Simon Wright

Arkady Ostrovsky, Russia editor for The Economist, discusses Mikhail Gorbachev's unintended role in the Soviet Union's collapse and the polarized views of his legacy in modern Russia. Simon Wright sheds light on the electric vehicle industry's rapid growth, emphasizing looming challenges in battery manufacturing and material sourcing. Fiametta Rocco takes listeners on a journey to Michael Heiser's monumental sculpture 'City' in Nevada, exploring its artistic impact and the evolution of land art.

Dan Rosenheck, Data editor at The Economist, shares insights from the election forecast model, revealing a surprising shift toward Donald Trump in the presidential race. Simon Wright, Industry editor, discusses the reality of Elon Musk's ambitious robotaxi plans, highlighting the challenges Tesla faces amid skepticism and competition. They also dive into the fascinating legacy of Excel, exploring its evolution and the impact of AI tools on productivity. Tune in for a blend of politics, technology, and data-driven discussions!

Shashank Joshi, The Economist's Defence Editor, and Simon Wright, the industry's editor, discuss the escalating cyberwar between Iran and Israel. Joshi reveals how Iranian hackers are stepping up their game following recent conflicts, posing new threats to Israeli security. Wright sheds light on the struggles faced by Boeing and Airbus amid rising competition from China's COMAC, redefining the aerospace landscape. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of cyber conflicts and the mounting challenges in the aviation sector.

Joining the discussion are Simon Wright, The Economist's industry editor, who provides expert insight into Tesla's evolving role in the electric vehicle market, and Sondra Solstad, a senior data journalist, who brings a unique perspective on estimating Russian military casualties in Ukraine. The conversation dives into Tesla's ambitious growth plans amid fierce competition and explores how innovative strategies and marketing decisions impact its future. Additionally, Sondra shares intriguing data on the complexities of casualty figures amidst the ongoing conflict, making for a thought-provoking dialogue.

Transportation editor Andrew J. Hawkins delves into the frosty plight of Tesla drivers grappling with severe cold impacts on battery performance and charging. Simon Wright from The Economist discusses the rising influence of Chinese electric vehicles, emphasizing their affordability and design. Together, they explore how these factors might reshape the EV landscape amid changing consumer perceptions. The conversation highlights urgent infrastructure needs and how the global shift towards affordable EVs could redefine industry competitiveness.

Andrew Knox, The Economist's Korea correspondent, provides an expert analysis of the Itaewon tragedy, discussing the tragic loss of over 150 lives and the public outrage over the inadequate police response. Simon Wright, the industry editor, dives into the automotive revolution as vehicles transition into software platforms, addressing the challenges traditional car manufacturers face in this new landscape. The conversation also touches on the cultural impact of organizations like the National Trust amidst evolving societal debates.

In this insightful discussion, Sarah Maslin, The Economist's Brazil correspondent, sheds light on the recent riots in Brazil, drawing unsettling parallels to the U.S. Capitol insurrection. She explores the turbulent political climate and the implications for President Lula’s leadership. Simon Wright, the industry editor, analyzes the shocking decline in Tesla’s stock price and the challenges facing the electric vehicle giant amid rising competition and concerns surrounding Elon Musk's other ventures. The duo offers a sharp look into global events and market dynamics.

In this engaging discussion, Simon Wright, Industry editor at The Economist, dives into Elon Musk's ambitious robotaxi plans, pointing out the hurdles ahead in the autonomous vehicle market. Shardash Chitnas, a global business writer, reflects on the timeless appeal of Microsoft Excel, revealing why it remains a mainstay in professional life despite new technologies. With the political landscape tightening between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, the guests also explore the intricacies and unpredictability of election forecasting.

Simon Wright, Industry editor at The Economist, shares insights on Elon Musk's ambitious robotaxi promises, highlighting the technological and regulatory challenges that may delay their arrival. Meanwhile, Shardash Chitnas, a global business writer, reflects on 40 years of Microsoft Excel, celebrating its enduring popularity and user-friendly design. They discuss how Excel remains a staple in corporate environments while exploring the potential of AI to revolutionize this classic software. Politics and technology collide in this engaging conversation!

Andrew Knox, The Economist's Korea correspondent, unpacks the emotional aftermath of the Itaewon tragedy, revealing the political tensions surrounding accountability and emergency response failures. Simon Wright, industry editor, discusses the seismic shift in the automotive world towards software-centric vehicles, depicting cars as evolving multimedia platforms. The conversation touches on the challenges traditional manufacturers face against upstarts like Tesla and explores the potential of subscription models, transforming consumer expectations in the auto industry.