Economist Podcasts

Tim Cross, a senior science writer, dives into the surprising benefits of sunlight and its often misunderstood health effects. The conversation also touches on the recent memorial for Charlie Kirk, highlighting political and religious undertones, as well as Trump’s provocative speech. Additionally, they explore a shift in pop culture, where contemporary female musicians focus less on villainous men and more on their mediocrity, reflecting changing societal narratives.

India is emerging as a major player in the AI landscape, attracting substantial investment from US tech firms due to its vast user base and valuable data. The discussion also dives into Nestlé's recent struggles, examining their leadership changes and plans for recovery. Additionally, there is a heartfelt tribute to Robert Redford, celebrating his impactful career and contributions to both film and activism.

AstraZeneca's £200m investment pause raises eyebrows as the UK fears losing its life-science edge. The discussion highlights tax and approval challenges facing innovators. Meanwhile, the Royal Navy is exploring the future of hybrid air wings, merging manned and unmanned capabilities for strategic advantage. Plus, scientists in the Caribbean are pioneering coral restoration with innovative techniques like coral IVF to combat hurricane damage and enhance reef resilience.

Angel Pfeffer, the Israel correspondent for The Economist, provides deep insights into the severe accusations of genocide against Israel regarding its actions in Gaza. He discusses the urgent humanitarian crisis and Netanyahu's unwavering military stance. Matthew Holhouse, the British politics correspondent, delves into the implications of Donald Trump's state visit to Britain amidst rising Trumpism. They also share unexpected insights into quirky culinary trends in China and innovative life hacks that reflect youth creativity during tough times.

Carrie in Richmond-Jones, an international economics correspondent, and Henry Trix, the US technology editor, dive into the implications of declining global fertility rates. They discuss how this trend could reshape societies and economies without necessarily making us poorer. The conversation also touches on the biases in large language models and the worrying decline in reading habits, linking these changes to broader societal issues like literacy and political engagement. A thought-provoking exploration of our evolving world!

Andrew Miller, the writer of the backstory column for The Economist, dives into Brazil's political upheaval following Jair Bolsonaro's conviction for coup attempts. He discusses the implications for U.S.-Brazil relations amid Trump's allegations of a “witch hunt.” Miller also explores the rising popularity of niche sports like padel and tag, emphasizing their growing influence through sponsorships and streaming. The chat delves into the competition in sports and evolving class dynamics in storytelling, shedding light on societal changes.

Tom Wainwright, The Economist's media editor, and Ore Ogunbiyi, Africa correspondent, delve into the ramifications of Lachlan Murdoch taking the reins from Rupert Murdoch. They explore the complexities of media succession reminiscent of fictional dramas. Additionally, they highlight the alarming spread of kush in Sierra Leone, impacting youth and local communities. The discussion also touches on the legacy of style icon Giorgio Armani, known for his meticulous design and lasting influence in fashion.

Ethan Wu, Asia business and finance editor, delves into the complex interplay of political violence and macroeconomic trends in this discussion. They highlight the impact of the late Charlie Kirk on conservative rhetoric and public perception. The conversation shifts to contrasting economic realities, with Western inflation clashing against Asian deflation, revealing surprising trade dynamics. Lastly, Wu explores a groundbreaking study on psychedelics and their potential to enhance spiritual experiences, questioning how these insights could reshape spiritual practices.

Greg Karlstrom, the Middle East correspondent for The Economist, and Annie Crable, the news editor, dive into Israel's unexpected airstrikes on Hamas in Doha, unraveling the ramifications for Qatar’s reputation as a peace mediator. They discuss the skepticism surrounding Gaza peace talks and the potential withdrawal of Qatar. The conversation also touches on climate-related challenges affecting cocoa production, prompting chocolate companies to innovate. Lastly, they analyze a decline in U.S. international tourism, notably from Canada, and its broader economic impacts.

Rachel Dobbs, an Environment editor, discusses the alarming effects of climate change on pregnant women's health, linking rising temperatures to increased risks for both mothers and babies. Avantika Chilkoti, a Global business correspondent, shares the remarkable turnaround of Marks and Spencer, detailing their recovery from a cyber-attack and sales slumps. The conversation also touches on systemic inequalities in health impacts and innovative urban solutions for traffic congestion in India.