Measure for Measure is a limited series from Ministry of Ideas that sizes up our world.
EPISODE 0: BIRDS
Could you pick a white-breasted nuthatch out of a lineup? We explore the value - and limits - of birdwatching, categorization, and measurement.
EPISODE 1: FATHOM
We love a good chart or graph but we think measurement is more complex and interesting than the data points. The fathom is a measure of depth from the surface to the ocean floorwhich is critical for navigating the Mississippi River and the Suez Canal. The fathom also shows us what’s beyond measurement: The unfathomable.
EPISODE 2: OLIVES
Jews are ritually obligated to eat matzah during Passover. But how much matzah? Well, that depends on your views on the size of an olive.
EPISODE 3: MOHS
We’re hitting up against the very nature of measurement: How can we best describe the world around us, in its infinite complexity, with finite measures? In other words, how hard are rocks?
EPISODE 4: MOVIES
We’d rate today’s episode a ten out of ten, five star, certified fresh, two thumbs up. But we can’t speak for its IMdB score.
EPISODE 5: SCOVILLE
Taste is a subjective experience. We know this because eggs pickled in human urine, cheese with live maggots living in it, fertilized and mostly-developed duck eggs, rotten shark, calf blood and cheese whiz are all delicacies somewhere. But there is a flavor that we can measure and compare objectively. Kind of.
EPISODE 6: IQ
The Intelligence Quotient is a measure of intelligence that has life-or-death consequences. Should we trust it?
EPISODE 7: KINSEY
Scientist Alfred Kinsey tried to differentiate human sexualities on a seven-point scale. In so doing, he brought us the basics of bisexuality. But the scale leaves a lot to be desired. Instead of a spectrum, Special Guest Kate Sisk leads us into a gay fog.
EPISODE 8: STAR LADDER
Scientists discovered that some stars have heartbeats and that some of them can be used to measure the longest distances that exist.
PRODUCTION TEAM
Liya Rechtman is Executive Producer and co-host of Measure for Measure and Managing Producer of Ministry of Ideas. She is a climate activist and Jew about town.
Andrew Middleton is Creator and co-host of Measure for Measure and a Producer of Ministry of Ideas. He is a cartographer, diver, and the founder of Open Dive Sites.
Greg Fredle is Sound Engineer for Measure for Measure. He is a freelance filmmaker and audio producer.
Zachary Davis is Executive Producer and Host of Ministry Ideas, Writ Large and Making Meaning; advisor to Measure for Measure.
Tyler Morrisette is the art director for Measure for Measure.