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2 editions on Cue Bookstore

Tom Standage

Tom Standage brings a credible and useful lens to history, beverages, civilization, with enough subject command to make the book worth hearing.

2
editions on Cue Bookstore
Readings on Cue Bookstore

Readings listed below

Cover of A Brief History of Motion
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A Brief History of Motion

We often take for granted the incredible speed and ease with which we move through the world today. But what if this constant acceleration has done more than just shrink distances? Drawing insights from Tom Standage's 'A Brief History of Motion,' this episode unpacks how transportation technologies are not merely tools, but powerful, often unseen, forces that fundamentally redesign our urban landscapes, economic systems, and social interactions. We examine how our subjective experience of 'far' and 'fast' is continuously reshaped, creating a tension between a nostalgic longing for the past and the undeniable pull of modern efficiency. This isn't just a timeline of inventions; it's an exploration of the deeper human story behind our obsession with motion – the desires it fulfills, the problems it creates, and the profound, often subtle, ways it has rebuilt us, leaving us with new questions about what it truly means to be human in motion.

21 minOpen edition
Cover of A History of the World in 6 Glasses
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A History of the World in 6 Glasses

Every sip tells a story. In this deep dive into Tom Standage's 'A History of the World in 6 Glasses,' we explore the extraordinary, often overlooked, role of common beverages in shaping human civilization. From the ancient origins of beer, which catalyzed agriculture and urban development, to coffee's pivotal role in sparking the Enlightenment and public discourse, and Coca-Cola's embodiment of global capitalism and cultural diffusion, these liquids are far more than mere refreshments. We trace how each drink—beer, wine, spirits, coffee, tea, and Coca-Cola—acted as a powerful agent of change, reflecting and driving humanity's journey from nomadic existence to interconnected modernity. Join us as we uncover the liquid foundations of our world, revealing how what we drink has profoundly influenced our societies, economies, and intellectual landscapes, one glass at a time.

23 minOpen edition
Biography

Tom Standage brings a credible and useful lens to history, beverages, civilization, with enough subject command to make the book worth hearing.