Ben Farmer, who reports on Afghanistan and Pakistan, joins Anne Rowe, The Economist's obituaries editor, and Simon Willis from 1843 to discuss Afghanistan's dire humanitarian crisis post-U.S. withdrawal. The conversations highlight the heartbreaking choices families are facing, such as selling children to survive. They also touch on the environmental issues of artificial snow for the Winter Olympics and the innovative solutions proposed by a snow consultant. Additionally, they remember Lata Mangeshkar, a beloved icon of Indian music.

Ben Farmer, a journalist focused on Afghanistan for The Economist, shares insights into the humanitarian crisis gripping the country after the Taliban's takeover. He discusses deepening poverty and critical food shortages as winter approaches. Tim Cross, the tech editor, adds a lighter note, exploring Apple's recent legal battles and implications for its app ecosystem. They also highlight oversight failures in pollution monitoring, revealing how it affects public health. Together, they navigate these pressing global issues with a mix of gravity and intrigue.

Ben Farmer, a journalist specializing in Afghanistan and Pakistan, shares first-hand insights from Kabul, while Tom Wainwright, Media editor, discusses the dynamics of the media industry. They dive into the chaos of Afghanistan following the U.S. withdrawal, drawing comparisons to historical conflicts and the rise of civilian militias. The conversation shifts to the 'attention recession' in media consumption post-pandemic, examining how habits are evolving. They even touch on the curious world of thoroughbred horse breeding and its genetic challenges.

Join Ben Farmer, an Afghanistan and Pakistan expert for The Economist, and Stephanie Studer, a China correspondent, as they delve into America's hasty troop withdrawal from Afghanistan and its repercussions on Taliban activity and Afghan forces. They explore chilling historical parallels and political challenges in Afghanistan. Additionally, the podcast touches on China's wedding traditions, examining how playful customs clash with government regulations. Plus, the guests discuss the complexities of memory in eyewitness testimony and its implications for justice.

Ben Farmer, a keen observer of Afghanistan's evolving landscape, speaks with Wendelin von Bredow, The Economist's European finance expert. They dive into the budding peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban, revealing the challenges of a potential prisoner swap and the looming fears over rights erosion. Transitioning to Europe, the duo uncovers the shocking Wirecard scandal, detailing the complexities of fraud in the financial sector. They also explore how African football triumphs can unify nations amid conflict, revealing sport's power in societal healing.