Search Engine

1,122

No question too big, no question too small. On Search Engine, PJ Vogt answers the questions you might ask the internet when you can't sleep. If you find the world bewildering, but also sometimes enjoy being bewildered by it, we're here for you. Edited by Sruthi Pinnamaneni.***Named one of the best podcasts by Vulture, Time, The Economist, & Vogue. (OK, in 2023, but still...)***

Recent Episodes
Episodes loading...
Recent Reviews
  • ksb811
    Missed you boo
    Great reporting and great storytelling. Thank god PJ is still on the internet, the world needs this.
  • Mimiplatypus
    Top of my list
    I’m constantly sharing episodes with my friends and find myself thinking and talking about them. The latest one on AI and homework is like a happy smorgasbord for my brain.
  • cassidi
    Must listen to!
    I missed this style reporting!!! So glad you’re back!
  • ChimRichels1182
    Love this show
    Most unique podcast out there - PJ and team make any topic and question to answer a fascinating ride
  • MynameisPJVogt
    So good
    It is the best of the best I listen to many podcasts and it is my favorite I started listening to it on my 98th birthday and it has been the best years of my life
  • Teabaggindragon
    Shallow clickbait
    I just listened to PJ fail to argue an incredibly simple point against a 14 year old future tech bro who refers to himself as Playboy Farti. I then unsubscribed. If you’re wondering who made Reply All such a good show, Search Engine is evidence that it was NOT PJ.
  • 123FakeSt
    I want to love it
    But I can’t because of your laugh. Please, please stop. It makes me want to punch my phone. I have misophonia (a sensory processing disorder related to certain sounds. in fact, it makes me want to cry I hate it so much. I am so interested in so many of the topics but that Hahahahahahahahahahahaha kills me. Please.
  • Xblanc
    Fun. Smart. Funny. Relevant.
    Loved PJ from his previous show. He goes really in depth on some cool topics. Makes you feel like you’re talking to your friend while he sits on your couch and tells you a wild story.
  • wiredthinker
    always makes my brain keep turning
    i cannot get away from this podcast, my brain is always bringing me back to it. Im obsessed and im not usually a big podcast person. 5/5 LOVE.
  • Ger$h
    Came for Inflation, Stayed for God
    I heard about the episode about inflation on another podcast so I was planning to listen to the first 10 minutes of that episode and proceeded to listen to almost every episode of Search Engine. I’ve been interested about the two sides of the drug trade since reading Chasing the Scream and their two part about fentanyl was incredible. I haven’t reviewed a podcast since 2010, but the episode about belief in God made it feel necessary to praise PJ and the producers for a phenomenal show. The incredible amount of work they put into finding a pool in Buckingham Palace was amazing. Hearing the guru of radio programming Ira Glass give agency to those of us obsessed with work was gratifying. New favorite podcast.
  • hwpw
    “Family versus work” ep—yikes
    I have loved this podcast so much since it launched, and was so thrilled to have PJ making things again. Clearly a person who loves his work which is wonderful and moving. But to do an episode about whether a person can “just work forever” or parent and it’s just two podcast industry men, one of whom is a notorious workaholic and noxious boss? Your curiosity almost always takes you further than that, PJ, and that episode made me feel so sad and alienated. It’s such a lost opportunity to ask people whose stakes are… I’m sorry, real, how they think about the work versus family question. Specifically maybe a woman? Or a person WITH children? Or frankly a person with other substantial and meaningful caregiving responsibilities (because guess what podcast boys, care work comes for us all.)
  • yourmmaammaa
    Great podcast
    This is one of my favorite podcasts. Highly recommend it
  • Deenowherechef
    Love it
    Over the past year this has easily become one of my favorite games podcasts! It’s thoughtful, funny, & very informative. Keep up the great work PJ!
  • CMD531
    So good to have you back
    It is so nice to be able to hear PJ’s voice and laughter again. This podcast tackle some interesting. Topics has been very entertaining so far. I hope he has another long run of podcast.
  • Simple Monster Cre8ive
    PJ’s Laugh Alone Is Worth It
    The title above is not a troll. PJ’s personal joy is the grace behind the sometimes dark and intense topics this awesome podcast covers. Even the lighter hearted stories are meaningful and profound to me. Great story telling, delightful host, provocative subject matter. Looking forward to more episodes.❤️
  • peterb746252
    My favorite podcast
    PJ Vogt’s journalism and artistry is rare and beautiful. Part of it is his mastery of context, he sets the stage for a good story so well that I love listening to stories he does that wouldn’t interest me in any other show. His love for the work, unique perspective and rich vocabulary makes his show a delight
  • One Blind -Mouse 75
    Had to leave
    I enjoyed it when it was an amusing Corky show but now it's more of a therapy session for the host when things in the world don't go the way he wants it.
  • All kill no fill
    ❤️❤️
    Thank you, sincerely and truly and wholly. I’m so grateful this exists ⚡️♥️
  • Mellipooh
    Nice break from the others
    Sometimes it’s nice to just listen to a random topic. This show is a nice mix of a little of everything. It’s well researched, well thought out, well produced, and PJ and his guests are fun to listen to. It’s become a favorite podcast of mine.
  • JordanHumm
    Why haven’t y’all subscribed already??
    I am here for PJ’s laugh.
  • Giovandreoli
    Banger
    I love this show!! Topics are always interesting, even when I don’t expect it, PJ is a great host and the theme music rocks
  • chazz712
    I Love Search Engine!
    PJ is a fun, curious host tackling questions at all levels of importance. I absolutely love the format of the show, the range of questions PJ tries to answer, and the unique mix of answering interesting questions while not taking oneself too seriously
  • Scottggg
    PJ slurs his speech too much
    I like the content of this show but the dude needs to annunciate better. He slurs his speech like a drunk person.
  • ophiesay
    One of the best podcasts
    One of the best produced, best written podcasts out there. Great storytelling and in depth investigation into curiosities in this world. I never miss an episode. Great. Just great.
  • leeloula
    Gawk at the wreckage with me
    Search Engine helps me feel better about the weird questions and confusions swirling in my brain. Not because it answers anything, but because I know there is a community of listeners and creators that are also wondering and just trying to make sense of it all. The show is rarely predictable and always satisfying. The guests and experts are varied and knowledgeable and willing to admit their own known unknowns. If AI is replacing the other type of search engines, I hope that this podcast remains as human as possible. And in case you are wondering, Incognito Mode is very worth it. So invest your $ and your time in this podcast and these creators.
  • Cheese and Crackers45
    This Is the One
    There are many podcasts with this kind of premise; this is by far the best one.
  • LDR29
    Mostly enjoyable
    I listened to Reply All for years and generally enjoy PJ. Is he a little insufferable in an “NPR voice” way? Yes. But I mostly have fun listening to this podcast. That said, this week’s episode about working versus having a family left me cold. To not acknowledge the POV of a mother/primary caretaker felt really shortsighted and frankly exclusionary. This show has always been a little navel gazey, but this episode felt a bit disgusting. I get that PJ was working some personal stuff out that created additional bias, but this is a huge issue in the US that deserves a more thorough approach. I’ll probably listen to future episodes, but this one was a real doozy and made me view the host in a less flattering light. I suggest hosting a follow up episode that explores the struggles of childcare and what having a child means for women in the workforce, even in 2025.
  • pacman42000
    Superb
    PJ has a gift in turning seemingly random questions/topics into timely, interesting, and frequently heartfelt stories. Awesome content
  • Two cents02
    Pleasantly surprised and in love
    Give it a shot, even if you didn’t like “Reply All.” I didn’t, but Search Engine is in my top 3. I can’t wait for the next episode. It’s intelligent but approachable. Interesting topics. It’s something you can share with people you struggle to find entertainment to enjoy together. It’s fun and casual but still professional and in-depth. If you like to just get the gist of something while you do dishes or walk the dog, this is a good podcast for you. If you like to get all the facts and really think about it, there’s plenty for you to sink your teeth into. I’ve listened to most episodes more than once, just to make sure I absorb it all. I love it so much I pay for it.
  • 3handedaxe
    What you love
    You know what they say: “Turn your passion into a job and you’ll never be able to tell if you’re working or not for the rest of your life.”
  • SansarGupta7
    The best podcast and it’s not even close
    PJ asks delightful yet thoughtful questions in interviews that are too addictive to miss
  • rhsiao
    Good for General Interests
    Lives up to its name, covers a huge breadth of topics. Well-researched stories. Suitable for those curious about many things in the world, but if looking for a show with a sharper focus, probably better look elsewhere.
  • Some Telephone Guy
    A delightful array of curiousities explored!
    As a former Reply-All listener, I was thrilled when I saw this new offering from PJ Vogt - and on first listen, it did not disappoint! I look forward to each week where a new, often listener proposed question is explored in detail with good natured humor and relentless curiousity. I'm happy to support their paid content as well... helping to ensure I get to listen to more of the same in the future. Highly recommend!
  • xhhwbakhcnrka
    Great
    Great pod!!!
  • elixabethmarie
    Thank you
    The Buckingham pool episode is giving me Mystery Show vibes, which made me so happy
  • Desire Path
    A delightful mystery
    The latest episode is so good! A perfect low stakes mystery thriller. Thanks!
  • Sotapete
    Honest
    Outstanding and honest. Just try it. Each show shines like a separate facet, united in style but each with unique flash, and every metaphor better than that one. Thanks, PJ, Sruthi and all.
  • thetxkid
    A weekly staple
    One of the few podcasts I genuinely look forward to every week.
  • Jatty Jat
    Makes commuting enjoyable
    Learning through the top notch search engine team of journalists and via the gorgeous delightful brain of PJ Vogt is a treat. Listen often and treat yourself!
  • Dinsmith
    Never Boring
    Thoroughly interesting. Regardless of the question on tap, always provides insightful answers and perspective.
  • MandieinAK
    PJ Vogt never disappoints
    Been listening to PJ since Reply All. He is so relatable, witty, and explains things really well. So impressed with the AI episode!! It was so well presented and made me wonder if Chat GPT or Claude as used to best produce the episode!and no judgement ! I was just blown away with the details and the way it addressed any random question that popped into my head without saying anything out load. Thank you PJ for all your work! There’s is an episode from Reply All that often takes up space in my mind, maybe called, yes yes no? You didn’t know who Ariana Grande was and I could so relate. That was many moons ago I definitely know Ariana now a days. Keep up the great work! Love Search Engine! Thank you
  • indialpc
    Perfect podcast for the intellectually curious
    PJ Vogt is a great interviewer and journalist. He asks great questions, his earnest curiosity leads to a good really thorough understanding of the questions at hand.
  • Aka11201
    Airport Luggage
    I do love all of your episodes! Yet, I do find it incredibly strange that you (and so many listeners) find it strange that someone would want to buy luggage in an airport. People like me who travel the world constantly have a different perspective. For example, I was in a village in China once and my suitcase zipper broke beyond repair. I had to leave for the airport around 3 a.m. so had no options other than to just go. The airport I was flying to Hong Kong from was small. There were no shops and I certainly could have used a shop with a suitcase option. I had to have my bag sealed at the airport with those rigid plastic binding straps that are sometimes on cardboard boxes or lumber in the USA. Yes, a device with the ability to do this was at the little airport which is much more confounding than luggage in an airport shop. Lol.
  • rectosigmoid junction
    Beautiful reporting + ADHD
    Search Engine has all the magic and magnetism of Reply All, and I kind of enjoy the lack of discernible theme connecting all the episodes. This show keeps me guessing what each next episode will be about. Also the music is so good
  • zbassdude
    THOROUGH enjoyment
    With the amount of THOROUGH work, joy, and effort that goes into this easy listening yet entirely eye openingly educational podcast, I THOROUGHLY enjoy every bit of it!
  • isspenguin
    One of my favorite pods
    PJ is a master of his craft, and I get giddy every time a new episode drops bc I know I’m gonna learn, feel, and laugh.
  • Jay Fffff
    I ❤️ Search Engine
    It’s not news, but it’s not NOT news. Entertaining, diverting, educational, totally not a waste of time. PJ is the best. 5 stars.
  • 123SunnyC
    Favorite!
    Search Engine is one of my very favorite podcasts. As a previous fan of Reply All, I’ve always loved hearing PJ’s take on any given subject. Search Engine is well thought out and entertainingly presented.
  • lundel75039
    I’ve bought luggage at an airport
    Despite feeling judged harshly by this episode, I still love the show. For informational purposes, I have purchased a carry-on at an airport TWICE in my life. Both times I was sick of lugging around a heavy tote bag and wanted something with wheels. 🤷🏻‍♀️
  • Mapo49
    Stop Promoting AI
    I was excited to check out this project, but the ads promoting AI made this too un-listenable. The environmental impacts and ethical issues with AI are well documented, and it feels like especially a podcast like this that explores the deeper stories about tech and the internet in general should be a bit more critical of AI being shoved into everything at the expense of humans and our planet.
Similar Podcasts
Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork on this page are property of the podcast owner, and not endorsed by UP.audio.