
Babbage from The Economist
Babbage is our weekly podcast on science and technology, named after Charles Babbage—a 19th-century polymath and grandfather of computing. Host Alok Jha talks to our correspondents about the innovations, discoveries and gadgetry shaping the world. Published every Wednesday.If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you’ll have full access to all our shows as part of your subscription.For more information about Economist Podcasts+, including how to get access, please visit our FAQs page here https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts
Latest episodes

Nov 22, 2023 • 39min
Babbage: Fei-Fei Li on how to really think about the future of AI
Fei-Fei Li, pioneer in generative AI models, advocates for a human-centered approach to dealing with AI. She discusses the evolution of computer vision, the impact of generative AIs on society, concerns about bias and disinformation, and the potential sentience of AIs.

Oct 25, 2023 • 45min
Babbage: How to avoid a battery shortage
This podcast explores the need for advanced batteries in the green energy transition, including the challenges of current batteries and the potential of new technologies. It discusses the importance of sourcing metals for batteries and the tensions between mining and environmental concerns. The podcast also explores the successful implementation of battery recycling incentives in China and the impact of global competition and industrial policies on battery technology.

May 6, 2015 • 2min
Babbage: Trailer
Babbage is our weekly podcast on science and technology, named after Charles Babbage—a 19th-century polymath and grandfather of computing. Host Alok Jha talks to our correspondents about the innovations, discoveries and gadgetry shaping the world. Published every Wednesday.