudjojono and the Awakening of Indonesian Modern Art, Jasmine Prasetio 10:31

4M ago10:31

10:31

On today’s episode, the emergence of a monumental painting by S. Sudjojono, long hidden in a private collection. Jasmine Prasetio, Managing Director of Sotheby's Southeast Asia, first encountered the composition as a blurry photo on a mobile phone, but went on to orchestrate its record breaking sale at auction. Further details about the episode sub…

1
What goes on in the regions? 30:00

4M ago30:00

30:00

Regional museums in Australia and elsewhere are the custodians of a remarkable collection of stories. What are some of those stories, and why do they matter? Why, indeed, do regional museums matter? And what kinds of science, including palaeontology, takes place in the regions? Palaeo Jam host Michael Mills recently travelled to Geraldton in Wester…

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How "Low Culture" Captured Politics with Ross Benes 54:37

4M ago54:37

54:37

What if the cultural quirks of the late ’90s weren’t just nostalgia, but the blueprint for today’s America? Join Atlas CEO Jennifer Grossman for the 265th episode of Objectively Speaking, where she interviews author Ross Benes about his new book “1999: The Year Low Culture Conquered America and Kickstarted Our Bizarre Times,” which demonstrates how…

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Fabergé’s Rediscovered Imperial Flower, with Helen Culver-Smith 12:18

4M ago12:18

12:18

On today’s episode, the beauty of nature suspended for eternity. Helen Culver-Smith, Head of Decorative Arts Worldwide and Head of Fabergé and Russian works of Art, reveals how the digital discovery of an apple blossom study, rendered in gold, enamel and rock crystal by master maker Fabergé, led her down a fascinating path of provenance, all the wa…

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David's Farewell of Telemachus and Eucharis, with Benjamin Doller 10:14

4M ago10:14

10:14

On today’s episode, how Benjamin Doller, Chairman of The Americas, reattributed ‘Farewell of Telemachus and Eucharis’ to Jacques-Louis David. Long believed to have been painted by a student of David, he was able to authenticate it before many modern analysis techniques were available. Further details about the episode subject This is an episode of …

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The Story Economy: Practical, Private And Personalized AI 57:17

4M ago57:17

57:17

What if the most valuable data about you isn’t labs, steps, or purchases - but your own spoken story? Bill Welser, CEO and cofounder of Lotic AI, explains how narrative disclosures can power practical, private, and personalized artificial intelligence. We dig into why “unknown unknowns” are hard to surface with prompt-only tools, how a relational A…

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Bahman Mohassess’ Enduring Legacy, with Ashkan Baghestani 13:06

5M ago13:06

13:06

On today’s episode, Ashkan Baghestani, Head of Contemporary Art Day Sale in New York recounts his quest to trace and recontextualise the scattered corpus of artist Bahman Mohassess, and, in so doing, to restore him to his rightful place in the history of Middle Eastern art. Further details about the episode subject This is an episode of The Special…

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How to Be an Intentional Entrepreneur with Peter Worrell 55:30

5M ago55:30

55:30

Join Atlas CEO Jennifer Grossman for the 264th episode of Objectively Speaking, where she interviews returning guest Peter Worrell about his latest book “INTENTION: Unlocking The Lifeforce Inside High-Performing Entrepreneurs” which explores what truly drives entrepreneurial success—not just strategy and execution, but the deep, inner forces of int…