Drum Tower

Dive into a dark world where a multi-billion dollar scam economy thrives. Discover the shocking scandal of a Kansas bank that lost $47 million due to reckless cryptocurrency dealings. Unravel the connections to a brutal global industry rooted in human trafficking and corruption. The impact of these scams is hitting closer to home than you might think. Can this growing menace be halted, or is it too deeply entrenched in modern society?

Venture into the heart of Necoclí, a Colombian town where a wave of Chinese migrants prepares for a treacherous journey. These individuals, disillusioned with life in China, embark on the perilous 'walking the line' to the U.S. Discover the touching stories of the Huang sisters and Sam Lu, whose struggles illuminate their quest for freedom. Amidst the beauty of a tourist hotspot, hear the chilling realities of migration, social media's influence, and personal awakenings driving these brave souls toward a better future.

Exploring the rise of India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his controversial Hindu nationalist views, and his efforts to transform India into a superpower. The podcast dives into his leadership style, political agenda, and the complexities of his persona.

During the stringent COVID lockdowns, a coded language emerged around emigration, prompting many Chinese to seek opportunities abroad. The exploration delves into the motivations behind the migration to Japan, particularly among the educated middle class seeking better prospects. Personal stories reveal the emotional toll of confinement and the quest for a more secure life. The podcast also analyzes historical trends in Chinese emigration, uncovering spikes during political turmoil, and highlights the rising trend of educated individuals deciding to leave despite a seemingly stable environment.

The Economist's editor-in-chief, Zanny Minton Beddoes, discusses Xi Jinping's economic plan and China's relationship with America. They explore China's technological ambitions, lack of confidence among investors, and the challenges of a centralized decision-making system.

The podcast features Alice Su, David Rennie, and Don Weinland discussing the potential ban of TikTok in the US, exploring Chinese ownership concerns and national security threats. They analyze trust issues, content control complexities, state influence on private companies, and China's algorithm registration system, highlighting the challenges faced by Chinese tech companies.

This podcast explores the ancient soundscape of Beijing and how sound was used to display wealth, conduct business, and maintain order. It discusses the significance of the Drum Tower in Beijing's history, the nostalgic sounds of old Beijing, and the symbolism of keeping crickets and pigeons. The episode also explores the historical importance of the Drum Tower, its role in announcing the time and maintaining harmony, and the speaker's experience of encountering Beijing in the mid-1990s.

China's experimental policy allows migrant workers to bring their children to cities, attracting competition among cities. The challenges faced by left-behind children and the vulnerability and abuse they suffer. The impact of the Spring Festival on migrant workers and their families. The policy reforms providing equal educational opportunities for migrant workers' children and the potential benefits and limitations of the policy.

Podcast explores Taiwan's upcoming presidential election and its implications for the relationship between Taiwan and China. The hosts discuss the cultural interest in democracy, rally for Taiwan's independence, election culture with free food, the evolution of President Taingua's image, the complex political landscape in Taiwan, the debate on cross-strait tensions, and the three-way race with potential consequences.

Alice Su, senior China correspondent, and David Rennie, The Economist's Beijing bureau chief, explore the challenges faced by Chinese feminists in China and their use of stand-up comedy as a form of expression. They discuss self-censorship in comedy, the motivations behind going into exile, and the impact of comedy on feminist topics. The podcast also explores the cathartic and risky nature of the comedy club at Drum Tower, the consequences of losing access to social media in China, and the experiences of exiled individuals navigating high pressure and surveillance.