

Economist Podcasts
The Economist
Every weekday our global network of correspondents makes sense of the stories beneath the headlines. We bring you surprising trends and tales from around the world, current affairs, business and finance — as well as science and technology. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

45 snips
Apr 29, 2025 • 21min
The Carney army: Canada unites against Trump
Hal Hodson, America's editor at The Economist, and Moeko Iida, a correspondent writing about Japan, dive into Canada's recent election victories amid Donald Trump's turbulent presidency. They explore how political unrest united Canadian voters behind the Liberal Party. The conversation shifts to Japan's evolving job market, where traditional salarymen are increasingly pursuing job mobility for better work-life balance. Lastly, they touch on Volkswagen's surprising currywurst success, showcasing the quirky blend of food and automotive culture.

38 snips
Apr 28, 2025 • 2min
Trailer: Boss Class Season 2
Discover the secrets behind effective leadership as industry experts share insights on management skills that can be learned. Hear from leaders at top companies like Levi’s, Novo Nordisk, and Google, who reveal their strategies for innovation, decision-making, and negotiation. This season promises practical wisdom for aspiring bosses and business enthusiasts alike!

49 snips
Apr 28, 2025 • 21min
Modi behaviour: will India retaliate against Pakistan?
In this discussion, Kerry and Richmond Jones, international economics correspondents, dive into the rising tensions between India and Pakistan after a recent terrorist attack in Kashmir. They explore Prime Minister Modi's potential military responses and the implications for regional stability. The conversation also touches on the surprising relevance of magnetic tape storage amid the AI boom, revealing its unexpected resurgence in government data needs. Lastly, they examine the intricate relationship between economics and religion, challenging conventional beliefs about faith.

103 snips
Apr 25, 2025 • 26min
Carney score: last days of Canada’s campaign
Sarah Larniuk, Audio correspondent for The Economist, and Noah Snyder, East Asia Bureau Chief, dive into the turbulent landscape of Canada’s upcoming elections. They discuss the implications of rising political divisions and voter engagement, emphasizing key issues like housing and social media’s influence. The conversation shifts to shipbuilding dynamics in Asia, debating how the U.S. might need to strengthen its naval capabilities. Lastly, they reflect on historical echoes of World War II, linking past and present political narratives.

45 snips
Apr 24, 2025 • 23min
Fed man walking? Trump v Powell
In this insightful discussion, Simon Rabinovich, U.S. editor at The Economist, and Archie Hall, Britain economics correspondent, dive into the shifting dynamics between Trump and the Federal Reserve. They tackle Powell's precarious position amid political pressures. The conversation explores the surprising preferences for remote work, based on demographic data, and reveals the overlooked pollution from electric vehicles that goes beyond tailpipe emissions. Together, they dissect the intricate balance of economics, governance, and environmental impacts.

58 snips
Apr 23, 2025 • 23min
Division multiplication: the UAE’s foreign meddling
Join Greg Karlstrom, Middle East correspondent for The Economist, and Moeka Iida, a writer covering Japan, as they dissect the UAE's foreign interventions and their ideological implications. They delve into Japan's rice crisis, exploring the farmers' protests and the urgent need for agricultural reforms. The conversation also usurps traditional linguistics, examining the cultural triggers of personal pronouns in the context of inclusivity. A thought-provoking dialogue that connects geopolitical currents and local strife with the evolution of language.

50 snips
Apr 22, 2025 • 21min
Cardinals in: choosing the next pope
John Hooper, Italy and Vatican correspondent for The Economist, and Sarah Birke, Mexico City Bureau Chief, engage in a revealing conversation about the impending papal conclave. They dive into the pressing challenges the next pope will face, including clerical abuse scandals and global influences on the church. The discussion also touches on the alarming rise of disappearances in Mexico due to gang violence and ineffective government responses. Additionally, they explore the unexpected chaos around the Minecraft movie's success in theaters.

63 snips
Apr 21, 2025 • 20min
A man of the people: Pope Francis has died
Join Anne Rowe, The Economist's obituaries editor, and Avantika Chilkoti, global business correspondent, as they reflect on the legacy of Pope Francis, a reform-minded leader known for his humility and outreach to marginalized communities. They also delve into the booming popularity of high-protein diets, linking it to new appetite-suppressing medications. Finally, the conversation touches on innovative ways to enhance employee satisfaction, blending humor with insights on workplace dynamics.

180 snips
Apr 18, 2025 • 24min
Gene genies: CRISPR’s critical moment
Emily Steinmark, a writer for The Economist covering technology, teams up with Leo Marani, the Asia correspondent based in Mumbai, to explore the revolutionary CRISPR technology. They discuss its transformative potential in healthcare and agriculture while addressing challenges like costs and regulations. The conversation also reveals unexpected factors driving Asia's gold demand beyond cultural influences and examines the recent surge of Kiwis migrating for better opportunities, highlighting shifting global dynamics in culture and economy.

172 snips
Apr 17, 2025 • 25min
Trump’s fickle, Xi’s pickle: the dynamic driving US-China tensions
David Rennie, Geopolitics editor at The Economist, and John Fasman, Senior culture correspondent at The Economist, dive into the contrasting negotiating styles of President Xi Jinping and Donald Trump, illuminating how this shapes US-China tensions. They discuss the chaotic and unpredictable tactics of Trump versus Xi's methodical approach. The podcast also touches on the troubling migrant crisis affecting Spain, revealing heartbreaking stories behind the statistics, and ends on a lighter note with the surprising resurgence of competitive pinball.