Best University of Chicago Podcast Network Podcasts (2025)

1
Why Are More Women Saying No To Having Kids? With Peggy O'Donnell Heffington 32:04

Play Pause

21h ago32:04

32:04

More and more women in the United States are saying no to motherhood. In 2023, the U.S. fertility rate reached the lowest number on record. But the idea of non-motherhood is actually not a new phenomenon, nor did it come out of the modern feminist movement. For centuries, women have made choices about limiting births and whether or not to become mo…

1
Who is Chief Seattle? 39:22

17h ago39:22

39:22

This week, we are talking about Seattle. Not the place, specifically, but the formidable indigenous leader of the early 19th century. A warrior, a diplomat, a peacemaker, and an eloquent orator, his defence of Native American rights culminated in a speech that would go down in history, and ultimately lead to his legacy as the namesake for what is n…

1
Why Economists Should Care About Inequality, with Branko Milanovic 46:41

8d ago46:41

46:41

Recently, Bethany and Luigi joined economist and wealth inequality expert Branko Milanovic in front of a live audience at the Aspen Ideas Festival to explore how capitalism, democracy, and income inequality interact. Together, the three discussed the pervasiveness of income inequality around the world, its connections with democracy and political s…

1
Our Final House Rankings and Event Wrap up for Halloween Horror Nights 2025 47:24

16h ago47:24

47:24

Halloween season has ended and with it another year of HHN is in the books. In this episode of the DIS Unlimited Universal Show, Hannah and Ryno are giving their final house rankings, their thoughts and feelings on the 2025 Halloween Horror Nights event as a whole, and what they hope for HHN 35 coming in 2026. Links: UO Fan Website Get a FREE No-Ob…

1
What is Disney's America... and Why Didn't It Happen? 1:00:19

10d ago1:00:19

1:00:19

Last week, I asked if Disneyland was the happiest place on Earth. Well, this week, we’re looking at the Disney theme park that never was. The concept for a historical theme park was initially earmarked for Virginia, but less than a year after being announced, it was scrapped. But why? What was so different about this park compared to others? What w…

1
95 - Would Aliens Have the Same Physics? (Ft. Daniel Whiteson) 43:58

3d ago43:58

43:58

If we met aliens, could we communicate through physics? Daniel Whiteson explores this question on today's episode. For more, check out his new book, Do Aliens Speak Physics? For ad-free episodes and exclusive ask-us-anything segments, join us for just $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse Our merch is available here: https://ww…

1
BONUS: The Wild World of Disney Adults 11:53

13d ago11:53

11:53

In this bonus episode, we continue our foray into Disney theme parks, discussing the culture of Disney Adults and our favourite parks and rides. What are yours? Email [email protected] with your opinions, or leave a comment on Spotify and you might be featured on the show next week. ... Special guest for this episode: Sabrina Mittermeier, …

1
The Economic Cost of Populism 1:16:34

15d ago1:16:34

1:16:34

More than 25 percent of countries around the world are currently governed by populists, from Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Turkey, to Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela, and Donald Trump in the United States. Based on these findings, populism is at an all-time high, and taking a significant economic toll, according to a recent paper by Christoph Trebesch and hi…

1
How Full-Body MRIs Could Predict Your Long-Term Health, with Daniel Sodickson 34:43

15d ago34:43

34:43

What does it mean to see beneath the surface — of the human body, the brain, or even the universe itself? In his new book, The Future of Seeing: How Imaging Is Changing Our World, Prof. Daniel Sodickson of NYU explores the future of imaging: How technology is transforming not just medicine, but our very ways of perceiving the world. With the rise o…

1
Nobel Economist Reveals Why Economic Models Keep Failing Us, ft. Richard Thaler 45:59

15d ago45:59

45:59

Standard economic theory informs how we think about business strategy and the economy and presumes that people are selfish, have well-defined preferences, and consistently make welfare-maximizing choices. In other words, we are rational. But what if that is not the case? Nobel Prize-winning economist Richard Thaler is out with an updated edition of…

1
Silencing the Special Procedures: Sanctions and the UN Human Rights System 28:56

17d ago28:56

28:56

This year, the US government has issued sanctions on a number of experts from the UN to the International Criminal Court for speaking out about human rights in Gaza. President Donald Trump authorized sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) and its Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan with the goal of stopping the ICC from undertaking its indepen…

1
Is Disneyland the Happiest Place on Earth? 53:27

17d ago53:27

53:27

When Disneyland opened its gates in Anaheim in 1955, it immediately captivated generations of visitors. With seventy years under its belt, its evolution into a sprawling empire of twelve theme parks and six resorts has raked in hundreds of billions of dollars. But have you ever stopped to wonder what fuels this enduring love affair with Disney? In …

1
BONUS: Cultural Appropriation or Recognition? 7:58

18d ago7:58

7:58

In this bonus episode, Native American historian Camilla Townsend explores the grey area between appropriation and recognition, and how it's better to be symbolised imperfectly versus being completely forgotten. This follows on from our previous episode, Who is Pocahontas? as we continue our discussions on Native American culture and history. ... S…

1
New Lands Revealed for Universal Kids Resort, 2026 Mardi Gras Dates, 2026 Ticket Changes, and More! 34:28

18d ago34:28

34:28

Seven NEW lands have been revealed for Universal Kids Resort in Texas, Universal Orlando has been testing Single Rider Express Pass on select attractions, 2026 Universal Orlando Resort tickets are now on sale with some interesting changes, and more in this week’s episode of the DIS Unlimited Universal Show. Links: UO Fan Website Get a FREE No-Oblig…

1
Who is Pocahontas? 41:48

17d ago41:48

41:48

The narrative of Pocahontas is often overshadowed by the simplistic and romanticized version depicted in films. In this episode, we untangle the truth from the many myths surrounding her life, led by historian Camilla Townsend of Rutgers University. We begin by examining Pocahontas's early life, born in the late 1590s to Powhatan, the chief of a co…

1
BONUS: Why Did the Amish Leave Europe? 12:28

27d ago12:28

12:28

This week, we journey into a world of horse-drawn buggies, plain dress, and profound faith. But beyond the stereotypes lies a rich and evolving story of migration, community, and quiet resistance to modernity. So in this episode I want to explore the history, culture, and customs of this often misunderstood community, as I ask… who are the Amish? .…

1
Amplify Your Impact 32:35

26d ago32:35

32:35

Ready to supercharge your career and become unforgettable in today's competitive landscape? Don't miss this episode of CareerCast, hosted by Anita Brick, featuring the globally recognized personal branding leader Goldie Chan. Catch this insightful episode of CareerCast, hosted by Anita Brick, as she talks with widely respected personal branding exp…

1
Is There Such A Thing As A Psychopath? 35:55

29d ago35:55

35:55

Few ideas have gripped the public imagination quite like the idea of the “psychopath.” From Hollywood thrillers to true-crime podcasts, popular culture has led us to believe that psychopaths are dangerous and biologically distinct from the rest of us. But what if almost everything we think we know about them is wrong? In this episode, we talk with …

1
Is Political Science Research Underpowered? 42:49

29d ago42:49

42:49

What if most political science studies are too weak to find the effects they’re looking for? In this episode, we dig into a new paper by Vincent Arel-Bundock and colleagues that reveals a striking truth: quantitative political science is greatly underpowered. With thousands of tests analyzed, the authors show that many studies have only a one-in-te…

1
What Everyone’s Getting Wrong About AI, with Arvind Narayanan 48:30

29d ago48:30

48:30

Every major technological revolution has come with a bubble: railroads, electricity, dot-com. Is it AI’s turn? With investments skyrocketing and market valuations reaching the trillions, the stakes are enormous. But are we witnessing a genuine revolution—or the early stages of a spectacular crash? Princeton professor Arvind Narayanan joins Luigi Zi…

1
Is it Worth it to add Express to Your Halloween Horror Nights Ticket? Our Experience Using it at HHN 26:47

21d ago26:47

26:47

Should you add Express to your Halloween Horror Nights ticket? You get to skip the regular lines once at each of the ten haunted houses AND participating attractions, but it can also be very expensive. In this episode of the DIS Unlimited Universal Show, Hannah and Ryno are sharing their experience using express at HHN for the very first time. They…

1
Who Are the Amish? 56:45

24d ago56:45

56:45

This week, we journey into a world of horse-drawn buggies, plain dress, and profound faith. But beyond the stereotypes lies a rich and evolving story of migration, community, and quiet resistance to modernity. So in this episode I want to explore the history, culture, and customs of this often misunderstood community, as I ask… who are the Amish? .…

1
38 - The Nobel Prize's Greatest Misses (2025 Update) 35:17

1M ago35:17

35:17

In honor of Nobel prize season, we remember some people whose important work in the past has been overlooked by the Nobel committee. For ad-free episodes and exclusive ask-us-anything segments, join us for just $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse Our merch is available here: https://www.shalmawegsman.com/why-this-universe Cre…

1
Universal Orlando Holidays Details, Krampus & Kin, Scooby Doo x Universal Monsters, and More! 32:46

28d ago32:46

32:46

Universal Orlando Resort's Holidays Celebration returns, Krampus joins Universal Horror Unleashed for a sinister holiday season, a Scooby-Doo x Universal Monsters experience is coming to 2026 Fan Fest Nights, and more in this episode of the DIS Unlimited Universal Show! Here is the link to Kevin Rodriguez Zavala's Go Fund Me as mentioned in this ep…

1
IN THE MAKING: Trump Deploys the National Guard in Chicago and Dolly Parton is NOT Dead 36:57

1M ago36:57

36:57

This week, we're talking about Donald Trump expanding his deployment of the National Guard to Chicago, the Federal shutdown enters its second week with little optimism over a resolution, and a Mississippi golf course gets an unexpected visitor. All of this and more on another edition of America: A History in the Making. . Special Guest: Alyssa Roys…

1
What Were the Latino Urban Riots? 52:35

1M ago52:35

52:35

This week, I am issuing an apology on behalf of myself and the podcast. In the previous 90 episodes of this show, we have discussed slavery, the African American experience, immigration, Asian American and Native American history numerous times. And yet, we have not directly addressed the problematic experiences of Mexican, Latino and Hispanic peop…

1
BONUS: Writing the Life of Dr. Drew 9:16

1M ago9:16

9:16

Dr. Charles Drew, a groundbreaking figure in the field of blood transfusion and a pioneer in medical history, deserves far more recognition than he typically receives. In this bonus episode, we dive deeper into his incredible life and legacy with Dr. Craig Miller, who recently authored a book on Dr. Drew, collaborating closely with his daughter Cha…

1
Can Trade Be A Weapon Of Global Power? 1:10:17

1M ago1:10:17

1:10:17

For decades, free trade was treated as an unquestioned good—an engine of prosperity and cooperation. But today, leaders from Washington to Beijing are rethinking trade as something very different: a tool of power. In this episode, we dive into new research with Harvard’s David Yang that asks: how do trade relationships actually give countries lever…

1
Why We Haven’t Solved Brain Disorders—And How To Fix It, with Nicole Rust 36:18

1M ago36:18

36:18

For decades, neuroscience has promised breakthroughs in treating conditions like depression, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer’s. Yet despite powerful technologies and billions invested, progress has been frustratingly slow. Why? On this episode of Big Brains, we talk with Nicole Rust, neuroscientist at the University of Pennsylvania and author of Elusi…

1
Why Capitalism Stopped Working In Japan, with Takeo Hoshi 47:55

1M ago47:55

47:55

The Japanese economy was once the envy of the world. By the 1980s, it looked set to surpass the United States in size. Real estate prices were high, the stock market was booming—the entire world was asking if Japan had found a superior model of economic growth and recovery after World War II, one grounded in industrial policy. However, the bubble b…

1
Everything We Ate at Halloween Horror Nights 2025 40:35

1M ago40:35

40:35

In this episode of the DIS Unlimited Universal Show podcast, Ryno and Hannah are going over everything they have eaten and drank at Halloween Horror Nights 2025, so far that is. They are telling you their regrets, repeats, and must have, do-not-miss items from HHN 34. You might be surprised at some of their favorites! Have you been to Halloween Hor…

1
IN THE MAKING: Do the Right Thing and End the US Government Shutdown 12:59

1M ago12:59

12:59

This week, I'm going solo for an ad hoc episode discussing the US government shutdown, as the federal budget stalls in congress. Non-essential services are now frozen, as many Americans find themselves out of work until this situation is resolved. So what is it, why does it keep happening, and why is it continuing? All of this and more on another e…

1
Who is Dr. Charles Drew? 49:27

1M ago49:27

49:27

This week, we are shining a light on someone who is often overlooked, and yet his contributions to medical science revolutionised patient care, not just in America but around the world. Yet, his life also highlights issues of race, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence amidst major systemic barriers. So on this episode, I want to know.. who is …

1
94 - Inside the Hubble Tension (Ft. Adam Riess) 32:43

1M ago32:43

32:43

Our universe is expanding. But when physicists measure how fast this expansion rate is, they get two different answers. Hear what this crisis means from Nobel Prize winner Adam Riess. For ask-us-anything segments and other exclusives, join us for just $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse Our merch is available here: https://ww…

1
BONUS: The Underwhelming Reality of Plymouth Rock 9:31

2M ago9:31

9:31

In this bonus episode, we dive deeper into the aftermath of the Mayflower's journey and the complex relationships that unfolded upon its arrival. Joining me is Peter Mancall, who sheds light on the often-overlooked impact of the English colonists on Native American communities. We explore how the devastation from diseases brought by Europeans led t…

1
IN THE MAKING: The Death of America's Late Night TV 48:50

2M ago48:50

48:50

On this week's edition of In the Making: ● Is the Supreme Court set to overturn a 90 year old precedent? ● The Jimmy Kimmell saga divides America, ● Trump’s unhinged speech… even by his standards, and ● Hide your acorns, because San Francisco is under attack! All of this and more on another edition of America: A History in the Making. . Special Gue…

1
What Would You Put in a US Time Capsule? 59:13

2M ago59:13

59:13

On this day in 1938, the World’s Fair came to Flushing Meadows Park in New York City. It is here that the Westinghouse Time Capsules were buried underground, to be opened in 5,000 years time. Its contents include a copy of Life magazine, a pack of Camel cigarettes, a dictionary, and a variety of seeds. So this week, we are going to curate our own t…

1
BONUS: Why You Should Watch Netflix's Katrina Docuseries 8:38

2M ago8:38

8:38

Katrina: Hell and High Water is the new three part docuseries, available to stream now on Netflix. In this special bonus episode, I explain why this series is really worth your time, and I hope you take a few hours to watch it this weekend. Racial tension and social division is not American history. It's a present issue that needs our attention, be…

1
Level Up Your Resilience 28:52

2M ago28:52

28:52

Navigating today's constantly changing business environment isn't easy—and resilience isn't just a buzzword. It's a skill you can build, step by step. On the latest episode of CareerCast, host Anita Brick talks with Dr. Lamell McMorris, author of The Power to Persist: 8 Simple Habits to Build Lifelong Resilience. Lamell shares concrete strategies a…

1
Life On Mars: Is It Possible For Humans? with Edwin Kite 30:31

2M ago30:31

30:31

Billions of years ago, Mars may have looked less like the barren red desert we know today and more like Earth—with a blue sky, flowing rivers, and even seas. What happened to turn a once-habitable world into the frozen, lifeless planet we see now? On this episode of Big Brains, University of Chicago geophysical scientist Edwin Kite takes us on a jo…

1
Is It Time To Rethink The Binary In Sports? 40:03

2M ago40:03

40:03

When South African runner Caster Semenya dominated international competitions, sports authorities demanded she prove she was “really” a woman. The rules they created—targeting women with intersex traits or naturally higher testosterone—have since reshaped the future of women’s sports. In this episode of Entitled, we unpack the controversial regulat…