Daniel Franklin, Deputy US Editor for The Economist, discusses the potential fallout from the recent deal to avert a government shutdown, which could jeopardize Kevin McCarthy's leadership. Mike Bird, Asia business and finance editor, shares insights on the electric scooter boom in Asia, highlighting China's dominance and India's emerging role. Catherine Nixie, Britain correspondent, delves into Britain’s risk registers, revealing the underlying statistics predicting national disasters and the challenges of preparedness. A thought-provoking blend of politics and innovation!

Join Alice Hsu, Senior China correspondent; Mike Bird, Asia business and finance editor; and Catherine Nixie, Britain correspondent, as they dissect Taiwan's new president, William Lai. They discuss his struggle to unify a divided nation while navigating China's pressures. The conversation shifts to the shrinking stock market as firms favor private ownership over public listings. They also humorously explore the shift from lonely hearts ads to dating apps, reflecting on how technology shapes modern relationships amid persistent human loneliness.

Greg Karlstrom, Middle East correspondent for The Economist, sheds light on the dire humanitarian crisis in northwest Syria post-earthquake, highlighting the complex dynamics of aid amid political tensions. He discusses how longstanding sanctions complicate relief efforts. Mike Bird, Asia business and finance editor, explores South Korea's precarious property market, detailing how rising interest rates and household debt are driving housing prices down, posing risks to the economy. Together, they paint a picture of two interconnected crises.

Mike Bird, Asia business and finance editor at The Economist, shares expert insights on global food price dynamics, revealing how Russian wheat exports are influencing market stability. Meanwhile, Slavia Chankova, the publication's health correspondent, discusses the alarming resurgence of polio in the West, emphasizing vaccination challenges. They also explore the controversies surrounding the viral 'Pink Sauce,' highlighting the difficulties cottage food producers face in a social media-driven world.

Join Anna Lankes, who writes about Latin America for The Economist, and Mike Bird, the publication's Asia business and finance editor, as they dive into Bolivia's economic crisis fueled by dwindling gas reserves. They discuss the nation’s struggles with a dollar shortage and rising debt, alongside public distrust in its currency. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of the China-West relationship and how it shapes global markets, showcasing a fascinating intersection of local challenges and international dynamics.