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Explained Season 2 Episodes
Season 2 Episode Guide
10 Episodes 2019 - 2019
Episode 1
Cults
Thu, Sep 26, 2019
Explained takes an in-depth look at cults and how they lure people in and exert control. It first looks at the People's Temple at how its leader Jim Jones was using mind control to lead his followers to mass suicide. It defines cults as being led by a charismatic leader, as using forms of thought control, and as exploited its membership. It also explores the relationship between cults and religion and examines indoctrination techniques.
Episode 2
Billionaires
Thu, Oct 3, 2019
Explained looks at the recent growth in the number of billionaires in the world. With much of the world's wealth in the hands of so few people, what impact does that have on society? It looks at the first billionaires who were the products of the gilded age and discusses how most billionaires make their money.
Episode 3
Animal Intelligence
Thu, Oct 10, 2019
Explained looks at animal intelligence and examines what goes on in the animal mind and what that says about human intelligence. It looks at early efforts to teach animals sign language and later theories that focused on behaviorism. It, then, discusses animal neurology and the hallmarks of intelligence: social intelligence, tool-use, future planning, culture, and self-awareness.
Episode 4
Athleisure
Thu, Oct 17, 2019
Explained looks at the growth of athleisure fashion. It examines how casual dressing became the norm throughout the world. It began with the development of leisure time which encourage allowed people to spend time at the gymnasium. Beginning with bloomers, we now have sportsware, leggings, streetwear, and activewear. It also examines the growth of synthetic fiber in the fashion industry.
Episode 5
Coding
Thu, Oct 24, 2019
Explained looks at how computer code now controls how we live. It looks at how computer code is pervasive in how it effects our lives. It looks at the development of machine code first in the textile industry and later binary code in early mechanical computers. It also discusses computer logic, algorithms, computer languages, personal computing, and machine learning.
Episode 6
Pirates
Thu, Oct 31, 2019
Explained looks at pirates. While they are often depicted in popular culture as treasure-seeking rogues, the history of piracy reveals a far more serious and problematic image of them. It looks at piracy under Queen Elizabeth and the development of piracy during the age of discovery. It looks at Blackbeard and Captain Kidd. It also looks at the development of laws to address piracy and examines modern piracy.
Episode 7
The Next Pandemic
Thu, Nov 7, 2019
Explained looks at the looming danger of global pandemic. Although human civilization has progressed greatly since the last pandemic, modern society may still not be ready for the next great disease outbreak. It looks at the causes of pandemics and what can be done to prevent them in the future.
Episode 8
The Future of Meat
Thu, Nov 14, 2019
Explained looks at the future of meat production which is facing a crisis due to unsustainable methods of factory farming. Despite this, demand for meat is expected to grow significantly in the next few decades. How will people eat meat in the coming decades? Explained looks at the history of meat eating and its future.
Episode 9
Beauty
Thu, Nov 21, 2019
Explained takes a close look at beauty an examines what exactly makes things such as art and architecture aesthetically appealing. Why do human beings like looking at certain things? It looks at historical conceptions of beauty and the so-called golden ratio. It discusses the biological and evolutionary basis of our conceptions of beauty.
Episode 10
Diamonds
Thu, Nov 28, 2019
Explained looks at diamonds and how they have come to mean everything from a status symbol to a sparkling sign of everlasting love. Why do diamonds have the meaning that they do? Why are they considered more valuable than other precious stones? It examines how diamonds are created naturally and discusses how they were used throughout history.
