Simon Rabinovich, U.S. economics editor at The Economist, dissects the complex dynamics within Donald Trump's economic team, exploring the interplay between traditional conservatives and the America First faction. Anne Rowe captivates listeners with the curious case of Saturn's disappearing rings and their deep historical significance. Meanwhile, Rachel Dobbs highlights alarming trends in tourism's carbon emissions, stressing the urgent need for sustainable practices in an era of rising environmental impact.

Javier Milei, Argentina's president known for his radical economic reforms, reflects on his first year in office amidst soaring inflation. He discusses his aggressive free-market approach, significant budget cuts, and the balance between optimism and instability. Marie Zegger shares insights on sustainable alternatives to plastic, focusing on seaweed innovations, while Anne Rowe honors Celeste Caeiro, a pivotal figure in Portugal's 1974 carnation revolution, emphasizing courage in political turmoil.

In this conversation, an anonymous contributor discusses the precarious state of the Russian economy, highlighting potential crises amid ongoing conflicts. Anne Rowe reflects on Shalom Nagar, the Israeli prison officer associated with Adolf Eichmann, unpacking the emotional weight of his role. They touch on alarming trends in adult cognitive skills, revealing many perform worse than ten-year-olds, and debate the socio-economic implications of declining literacy rates in affluent nations. Get ready for some profound insights and historical reflections!

Ed Carr, Deputy Editor at The Economist, discusses the recent meeting of European leaders in London to address the Ukraine conflict. He emphasizes the critical need for unity and action against Russia. Mia Dahl delves into the growing fentanyl crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border, exploring the challenges authorities face in curbing its flow. Finally, Anne Rowe reflects on the life of Muhsin Hendricks, the world's first openly gay imam, and his journey to create an inclusive mosque, highlighting the intersection of faith and identity.

Join Oliver Morton, Planetary Affairs Editor at The Economist, as he dives into the explosive world of private space travel, discussing billionaires' ambitions and the groundbreaking launch by Blue Origin. Alongside Anne Rowe, Obituaries editor, they celebrate the life of Peter Fenwick, a neurologist who explored near-death experiences. Together, they weave through the competitive landscape of space tech and reflect on Fenwick's profound insights, blending science with the human experience.

Sarah Wu, The Economist correspondent focusing on China, discusses the booming winter tourism sector in Harbin, showcasing its transformation into a vibrant hub for skiing and ice sculptures. Meanwhile, Anne Rowe, the obituaries editor, shares the inspiring story of Rose Gerone, the oldest known Holocaust survivor, reflecting on hope and resilience through her journey as a knitter. Both topics highlight unique cultural narratives and the intertwining of personal histories with broader socio-economic trends.

Join Arkady Ostrovsky, The Economist's expert on Russia, as he reveals the harrowing truth about life inside Russia's brutal prison system, where political prisoners face unimaginable conditions. Vijay Vaitheeswaran discusses the daunting challenge of transitioning from oil dependency, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions amidst rising global temperatures. Meanwhile, Anne Rowe honors Amnon Weinstein, a luthier on a mission to restore Holocaust violins, bringing their haunting histories back to life through music.

Sophie Petter, Paris bureau chief for The Economist, discusses the remarkable restoration of Notre Dame after the devastating fire of 2019, highlighting the skilled craftsmanship involved. She reflects on the cathedral's revival as a symbol of resilience amidst political turmoil in France. Additionally, she addresses the election landscape in Ghana, where disillusioned voters face economic challenges and concerns about democracy. The conversation also pays tribute to John Kinsel, a Navajo code talker, emphasizing his cultural legacy and connection to his heritage.

John Priddo, the U.S. editor for The Economist, Leo Morani, the Asia correspondent, and Anne Rowe, Obituaries editor, dive into the political shake-up of Joe Biden endorsing Kamala Harris. They discuss how India's governance could improve by creating new states, allowing for better local administration. The conversation takes a turn to remember Dr. Ruth Westheimer, the renowned sex therapist who transformed American discussions about sexuality, emphasizing her impactful legacy in challenging societal norms.

Anne Rowe, The Economist's obituaries editor, dives into the life of Frans de Waal, a renowned primatologist known for his groundbreaking work on animal behavior. They explore how de Waal's research reveals the kinder instincts of animals, challenging conventional views on human uniqueness. The discussion touches on the implications of his findings for understanding empathy and cooperation in both the animal kingdom and humanity. Rowe highlights de Waal's impact on science and his quest to bridge the gap between human and animal emotions.