Arkady Ostrovsky, Russia editor for The Economist, discusses Mikhail Gorbachev's unintended role in the Soviet Union's collapse and the polarized views of his legacy in modern Russia. Simon Wright sheds light on the electric vehicle industry's rapid growth, emphasizing looming challenges in battery manufacturing and material sourcing. Fiametta Rocco takes listeners on a journey to Michael Heiser's monumental sculpture 'City' in Nevada, exploring its artistic impact and the evolution of land art.

Tom Lee Devlin, The Economist's global business correspondent; Fiametta Rocco, senior editor and culture correspondent; and Tom Wainwright, tech and media editor, tackle the shifting landscape of American consumer behavior. They discuss how inflation pushes middle-class shoppers toward budget brands while luxury markets remain resilient. The trio also dives into the transformative role of AI in journalism, weighing its potential benefits against job displacement concerns, and reflects on the importance of marginalized narratives through historical lens.

Charlotte Howard, Executive Editor at The Economist, talks with Arkady Ostrovsky, Russia’s editor, and Fiametta Rocco, Culture Correspondent, about various transformative topics. They delve into the Biden administration’s revitalization plans for American manufacturing and clean energy. Ostrovsky highlights the resilience of independent journalists in Russia amid censorship and war. Rocco shares insights on Gina Lollobrigida’s inspiring rise from wartime Italy to Hollywood stardom, emphasizing her cultural impact.

Richard Enzer, the Mexico City Bureau Chief for The Economist, shares his insights on high-level corruption claims, specifically those by Emilio Lozoya against elite politicians. Fiametta Rocco, the Culture correspondent, discusses the new wave of curators pushing for the restitution of cultural artifacts. They explore the dynamics between political accountability and the restitution movement, plus the complexities of prosecuting corruption in Mexico. Additionally, they unveil an analysis challenging claims about Twitter's bias against conservative views.

Shoshank Joshi, The Economist's defence editor, delves into the U.S. controversial stance on anti-personnel landmines, analyzing its implications for modern warfare and civilian safety. Fiametta Rocco, the culture correspondent, uncovers Britain's universities' connections to the slave trade, discussing their efforts to reconcile with this legacy. The conversation also touches on innovative advertising strategies in sports, revealing how technology is reshaping viewer experiences and revenue models.