Economist Podcasts

Katie Bryant, a senior producer at The Economist Video focused on visual journalism, explores Belarusian culture under repression. The conversation covers Russian influence in schools, theatres and publishing, plus how exiles preserve national identity. It also traces biltong’s Indigenous and Dutch roots, global rise and differences from American jerky.

Vinjeru Mkandawire, The Economist’s international business and economics editor, and Charlotte Howard, its US politics editor, preview America’s midterms: a possible Democratic blue wave, Trump’s impact, election interference and contested results. They also explore why young investors are turning from property to stocks, and how Harry Houdini mastered fame through stunts, media and brand-building.

Tom Sasse, The Economist’s South Asia bureau chief, examines Narendra Modi’s 25-year political record, from Gujarat’s strongman model and Hindu nationalism to India’s economy and pressured institutions. U.S. correspondent Daniella Raz surveys overlooked midterm contests, abortion politics and California’s insurance crisis. Obituaries editor Ann Wroe recalls Cicely Gemmell’s lively years as Winston Churchill’s last personal secretary.

Sam Wikeley, The Economist’s science correspondent, explores the surprising origins of the 10,000-step goal and what walking research really examines. Daniel Knowles, a Midwest correspondent, follows a Methodist pastor’s unlikely Senate bid in Kansas. They also investigate Elon Musk’s opaque foundation, its tax-efficient stock transfers, circular giving and delayed charitable spending.

Doug Dowson, The Economist’s data journalist, explores why critics and audiences often agree on films, despite choosing different titles. Israel correspondent Anshel Pfeffer unpacks Netanyahu’s underwhelming election result, coalition deadlock and the prospect of another vote. Southern correspondent Rebecca Jackson profiles Georgia senator Jon Ossoff’s cross-party campaign in a pivotal Senate race.

Miles Kruppa, technology correspondent, examines Anthropic’s ambitious IPO, soaring computing costs and the tension between AI safety and shareholder returns. Aryn Braun, West Coast correspondent, reports from Alaska’s Senate race, where fishing and federal data cuts loom large. Science writer David Adam explores why cesium still defines the second and how optical clocks could reshape global timekeeping.

Ana Lankes, The Economist’s Brazil bureau chief, examines Lula da Silva’s historic comeback, Bolsonaro’s refusal to concede and the hostile Congress awaiting him. Lizzy Peet, a researcher covering American business and culture, explores Texas’s unexpectedly tense midterms and why tote bags and branded merchandise have become powerful tools for businesses, identity and community.

Ore Ogunbiyi, The Economist’s Africa correspondent, examines Nigeria’s humanitarian crisis and Bola Tinubu’s surprising electoral confidence. International correspondent Jonathan Rosenthal explores Europe’s dependence on Starlink and its struggle to build an independent space network. Obituaries editor Ann Wroe recounts Jeffrey Archer’s improbable journey from bestselling author and politician to convicted perjurer.

Vishnu Padmanabhan, The Economist’s Asia correspondent, examines Indonesia’s wildfires, toxic haze, and El Niño’s threat to food security. Shira Avi-Yonah, a U.S. business correspondent, explores Sam Bankman-Fried’s prison reflections, the FTX collapse, and effective altruism’s future. Saudi Arabia’s faltering transformation and MBS’s risky bets round out a sharp look at politics, finance, and climate across Asia.

Anton La Guardia, The Economist’s diplomatic editor, examines whether Europe can sustain Ukraine as US support fades, from weapons gaps to domestic pressure. Shera Avi-Yonah, its US business correspondent, explores private research institutions, venture-style science funding and the path from ideas to impact. Europe’s escalating art theft problem rounds out the discussion.