Economist Podcasts

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.

Shalash Chitnis, a business writer at The Economist, joins Noah Snyder, East Asia Bureau chief, and Catherine Nixey, culture correspondent, to delve into pressing topics. They discuss Trump's plan to cut drug prices and its potential drawbacks for consumers. The podcast also uncovers North Korea's alarming cryptocurrency heists, revealing significant thefts tied to sophisticated hacking operations. Additionally, they pay tribute to Alvaro Mangino, reflecting on his survival story from the Andes crash and its moral implications.

Greg Karlstrom, the Middle East correspondent for The Economist, and Josh Spencer, Asian news editor, delve into significant geopolitical shifts as Trump lifts the Syria embargo. They analyze the implications for regional stability and U.S. foreign policy. The conversation shifts to the intense rivalry in the Philippine midterm elections, exploring the power dynamics between the Marcos and Duterte families. Finally, they uncover the fascinating rise of VTubers, digital avatars that blend gaming and live performance, capturing hearts and online audiences around the world.

Anshul Pfeffer, the Israel correspondent for The Economist, and Rajan Sambhog, the Business affairs editor at the publication, delve into the urgent crisis in Gaza. They discuss the severe humanitarian impact of Israeli military actions and aid blockades, highlighting the desperate need for a ceasefire. The arrival of Donald Trump in Saudi Arabia signals shifting regional dynamics amid these tensions. Additionally, they touch on the complexities of hunger strikes and the broader implications for international diplomacy in the area.