Lizzy McNeill, a correspondent specializing in economic issues, joins economist Duncan Weldon to debate whether one in four people in the UK is disabled. They delve into disability statistics and clarify the criteria for classification, challenging common perceptions. The conversation also touches on the broader economic implications of disability on the workforce, as well as government financial policies, providing insights into how these factors affect public spending and individual lives.

Shoshan Choshi, The Economist's defense editor, delves into the resilience of Russian intelligence and a daring CIA initiative to recruit double agents amidst heightened tensions. Duncan Weldon discusses the moral quandaries of Saudi investment in Newcastle United and its impact on local sports culture. They explore the potential for a commodities super cycle, spurred by the green energy transition, while examining how evolving market demands are reshaping commodity dynamics. Intriguing insights blend geopolitics with the world of sports.

Join Robert Guest, Deputy Editor of The Economist, as he shares eye-opening insights from the Amazon rainforest, revealing the dire consequences of deforestation and the urgent need for global intervention. Tom Gardner discusses the complexities of the Ethiopia-Somaliland agreement, highlighting its impact on regional stability in the Horn of Africa. Meanwhile, Duncan Weldon explores the evolving conversation around facial hair in the British Army, hinting at a potential policy shift in response to modern recruitment challenges.

Erin Braun, the West Coast correspondent for The Economist, sheds light on the increasing confrontations between grizzly bears and humans in Montana, fueled by conservation efforts and political debates. Meanwhile, Duncan Weldon dives into Britain's booming vaping industry, underscoring a growing demand for regulation amidst health concerns. The conversation also touches on the intriguing selection of 'ChatGPT' as the word of the year, reflecting its cultural significance in today's rapidly evolving landscape.

Idris Kalun, the Washington bureau chief for The Economist, and Duncan Weldon, a British writer for the publication, tackle the shifting political landscape as Donald Trump’s potential comeback looms. They explore Biden's struggles in battleground states and the surprising increase in support for Trump. The discussion also ventures into Basildon, a microcosm of national sentiment in Britain, and pays tribute to peace activist Vivian Silver, whose legacy adds depth to the ongoing discourse about conflict and resilience.

Tom Wainwright, technology and media editor at The Economist, breaks down Amazon's audacious streaming strategy amidst lukewarm critical reception. Duncan Weldon, Britain’s economics correspondent, reveals newly uncovered data suggesting a rosier UK GDP than previously thought. Meanwhile, author Keith Houston delves into the fascinating history of the pocket calculator, tracing its journey from humble beginnings to its role in shaping digital computation. This lively discussion spans innovation, economic insights, and the nostalgia of technology.

Sam Lowe, a Partner at Flint Global consultancy, and Duncan Weldon, an economist and author, delve into the multifaceted world of tariffs. They explore Trump's fascination with tariffs, questioning their implications for U.S. trade and global relations. The discussion highlights historical perspectives on tariffs, the challenges faced by U.S. companies reliant on imports, and the potential fallout of these policies on consumers. Listeners gain insight into the complexities of trade dynamics and the 'weaponized uncertainty' of our modern economic landscape.

Duncan Weldon, Britain economics correspondent at The Economist and author of '200 Years of Muddling Through,' joins to delve into the UK's current economic woes. He discusses how Russia's invasion of Ukraine has skyrocketed energy prices and inflation, leaving the UK facing a severe recession. The conversation reflects on historical economic stagnation, the impacts of Brexit, and the political chaos surrounding recent leadership. Weldon also considers how Queen Elizabeth II's death may shift the nation's political landscape amidst these crises.

Duncan Weldon, The Economist's British economics correspondent, discusses the UK's ongoing fuel shortages and the factors behind the panic, such as Brexit and the pandemic. Meanwhile, Greg Karlstrom, The Economist's Middle East correspondent, reflects on Tunisia's political landscape, particularly the significance of its first female prime minister amidst ongoing democracy challenges. The conversation also touches on India's societal shifts, as micro-stay hotels gain traction, offering privacy for unmarried couples in a changing cultural landscape.

Duncan Weldon, Britain’s economics editor for The Economist, and Guy Scriven, the climate risk correspondent, delve into some pressing issues facing the UK. They discuss Chancellor Rishi Sunak's strategy for navigating Britain's financial recovery post-pandemic. The conversation shifts to cost-effective climate solutions, emphasizing the importance of selecting policies that maximize benefits while minimizing costs. They also explore the fascinating ownership system of coconut trees in Zanzibar, highlighting its economic and cultural implications.