Tom Sass, Britain’s public policy editor, shares insights into the Labour Party's remarkable surge, highlighting how key demographics are realigning politically. Max Rodenbeck, the Berlin bureau chief, discusses Germany's military blunders and their reputational fallout amidst rising tensions. The conversation also explores innovative childcare initiatives in Japanese towns, revealing how community-driven support can combat declining birth rates and transform societal attitudes towards parenting.

Join Su Lin Wong, Southeast Asia correspondent for The Economist, and Max Rodenbeck, Berlin bureau chief, as they dive into critical discussions on Indonesia's pivotal presidential election, where democracy hangs in the balance. They also tackle the complexities of cancel culture in Germany, particularly how individuals, including Jews questioning the Gaza conflict, face backlash. Additionally, they explore the challenge of choosing meaningful books amidst today's reading distractions, encouraging listeners to savor quality over quantity.