I’m Mike — I run this channel. I started Brain Snacks to explore big questions and complex topics, and explain them in plain English. As an analyst and naturally curious person, I’m used to digging into complicated information, spotting patterns, and breaking things down so they actually make sense. This podcast doesn’t go super deep — it stays high-level and accessible. No jargon, no fluff. Just clear explanations, with a bit of history, some technical insight, and a look at the economic, s ...
…
continue reading
Hi everyone, welcome to the Cat's Brain Snacks podcast. Join me in this episode and future episodes as I discuss books, libraries, tools for self-study, trivia, science, history and more tasty tidbits for your cranium.
…
continue reading

1
America's Aging Problem - Explained Simply
10:32
10:32
Lejátszás később
Lejátszás később
Listák
Tetszik
Kedvelt
10:32America’s population is getting older — fast. Every day, 10,000 Americans turn 65, reshaping our workforce, economy, and healthcare system. In this episode of Brain Snacks, we break down why the U.S. population is aging, the economic ripple effects, and what can be done to prepare. Learn how declining birth rates, longer life expectancy, and the re…
…
continue reading

1
The History of Agriculture - Explained Simply
11:28
11:28
Lejátszás később
Lejátszás később
Listák
Tetszik
Kedvelt
11:28From poop-fertilized seeds to AI-powered tractors, agriculture has shaped every chapter of human history. In this episode, we trace how farming began, how it transformed civilizations, and how it freed up humanity to invent, industrialize, and innovate. You’ll learn how fewer farmers led to more breakthroughs — and where the future of food is heade…
…
continue reading

1
The Rise of Private Credit - Explained Simply
10:28
10:28
Lejátszás később
Lejátszás később
Listák
Tetszik
Kedvelt
10:28Private credit has quietly become a multi-trillion-dollar force in modern finance—replacing banks in everything from middle market loans to billion-dollar buyouts. In this episode, we break down what private credit is, how it works, why it’s booming, who’s behind it, and what risks regulators are watching. Whether you’re an investor, entrepreneur, …
…
continue reading

1
Quantum Computing - Explained Simply
10:39
10:39
Lejátszás később
Lejátszás később
Listák
Tetszik
Kedvelt
10:39Quantum computers aren’t just faster — they’re a whole new kind of machine. In this episode of Brain Snacks, we break down what quantum computing is, how it works, why it matters, and what it could mean for your future. You’ll learn: • What makes a quantum computer different from a regular computer • Why companies like Google and IBM are racing to …
…
continue reading

1
Will AI Take Your Job? Explained Simply
12:02
12:02
Lejátszás később
Lejátszás később
Listák
Tetszik
Kedvelt
12:02Will AI Take Your Job? AI is changing the job market — but not all jobs face the same risk. In this episode, we break down which roles are most vulnerable, which are safest, and how AI might reshape the workforce. We also explore the entry-level hiring slowdown, demographic labor shifts, and where new opportunities could emerge.…
…
continue reading
Why are private equity firms buying up sports teams? In this episode of Brain Snacks, we break down how private equity is reshaping professional and college sports — from NBA minority stakes to European soccer takeovers. You'll learn why team valuations are soaring, how deals are structured, which leagues allow PE ownership, and what it all means f…
…
continue reading
What’s actually in the 2025 Farm Bill — and why does it matter? In this episode of Brain Snacks, we break down the trillion-dollar legislation shaping America’s food system, from crop subsidies and climate programs to major changes in SNAP (food stamps). You’ll learn how the bill affects farmers, families, the processed food industry, and the futur…
…
continue reading
What is the GENIUS Act, and why is it a turning point for crypto? In this episode of Brain Snacks, we explain the new U.S. law that brings real regulation to stablecoin cryptocurrencies for the first time. Learn how the GENIUS Act sets rules for licensing, reserves, and audits — and why it could reshape digital payments, challenge banks and credit …
…
continue reading
The U.S. debt just passed $34 trillion. What happens next? This episode breaks down how the debt works, why it’s rising so fast, and what it means for taxes, interest, inflation, and the future of the economy — all explained simply.Brain Snacks által
…
continue reading
How solar energy works — and why it’s booming. From rooftops to deserts, here’s what’s driving the solar surge — and what’s still holding it back.Brain Snacks által
…
continue reading
We flip a switch and the lights come on — but behind that moment is one of the most complex systems in the world. In this episode, we break down how the electric grid actually works, from generation and transmission to the growing demand for smarter, cleaner energy. Deregulated markets, aging infrastructure, rising electrification — it’s all part o…
…
continue reading
Semiconductors power everything from smartphones to fighter jets — but what exactly are they? In this episode, we break down how chips work, who makes them, and why they’ve become one of the world’s most strategic technologies.Brain Snacks által
…
continue reading
Buying a home in America has never felt harder. Prices are high, mortgage rates are up, and even renting can feel out of reach. In this episode of Brain Snacks, we break down why housing is so expensive — from zoning laws and the disappearance of starter homes to interest rates, rising insurance premiums, and property taxes. We also explore the pol…
…
continue reading
What if we could cure disease by editing our DNA like a Word document? In this episode of Brain Snacks, we break down how CRISPR works, what it can do, the challenges it faces, and how it’s shaping the future of medicine, agriculture, and bioengineering — explained simply.Brain Snacks által
…
continue reading
What is cryptocurrency, really—and why does it matter? In this episode, we break down how crypto works, why it was created, and how it's being used today—from cross-border payments to financial access and decentralized finance. We explore the differences between Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoins, highlight the risks to banks and governments, and e…
…
continue reading
How did America end up with a diet full of ultra-processed food? This episode traces the surprising history of our food system — and the small but growing movement trying to fix it.Brain Snacks által
…
continue reading
Private equity firms are increasingly selling their best companies… to themselves. In this episode, we unpack the rise of single-asset continuation vehicles — how they work, why they’re growing fast, and what LPs need to know before saying yes.Brain Snacks által
…
continue reading
We break down the massive 2025 law reshaping taxes, social programs, defense, and the national debt — in plain English.Brain Snacks által
…
continue reading
Ozempic and similar drugs are changing more than waistlines—they’re disrupting medicine, food, and finance. Here’s how GLP-1s work and why they might reshape the future of health.Brain Snacks által
…
continue reading
AI is everywhere — but how did we get here, how does it work, and where is it going next? This episode breaks it down simply, from the history to the hype.Brain Snacks által
…
continue reading
What actually happens inside a nuclear power plant? In this episode of Brain Snacks, we break down how splitting atoms creates energy, why uranium-235 is used, how reactors stay safe, and why nuclear power might be a key part of a clean energy future. It’s a quick, clear look at one of the most powerful — and misunderstood — energy sources on Earth…
…
continue reading

1
The Books That Shaped Me
21:14
21:14
Lejátszás később
Lejátszás később
Listák
Tetszik
Kedvelt
21:14A bibliophile from an early age, Catherine discusses the books that have influenced her throughout her life--and why reading is so important. Comments? Questions? Email Catherine at [email protected] or visit her on Facebook and Instagram @catsbrainsnacks.Catherine Jozwik által
…
continue reading

1
Cats and Bookstores: The Purrfect Combination
19:08
19:08
Lejátszás később
Lejátszás később
Listák
Tetszik
Kedvelt
19:08In this episode of Cat's Brain Snacks, Catherine welcomes special guest Franz to talk about two of her favorite subjects--kitties and bookstores. They also discuss their background with cats--the ideal pet and one of the most fascinating animals on earth. A comfortable, homey bookstore makes the purrfect home for a fluffy feline (or two, or three).…
…
continue reading
A library card is your free ticket to the most magical, wonderful place on earth--your local library. It's your passport to knowledge and an invaluable tool to help you on your lifelong learning journey. If you don't have a library card yet, what are you waiting for? Talk to your local librarian today!…
…
continue reading

1
7 Great Free Online Resources for Self-Study
15:18
15:18
Lejátszás később
Lejátszás később
Listák
Tetszik
Kedvelt
15:18We live in a fantastic era where you can learn virtually any subject by typing in a few keywords on Google. But if you prefer a more structured approach to learning, there are many free courses out there that don't cost a dime! Interested? Listed to this podcast episode for recommendations on excellent digital resources for self-study. Find me on F…
…
continue reading
In this episode, Catherine will be telling the tale of how she and her brother, Steve, made a memorable journey to their local library--and managed to check out and transport over 60 paperback books while on bikes, without losing any or dropping any in the mud.Catherine Jozwik által
…
continue reading
Hi everyone, and welcome to my introductory podcast! A bibliophile/book collector, grant writer and cat mom, I love learning about new things and encouraging self-study among learners of all ages. Join me in this episode and in future episodes as I discuss books and libraries, fun bits of trivia, free tools for self-study, and more. I'm excited you…
…
continue reading