In today’s episode, we’re unraveling the surprisingly tangled web of human connection—because apparently, you’re just six degrees (or one thirsty DM) away from Beyoncé. We’re talking propinquity (aka the science of proximity), cloutulence (yes, that’s a word now), and why your barista’s cousin’s roommate might be your next big break. From 1920s short stories to Kevin Bacon’s philanthropic side hustle, we’re tracing the roots of the “small world” theory and how it powers everything from job offers to viral TikToks. So whether you’re networking like a pro or still wondering how you ended up in a group chat with your ex’s dentist, grab your iced matcha and let’s map your social universe.

Highlights of this episode include tracing the messy road of how the United Nations actually came into being: from Woodrow Wilson’s failed League of Nations in 1919, to the desperate wartime pledges of the 1940s, and finally to 50 countries hammering out a charter in 1945 that tried to promise both peace and power-sharing. From Franklin Roosevelt’s vision of the “Four Policemen,” to Eleanor Roosevelt’s role in shaping human rights, to the small countries that fought to be heard at the table, we’ll show how this global experiment was born. And because the UN isn’t just a relic - it’s still the place where wars, climate, and human rights get debated today - this episode will give you just enough insight to sound wildly cultured.

Highlights of this episode include diving into the grit, poetry, and relentless drive of Bruce Springsteen - America’s “Boss” - on the heels of a brand-new film about his life. We’ll explore how a Catholic kid from Freehold, New Jersey grew into the voice of working-class America, and why his stories of highways, heartbreak, and hope still resonate across generations. With a new biopic hitting theaters, renewed attention on his landmark album Nebraska, and debates about whether he’s rock’s last true storyteller, we’ll unpack the man behind the denim and the guitar. Whether you worship him, roll your eyes at him, or just know him as the guy your uncle plays way too loud at family barbecues, we’ve got everything you need to sound like the most sophisticated person at your next get-together.