

Joel Budd
Social affairs editor at The Economist who explains and analyses immigration and asylum policy changes in Britain.
Top 10 podcasts with Joel Budd
Ranked by the Snipd community

131 snips
Dec 15, 2025 • 21min
Judgment day: Jimmy Lai convicted
Journalist Alice Su discusses the recent conviction of Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai, highlighting the chilling effects of national security laws on civil liberties. Joel Budd analyzes how Labour government's policies are straining London's finances, warning of higher taxes and reduced services. He questions London’s perception as privileged and the impact of immigration on its economy. Alex Hearn provides insights into hangovers, explaining their physiological causes and debunking common cures, emphasizing that hydration and time are key.

105 snips
Nov 21, 2025 • 23min
Flee country: Britain seeks to slash migration
Joel Budd, Social Affairs Editor at The Economist, discusses significant changes in Britain's immigration and asylum policies spearheaded by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood. He outlines Labour's proposed reforms inspired by Denmark, focusing on new visa terms and the impact on low-paid migrants. Budd examines the driving forces behind this shift, including political pressures and social tensions. Plus, get insights into the recent military balloon developments, highlighting their surveillance uses and challenges.

69 snips
Dec 2, 2025 • 19min
The great wheel: China’s Robotaxi revolution
Join Rachna Shambhog, Business Affairs Editor at The Economist, as she dives into China's cutting-edge advancements in robotaxis and pharmaceuticals, discussing how low-cost production and agile regulations are reshaping the future of innovation. Also featured is Joel Budd, Social Affairs Editor, who reveals that Spain ranks as the most similar country to Britain, highlighting policy insights Britain could borrow, like more relaxed immigration. Plus, explore the comforting rise of capybaras as cultural icons in today's world.

7 snips
Dec 15, 2025 • 21min
Judgment day: Jimmy Lai convicted
Alice Su, a senior international correspondent with deep insights into China and Hong Kong, discusses the conviction of media mogul Jimmy Lai under the national security law and its chilling effects on dissent. Joel Budd, social affairs editor, explains how UK policies are hurting London, from funding cuts to the exodus of wealthy residents. Meanwhile, Alex Hearn, known for his 'hungover correspondent' title, shares why hangovers happen and offers scarce solutions, debunking popular myths about relief that just prolong the pain.

Jun 15, 2022 • 23min
Planes have changed: Britain’s controversial asylum policy
Guests Joel Budd, Social Policy Editor, and Avantika Chukoti, International Correspondent, dive into the complexities of asylum policies and Afghanistan's economy. They discuss Britain's controversial plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda, halted by the European Court of Human Rights. Budd highlights legal and moral objections while Chukoti reveals the Taliban’s surprising ability to collect taxes amidst a collapsing economy. Both emphasize the dire humanitarian situation in Afghanistan and the global challenges facing electric vehicle adoption.

Apr 22, 2022 • 24min
Rwanda-on-Thames: Britain’s asylum proposal
Joel Budd, social policy editor, discusses Britain’s controversial asylum plan to send seekers to Rwanda, raising concerns about its effectiveness and ethical implications. Ryan Avent sheds light on how the pandemic has disrupted global supply chains, suggesting that resilience comes from diversification rather than reshoring. Meanwhile, Sebastian Scotney celebrates the legacy of jazz icon Charles Mingus, reflecting on his profound influence and the community initiatives inspired by his music, emphasizing his role in empowering underserved artists.

Mar 9, 2022 • 27min
Strikes, fear: an update from Kharkiv
Joel Budd, Social Affairs Editor at The Economist, dives into the plight of Kharkiv amid ongoing conflict. He shares harrowing stories from residents adapting to daily chaos while fostering community resilience. The conversation also touches on the evolution of children's play during the pandemic. Traditional games are making a comeback, blending nostalgia with modern adaptation. Additionally, Budd discusses the revival of impactful muralism in Mexico, highlighting its role in community safety and representation.

Mar 26, 2021 • 21min
Growth and stagnation: Bangladesh’s first 50 years
Susanna Savage, an insightful journalist covering Bangladesh for The Economist, joins Joel Budd, the publication's social affairs editor. They discuss Bangladesh's impressive economic growth and the vital role of women in the workforce amidst political turmoil. The conversation shifts to global happiness trends post-pandemic; surprising findings reveal that older generations feel more content than ever, while younger people express discontent. The duo also delves into the significant trade disruptions caused by the Suez Canal blockage, highlighting its global implications.

Mar 26, 2021 • 21min
Growth and stagnation: Bangladesh’s first 50 years
In this engaging discussion, Susanna Savage, a writer for The Economist focusing on Bangladesh, joins Joel Budd, the social affairs editor, to explore Bangladesh's remarkable journey over its first 50 years. They highlight the country's empowerment of women and dominance in the garment industry. However, they also delve into the challenges of political corruption and the fight for workers' rights. Additionally, the conversation touches on surprising shifts in global happiness during the pandemic and the shocks caused by the Suez Canal blockage.

Jan 20, 2020 • 21min
Tripoli crown: the battle for Libya
Joel Budd, Social Policy Editor for The Economist, dives into pressing global issues, including the alarming rise in road fatalities, with over a million deaths annually. He discusses the urgent need for governments to adopt effective safety measures and contrasts road safety approaches in various countries. The conversation also touches on the ongoing chaos in Libya, the complexities of foreign interventions, and the broader impacts of climate change on cultural heritage, showcasing how museums are adapting to protect artifacts amid environmental threats.


