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Explained
Season 2

Explained

10 episodes

Cults
E01
Episode 12019-09-2623m

Cults

How do cults lure people in and exert control? Learn a cult’s telltale signs, and how loneliness and life online makes indoctrination easier than ever.

Billionaires
E02
Episode 22019-10-0316m

Billionaires

There are more billionaires than ever. But how does this vast accumulation of wealth affect the world? Mark Cuban and Bernie Sanders offer insights.

Animal Intelligence
E03
Episode 32019-10-1023m

Animal Intelligence

What goes on inside an animal's mind? Figuring out how they think and feel might just be the key to understanding our own place in the world.

Athleisure
E04
Episode 42019-10-1720m

Athleisure

It began with bloomers. Then came spandex. Now we sport leggings and other activewear everywhere. How did comfy, casual clothing go mainstream?

Coding
E05
Episode 52019-10-2420m

Coding

Computer code now controls how we live. But how did these programming languages evolve? And how can they be used to build a new and better world?

Pirates
E06
Episode 62019-10-3124m

Pirates

In pop culture, pirates are often depicted as booty-looting rogues, but their history is far more complicated. See how they became enemies of humanity.

The Next Pandemic
E07
Episode 72019-11-0716m

The Next Pandemic

If you're not worried about a looming global pandemic, you probably should be. Are we prepared for an outbreak? Bill Gates and other experts weigh in.

The Future of Meat
E08
Episode 82019-11-1422m

The Future of Meat

The planet's current rate of meat consumption is unprecedented -- and becoming unsustainable. In the future, will meat alternatives be the answer?

Beauty
E09
Episode 92019-11-2123m

Beauty

Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but what exactly makes things such as art and architecture aesthetically pleasing, and why do we like looking?

Diamonds
E10
Episode 102019-11-2825m

Diamonds

A diamond is forever. But why is that? Dig into how these mined pieces of carbon became both a status symbol and a sparkly sign of everlasting love.