Best Modern Nostalgia Productions Podcasts (2025)

1
Can the oceans solve our carbon removal problems? 29:10

3d ago29:10

29:10

There's been growing research and investment in projects that use the oceans to artificially remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Such techniques involve both a biological and a chemical approach. To date, carbon removal technologies have been largely land-based, using giant air-purification machines, or planting trees to consume and store ca…

1
Thunderbolts* 33:10

3d ago33:10

33:10

Marvel's newest entry Thunderbolts* closes out phase five of the MCU. The movie does a ton of things that set it apart from other MCU entries, and Florence Pugh steals the show! We discuss how a movie dealing with mental health and hard A24 and Silent Hill vibes is exactly what we needed from this franchise!…

51
YouTube turns 20; and the interesting side of boredom 28:34

6d ago28:34

28:34

YouTube is the second biggest website in the world, containing more than 14.8 billion videos. It's been a huge success, but its public image as a haven for influencers and digital monetisers belies its true character and role. Ryan McGrady from the University of Massachusetts takes us inside the online behemoth. Also, perspectives on boredom, its p…

1
Remember the Jevons Paradox! 28:38

14d ago28:38

28:38

We like to think that increases in efficiency lead to greater sustainability – to lower resource use. But from cars to computers to bitcoin, it seems the reverse is true – efficiency stimulates demand. It’s an oft forgotten rule of economics called the Jevons Paradox, and it might explain why the demand for almost everything keeps going up even whi…

1
Heinz vs Graza: Bottling the Brand 19:06

15d ago19:06

19:06

What happens when a century-old condiment king squares off against olive oil’s DTC darling? In this episode, we dig into how Heinz and Graza use packaging, storytelling, and brand identity to dominate their segments. From nostalgic glass bottles to functional flair, what can marketers learn from these everyday pantry items turned icons? For the epi…

1
The power and peril of the optimistic mind 28:38

21d ago28:38

28:38

Human beings have a bias toward optimism, says astrophysicist turned author and editor, Sumit Paul-Choudhury. While we may not always acknowledge it, the power of optimism is what drives our species forward. But beware of the modern craze for "Manifesting" — wishful thinking, no matter how intense, only has impact if it's married to action. Also, w…

1
AI's "hidden labour" and the move toward a linkless internet 28:37

28d ago28:37

28:37

Artificial intelligence, it turns out, has a heavy human backend — they're called "data labellers"; they mostly live in developing countries, and there are ethical questions about their pay and work conditions. So, why aren't we talking more about them? Also, Google and other search companies have begun replacing hyperlinks with AI summaries. It's …

1
The roots of techno-authoritarianism 28:38

1M ago28:38

28:38

Does the spirit of the "Futurist" movement live on today in the likes of Elon Musk and America's intrigue of techno-oligarchs? The Italian poet and fantasist Flippo Tommaso Marinetti almost died in a car crash, and out of that experience was born the "Futurist" movement. It went on to inspire the fascism of Benito Mussolini with an energetic emphas…

1
Some challenges to conventional economic thinking 28:38

1M ago28:38

28:38

Does modern economic thinking act as a roadblock to change? Economists Kate Raworth and Rainer Kattel certainly think so. The alternatives they propose involve acknowledging limits not just obsessing about growth. And a caution from design and management expert Raz Godelink – it always pays to be skeptical when big business puts on the sustainabili…

1
State Farm vs. Tide: The New Age of Product Placement 19:17

1M ago19:17

19:17

Marketing and entertainment have always shared the screen, but while consumers find more ways to skip ads to view their content, brands are flipping the script back at them. As brands find new ways to blur the line between content and advertising, we’re diving into their evolution from blatant on-screen logos to full plot integration. For the episo…

1
Snow White 28:04

2M ago28:04

28:04

Blake and Terrence discuss the latest of Disney's live action remakes, Snow White. How does the movie keep itself relevant and adapt the classic film that once upon a time saved Disney? How does it compare to other live action adaptations? Listen share and review!

1
Civility, trash talking and more sociable cities 28:38

2M ago28:38

28:38

It certainly feels like a very shouty world. But have we really reached a new low point in civility? And, if so, where to from here? We examine what civility really entails and how it can help foster cooperation but also lead to the submission of minorities. And did you know that even the design of our urban spaces can shape and limit acts of civil…

1
Limitarianism — could a cap on wealth reduce inequality? 28:38

2M ago28:38

28:38

When a company CEO can be paid 1,000 times the average employee's salary it's probably time to take a long hard look at wealth inequality. And those calling for the rich to pay more aren't always the ones you'd expect – Patriotic Millionaires is a group of mega rich individuals demanding greater, not lesser taxation. Then there's the Dutch philosop…

1
Pringles & Little Caesars vs. Oatly & Nespresso: The Power of Partnerships 22:49

2M ago22:49

22:49

Brand collabs are having a moment, and for good reason—when done right, these partnerships create a valuable experience while reaching beyond their own individual audiences. With more brands teaming up than ever, join our hosts as they dig into the alliances that made an impact and the circumstances that brought them together.…

1
Understanding attention and a craving for certainty 28:38

2M ago28:38

28:38

Are we really facing an attention crisis? Historian, Daniel Immerwahr, has his doubts. In fact, he says ours is an era of obsession as much as distraction and of zeal as much as indifference. Also, the paradox of certainty: we crave it, argues the University of Alberta's, Timothy Caulfield, even though it's so easy to fake. Guests Daniel Immerwahr …

1
Bonus Episode: Beyond the Big Game 23:37

2M ago23:37

23:37

Everyone loves to talk about Super Bowl ads the day after the big game—but which ones actually scored big beyond the hype? Which brands used their $8M ad slot to leave a lasting mark, and which ones dropped the ball before the confetti even hit the turf? Join our hosts for a post-game breakdown of the biggest brand touchdowns, the marketing fumbles…

1
Flow Batteries, windships, and a new approach to off-grid solar 28:38

2M ago28:38

28:38

They're cheaper and safer than their lithium counterparts, they're easier to scale-up, and they can hold power for much longer than conventional batteries, so why aren't flow batteries better known? The technology has been under development for decades, but enthusiasts now say they're finding their place in the sun. Also, why more and more cargo co…

1
Modern museums, accountability, and openness 28:38

3M ago28:38

28:38

The Victoria and Albert Museum in London is opening-up its storeroom, turning the back end of the operation into a public resource. It's about attracting new patrons, but it's also about accountability, the Museum's managers have declared. Across the Western world museums are having to reexamine their mission and redefine the relationship they have…

1
Captain America Brave New World 31:29

3M ago31:29

31:29

Captain America Brave New World debuts Anthony Mackie as Captain America in the MCU's latest entry. Blake and Terrence give their thoughts, how well the adapt Cap and Red Hulk, if the movie was challenging enough with its subject matter and the box office. Review and share the show!

1
Nuclear tombs and the distant discourse of danger 28:38

3M ago28:38

28:38

A series of massive underground tombs for nuclear waste are currently under construction. They've taken decades to plan and build and they're designed to house the world's nuclear waste for millennia to come. So where are they being built? How safe will they be? And how to devise a toxic waste warning sign that will make sense to people living tens…

1
The danger of generational labelling 28:38

3M ago28:38

28:38

Terms like "Gen Z", "Boomer" and "Millennial" are popular, but they have no basis in science. Demographers and social scientists are now pushing back. Generational labelling, they argue, is akin to Astrology and while politicians, journalists and media influencers find them irresistible, they actually promote pseudo-science, sew social division and…

1
Could Utopian thinking save democracy? 29:08

3M ago29:08

29:08

Why does Utopian thinking get such a bad rap? It’s often derided as delusional and dangerous. But what if that stereotype is designed to limit our imagination and choices? We hear often that people are tired of democracy and turned off by short-term political thinking. So, is it time to be much more adventurous and ambitious – dare we say utopian –…

1
How to ensure privatisation serves the public good 29:06

3M ago29:06

29:06

Privatising public services like trains, hospitals or prisons — is a proven vote loser. But governments of both the left and right continue to privatise — when it suits them. And it suits them, it seems, when large sums of money are needed to pay down debt, or when a government seeks to off load risk and liability to the private sector. So, what co…

1
Wolfman 22:52

4M ago22:52

22:52

Universal's new Wolfman hit theaters this weekend, but does it live up to the rest of the franchise? Terrence and Blake discuss their thoughts, what worked in the past for Wolfman, why this one didn't hit the mark and examples of bringing back classic monsters that did work. Share and subscribe!

1
The vicious cycle of fear and anger — and how it traps society 29:08

4M ago29:08

29:08

Authoritarians rule through fear. We can clearly see that from China to the Middle East to eastern Europe. But why do we constantly overlook the way in which fear also shapes democratic societies? It's fueling populism and distorting our future focus. Then there's anger. It's inspired generations to man the barricades and right society's wrongs. Bu…

1
Algorithms create a dull conformity — off and online 29:08

4M ago29:08

29:08

Algorithmic feeds are meant to personalise our online experiences, but increasingly they're flattening our culture and fostering a dull conformity, according to best-selling author Kyle Chayka. And the influence they exert on our lives is increasingly physical not just digital. Also, data scientist Gloria Mark who has crunched the numbers on how ou…

1
The must-have skill for the future: Untangling unintended consequences 29:08

4M ago29:08

29:08

In our uber-connected world, the development and management of really anything is becoming increasingly complex. Planning for the future has to involve more than just grand ambitions, it also needs to be alert to unintended consequences. Otherwise things you didn't even dream about will go wrong and that can prove enormously costly. Part of the sol…

1
Nostalgia can make you vulnerable to manipulation 29:08

4M ago29:08

29:08

Nostalgia triggers our emotions and that in turn makes us vulnerable to manipulation. We speak with Richard King about the commodification and weaponisation of nostalgic sentiment. Also, New York Times critic-at-large, Jason Farago, on why he believes our cultural age might be the least innovative in half a millennium. Guests Richard King – author …

1
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 38:58

5M ago38:58

38:58

Sonic 3 is here! Introducing to the world the live action version of Shadow! Blake and Terrence discuss how the movie moves the franchise forward, adapts Shadow's story for the big screen, what they want to see more of and how this managed to defeat Mufasa at the box office. Leave a review and share the show!…

1
The artificial secret behind "natural food" 29:08

5M ago29:08

29:08

Most people want to eat better. And many of us have embraced the trend toward "natural" foods and conscious eating. We equate "natural" with healthy, nutritious and virtuous, but that can often be way off the mark. New research shows many healthy alternatives are anything but. And our embrace of the term natural is more about expressing identity an…

1
Kraven the Hunter 41:31

5M ago41:31

41:31

Sony's Spider-Man universe comes to an alleged close with Kraven the Hunter. Blake and Terrence discuss the things the movie attempted to accomplish, how it adapts the Spider-Man villain and the many missed opportunities the movie has. Leave a review and share the show!

1
The role genetics could play in bringing down Methane levels 29:07

5M ago29:07

29:07

Methane levels are going up — not down, despite decades spent trying to reduce emissions from agriculture and landfill. But some countries are bucking the trend, we find out who and how. Breeding sheep and cattle to burp less is one way to reduce methane emissions. ABC Top 5 Science Residency recipient Luisa Olmo talks us through a genetic selectio…

1
The cities that create rain; AI in warfare; and do carbon offsets really work? 29:08

5M ago29:08

29:08

The design of your city contributes to how much rain you get. Researchers have found a 'wet island effect' and it's likely to shape the future construction of our cities. Also, better understanding how Artificial Intelligence is used in conflict; and the major Australian study that calls into question the effectiveness of carbon trading. Guests Dr …

1
Do we need new rules of war as conflict takes on a cyber dimension? 29:08

5M ago29:08

29:08

Military spending around the world has reached a new peak, and it's still going up. All eyes are on Ukraine and the Middle East as new strategies and weapons are being put to the test. But are the traditional international rules of warfare too focussed on old technologies? Can they be adjusted to encompass cyber hacking and the use of online civili…

1
Whatever happened to...? 29:08

6M ago29:08

29:08

Sometimes, despite the hype, despite extensive funding, and despite clever and ingenious thinking, good ideas fail. Or at least don’t live up to their initial promise. There are lessons to be learnt and interesting anecdotes to be told. In this episode we look at four future-focused projects that have never really taken off: Google Glass, solar roa…

1
A declaration on future generations 29:08

6M ago29:08

29:08

The UN General Assembly has passed a Declaration on Future Generations. It’s designed to ensure the generations of tomorrow aren’t disadvantaged by the decisions we make today. But is it more than feel good symbolism? Could it one day be as powerful as the Declaration on Human Rights? Also, how a focus on the here and now restricts visionary thinki…

1
Robots in the home – friend or foe? 29:08

6M ago29:08

29:08

Robot vacuum cleaners are so innocuous, many people treat them almost like pets. But they're also potential portals into our private life. Story Lab journalist, Julian Fell, learns how to hack a robot vacuum cleaner and uncovers some disturbing facts about the security of connected household appliances. Also, acts of aggression and abuse committed …

1
Melting brains and climate anxiety 29:08

6M ago29:08

29:08

The heating climate is now recognised as a threat to our inner world – to brain health and rationality. Extreme temperatures not only impact our ability to think and our decision-making they also increase the presence of neurotoxins in the environment. And that can lead to disease and mental degeneration. We speak with the head of the newly formed …

1
Venom The Last Dance 34:50

7M ago34:50

34:50

The end to this Venom trilogy is upon us! Blake and Terrence discuss the many things this movie tackles, from wrapping up Tom Hardy's storyline as Eddie Brock, to introducing Knull, to making good on having Venom in the MCU for a few seconds. And whether or not it successfully keeps those balls in the air.…

1
Frozen frogs, tissues and cells — the health and environmental benefits of keeping it chill 29:08

7M ago29:08

29:08

Rana Sylvatica is an unassuming wood frog with an extraordinary gift. In the depths of winter, it can slow down its metabolism, flood its cells with ice and remain in a state of suspended animation for months. But it's what it might be able to teach us about preserving human organs for transplant that has scientists really excited. Also, the menage…

1
Sex tech, AI and the centrality of consent 29:08

7M ago29:08

29:08

The demand for sex tech is booming. That is, toys and apps that can be used for pleasure, communication or to improve sexual health. Developers are using innovative ways to incorporate AI in a way that is respectful of both consent and the diversity of human desire. But it seems some male developers are intent on weaponising it against women. In th…

1
Wolf Warrior diplomacy — Have we finally seen an end to undiplomatic diplomacy? 29:08

7M ago29:08

29:08

It was known as Wolf Warrior diplomacy – a brand of Chinese foreign ministry posturing that was as aggressive as it was unexpected. But has Beijing now changed tack? And if so, why? Also, does the theory of Institutional Amnesia explain why our preparedness for natural disasters is often found wanting? Guests Assistant Professor Tyler Jost — Politi…

1
Joker Folie à Deux 34:50

7M ago34:50

34:50

The sequel to 2019's Joker is out this weekend! Blake and Terrence gather their thoughts on this weird follow up. Despite great performances from Lady Gaga and Joaquin Phoenix the film doesn't quite manage to get across what it's trying to say. And while what it has to say is interesting, and very timely for today it isn't as effective as it could …

1
Why China has tightened its belt and road 29:08

7M ago29:08

29:08

Gone are the grandiose infrastructure projects, replaced by an emphasis on smaller development opportunities. China's Belt and Road initiative has entered its second decade — and it's changing. It now also includes a determined focus on green technology. But is the recalibration a sign of the project's overall success? Or a scaling back because of …

1
The year of the poll — democracy's mega test 29:08

8M ago29:08

29:08

2024 has been an eventful year for democracies around the world. More than 80 countries, containing over half the world's population, are holding elections this year. It's democracy's mega test. The implications for the future of democracy and world order are profound. Guests Professor Nick Bisley – Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Scien…

1
Happy Hour with Barb Reilly 35:45

8M ago35:45

35:45

Join us for a Brand2Brand Happy Hour with special guest Barb Reilly! As President of the Ad Club in Boston and a seasoned Fractional CMO, Barb has guided brands like JetBlue and PopCorners/PepsiCo to find their strategic sweet spot. In this episode, she reveals why the Fractional CMO is changing the game for brands, offering flexibility and focus l…

1
Saying goodbye to ageism — the last “acceptable” prejudice 29:08

8M ago29:08

29:08

Could the realities of an aging population and a declining birth rate soon make our obsession with youth a thing of the past? It's not just an equity issue it also has implications for politics and economics, because the citizens and consumers of the future will inevitably be older. So, how do we reframe our perceptions of aging to make the most of…

1
AI snake oil — its limits, risks, and its thirst for resources 29:08

8M ago29:08

29:08

Chat GPT pioneer, Sam Altman, reckons democratic countries will need to re-write their social contracts once AI reaches its full potential, such is its power to shape the future. But to quote a famous political aphorism: "he would say that, wouldn't he?" Princeton computer scientist, Arvind Narayanan, joins us to talk about the hype, the reality an…

1
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice 19:20

8M ago19:20

19:20

Blake and Terrence talk the new Beetlejuice Beetlejuice movie. What it does well for a legacy sequel, where it falls short. But despite any shortcomings it's very fun to see Michael Keaton and Tim Burton back in this playground. Subscribe and share!

1
The "disruption nexus" and the power of a good crisis 29:08

8M ago29:08

29:08

Every crisis, they say, presents an opportunity. But history tells us differently. Social philosopher, Roman Krznaric, spells out the vital elements needed to initiate rapid change – and why a better understanding of the way we respond to crises could help in the fight against climate change. Guests Dr Roman Krznaric – Senior Research Fellow, Centr…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Modern Nostalgia Productions Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen