This conversation explores the story of Nauru, the world's smallest republic, detailing its rise to wealth through phosphate mining and subsequent economic collapse due to mismanagement and environmental degradation. The hosts discuss the consequences of these actions, including the shift to offshore banking and the current state of the island, which faces severe health and economic challenges.

Nauru, smallest republic, phosphate mining, offshore banking, environmental disaster, wealth, economic collapse, health crisis, Erin Patterson, podcast