Economist Podcasts

Archie Hall, Britain economics correspondent for The Economist, dives into Labour's budget, revealing the biggest tax increases in decades and the implications for public services. Stevie Hertz discusses how Hurricane Helene might shape the North Carolina elections, emphasizing voter accessibility challenges. Meanwhile, Rachel Lloyd, Deputy culture editor, highlights the recent pickle craze, sharing fun culinary experiments and unconventional dishes. Together, they explore economics, politics, and tasty trends in a lively discussion!

Natasha Loda, Health Editor at The Economist, discusses the expanding uses of GLP-1 drugs beyond weight loss, emphasizing their potential in treating various health issues. Simon Rabinovich, US Economics Editor, analyzes the disconnect between strong economic data and public sentiment ahead of the election. Alice Su, Senior China Correspondent, shares harrowing stories of Chinese migrants risking everything for the American dream, illuminating their struggles and hopes along a treacherous journey. These conversations shed light on pressing health and societal issues.

Shashank Joshi, Defense editor for The Economist, shares insights on the military dynamics in Ukraine, particularly the impact of North Korean troop support for Russia. Tom Easton, Mumbai bureau chief, highlights the hurdles facing U.S. citizens voting from abroad, uncovering bureaucratic snags and the integrity of mail-in ballots. Meanwhile, Britain correspondent Catherine Nixie dissect the quirks of the British citizenship test, discussing its strange focus on customs and the challenges for newcomers. It's a deep dive into global democracy and military strategies!

Join Greg Karlstrom, Middle East correspondent, as he unpacks the recent limited Israeli strikes on Iran amidst rising tensions. Discover insights on why these military actions may be more strategic than aggressive. Henry Trix, the U.S. technology editor, reveals how AI can transform customer service, addressing concerns about job displacement. Meanwhile, sports finance writer Mike Jakeman discusses the ramifications of the LIV Golf tour's disruption and its potential merger with the PGA, exploring fan loyalty and the evolving landscape of golf.

In this insightful discussion, Charlie McCann—an Economist reporter—and the Gladstone family, including Charles and Xanthi Gladstone, confront a painful legacy linked to their ancestor's slave ownership. They explore what it means to inherit guilt while traveling to Guyana for a public apology. The emotional weight of acknowledging history is palpable as they discuss privilege, personal responsibility, and the societal push for reparations. This journey reflects broader themes of atonement and the complexities of reconciliation in the face of colonial pasts.

Gareth Brown, a Middle East correspondent based in Beirut, delves into the leadership vacuum in Hamas after Yahya Sinwar's death, discussing potential successors and the ideological divides shaping the group's future. Rebecca Jackson, an American South correspondent, explores the critical role of Black voters in Georgia's elections, highlighting demographic shifts and the need for candidates to align with Black economic priorities. The podcast also touches on the intriguing life of Turkish activist Fethullah Gulen and his influence in political discourse.

Dan Rosenheck, Data editor at The Economist, shares insights from the election forecast model, revealing a surprising shift toward Donald Trump in the presidential race. Simon Wright, Industry editor, discusses the reality of Elon Musk's ambitious robotaxi plans, highlighting the challenges Tesla faces amid skepticism and competition. They also dive into the fascinating legacy of Excel, exploring its evolution and the impact of AI tools on productivity. Tune in for a blend of politics, technology, and data-driven discussions!

Tom Nuttel, Chief Germany correspondent for The Economist, shares deep insights on the rise of Sahra Wagenknecht in German politics. Zan Smiley discusses Moldova's struggle for EU integration amid Russian interference. Caitlin Talbot highlights how TikTok is reshaping language, with Gen Z redefining terms and creating new slang. The conversation uncovers the complexities of German political shifts and global repercussions, along with the cultural impact of social media on communication.

Anshul Pfeffer, The Economist's Israel correspondent, reports from the tense Lebanese border, detailing Israel's looming strikes on Iran and the escalating conflict with Hezbollah. Ana Likas, Brazil correspondent, shares insights on innovative carbon-trading schemes aimed at reforesting the Amazon. The discussion also touches on Brazil's potential for leadership in environmental efforts and highlights Switzerland's top rank in global innovation, revealing the shifting landscape of technological advancements amidst economic challenges.

Shoshank Joshi, Defense editor for The Economist, reveals how Russia is expertly orchestrating chaos globally, including election interference and disinformation tactics. Callum Williams, Senior economics writer, tackles inefficiencies in government spending, suggesting that raising taxes might be a pragmatic approach. Meanwhile, Maria Vilcek, News editor, reflects on the cultural significance of baked beans in Britain, discussing their evolution and the rise of trendy alternatives. Together, they offer a compelling exploration of power, politics, and culinary shifts.