I am confused because TBD frames their episodes like deep dives into current tech issues but turns out to be less than 20 mins of surface level reporting when you count in the enormous amount of ads they play (seriously?! Ads at the start and then again right after the intro??) Their stuff on AI for example basically summarizes what NYT and others already report on without adding anything new. If they framed this podcast as a brief morning report type show i wouldnt be upset. Otherwise i would love to see longer episodes that set up the history of the topic and then an actual deep dives into the issue that plays both sides. And picking weird but interesting original topics instead of regurgitating the mainstream topics that already get reported on

Solid podcast concepts but ICYMI needs to be split off into its own feed so that I can ignore it completely. The self-absorbed hosts reading their copy is insufferable.

Why is Slate pushing FDA propaganda? The only reason kids are now approved to get jabbed is because big pharma couldn’t sell enough to the adult population! It’s the flu! So please stop the fear mongering!

Listening to podcasts has become my way to have my own moment and space while riding out the pandemic at home with my family. I’ve learned that discovering new podcasts is very hit-or-miss. This podcast is a delightful find—each episode has a fascinating topic that is well-researched and supported with interesting sources. The hosts have a clear delivery and (seemingly to me) their presentation is mostly scripted and well-edited, which means there’s not a bunch of filler or banter, and the podcast becomes about their topic and not their personalities. Listening to each podcast does provide an escape, as I really need to focus on the information to process it, which takes me away from current events.

Great all-around history podcast tying current events to past historical events. Even manages to avoid political tones so it’s something we all can enjoy. Well worth the listen!

There was TV show on PBS 40+ years ago called Connections with James Burke. It was fascinating! He traced ancient inventions to surprising modern developments. (You can tell time today because ships got lost at sea, etc.) This podcast is in the same vein but kind of in reverse where we look at a modern problem and discover that, centuries ago, the same problem existed. Often the solutions that fail today, failed back then. And, of course, some succeeded.

Enjoyed the Familiar Tune episode although they did Sousa a little dirty by ultimately suggesting he didn't mean anything he wrote in regards to amateur musicians or commonfolk losing inspiration to play music themselves. More importantly, they discounted his central argument which is that fewer people *per capita* would be playing music after the phonograph, and on that point Sousa was absolutely correct even by the podcasters' own account of how common musicianship was at the time. Overall the show is still very compelling and seems to fairly represent the different sides of the arguments around technology, and that fairness is very hard to find. Good job guys please keep it up

-ditto. Love the show, but it's just stopped with no word. What gives?

Hey why no new episodes anymore ?

Every episode you learn something new. This podcast is great for anyone with a curious mind. I’m a mechanical engineering student and I can’t get enough of this podcast. Thanks so much guys!

I’m learning so much in such an interesting and unique way! Love this and recommend it for everyone!!

I am a historian. I spend my days surrounded by history, studying history, thinking and writing about history. I discovered this podcast recently after listening to dozens of podcasts focused on history, and I can honestly say this is the first time in many years that I have found someone with a truly new and innovative approach to history. I love it! Keep it coming!

This podcast has provided so much dinnertable fodder for me, and I love it! The diverse topics are great and always learn something new, relating it to others and generally spreading the fun knowledge. “Dots, Dashes and Dating Apps” was particularly enjoyable (and I met my spouse online, too). I feel like my long commutes are not “wasted” when I have Tom and Seth for company. Keep up the great storytelling!

What a fun show about how nothing is really that new but just a reincarnation of an old way of thinking or doing things. I’ve been a big Seth fan for years (look up his work for slate; he is a fantastic writer!) and I love how he and Tom play off of each other here. You can tell they are both interested in learning and their different backgrounds and interests allow for great commentary. I’ve recommended this show to many friends and talked about it often at parties. Lots of good ice breakers & facts that are fun to discuss with others. A big shout out to whoever does the sound editing. The music in the background is always really complementary to the story and soothing without being distracting. Not a lot of podcasts have refined this so bravo to the person/people doing this for Secret History of the Future 👏💐 Excited for more!

I ALWAYS learn something new! Love every episode

They seem to have this strange compulsion to politicize everything. Their podcast goes into the past and relates it to current technology. Even if the connection is tenuous, it is still interesting. My issue is they keep inserting political statements into the podcast that is completely off subject, and usually just wrong. It tends to be revisionist history from advocacy groups that want to look at every event in history and reframe it as a conspiracy to repress every group you can name. I’m all for advocating for disadvantaged groups, but shoehorning it into every story and presenting it incorrectly serves no purpose. Latest example was a discussion of wireless radio (ham radio) and a comment was made out of the blue how it was encouraged for boys and young men only and girls were discouraged. It had absolutely nothing to do with the story, and it just wasn’t true. It shows how ignorant people can be about history. Everything is not some great conspiracy to repress women and minorities. Every event and person in history doesn’t need to be repainted as sexist, racist, repressive conspiracies. Its disrespectful and inaccurate. People who were interested in ham radios weren’t actively keeping women out of the hobby. They were pursuing what interested them. If you can’t find an expert that can relate the history without putting their politics on top of it, then find other experts. My biggest issue with this is the editorial decision to include it. Literally had zero relation to the story. It seems to be included just so some white males can say ‘see look, we care about these issues’. When it is said over and over in every single story no matter how out of context and ridiculous sounding it is, it just becomes disingenuous pandering.

History lovers should love this podcast. This podcast will also make you love history. “The Secret History” focuses on technology and science to provide insightful and fascinating historical context to things we might otherwise consider new and unique to our time. By doing so, we catch glimpses and hints into where the next set of solutions will come from. We also see how we are still closely connected to people across time and culture.

The topics the hosts choose for The Secret HIstory of The Future are superb, and overall, the production is excellent. There's only one problem: this podcast would be far better if it were hosted by Tom Standage alone. At best, Seth Stevenson adds nothing; at worst, he is a know-nothing know-it-all. Standage does his own podcast for The Economist to which it's worthwhile listening and subscribing.

Great examples of how nothing is really so new…!!

Awesome show, informative, insightful and fun

I love Seth and Tom. Fun and informative.

In meat and potatoes, it was stated that the beef industry makes up for 6% of greenhouse gases. This is false information. The beef industry makes up for only 2% of greenhouse gases. The 6% number is most likely the entire agricultural impact on greenhouse gases (this includes both animal and crop agriculture).

Thank you so much for producing this podcast! It’s easy to listen to, covers fascinating content and captures the imagination about what could happen in the future if we follow trends and patterns from the past. I found myself listening to three of them back to back without pausing - very entertaining! Very well done, thank you!

I am four episodes into the first season and have been really impressed with the level of thought and concision, as I have recently gotten a little tired of podcasts that are interesting topically but meandering and sloppy. I look forward to the next episodes!

Love the show and the way Tom and Seth relate to tell the stories. The topics are really interesting. Enjoy it so much I’m re-listening to several episodes...but I find the music and sounds intrusive, particularly the beeping and twanging that too often underlay conversations. Rather than enhancing, these noises are disconcerting and distracting AND too loud...and the reason for the four stars. All in all I really want more. More stories and less noise, and then the podcast will definitely be a solid five+ stars.

great, amazing stories and info

Love the show because it takes on complex ideas; and it intelligently explores the complexity. They put together a good program here.

Worth a listen

Podesta was hacked by Russians?? There is zero evidence of that. Mueller couldn’t even rule out that files were transferred to a physical device in his final report. Meaning, Seth Rich may have actually transferred files to a flash drive. Wait, conspiracy theory, right? No one knows for sure, but, to say it’s ‘Russians’ is extremely irresponsible and derogatory. Hillary lost, not because of Russians hacking Podesta, but because people found out that she and the DNC cheated Bernie out of a nomination. I otherwise enjoy the podcast and the depth of the content is great. I’ll have to listen with more scrutiny due to the obvious political bias. I’m guessing there won’t be any pro-Palestinian episodes anytime soon! LOL FREE PALESTINE! 🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸. F*** trump. In case anyone is confused.

This could have been an enjoyable and informative (if rather clumsy) listen if I hadn’t had to jump over so many ‘doubled-up commercials, arranged carefully like in mainstream broadcast television, where the closer you get the to a final resolution the more frequent the ads. Yes, that’s what it was like...watching television! I changed the channel.

A podcast that covers a range of topics intelligently. A breath of fresh air.

It’s rare that a podcast is so easy to listen to and also daringly informative. So well researched, but easy on the ears....you barely realize how much work has gone into creating it. It goes to unexpected places in the past, present, and future.... much appreciated.

The original concept and really interesting stories had me binge through all season 1 in 2 days. I hope there is another season soon!

This podcast is fantastic - I love the connections made between the past and the now/future. We like to think our modern problems are unique, but as this podcast demonstrates so well, that just ain't so. Now if only we could figure out how to get many many many more people to listen and learn!

Extremely interesting and well produced. Can’t wait for season 2.

This is my new fave podcast. Love the perspective they share and more importantly...love learning new material in a fun way.

Please keep new episodes coming.

Very well don, interesting concept

One of the best. Entertaining and fascinating. Love it.

Really enjoy the alternative look at progress in life

This is the best podcast series I’ve listened. Please keep up with the good work.

I listen to a lot of podcasts, and right now this is my favorite one. There is nothing else quite like it. It offers fascinating lessons from history while contemplating questions about the future directions of tech, ethical issues, and the intersection of culture and technology. If you like history and have an interest in technology, you’ll love this podcast. Both informative and fun. My only concern: how long will it be till the next season? It can’t come too soon. Thank you Slate and the Economist!

This is a great podcast, thoughtful and entertaining. Highly recommend it. This is "sit in the driveway and listen to the end" entertainment.

I really enjoy this fresh and interesting podcast, which makes fascinating connections between our present and past circumstances and realities. Highly recommended!

The pod us smart, well rounded, and funny. Dont miss out.

Fascinating stories of the past that tie in to current efforts in technology. Highly recommend.

They connect history and tech in such an approachable and comprehensive way. I wish they put out a new episode everyday, rather than once a week. Seriously a great show.

I listens to the fault in our cars and it is just amazing.

Fascinating look at future technology by examining technologies of the past.

I'm a huge Tom Standage fan, so when I found out he was cohosting this podcast I was excited! It absolutely lived up to my expectations. Well structured, fun, and stuffed with knowledge...both the "huh, interesting" kind and the "***mind-blown***" kind. Subscribe now!