# Discovering Whaling and Tech Giants: Podcasts You Can't Miss
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Chapter 1: Whaling Insights from Freakonomics Radio
Freakonomics Radio concludes its captivating three-part series titled "Everything You Never Knew About Whaling." Throughout this journey, the podcast ventured to the last operating American whaling ship, explored the emergence of the environmental movement, and featured interviews with a Moby Dick expert, a journalist from a remote Japanese whaling community, and the notorious eco-activist Paul Watson.
Catch up on all three episodes now, and find more details about the series below.
- Episode 1: The First Great American Industry
Whaling, described by one expert as “early capitalism unleashed on the high seas,” raises questions about how the U.S. came to dominate the whale market. What caused the decline of whale hunting domestically while it persisted elsewhere? And what about that whale vomit in your perfume?
- Episode 2: Why Do People Still Hunt Whales?
Historically, whale oil served as lighting fuel, industrial lubricant, and even a component of margarine. Whale meat once appeared on various menus as well. Despite a significant decrease in demand for whale products, certain countries maintain their whaling industries. This episode uncovers the reasons behind this persistence.
- Episode 3: What Can Whales Teach Us About Clean Energy, Workplace Harmony, and Living the Good Life?
In the concluding episode of the series, listeners discover the significance of fecal plumes, the impact of shipping noise, and the enduring relevance of Moby Dick.
After enjoying this intriguing series, challenge yourself to bring up whaling in your next conversation with friends or family. Thar she blows!
Chapter 2: Tesla's Evolution in Land Of The Giants
The Land Of The Giants podcast casts a spotlight on Tesla, recalling a time when Elon Musk's ventures seemed more straightforward—before the complexities of Twitter, or X, or whatever it may be called next week. Musk's journey began with a government loan (a detail he often omits).
Land Of The Giants, produced by Vox, has spent six seasons dissecting the core of major tech giants, from Apple to Amazon. In its seventh season, Land of the Giants: The Tesla Shock Wave, the podcast delves into the origins, current status, and future trajectory of Tesla, the company that ignited the transition to electric vehicles. Automotive journalists Tamara Warren and Patrick George collaborate to investigate how Tesla outpaced its rivals, the pivotal role Elon Musk has played in its success, and the challenges that lie ahead in the race for electric vehicle supremacy.
New episodes are released every Wednesday.
Chapter 3: The Humor of "The Pen Pals Podcast"
The Pen Pals Podcast has joined the iHeartPodcast Network, thanks to Will Ferrell’s Big Money Players Network (BMP). Listeners can now access both new and previous episodes through the iHeartRadio app and various podcast platforms.
Hosts Rory Scovel and Daniel Van Kirk engage with letters from their audience, tackling a wide range of topics—from free will and freeway manners to mental health and manatees. These letters may seek advice, share stories, or simply allow listeners to vent; Scovel and Van Kirk are prepared for anything that comes their way.
The duo also invites a variety of celebrity guests to discuss listener letters, including notable personalities like Will Ferrell, Conan O’Brien, Mandy Moore, and Rose Byrne. The most recent episode features Nick Kroll, who reads a heartfelt letter about his impending fatherhood. The upcoming episode will showcase Sarah Silverman.
Daniel Van Kirk, a stand-up comedian from Rochelle, Illinois, has achieved notable recognition, with his album "Thanks Diane" debuting at #1 on Apple Music. He has been named a “Comic To Watch” by Comedy Central and was featured in JFL’s 42 in Toronto.
But do Millennials and Gen Z know what pen pals are?
Chapter 4: Podcast Recommendations
- Freakonomics Radio
- Land Of The Giants
- The Pen Pals