Idris Kaloun, The Economist's Washington bureau chief, shares insights on the impending midterm elections and the potential for a Republican-controlled Congress. Shashank Joshi highlights the alarming vulnerabilities of undersea infrastructure following the Nord Stream pipeline breaches. Meanwhile, Moeka Iida unpacks the Japanese concept of ikigai, emphasizing its cultural importance and the misconceptions surrounding it in Western contexts. Together, they navigate the intersections of politics, infrastructure security, and personal fulfillment.

Idris Kaloun, Washington bureau chief for The Economist, dissects the surprising revival of Joe Biden's climate legislation thanks to Senator Joe Manchin’s last-minute support. The discussion reveals the intricate political maneuvers and potential impacts on midterm elections. Meanwhile, Anne Rowe honors Ko Jimmy, a pro-democracy activist from Myanmar, sharing his inspiring love story and relentless fight against oppression. Together, they weave a narrative of hope that balances pressing climate action with the struggle for justice.

Idris Kaloun, The Economist's Washington Bureau Chief, analyzes the sweeping legal challenges facing Donald Trump, including fraud accusations and election interference. Charlotte McCann offers insights on 'The Joy of Sex,' highlighting its cultural impact on sexual attitudes in the 1970s. Guy Scriven discusses the booming cloud computing industry, focusing on major tech partnerships transforming finance. The episode reveals how legal turmoil can unexpectedly bolster political support while tracing significant changes in societal norms around sexuality.

Idris Kaloun, Washington bureau chief for The Economist, breaks down the groundbreaking climate legislation recently passed in the U.S. Senate, discussing its implications for inflation and job creation. Richard O'Callo, co-founder of Sango Capital, reveals Africa's startup boom and the region's growing venture capital landscape. They also touch on how understanding the menstrual cycle can enhance athletic performance, highlighting the importance of women's sports science and the unique challenges female athletes face.

Idris Kaloun, a U.S. politics writer for The Economist, and Simon Wright, the publication’s industry editor, delve into a rocky presidential campaign launch by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, plagued by technical glitches and fierce competition. They discuss DeSantis's challenges within the Republican race and examine the aviation industry's daunting path to net-zero emissions by 2050, highlighting technological strides and government strategies. They also explore the Hollywood writers' strike's ripple effects, providing British studios with both hurdles and new opportunities.

Idris Kaloun, Washington bureau chief for The Economist, and Jeremy Page, Asia diplomatic editor for The Economist, dive deep into the recent U.S. midterm elections, discussing why Democrats defied expectations in the Senate. They analyze the implications for President Biden's governance amidst challenges posed by Donald Trump's influence on the GOP. The duo also unpacks the significance of the Biden-Xi Jinping meeting, offering insights into U.S.-China relations and hinting at future discussions in the newly introduced 'Drum Tower' podcast.

Idris Kaloun, The Economist's Washington bureau chief, dives into the contentious landscape of President Biden's student loan forgiveness plan. He discusses the political implications and the fairness of canceling debt amidst soaring educational costs. The episode also reveals the struggles of Al-Majiri boys in Nigeria, forced to beg under religious teachings, contrasting sharply with their educational challenges. Additionally, it celebrates the Karaim community's rich cultural heritage in Lithuania, highlighting music's vital role in preserving their traditions.

Idris Kaloun, The Economist's Washington correspondent, sheds light on the insurrection hearings and the pressure on Mike Pence during the January 6th events, hinting at a lingering threat to democracy. Tim Cross, the technology editor, dives into the fascinating debate about AI sentience and what it truly means. He questions the implications of large language models reflecting human fears and critiques internet shutdowns as ineffective responses to exam cheating, highlighting their costly impact on daily life.

Wendy Benjaminson, Senior Washington editor for Bloomberg News, joins Taylor Poplarz, Spectrum News reporter, along with Idris Kaloun, Washington Bureau Chief for The Economist, and climate reporter Zachary Turner from WFAE. They dive into the aftermath of Hurricane Helene's devastation, the recent vice presidential debate with Governor Walz and Sen. JD Vance, and the impact of violent rhetoric in politics. The conversation also covers escalating tensions in the Middle East, especially between Israel and Hezbollah, and global political changes, including the ongoing crisis in Haiti.

Idris Kaloun, a Washington correspondent for The Economist, dives into the looming budget crisis threatening President Biden's social-spending reforms. The discussion navigates the political turbulence within the Democratic party and the risks of a government shutdown. Kaloun also highlights South Korea's controversial battle against fake news, examining how it may stifle journalism rather than support it. Lastly, they explore an intriguing new art exhibition that poignantly addresses human fragility through an immersive experience.