Christopher Lockwood, a Senior Editor at The Economist, discusses the challenges Syria faces post-Assad, including the struggle for unity among various factions. Tom Wainwright, Tech and Media Editor, analyzes Australia's bold move to ban social media for under-16s, highlighting the generational rift it creates. Meanwhile, Johnny Williams, a Culture Writer, reflects on how Dungeons & Dragons has surged into the mainstream, driven by its storytelling appeal and the community it fosters among players.

Henry Tricks, a population economics expert, discusses the troubling implications of a shrinking global workforce due to low fertility rates. Tom Wainwright, technology editor at The Economist, analyzes Apple’s innovative Vision Pro headset while expressing skepticism about its practical applications. Meanwhile, Catherine Nixey, Britain correspondent, highlights the evolving fortunes of British seaside towns, celebrating their historical charm amidst modern gentrification. The dialogue navigates the intersections of technology, demographics, and local culture.

Christopher Lockwood, Senior editor at The Economist, sheds light on Syria's uncertain future following Assad's downfall, discussing the challenges of rebuilding and the role of international powers. Tom Wainwright, Tech and media editor, analyzes Australia's bold new law banning under-16s from social media, highlighting the mixed public reactions and challenges in enforcement. Meanwhile, Johnny Williams, Culture writer, explores how Dungeons & Dragons has transitioned from niche hobby to mainstream sensation, examining its cultural impact and community-building aspects.

Join Tom Wainwright, Technology and Media Editor at The Economist, as he dives into Amazon's high-stakes streaming strategy and the mixed reviews it garners. Duncan Weldon, Britain’s Economics Correspondent, reveals that nearly 2% of GDP was overlooked in British data, offering hope for the economy's recovery. Keith Houston, author of 'Empire of the Sum', takes us on a nostalgic journey through the history of pocket calculators, showcasing their pivotal role in ushering in the digital age.

Anshul Pfeffer, The Economist's Israel correspondent, and Tom Wainwright, tech and media editor, dive into the chaos of Israel's elections, focusing on Binyamin Netanyahu's controversial return to power. They discuss the hurdles he faces in coalition-building amid deep public divisions. Shifting gears, Wainwright analyzes Apple's bold strategy to reduce dependency on China, driven by rising costs and geopolitical tensions. The conversation also touches on the paleo diet, unraveling misconceptions about ancient eating habits that defy modern interpretations.

In this enlightening discussion, Tom Wainwright, technology and media editor at The Economist, teams up with Pete Etchells, a Bath Spa University psychology professor and author of "Unlocked: The Real Science of Screen Time." They explore the complex effects of smartphones on teenagers' mental health, addressing rising anxiety and depression rates. The duo emphasizes the importance of understanding individual experiences over blanket blame. They advocate for promoting digital literacy and the quality of content rather than merely limiting screen time.

Tom Wainwright, Technology and Media Editor at The Economist, dives into the fierce competition between Twitter and Meta's Threads. He highlights Threads' rapid growth and the struggles Twitter faces under Elon Musk. Meanwhile, Greg Karlstrom, the Middle East correspondent, discusses the economic turmoil in Egypt, Lebanon, and Tunisia, focusing on their daunting debt crises and negotiations with the IMF. They also touch on the quirky topic of invasive monk parakeets in New York, balancing humor with serious global issues.

Tom Wainwright, Media editor for The Economist, dives into the arrest of Telegram's founder, Pavel Durov, exploring the app's controversial ties to Russia and implications for digital freedom. Henry Kerr, the Economics editor, discusses insights from the Jackson Hole meeting, highlighting tensions in global economic policies. Emily Steinmark, the Science correspondent, shares how AI is revolutionizing accessibility, particularly for individuals with disabilities, showcasing the potential for technology to enhance lives.

In this discussion, Tom Wainwright, The Economist's media editor, and Oliver Carroll, the publication's Ukraine and Russia correspondent, delve into the evolving landscape of sports viewership, emphasizing the shift towards streaming for events like the Olympics. They also tackle the alarming case of journalist Evan Gershkovich, shedding light on Russia's justice system and international diplomatic tensions. Lastly, they engage with the viral phenomenon of Kamala Harris as a 'brat,' exploring how social media shapes political narratives today.

Tom Wainwright, The Economist's tech and media editor, delves into the contentious Meta v Canada news dispute, revealing how regulations meant to aid publishers are backfiring. Catherine Nixie, Britain correspondent for The Economist, reflects on the legacy of Shirley Conran, whose influential works empowered women in diverse areas. They also discuss the stark contrasts between American and European workers, emphasizing differing attitudes toward work-life balance, vacation norms, and labor rights.