Episode 55 - Qatar & International Sports - Part 1

Migrant workers are dying by the thousands in Qatar to prepare for the FIFA World Cup. Is the thrill of a game worth their sacrifice? Are international sports in general?

Today we look at the shady bidding process Qatar underwent to secure the privilege to host the World Cup. Then we ask ourselves: Why? Why international sports in general?

International sports are supposed to be good for morale, both for the host country, and for the individual who cheers from the couch as someone wearing their flag scores a goal. So we’ll first examine the neurological process we undergo when we see our heroes emerge victorious. Then we’ll look at the lives of the athlete themselves, how much they earn, and if it’s worth the price they pay with their body and mind. We’ll also talk about why the backstage of the Olympics is usually an orgy filled with used condoms - or worse, a systematic displacement of the impoverished. And we’ll speculate on the real reason countries try to outbid on another to host an international event. Spoiler: It’s not just for those sweet, sweet tourism dollars.