Economist Podcasts

John Brito, a United States editor focusing on politics, joins Piotr Zalewski, a writer covering Poland, to unpack significant political currents. They discuss the Trump administration's attempts to influence higher education, particularly at Harvard, exploring funding threats and their broader implications. The conversation shifts to Poland's political landscape as it gears up for crucial elections, emphasizing the impact of young voters and international dynamics, especially in the context of the war in Ukraine. Expect a lively dialogue on these pressing global issues!

Oliver Carroll, a Ukraine correspondent for The Economist, shares poignant stories from the emotional landscape of a prisoner swap in Chernihiv, where families anxiously await news. Ana Lankas, the Brazil bureau chief, offers insights into Brazil's vibrant bull market, showcasing unique events like Expo Zebu and the prized Viatina, the world's most expensive cow. The discussion also highlights the challenges American brands face in a shifting global sentiment, reflecting on the intertwining of politics and commerce.

Oret Ogunbiyi, Africa correspondent for The Economist, dives into Mexico's precarious judicial landscape. He critiques the recent elections where voters will choose judges directly, jeopardizing judicial independence. The discussion highlights the moral implications for democracy and foreign investment, as the ruling Morena party’s influence grows. Ogunbiyi also touches on Nigeria's sprawling energy crisis, revealing the paradox of an oil-rich nation grappling with widespread power shortages and the innovative responses of its citizens.

Ethan Wu, Asia business and finance editor, and Shoshank Joshi, Defense editor, dive into Vietnam's ambitious economic transformation. They discuss the challenges and aspirations as the country aims to become an upper-middle-income powerhouse. The conversation shifts to the U.S. Army, highlighting pivotal reforms for modern warfare. They also share a fascinating look back at the Apollo 13 mission, showcasing how ingenuity and teamwork can triumph in crises. Tune in for a mix of economic insights and historical heroism!

David Rennie is the Geopolitics editor at The Economist, while John Fasman serves as its Senior culture correspondent. They discuss the tense defense strategies in the Baltics as Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia brace against potential Russian aggression. The conversation also dives into the striking decline in crime in Baltimore, attributing this change to transformative community efforts. Lastly, they reflect on a new biography of Mark Twain, highlighting his influential views on race and his unique contributions to American literature.

Josie DeLapp, Middle East editor at The Economist, discusses the harrowing realities in Gaza, revealing that Israel's military actions have likely caused far more fatalities than reported. She highlights the complexities in casualty counting and the severe impacts on the young population amidst ongoing violence. The conversation also touches on the Church of England's decline, as it sells properties due to reduced attendance, and a look into the trendy ginger shots, questioning their real health benefits versus hype.

Join Daniel Franklin, an Executive Editor and Senior Editor for Britain at The Economist, alongside Callum Williams, a Senior Economics Writer. They dive into the latest deal between Britain and the EU, analyzing its implications amidst ongoing challenges. The duo highlights the often-ignored struggles of Generation X, emphasizing their unique mid-life challenges and economic woes. Additionally, they explore NVIDIA’s recent struggles in the gaming market, and how shifts towards AI have affected gamer satisfaction. Tune in for a lively discussion!

In this discussion featuring Maria Vilcek, a News editor at The Economist, and Shalash Chitnis, a global business writer, the spotlight is on Poland's unpredictable presidential race and its implications for NATO. As Rafal Trzaskowski narrowly navigates the election, insights into the intense rivalry and potential shifts in policy emerge. Meanwhile, the competition heats up in the weight-loss drug market with ZepBound challenging Wegovy, prompting a look at evolving strategies within the pharmaceutical landscape.

Liz Reid, Google's Head of Search, and Salah Alfadji, co-founder of the AI startup Monumental, discuss leadership and innovation in their fields. They explore the future of search engines powered by generative AI, emphasizing user needs and improvements. Salah shares insights on integrating AI-driven robots into construction to address labor shortages. Both guests highlight the importance of collaboration, creativity, and structured processes in fostering innovation within their respective industries.

Matt Steinglass, Europe correspondent for The Economist, and Archie Hall, Britain economics correspondent, delve into the political tensions shaping Romania's upcoming presidential election influenced by the Ukraine conflict. They discuss the rivalry between a populist hard-right leader and a centrist candidate focused on anti-corruption. Additionally, they touch on the shabby state of British towns and the soaring popularity of women’s basketball in America, highlighting a record viewership amid ongoing discussions about pay inequality in sports.