The Intelligence from The Economist
The Economist
Join Jason Palmer and Rosie Blau for noise-cancelling news and analysis from The Economist's global network of correspondents. Every weekday this award-winning podcast picks three stories shaping your world—the big shifts in politics, business and culture, plus things you never knew you needed to know. On Saturdays, download The Weekend Intelligence to dive deep into a single story, vividly told. 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 at https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts
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Episodes
Mentioned books
7 snips
Nov 13, 2025 • 23min
Opening punch: Shutdown ends, now more Epstein emails
John Prideaux, The Economist's US editor, dives into the chaos of the recent government shutdown and the political implications for Republicans and Democrats. Avantika Chilcotti, the global business correspondent, reveals Airbnb's strategic pivots as it faces slowing growth and competition from hotels. They also explore macro travel trends and the innovative ways Airbnb is enhancing pricing transparency. Additionally, fascinating research sheds light on lead exposure in ancient hominins, hinting at surprising implications for human evolution.
28 snips
Nov 12, 2025 • 22min
The little green look: China’s energy revolution
Gabriel Crossley, China correspondent for The Economist, explores China's significant role in the green energy transition and its motivations, balancing economic growth and climate commitments. Moeka Iida, an East Asia reporter, discusses how the One Piece pirate flag has become a symbol of youth defiance in protests across various countries, propelled by social media. Mike Jakeman, a business-of-sport writer, analyzes the impact of piracy on sports broadcasting and how leagues are adapting to monetize fan engagement while combating this challenge.
50 snips
Nov 11, 2025 • 25min
Home alone: the relationship recession
This discussion features Jonathan Rosenthal, Editor of the international section at The Economist, who analyzes the rise of singlehood and its socio-economic impacts. Su Lin Wong, Asia correspondent, reveals falling marriage rates in Asia, while Josh Spencer, Asia news editor, delves into the intriguing world of AI companionship. Callum Williams, Senior economics writer, explains why tobacco companies thrive despite declining smoking rates. Together, they explore deep societal changes, the allure of AI friends, and the paradox of a thriving tobacco industry.
12 snips
Nov 10, 2025 • 25min
British Broadcasting Capitulation: BBC bosses fall
Tom Wainwright, Media editor at The Economist, discusses the BBC’s leadership resignations due to claims of bias and the challenges of maintaining neutrality in polarized media. Anna Reid, Ukraine correspondent, shares harrowing accounts of torture and abuse faced by Ukrainian prisoners in Russian detention centers. Meanwhile, Anne Rowe highlights the legacy of Kanchha Sherpa, a key figure in the early Everest expeditions, reflecting on his contributions to mountaineering history.
22 snips
Nov 7, 2025 • 26min
Heir Jordan: the rising star of France’s populist right
Sophie, the Paris bureau chief, provides insight into Jordan Bardella, the young leader of France’s National Rally, who is gaining momentum with a platform focused on anti-immigration and pro-business policies. She discusses his France-first stance, which may create tensions within the EU. John-Joe Devlin examines innovative conservation efforts in the Congo, where community grants are incentivizing forest protection while battling issues like corruption. Both guests reveal how these pivotal political and environmental movements are shaping their respective regions.
11 snips
Nov 6, 2025 • 25min
Recall of duty? Trump’s tariffs in court
Stephen Mazze, a Supreme Court correspondent, dives into the legal complexities surrounding Trump’s tariffs and their Supreme Court challenges. Alice Fullwood discusses the surprising decline in U.S. women's labor-force participation, attributing it to an increase in young mothers post-pandemic. Andrew Palmer explores 'dark patterns' in digital design, explaining how manipulative interfaces trick consumers and the regulatory responses evolving around them. Each guest brings sharp insights that illuminate pressing contemporary issues.
33 snips
Nov 5, 2025 • 25min
Into the blue: Democrats win big
John Priddo, US editor at The Economist, shares insights on recent Democratic victories in the US, dissecting their implications for midterm elections. Piotr Zalewski, the Turkey correspondent, delves into Erdogan's crackdown on opposition leaders and the risks it poses to democracy. Ainsley Johnston, a data journalist, reveals findings from the Gallup World Poll, suggesting a shift toward improved global emotions. Together, they unpack the political landscape and emotional trends that could reshape future narratives.
9 snips
Nov 4, 2025 • 23min
Getting their ships together: America in the Caribbean
Shashank Joshi, Defence editor at The Economist, dives into the US naval buildup in the Caribbean, analyzing its implications for Venezuela. He discusses Trump’s stance on Maduro and the credibility of US airstrikes targeting drug trafficking. Joshi evaluates the firepower deployed and the risks of mission creep amidst the administration’s mixed messages on foreign entanglements. Additionally, the podcast features Salman Rushdie, who reflects on humor as a form of resistance and critiques current political cult dynamics.
27 snips
Nov 3, 2025 • 24min
Capital gained: a grim turn in Darfur
John McDermott, Chief Africa correspondent at The Economist, provides harrowing insights on the recent takeover of El Fasher by the Rapid Support Forces, highlighting alarming mass killings reminiscent of past atrocities in Darfur. Colm Williams, Senior economics writer, discusses how generative AI is transforming the consumer landscape by reducing information asymmetries, potentially dismantling ripoff industries. They also touch on AI's ability to enhance negotiation outcomes, while cautioning about the risks of misuse and errors in AI technologies.
54 snips
Oct 31, 2025 • 27min
Truce story: (a sketch of) a Trump-Xi trade deal
Jeremy Page, Chief China correspondent for The Economist, and Shashank Joshi, Defense editor at The Economist, dive into the uneasy truce between Trump and Xi. Page analyzes the trade deal's superficialities, highlighting unresolved issues like TikTok and Taiwan. Joshi shifts gears to the booming private military company sector, discussing the diverse backgrounds of mercenaries and the reasons states contract them. Their insights reveal both the fragility of international agreements and the complex dynamics of modern conflict.
