Westland on Technology

Isaac Newton is best known for physics, but his impact on finance was just as groundbreaking. As Master of the Royal Mint, Newton revolutionized monetary policy, stabilized England’s currency, and helped shape the foundation of modern finance. In this episode, we explore how his scientific mind tackled economic challenges, from reforming coinage to influencing the gold standard. How did Newton’s approach to money shape today’s mone...

Bebop wasn’t just a musical revolution—it was a transformation of rhythm, thought, and creativity. In this episode, we dive into the innovations that defined bebop, from breakneck tempos to intricate harmonies, and explore how these changes influenced both musicians and listeners. How does bebop affect the brain? What makes its unpredictable structure so engaging? We examine the psychology behind bebop’s syncopation, improvisation,...

Accounting is often called the language of business, but where did it all begin? In this episode, we trace the origins of double-entry bookkeeping back to Baghdad’s House of Wisdom, where scholars laid the groundwork for modern financial systems. We explore how this revolutionary method evolved, from medieval merchants in Venice to today’s global economy. How did a centuries-old innovation shape corporate finance, auditing, and eve...

What do cassette players, laptops, and electric vehicles have in common? The answer lies in Sony’s pioneering lithium-ion battery technology. This episode explores how Sony changed the world of energy storage, beginning with portable electronics and leading the charge in EV technology. We break down the science behind lithium batteries, their impact on industries, and what the future holds for this ever-evolving technology. From so...

History isn’t just progress—it’s a series of booms, busts, and breakthroughs. This podcast explores the waves of innovation that have shaped economies, from the steam engine to artificial intelligence. Why do industrial revolutions come in cycles? What drives technological surges, and why do they always bring disruption? We break down economic theories, key inventions, and the rise and fall of industries to uncover the hidden patte...

Viagra wasn’t just a medical breakthrough—it was a cultural phenomenon. This podcast uncovers the serendipitous discovery of the little blue pill, the brilliant marketing strategy that turned it into a blockbuster, and the deep social and psychological impact it had on masculinity, aging, and relationships. How did a heart medication become a billion-dollar industry? And what does its success reveal about desire, stigma, and modern...

Are vacuum tubes truly superior, or just audiophile mythology wrapped in nostalgia? This podcast dives into the science, hype, and business of high-end audio, exploring why vacuum tubes refuse to die in an era of digital perfection. From warmth vs. accuracy debates to the psychology of sound perception, we uncover the real reasons why niche markets thrive on legacy tech. Is it all just marketing, or do analog purists have a point? ...

What if the secret to great game design isn’t just mechanics and graphics—but spousal approval? This podcast explores how developers have used the “Wife-o-Meter” as an unexpected but powerful tool for game innovation, accessibility, and market success. From casual-friendly hits to industry-changing design choices, we uncover how listening to non-gamers helped shape some of the most beloved titles. Is this just smart marketing, or d...

What happens when bad science meets big claims? This podcast dives into the bizarre world where fMRI scans detected brain activity in a dead fish, exposing major flaws in data interpretation, statistical modeling, and scientific assumptions. But is this just a cautionary tale, or does it reveal something deeper—about the limits of human understanding, the overlap of science and mysticism, and our search for meaning in noise? Whethe...

Forget the barbarian stereotype—Genghis Khan was a master strategist, branding expert, and empire builder. This podcast unpacks how the Mongol Empire revolutionized warfare, governance, and trade, using psychological warfare, propaganda, and innovative military tactics to dominate the world. From decentralized leadership to brutal efficiency, the Mongols shaped global history in ways that still influence modern strategy and logisti...

It’s a story of innovation, betrayal, and monopolistic power—and it all comes down to screws. This podcast unpacks the fascinating, frustrating history of fasteners, from the brilliant yet doomed Robertson screw to the rise of the Phillips head and the corporate forces that shaped their fate. Why did one of the best designs get sidelined? How did industry politics dictate which screws dominate today? Whether you're into engineering...

Was the QWERTY keyboard really designed to slow typists down, or is that just a myth? This podcast dives deep into the history, function, and survival of the world’s most dominant typing layout. We challenge the common narratives of technological lock-in, explore competing designs like Dvorak, and ask why QWERTY still reigns supreme despite claims of inefficiency. Is it truly inferior, or just too ingrained to change? Whether you'r...

Step into the underground world of textbook piracy, where high prices fuel black markets and digital smuggling. This podcast uncovers the shadow economy of pirated academic materials, from Istanbul’s bustling book bazaars to the rise of online file-sharing networks. How do publishers fight back? What market strategies drive the cost of education? And is piracy a necessary evil or an industry killer? We break down the economics, eth...

Step into the world of telecom giants, monopolistic power, and the network effects that shaped modern communication. This podcast unpacks the rise of Theodore Vail, the architect behind AT&T’s dominance, and how his vision of a universal service built an empire—while crushing competition. From natural monopolies to network bubbles, we explore how connectivity became both a public good and a battleground for control. Are today’s...

Step inside the high-stakes world of junk bonds, leveraged buyouts, and the rise of financial engineering—a revolution powered by the spreadsheet that ended in market chaos. This podcast uncovers how Wall Street’s thirst for high-yield debt, fueled by new financial modeling tools, created an era of explosive growth—and inevitable collapse. From Michael Milken’s empire to the crash that reshaped the markets, we break down the number...

Step into the electrifying showdown that shaped modern power! This podcast unpacks the fierce rivalry between Edison, Tesla, and Westinghouse in the Battle of the Currents, the evolution of electrical standards, and how the humble lightbulb became a symbol of innovation and competition. From DC vs. AC wars to the corporate and political forces that determined how we power our world, we shed light on the hidden history behind every ...

Dive into one of the most intense intellectual battles of the early Soviet era! This podcast unpacks the Lenin vs. Bogdanov debate, exploring Materialism and Empiriocriticism, revolutionary strategy, and the clash between ideology and science. Was Lenin’s philosophical stance essential for the revolution, or did Bogdanov offer a more radical vision for socialist transformation? We break down the philosophical stakes, political cons...

Step into the world of warm, rich tones and vintage craftsmanship as we explore the history, design, and sonic magic of Fender’s legendary tube amplifiers. From the Tweed era to Blackface brilliance, we break down what makes these amps the gold standard for guitarists. Discover the science behind their signature sound, the artists who shaped music with them, and why they remain coveted by musicians today. Whether you're a gearhead,...

Dive into the electrifying world of standards, history, and politics that shaped the power grid as we know it! This podcast unpacks the fierce rivalries, groundbreaking innovations, and hidden agendas behind electrical standards. From Tesla’s visionary genius to the corporate battles that defined AC vs. DC, we reveal how politics and power (literally) shaped the modern world. Whether you're an engineer, history buff, or just love a...