In this episode of the Conant Code, we delve into the intriguing and often overlooked world of shoplifting, a crime that's become a $100 billion problem worldwide. Starting with its origins in 18th century London, where the modern department store gave rise to a new kind of temptation, we explore how shoplifting evolved from a thrill-seeking sport among the wealthy to a survival tactic for those in need.

Join us as we examine the psychology behind theft, guided by social psychologist Stephen Riker's insights into mob mentality and how an individual's judgment can dissolve in the face of group behavior. Discover the modern face of shoplifting as it transforms into organized retail crime rings, defying advanced surveillance tech by major retailers across the globe.

Finally, we reflect on what shoplifting reveals about societal pressures—how our consumer-driven world drives some to rebellion or crime as survival. This episode doesn't just aim to understand the crime, but to question why society creates such tipping points and how we could prevent them. Tune in for a deep dive into one of the most unexpected symptoms of modern society.

In this eye-opening episode of 'The Conant Code', we delve into the changing landscape of currency, starting with the iconic U.S. penny. Despite its symbol of thrift and tradition, the penny has become a costly artifact, compelling a reevaluation of its role in modern economies.

Join us as we explore the historic journey of the penny, from its inception in 1793 to its symbolic presence as a piece of America. We discuss the financial losses incurred by the U.S. Mint and how politics, nostalgia, and industry lobbying have kept it alive, despite other countries moving on.

Dive deeper with us into a world on the brink of digital transformation, where cashless societies, like Sweden, are becoming the norm. We examine the implications of going fully digital, from the advantages of blockchain technology to the consequential risks to privacy and system reliability.

As society stands at a crossroads, this episode challenges us to reflect on what comes next. Should we preserve the familiar, or boldly step into a new era of financial technology? Tune in to find out and contemplate the future of money.

In this episode of the Conant Code, we dive into the harsh winters of Massachusetts in 1891, where James Nesbitt, a theologian and physical education instructor, faced a unique challenge at the YMCA Training School in Springfield. Tasked by school director Luther Gulick, Nesbitt was to invent a new indoor game to keep athletes conditioned during the winter months - a task that seemed impossible at first.

The episode walks listeners through Nesbitt's innovative process of transforming basic gym resources, including two peach baskets and a soccer ball, into what we now know as basketball. With limited resources and experience, Nesbitt’s ability to craft new rules that emphasized strategy and teamwork over brute strength marked the beginning of a sporting revolution.

Join us as we explore the chaos and creativity that led to the birth of a national obsession, discussing how basketball grew from YMCA gyms to become a global industry worth billions today. Nesbitt's journey exemplifies how solving problems can spark innovation, setting the stage for the evolution of one of the world’s most beloved sports.