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.

Sasha Nauta, Public Policy Editor at The Economist, discusses the transformative impact of the pandemic on welfare systems. She analyzes Biden’s $1.9 trillion relief plan and its push for more flexible benefits to support vulnerable workers. The conversation touches on the emotional toll of social distancing, highlighting the vital need for human contact and innovations like haptic technology. Nauta also delves into the evolution of language, humorously tackling the challenge of coining new terms for modern relationships.

Patrick Fowles, Business affairs editor for The Economist, dives into the controversial bans on social media that raise questions about free speech and tech power, specifically spotlighting the Trump ban. Sasha Nauta, Public policy editor, discusses the evolution of girlhood, emphasizing the positive shifts and ongoing challenges due to the pandemic and societal pressure. They also touch on the struggle to combat snake bite fatalities with innovative science and potentially universal antidotes.