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
21 snips
May 20, 2025 • 22min
Islands in the scheme: a Britain-EU deal
Daniel Franklin, Executive Editor at The Economist, and Callum Williams, Senior Economics Writer, dive into the nuances of the recent UK-EU deal and its implications for post-Brexit relations. They shed light on the overlooked struggles of Generation X amidst the media spotlight on younger generations. The duo also discusses the challenges faced by Nvidia, as it shifts from gaming to AI, leaving gamers dissatisfied with recent offerings. Tune in for a mix of economic insights and generational commentary!
36 snips
May 19, 2025 • 22min
May-poll dance: Poland’s presidential race
Maria Vilcek, News Editor at The Economist, and Shalas Chitnis, Global Business Writer, dive into the captivating intricacies of Poland's presidential race. They discuss the surprising tightness of the election, highlighting voter disillusionment and the stakes for the NATO-front-line country. The conversation also shifts to the competitive landscape of weight-loss drugs, particularly the rise of Z-Bound. To add a twist of humor, they explore how our dogs often mirror our behaviors and personalities, revealing some surprising truths about our relationships with our pets.
53 snips
May 17, 2025 • 37min
Boss Class: Innovation: Coming up with new ideas
Liz Reid, Head of Search at Google, is at the forefront of integrating generative AI into one of the world's most essential tools. She discusses the creative processes at tech and design companies, drawing parallels between innovation in the toy industry and the auto sector. Liz emphasizes that true innovation requires more than just creativity; it demands structured collaboration and user feedback. She also touches on the challenges of balancing rapid tech advancements with user experience, illustrating how learning from the past is crucial to future developments.
46 snips
May 16, 2025 • 25min
Bucharest pressed: Ukraine’s election effect
In this insightful conversation, Matt Steinglass, Europe correspondent for The Economist, analyzes the polarized Romanian elections and their deep ties to the ongoing war in Ukraine. Archie Hall, the British economics correspondent, examines the challenges of the UK's leveling up project in Great Yarmouth, shedding light on local frustrations with declining services. Lizzie Peet highlights the explosive growth of women's basketball in America, marked by record WNBA viewership and discussions on pay equity, showcasing the sport's rising prominence.
31 snips
May 15, 2025 • 25min
Drug war: Trump takes on big pharma
Shalash Chitnis, a business writer, and Noah Snyder, East Asia Bureau chief at The Economist, dive into the intricate world of U.S. drug pricing chaos. They discuss Trump's bold plan to slash prescription costs, highlighting the potential pitfalls of his tariffs on pharmaceuticals. The conversation shifts to the cutting-edge cyber threats from North Korea, revealing how hackers capitalize on cryptocurrency amid global tensions. Additionally, they pay homage to Alvaro Mangino, sharing the harrowing tale of survival against all odds in the Andes.
31 snips
May 14, 2025 • 24min
All talk, no sanctions: Trump lifts Syria embargo
Greg Karlstrom, Middle East correspondent for The Economist, provides sharp insights on the recent lifting of sanctions against Syria, discussing its potential geopolitical and economic ramifications. Josh Spencer, Asian news editor at The Economist, unpacks the complex political rivalry in the Philippines, revealing how midterm elections highlight tensions between influential dynasties. They also touch on the fascinating rise of VTubers, where digital avatars create engaging fan experiences, bridging technology and entertainment in exciting new ways.
12 snips
May 13, 2025 • 25min
Hunger strikes: Agony in Gaza as Israel blocks aid
Anshul Pfeffer, Israel correspondent for The Economist, sheds light on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as Israeli blockades worsen access to aid. He discusses the dire implications of expanded military operations and the complexities of ceasefire negotiations. Meanwhile, Rajan Shambhog, Business affairs editor, explores Saudi Arabia's transformation under MBS and its shifting role in regional stability. The dialogue captures the interplay between pressing geopolitical issues and the urgent need for humanitarian solutions.
25 snips
May 12, 2025 • 22min
Duty falls: US and China reach a deal
Simon Cox, the China economics editor at The Economist, and Oliver Carroll, a foreign correspondent based in Kyiv, discuss significant shifts in US-China trade relations, focusing on a new 90-day tariff hiatus. They delve into the impact of this agreement on global economic dynamics and explore the complexities of ongoing Ukraine-Russia negotiations. Additionally, the conversation touches on how audio compression technology could detrimentally affect hearing, incorporating humor and intriguing studies along the way.
18 snips
May 9, 2025 • 27min
Holy smoke! An American pope
Shailesh Chitnis, a global business writer for The Economist, joins John Hooper, the church's Italy and Vatican correspondent, and Anne Rowe, obituaries editor, to discuss the historic appointment of Robert Prevost as the first American pope, Leo XIV. They explore how his leadership might steer the Church amidst pressing issues like the clerical sex abuse crisis. The conversation also highlights the escalating AI arms race between the U.S. and China, drawing parallels to the Cold War. Plus, a heartfelt tribute to opera pioneer Martin Graham adds a cultural touch.
21 snips
May 8, 2025 • 26min
Identity parades: our VE-Day special
Arkady Ostrovsky, Russia editor at The Economist, and Shashank Joshi, Defence editor, dive into the complexities of commemorating VE-Day 80 years later. They explore how nations frame this historical event, with a stark focus on Russia's unique narrative and its manipulation by leaders. The conversation juxtaposes past celebrations with contemporary geopolitical tensions, highlighting the evolution of national identity and Europe's shifting defense strategies. Their insights reveal how memory influences modern politics and the significance of collective remembrance.
