Slavia Chankova, The Economist's healthcare correspondent, examines the looming threat of a bird flu pandemic, discussing its potential to leap from animals to humans. Meanwhile, Rebecca Jackson, the Southern correspondent, sheds light on the often-overlooked roles of white women in the American slave trade, revealing their active participation in nearly 30% of slave transactions. The conversation navigates historical narratives and the complexities of gender roles in economic transactions, making for a captivating blend of current and historical topics.