Arkady Ostrovsky, the Russia and Eastern Europe editor for The Economist, discusses the escalating protests in Georgia in support of former President Mikheil Saakashvili, who is currently on a hunger strike, raising questions about the country's political future. Hal Hodson, the publication's technology correspondent, delves into the alarming rise of China's state-sponsored industrial espionage and the ineffectiveness of measures to counter it. Their insights shed light on the tense geopolitical dynamics and evolving language intricacies around terms like 'green-light' and 'gaslight'.

Idris Kaloun, a Washington correspondent for The Economist, discusses the challenges President Biden faces in uniting a divided nation during his inaugural address. Hal Hodson, a technology writer, dives into the rise of private messaging apps like WhatsApp and their implications for privacy in today’s society. They also touch on the eye-opening street art in Paris reflecting societal unrest, highlighting how art and communication intertwine in contemporary discourse.

Hal Hodson, Technology correspondent for The Economist, discusses the antitrust lawsuits facing Facebook, spotlighting its controversial acquisitions of WhatsApp and Instagram. Roseanne Lake, Cuba correspondent, delves into the surge of the Movimiento San Isidro, a powerful artist-led protest against oppressive government actions. The conversation weaves through legal challenges for Big Tech and the fight for freedom of expression in Cuba, making for an engaging exploration of contemporary activism and regulation.

Hal Hodson, Technology correspondent for The Economist, dives into Libya's chaotic political landscape and the rising tensions as General Khalifa Haftar advances on Tripoli. He explores the complex web of foreign interests at play, alongside an intriguing discussion on algorithmic bias in Facebook's advertising system, revealing how race and gender discrimination can unintentionally skew ad visibility. Hodson also touches on the evolving gaming industry, examining the challenge of making slot machines appealing to a new generation while promoting fairness.

Adam Roberts, The Economist's Midwest correspondent, and Hal Hodson, the technology correspondent, dive into the rising visibility of LGBT candidates in U.S. politics, spotlighting Chicago’s historic mayoral race. They discuss changing voter attitudes towards openly gay and transgender politicians and the ongoing need for diverse representation. The conversation also tackles Mark Zuckerberg’s call for internet regulation amidst societal challenges in tech, alongside the dark realities facing the glamorous K-pop industry.