Economist Podcasts

Anshul Pfeffer, Israel correspondent for The Economist, shares insights on the recent Gaza ceasefire and the emotional reunions it inspired. He discusses the political hurdles facing Israel's leadership and the internal strife among Palestinian factions. The potential for lasting peace is examined amidst ongoing challenges. Additionally, Pfeffer explores Britain's minimum wage rise, its implications for wage dynamics, and the growing recognition of hypnosis in medicine, highlighting its therapeutic benefits and barriers to acceptance.

Join Oliver Morton, Planetary Affairs Editor at The Economist, as he dives into the explosive world of private space travel, discussing billionaires' ambitions and the groundbreaking launch by Blue Origin. Alongside Anne Rowe, Obituaries editor, they celebrate the life of Peter Fenwick, a neurologist who explored near-death experiences. Together, they weave through the competitive landscape of space tech and reflect on Fenwick's profound insights, blending science with the human experience.

In this discussion, Greg Karlstrom, the Middle East correspondent for The Economist, sheds light on the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, detailing its phased approach and humanitarian elements. Steve Cole, Senior editor for The Economist, investigates Tulsi Gabbard's controversial ties to Assad and the implications for U.S. intelligence leadership. The conversation also touches on the intriguing rise of iced matcha lattes, exploring their health benefits and social media allure.

Noah Snyder, East Asia bureau chief for The Economist, provides crucial insights into the political turmoil in South Korea following President Yoon Suk Yeol's dramatic arrest on insurrection charges. He discusses the unrest and its implications for governance. Ana Lankas, Brazil correspondent, explores the burgeoning global obsession with cosmetic procedures, revealing surprising areas of interest and the societal pressures driving this trend. They also touch on Japan's disciplined education system, blending academics with moral integrity.

In this discussion, Josh Roberts, Capital Markets Correspondent for The Economist, dives into the unexpected surge in government bond yields amid interest rate cuts, exploring how it affects borrowers and the broader economy. Meanwhile, Henry Kerr, the Economics Editor, provocatively weighs in on the U.S. buying Greenland, considering its geopolitical implications and historical contexts. They also touch on the cultural significance of Singapore's hawker centres facing modern challenges, highlighting the intersection of tradition and economic pressures.

Shishan Joshi, Defense Editor for The Economist, discusses the complexities surrounding women in combat roles, addressing misconceptions and emphasizing their contributions. Catherine Nixie, Culture Correspondent, dives into the dark origins of children's literature, questioning the appropriateness of sanitizing classic tales like Cinderella. They also explore how California's fires expose insurers' pricing challenges amidst climate change, reflecting on broader urban planning and regulatory issues.

Keir Starmer, a prominent British politician and former Prime Minister, teams up with Shishank Joshi, The Economist's Defense editor, to dissect Elon Musk's audacious meddling in UK politics. They explore how Musk's social media antics are shaping political discourse and raising questions about tech influence. The discussion also shifts to Europe's security landscape, emphasizing pressing defense challenges in light of the Ukraine war and shifting U.S. policies, highlighting the urgent need for a unified European strategy.

John Prideaux, the United States editor and host of Checks and Ballots, discusses the pressing issue of climate change in India, highlighting innovative community-led initiatives and the growing adaptation costs. He shares a gripping story of resilience from Wayanad, shedding light on families facing natural disasters. The conversation then shifts to the feasibility of political promises, particularly in the context of Donald Trump's administration. Lastly, Prideaux explores the robotic revolution in grape harvesting, marrying tradition with tech in wine production.

Christopher Lockwood, Europe editor for The Economist, discusses the alarming rise of Austria's far-right Freedom Party as a pivotal player in the country's political future. He connects this trend to broader pro-Russia sentiments across central Europe, while reflecting on Jean-Marie Le Pen's legacy and the normalization of extremist ideologies. Additionally, the conversation touches on the challenges of financial inclusion in Latin America, highlighting the ongoing issues faced by unbanked populations.

Rob Russo, The Economist's Canada correspondent, reveals the internal party conflicts leading to Justin Trudeau's resignation and the implications for future Canadian elections. Sophie Pedder, Paris bureau chief, reflects on the legacy of the Charlie Hebdo attacks, emphasizing the publication's commitment to satire despite ongoing threats. The discussion also highlights AI's transformative potential in the pharmaceutical industry, focusing on how it could reshape drug development by 2025, amidst challenges and optimism for future innovations.