Saving lives with fewer dollars
The episode follows ALIMA's healthcare program in conflict-affected northern Cameroon after it abruptly loses $1.9 million in funding from USAID, forcing cuts to lifesaving services. It contrasts ALIMA's on-the-ground medical work with GiveWell's data-driven philanthropy, showing how GiveWell evaluates whether to fund the program despite limited and imperfect data. Ultimately, GiveWell decides to fully replace the lost USAID funding for one year, while the story highlights broader global cuts to aid and the resulting loss of both services and information about needs.
Rice is Nice
The hosts explore rice as a global staple food, covering what rice actually is, its major species and varieties, and how it is grown in different environments. They discuss environmental impacts such as methane and nitrous oxide emissions from rice paddies, arsenic contamination and health considerations, and global patterns of rice production and consumption. The episode also highlights notable rice dishes and desserts from around the world and concludes with listener mail reflecting on the show itself.