Tom Nuttall, Chief Germany correspondent for The Economist, shares insights on the alarming rise of the far-right AfD party in Germany, exploring the divided political landscape reminiscent of the East-West divide. John McDermott, chief Africa correspondent, discusses how motorcycles are revolutionizing urban mobility in African cities, highlighting their role in economic growth and the challenges they bring. Additionally, there's a fascinating look at Spain's truffle farmers, focusing on the fight to protect their culinary heritage and secure their place in the market.

John McDermott, The Economist's Africa correspondent, shares harrowing insights from the decade-long conflict in eastern Congo, shedding light on the staggering human toll and desperate need for global attention. Alok Jha, the science correspondent, discusses the hunt for innovative painkillers that avoid addiction, highlighting breakthroughs like VX548. Meanwhile, Erin Braun brings a whimsical twist with a dive into Fat Bear Week, a delightful celebration in Alaska where voters choose the chubbiest bear, fusing wildlife conservation with community fun.

John McDermott, Chief Africa correspondent for The Economist and based in Johannesburg, delves into the recent unrest in South Africa, sparked by the imprisonment of former President Jacob Zuma. He discusses how political divisions and social media have fueled violence, reflecting on the ramifications for the nation's stability. The conversation also touches on the complexities of administering COVID-19 booster shots and the disparities in global vaccine access. Lastly, McDermott highlights the challenges facing Major League Baseball in engaging younger audiences.

John McDermott, The Economist's chief Africa correspondent, shares insights into Jacob Zuma's contempt conviction, marking a pivotal moment for South Africa's judiciary amid ongoing corruption issues. Katrine Bragg, the environment editor, discusses the alarming rise of heatwaves in the Northern Hemisphere, underscoring their severe impacts on health and vulnerable communities. They also touch on the politicization of biryani in India, exploring its historical roots and current controversies, revealing how food can become a powerful political symbol.

John McDermott, The Economist's chief Africa correspondent, discusses Africa's alarming COVID-19 resurgence, particularly in South Africa, where cases are surging to nearly 15,000 daily. He highlights overwhelming healthcare strains and the urgent need for vaccinations. Tamara Gilkes-Bohr delves into America’s reading crisis, examining the effectiveness of phonics over whole language strategies. The conversation also touches on how smartphones are reshaping the film industry, enabling a new generation of filmmakers to thrive independently.

John McDermott, Chief Africa correspondent for The Economist, dives into the ongoing corruption saga surrounding former South African president Jacob Zuma and the pervasive graft within the ANC. Meanwhile, Sasha Nauta, Public policy editor, sheds light on the pandemic's devastating impact on working parents, particularly women, affecting their mental health and career progression. Together, they discuss the urgent need for systemic support to help families navigate these challenges while exposing the broader implications of corruption on society.

Rachel Dobbs, a climate change writer for The Economist, and John McDermott, the chief Africa correspondent, discuss the urgent need for global cooperation to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. They highlight a new report from the International Energy Agency outlining a radical shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy. Additionally, the conversation touches on Somaliland's 30-year journey toward sovereignty, exploring its political challenges and aspirations for international recognition, all while deftly navigating complex economic landscapes.

John McDermott, the Chief Africa correspondent for The Economist, sheds light on the challenges of COVID-19 vaccination in Africa amid operational hurdles and vaccine hesitancy. He discusses the urgency for African nations to secure vaccine supplies and contrasts their struggles with those faced by developed countries. Additionally, McDermott touches upon the political repression in Russia surrounding Alexei Navalny and the implications of branding his movement as extremist, linking domestic strife to wider geopolitical tensions.

John McDermott, The Economist's chief Africa correspondent, sheds light on the escalating violence and humanitarian crisis in Mozambique's Cabo Delgado province, where an insurgency fueled by socio-economic factors is wreaking havoc. He discusses the government's struggles to control the situation amid a vital natural-gas project. The conversation also touches on the tense atmosphere in Minneapolis related to the trial of a police officer charged in George Floyd's death, exploring themes of accountability and societal healing.

Edward Carr, Deputy Editor of The Economist, provides an in-depth analysis of Donald Trump’s latest impeachment and its broader implications for democracy, emphasizing the risks of political extremism. Meanwhile, John McDermott, the Chief Africa Correspondent, sheds light on the precarious future of South Africa's black middle class amidst fiscal mismanagement by the ANC. They also explore the rising trend of non-alcoholic spirits, reflecting changing consumer habits in a health-conscious world.