Ep 5. Quitting Wework & Losing Ground & Italy's Darkest Hour

In this episode of Vice season 7, we see the impact of the WeWork scandal on employees and startups, the effects of climate change on farming communities in the U.S., and Italy's struggle against COVID-19.

The first segment delves into the fallout of the WeWork controversy, which saw the company's valuation plummet from $47 billion to less than $10 billion. The show talks to former employees and small business owners who rented space in WeWork offices to see how they were impacted by the company's downward spiral. Some employees talk about how the company's culture of excess and inflated expectations led to burnout and disillusionment. Others describe how they lost their jobs or had to scramble to find new office space when WeWork's future became unclear. The segment also explores how the WeWork debacle highlights broader issues in the startup and tech industries, including the prioritization of growth over profitability and the unchecked power of charismatic founders.

The second segment looks at how climate change is hurting farmers in the U.S. Midwest. The show travels to Iowa to talk to farmers who are dealing with the consequences of extreme weather, including heavy rainfall and flooding. The farmers share how they're adapting to the changing climate by using new farming techniques and equipment, but also speak to the emotional toll of watching their land and livelihoods suffer. The segment also touches on the larger issue of food insecurity and how the global food system may be impacted by climate change in the coming years.

The final segment covers Italy's struggle against COVID-19, which hit the country hard earlier in 2020. The show takes a look at how the pandemic has impacted Italian society, including the country's healthcare system and its economy. The segment features interviews with medical professionals, small business owners, and everyday citizens to see how they're coping with the pandemic. The show also explores how Italy's government has responded to the crisis, including the controversial decision to impose a strict national lockdown. Overall, the segment gives viewers a personal look at how one of Europe's hardest-hit countries is dealing with the pandemic.

In conclusion, the episode covers a range of timely and important issues, touching on the impact of corporate excess, the consequences of climate change, and the ongoing struggle against COVID-19. Through interviews with key players and personal stories, the show provides a nuanced and engaging exploration of each of these topics.