Sophie Pedder, The Economist's Paris Bureau Chief, dives into the recent surge of Marine Le Pen’s party in France's parliamentary elections, revealing daunting implications for President Macron's strategy. She discusses the rise of a diverse left coalition and the looming threat of a hung parliament. The conversation also touches on Thailand's groundbreaking legalization of same-sex marriage, celebrating advancements in LGBT rights amidst broader political challenges. Lastly, insights into the psychological and technological innovations aimed at enhancing penalty shootout performance provide a fascinating twist.