About this episode
It’s unreactive, lighter than air, and surprisingly important to the global economy. Zachary Crockett goes up an octave. SOURCES: Sophia Hayes , professor of chemistry at Washington University in St. Louis. Phil Kornbluth , president of Kornbluth Helium Consulting. Bo Sears , C.E.O. of Helix Exploration PLC. RESOURCES: " Why Semiconductor Growth Will Drive Helium Demand ," by Kitty Wheeler ( Technology Magazine, 2024). " The World Is Running Out of Helium. Here's Why Doctors Are Worried ," by Caroline Hopkins ( NBC News, 2022). " Nothing on Earth Can Replace Helium — and It’s in Peril ," by Joseph DiVerdi ( The New York Times, 2019). Selling the Nation's Helium Reserve , by the National Research Council (2010). " Discovery of Helium in Natural Gas at the University of Kansas ," by the American Chemical Society (2000). EXTRAS: " Is Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade Its Most Valuable Asset? " by Freakonomics Radio (2024). Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.