Economist Podcasts Years ending: notable lives lost in 2025
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Dec 31, 2025 A heartfelt tribute highlights notable figures lost this year. Pope Francis is remembered for his reformative impact and mercy. Controversial vice-president Dick Cheney's complex legacy is explored, alongside Jane Goodall's lifelong advocacy for primates. The rise of subway singer Alice Tan Ridley to stardom captures the essence of perseverance, while Brian Wilson's musical genius and struggles add depth to the conversation. The podcast also touches on the cultural losses in film, from iconic actors to visionary directors.
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A Papacy Defined By Mercy
- Pope Francis prioritized a merciful, approachable church over ornate ritual and hierarchy.
- He spent his papacy reshaping the Church's image toward compassion rather than sweeping structural overhaul.
The Vice‑President Who Remade The Role
- Dick Cheney transformed the vice-presidency into an unusually powerful and divisive office.
- He combined hawkish policy influence with surprising departures from party orthodoxy on some social issues.
Campus Confrontations And Political Violence
- Charlie Kirk built his influence by confronting campus liberalism in person and fundraising from donors alarmed by 'cancel culture'.
- He was killed in public, highlighting rising political violence and the difficulty of securing open events in the US.