Stuff Matters with Ed Conway
Sky News
SummaryHave you ever looked at the things you touch every day—a pair of headphones, a piece of fruit, or even the seat in your car—and wondered about the invisible forces that put them there? In Stuff Matters, host Ed Conway pulls back the curtain on the mundane objects that define our modern existence, revealing that there is nothing ordinary about the things we take for granted. Each episode acts as a detective story for the physical world. Ed traces the journey of everyday items from their surprising origins to their massive, often world-altering impact. Whether he is unpacking the geopolitical weight of rare earth minerals inside an AirPod, the precarious industrial supply chain of a banana, or the sociological implications of the car seat, Ed demonstrates that the material world is inextricably linked to global economics, history, and the future of human society. You will encounter a fascinating mix of hard science, economic theory, and human history. Ed expertly balances deep-dive investigative reporting with relatable, often humorous personal anecdotes, introducing listeners to the inventors and thinkers who have quietly shaped our lives. The podcast is a masterclass in curiosity, challenging us to look past the surface of our consumer habits to understand the intricate, fragile, and often revolutionary systems that hold our world together. If you enjoy peeling back layers to see how things really work, this is your new essential listen.
Updated Jul 6, 2026
Episodes
Car seats: The mystery of our depopulating planet
From inconvenient car seats to the global rise of singles, examine why fertility rates are in a historic free fall.
Bananas: Is it the end of our favourite fruit?
From colonial coups to a global plague, discover how the banana supply chain put this iconic fruit on the brink.
AirPods: How the super-elements inside our tech shifted the global order
From tiny magnets in your AirPods to global dominance, uncover the hidden power of the minerals shaping our world.
LEDs: How a little blue light changed the world
LEDs were meant to save the planet, but instead, they illustrate how efficiency often drives more consumption.
Introducing... Stuff Matters
In the debut episode of Stuff Matters, host Ed Conway invites listeners to reconsider the seemingly ordinary objects that surround them every day. By taking these items apart, he uncovers the intricate world-shaping forces hidden within their design and production. The series follows a trail of ideas that extends far beyond the physical objects themselves, exploring the significant economic powers that dictate the modern way of life. Throughout the journey, Conway introduces an array of captivating figures, including brilliant inventors and revolutionary thinkers, whose personal stories have fundamentally altered the trajectory of global industries. This podcast offers a deep dive into the complex history and impact of the material world. Listeners can expect a thought-provoking exploration that proves even the most mundane things possess profound importance when viewed through a closer, more curious lens.
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