The topic of forced labor is directly discussed in the podcast episodes, particularly in the context of the Congo Free State under the rule of King Leopold II of Belgium and the forced labor of the Congolese people to harvest rubber and other resources.

In the episode The Creation of the Congo Free State, the forced labor regime implemented by Leopold II is described as a 'major aspect' of his rule.

Additionally, the episode Tensions Rise in Global Trade touches on the issue of forced labor, specifically in the context of Chinese solar panel production and the U.S. Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA).