Well-Informed & Open-Minded

Few products carry as much hope—and scrutiny—as infant formula. Promising to nourish growing babies, many modern formulas now advertise specialized ingredients said to support brain development, strengthen immunity, and bring infants closer to the benefits of breast milk. But how much of that promise is supported by science? In this episode, we explore the evolution of infant formula, tracing its journey from a basic nutritional substitute to one of the most heavily regulated foods in the world. We examine the research behind popular additives, the influence of marketing on parental decisions, and why experts continue to debate the long-term benefits of many enhanced formulations. The story reveals the delicate balance between scientific innovation and commercial ambition, where the goal of giving every child the best possible start must be guided as much by evidence as by aspiration.https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2026/06/19/is-fortified-infant-formula-worth-it

Not long ago, ube was a familiar ingredient found mainly in Filipino kitchens and neighborhood bakeries. Today, its vibrant purple color has made it a global culinary phenomenon, appearing in everything from lattes and ice cream to pastries and fast-food desserts around the world. In this episode, we explore the remarkable rise of the Philippine purple yam, tracing how social media transformed a traditional staple into an international sensation. As demand surges, we examine the challenges facing the farmers who grow it—from slow cultivation cycles and extreme weather to shortages of planting materials and the spread of counterfeit products. The story reveals the hidden journey behind a viral food trend, where the global appetite for authenticity is colliding with the realities of agriculture, economics, and the future of one of the Philippines’ most iconic crops.https://www.economist.com/asia/2026/06/18/from-philippine-staple-to-global-sensation-the-rise-of-ube

For decades, divorce in Japan often meant more than the end of a marriage—it could also mean the end of a parent’s relationship with their child. Under a custody system built around a complete separation between families, countless children grew up with little or no contact with one parent after divorce. In this episode, we explore Japan’s landmark shift toward recognizing joint custody, tracing how nearly a century of family law is being rewritten to place greater emphasis on a child’s relationship with both parents. From debates over parental rights and financial support to concerns about protecting survivors of domestic abuse, we examine the difficult trade-offs at the heart of this historic reform. The story reveals a society rethinking the meaning of parenthood after separation, where the pursuit of fairness must be carefully balanced against the realities of family conflict and child safety.https://www.economist.com/asia/2026/06/11/japan-is-rethinking-its-divorce-laws

In India, almost everyone recognizes the stereotype of the "Indian uncle"—the older figure quick to offer unsolicited advice, enforce traditional values, and speak with unwavering certainty. But what happens when that mindset extends beyond family life and into the institutions that shape an entire nation? In this episode, we explore how a familiar cultural archetype has become a lens for understanding generational tensions in modern India. Tracing debates over youth behavior, public morality, and political authority, we examine why younger Indians increasingly feel blamed for problems rooted in deeper structural challenges. From the policing of online satire to the clash between established leadership and a rapidly changing generation, the story reveals a broader struggle over power, identity, and the future of a country where the voices of the young are becoming harder to dismiss.https://www.economist.com/asia/2026/05/31/indias-republic-of-uncles

For most travelers, the goal is to visit the world’s most famous destinations. But for a growing community of adventurers, the challenge is something far more ambitious: setting foot in every sovereign nation on Earth. In this episode, we explore the rise of the "country counters," tracing how social media, online leaderboards, and global travel networks have transformed an obscure pursuit into a competitive hobby. From remote island nations that test the limits of logistics to lesser-known destinations suddenly finding themselves on travelers’ bucket lists, we examine why more people are turning away from overcrowded landmarks in search of places few others have seen. The story reveals a changing philosophy of travel, where collecting countries has become more than a personal milestone—it’s a new way of measuring adventure, status, and curiosity in an increasingly connected world.https://www.economist.com/culture/2026/06/02/travel-is-becoming-a-competitive-sport