If you’ve ever heard an old timer gripe that things aren’t built like they used to be, that old timer was right! In this classic episode, learn about the nefarious, possibly mythical, mechanism that’s responsible for the cruddy products and waste our consumer society is based on.
# Planned Obsolescence
In this eye-opening episode, Josh and Chuck dive into the frustrating reality of planned obsolescence—the deliberate practice of making products fail or become outdated so you'll buy replacements sooner. They trace the concept from the early light bulb cartel of the 1920s through modern tech giants like Apple and printer manufacturers, exploring how companies use tactics like incompatible parts, software updates that slow devices down, and controlled repair systems to keep you coming back for more. Along the way, they uncover the surprising history of how capitalism accidentally made everything worse, the environmental nightmare it's created, and why your dad's vintage appliances from decades ago still work better than today's expensive new ones.
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