Idris Kaloun, The Economist's Washington correspondent, sheds light on the insurrection hearings and the pressure on Mike Pence during the January 6th events, hinting at a lingering threat to democracy. Tim Cross, the technology editor, dives into the fascinating debate about AI sentience and what it truly means. He questions the implications of large language models reflecting human fears and critiques internet shutdowns as ineffective responses to exam cheating, highlighting their costly impact on daily life.

Slavia Czankova, Healthcare correspondent for The Economist, and Tim Cross, Technology editor, dive into the implications of the Omicron variant's rapid spread, suggesting a potential shift towards viewing COVID-19 as endemic. They discuss the need for evolved public health strategies amid improving immunity. The conversation also highlights the concerning rise in video game addiction, driven by modern business models, and the WHO's classification of gaming disorder. Their insights blend health, technology, and a nod to cultural resilience.

In this discussion, Roger McShane, the Middle East editor for The Economist, provides insight into the complex dynamics of the Iran nuclear negotiations, highlighting the challenges posed by geopolitical tensions and sanctions. Tim Cross, the Technology editor, dives into Apple's surprising self-service repair program, shedding light on the right-to-repair movement and its implications for consumer rights and tech ownership. They also touch on the emotional challenges faced by museum directors in preserving cultural artifacts during emergencies.

Ben Farmer, a journalist focused on Afghanistan for The Economist, shares insights into the humanitarian crisis gripping the country after the Taliban's takeover. He discusses deepening poverty and critical food shortages as winter approaches. Tim Cross, the tech editor, adds a lighter note, exploring Apple's recent legal battles and implications for its app ecosystem. They also highlight oversight failures in pollution monitoring, revealing how it affects public health. Together, they navigate these pressing global issues with a mix of gravity and intrigue.

John Priddo, the United States editor for The Economist, joins Tim Cross, the Technology editor, to delve into pressing issues like the voting rights showdown in Texas. They discuss the dramatic exodus of Democratic lawmakers to Washington as a response to restrictive bills. Additionally, the conversation shifts to the alarming rise of ransomware attacks, exploring their impact on critical industries and emphasizing the urgent need for improved cybersecurity measures. Lastly, an interesting nod to Britain's eels reveals a historical struggle for conservation.

Tim Cross, Technology editor at The Economist, delves into the AstraZeneca vaccine concerns, stressing that, despite fears of blood clots, the jab is almost certainly safe. He highlights the crucial link between public trust and vaccination efforts. Gotti Epstein, China affairs editor, examines the hostage diplomacy story involving Canada and China, sparked by the arrest of a Huawei executive. They also touch on the booming NFT market and its potential to empower digital artists in new and exciting ways.

Idris Kaloun, The Economist's Washington correspondent, shares insights on Georgia's pivotal Senate runoff elections, emphasizing their potential to shape President-elect Joe Biden's governance. Tim Cross, the technology editor, dives into the nascent world of quantum computing, discussing its transformative potential in finance. The conversation highlights how even small advances in quantum tech could yield significant financial rewards, and touches on the enduring influence of Confucianism in modern South Korean society, blending tradition with contemporary challenges.

Tim Cross, Technology Editor for The Economist, shares his insights on the assassination of Iran's top nuclear scientist and its potential repercussions on U.S.-Iran relations. He discusses how recent AI advancements, particularly in predicting protein structures, could revolutionize medical treatments and tackling diseases. The conversation also touches on Europe's effective COVID-19 lockdowns, which highlight the benefits of lighter restrictions, all weaving a narrative of science intersecting with global geopolitics.

Katrine Brahek, The Economist's environment editor, dives into Joe Biden's ambitious climate policies, highlighting their potential and the hurdles of political cooperation. Tim Cross, the technology editor, explores the gaming industry’s evolution with a spotlight on the competition between Xbox and PlayStation 5, alongside the rise of cloud gaming. The conversation also reflects on how climate change intersects with technological advancements, suggesting a shifting landscape in both sectors.

Tim Cross, Technology editor for The Economist, delves into the complexities of internet regulation and the resulting 'splinternet,' highlighting the need for accountability in the age of misinformation. Meanwhile, James Astle, Washington bureau chief, sheds light on Doug Jones's political strategy, emphasizing moderates' roles in bridging divides within the Democratic Party. Their discussion also touches on the urgent crisis of air pollution, particularly its severe impact on children's health, urging immediate action to address this global threat.