Before the internet, we largely depended on professional reviewers to tell us what movies to see and products to buy. But consumer review sites and social media changed that. Now we seek out the opinions of other customers. 

It's almost impossible to buy anything today without seeing thousands of ratings and reviews. But fake reviews are muddying the water. How do we know whose opinion to trust? 

In this episode, we trace the evolution of the modern review. 

Featuring Kim Kleeman, Liza Featherstone, R.V. Guha, Patrick Lee, Saoud Khalifah and Marques Brownlee, aka MKBHD.

Reviews: Empowering the Consumer

We tell the unexpected stories of digital disruption. Listen in as Walter Isaacson, digital revolution expert, explores the unknown drama behind some of the world’s biggest digital disruptions, the daring trailblazers willing to think differently, and the lessons learned along the way. Brought to you by Dell Technologies.

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This episode originally aired on December 5, 2017.

The toy industry has a long history, but only really became a technology-heavy omnipresence since the 1970s. In this episode, see how toy manufacturers have adapted digital – or not – to win the battle for children’s attention.

Encore - Toys: Toy To The World

This episode originally aired on February 12, 2019.

Walter Isaacson asks: how did we go from inventing fire to the Instant Pot? How much different is cooking from its genesis tens of thousands of years ago? And just what does a microwave have to do with weaponry?

Encore - Home Cooking: Technology Worth Savoring

This episode originally aired on June 17, 2020.

What do we mean when we talk about wellness, and why do people want it so badly? In this episode, we dive deep into this sometimes-nebulous field, talking to practitioners who spend their time helping people become well.

Encore - Wellness: Knowing Yourself

This episode originally aired on March 6, 2018.

From the blackboard to bots, technology has made inroads into classrooms all over the world. Where will the next innovation in education come from? We take you to the head of the class in this episode.

Encore - Education: Head of the Class

This episode originally aired on November 16, 2022.

Throughout the world and throughout history, you can find evidence of cultures enjoying cold desserts—precursors to the ice cream we love today. The desire to keep food cold led to the creation of European wine slushies in 1558 and to the transportation of ice from New England to the Caribbean in 1806.

Reviews: Empowering the Consumer

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