Remember the golden age of the food court? In this episode of pplpod, we explore the eerie phenomenon of the "dead mall"—also known as a ghost or zombie mall. We dive into the causes behind the "retail apocalypse," looking beyond just online shopping to the rise of big-box "category killers" and the massive oversupply of retail space in the U.S..

We also uncover the controversial practice of "demolition by neglect," where owners allow properties to rot to force demolition or cut costs. Finally, we look at the surprising second lives of these abandoned giants, from Amazon fulfillment centers and "health malls" to potential homeless shelters. Join us as we wander the empty corridors of a changing culture.