Seven-Minute Explainers

The American West may fly the flag of individualism, but it was built on a bedrock of Big Government. For more, visit TheWeek.com/Podcasts

Even as other territories became states, the U.S. kept Puerto Rico's legal status vague. For more, visit TheWeek.com/Podcasts

How war, the golf industry, and Big Candy got (most of) us an extra hour of sleep this weekend. For more, visit TheWeek.com/Podcasts

From Night of the Living Dead to Paranormal Activity, low-budget horror movies continue to def Hollywood's box-office expectations. For a starter guide to the best low-budget horror films to stream, visit TheWeek.com/Podcasts.

Is Marxism just a turn-crank formula for purges and dictatorship or was something else to blame? For more, visit TheWeek.com/Podcasts

How the end of Matt LeBlanc's Episodes closes the door on the Friends era of gossip, fame, and meta-spinoffs. For more, visit TheWeek.com/Podcasts

A lifelong member of the NRA, Reagan might be the most consequential president for gun control legislation in the past century

Storms like Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, are only going to keep coming. Which parts of the U.S. are most vulnerable? What is the government doing about it? Here's everything you need to know. Read more at TheWeek.com/Podcasts

In 1971, a group of activists stole thousands of incriminating documents that proved the bureau was spying on Americans. The burglars got away scot-free. For more, visit TheWeek.com/podcasts

How a legislative fluke turned into a political weapon. Learn more at TheWeek.com/podcasts

When elected officials break the rules, this congressional tool puts them in check

Saving is a habit, and like all habits, the best way to make it stick is to do it over, and over, and over again, until it becomes second nature. Here's four steps to help you save money without even thinking about it.

Those daily pills aren't doing you any favors. In fact, they might be doing you some harm. Find more at TheWeek.com/Podcasts

On Aug. 21, the moon's shadow will roll across the U.S. and, for the first time in decades, tens of millions of Americans will witness a total solar eclipse outside their door. For more, visit TheWeek.com/podcasts

Amazon, Google, and Facebook have enjoyed unstoppable growth, with no end in sight. Such enormous success may be a sign that we're in the second Gilded Age, where our lives are channeled once again through fewer and fewer companies that are controlled by just a handful of men. And this isn't good. For more, visit TheWeek.com/podcasts