In this episode, Max Bennett and Lisa Vega unravel the global IQ leaderboard like it’s a dystopian draft pick. Spoiler: China’s sitting on top with an IQ of 107.19, flexing cognitive horsepower like a brain-powered bulldozer. South Korea and Japan follow closely, proving once again that mastering math and shame-based parenting pays off.

But here’s the twist—high IQ doesn’t stop corruption, chaos, or culture wars. From countries with sky-high smarts and low social cohesion to brainy bureaucracies stuck in existential crises, we explore the brutal truth: being smart doesn’t mean acting wise.

Expect IQ-shaming, stereotype smashing, and enough side-eye at global policy decisions to melt your Mensa card.

Note: This project explores the new creative potential unlocked by generative AI, showcasing how a single person, in just two hours, can curate (not create, but curate) a polished podcast series. I recognize the critiques around AI-generated content and the potential for digital clutter but invite you to take a listen on your next walk or drive and see what you think. Audio is AI-generated by Google's NotebookLM. Images by Grok-3 and Magic Studio.