The podcast discusses the rise of drug-related shootings and bombings, the challenges faced by the Swedish government in tackling gang violence, and China's growing interest and involvement in the Middle East. It also explores advancements in sailing speed and technology, and new contenders aiming to break the wind-powered vessel speed record.

Mark Zuckerberg's remarkable turnaround with Meta, the metaverse focus, and the introduction of Reels and AI. The illegal gold rush in Venezuela and its regional implications. The rise of dirty gold mining in South America and efforts for combatting it. The success of North Korea's women's football team and their achievements despite a patriarchal society.

The podcast covers the war and atrocities in Sudan, the impact of the conflict on Ukraine's labor market for women, and the changing age of career peaks. It includes firsthand accounts from Sudan and explores the experiences of women in Ukrainian coal mines.

This podcast discusses the potential for Japan to overcome its deflationary spiral. It also explores the growing importance of Africa, specifically Zimbabwe, as a source of lithium mining, with China playing a significant role. Additionally, the podcast remembers the inspiring story of Eleanor, a 'Rosie the Riveter' who continued riveting until age 95.

Far-right leader Geert Wilders surprisingly won the Netherlands elections with his anti-EU and anti-Islam campaign. Can he form a government? WeWork's bankruptcy reflects larger issues in real estate. Hyper-bouncy shoes are revolutionizing running and raising questions about technological advancements in sports.

Hamas agrees to release hostages in exchange for a pause in fighting. Americans' car dependence and its impact on society. Netflix's new show reveals changing trends in TV. Exploring the concept of Squid Game and the popularity of reality TV.

Sam Altman, tech entrepreneur and former president of OpenAI, discusses the divide in the AI world and his recent departure from OpenAI. Canada's changing sentiment towards immigration and its plan to maintain high levels of immigration is also discussed. The podcast explores the use of fiction as propaganda, focusing on Rudyard Kipling and Boris Pasternak, as well as the influence of propaganda on literature during World War II.

A self-proclaimed anarcho-capitalist wins the election in Argentina; Israel grapples with Hamas' intricate tunnel system; AI helps measure biodiversity in forests.

Analyzing the shifting winds in favor of Donald Trump for a potential win in the next US presidential election. Exploring the reasons behind Joe Biden's declining popularity and Trump's enduring appeal. The captivating story of a correspondent's search for a secluded house in Ukraine. Basaldin, a town in Essex that represents the average of Britain politically and economically. Remembering Vivian Silva, a peace activist who dedicated her life to promoting peace in Israel and Palestine.

There is little left, in terms of people or infrastructure, in the north of the strip. Our correspondent, embedded with the Israel Defence Forces, considers the humanitarian crisis growing in the south. Our film on American school shootings discovers the growing phenomenon of hoaxes known as “swatting” (11:49). And how, despite its ahistorical nature, “The Crown” will influence perceived history (19:28).Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+. 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 how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.Podcast transcripts are available upon request at podcasts@economist.com. We are committed to improving accessibility even further and are exploring new ways to expand our podcast-transcript offering.