

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

9 snips
Sep 20, 2024 • 21min
Rocketing: Israel escalates Lebanon conflict
Anshul Pfeffer, the Israel correspondent for The Economist, delves into the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, exploring the implications of recent military actions. Rachel Dobbs, the Environment editor, discusses how rising temperatures are increasingly putting elite athletes at risk during competitions. Additionally, Anne Rowe pays tribute to Francisco Lopera, a dedicated researcher in Alzheimer's disease, reflecting on his impactful work and legacy in the field.

15 snips
Sep 19, 2024 • 26min
Fed-letter day: at last, a rate cut
Join Simon Rabinovich, the US economics editor for The Economist, as he navigates the recent Federal Reserve interest rate cut and its implications for the labor market. Shashank Joshi, the publication’s Defence Editor, discusses Ukraine's plea for long-range missiles and the strategic impact this could have on the ongoing conflict. The conversation also touches on the rising trend of fashion brands embracing the television landscape to bolster their cultural presence. Tune in for an engaging blend of economic insight and military strategy.

21 snips
Sep 18, 2024 • 22min
Pager turn: the Israel-Hizbullah conflict escalates
The podcast dives into the escalating Israel-Hizbullah conflict, revealing tactical miscommunications and the potential for regional instability. It highlights how Hezbollah's recent attack compromised their communication and military capabilities. The discussion shifts to America's obsession with large vehicles, linking it to alarming road safety statistics. Additionally, the thrill and risks of fossil hunting along Britain's Jurassic Coast are explored, emphasizing safe practices and the significance of responsible collecting in enhancing personal well-being and fossil preservation.

12 snips
Sep 17, 2024 • 23min
Playing the fuel: reforming Nigeria’s subsidies
Discover the challenges Nigeria faces with large fuel subsidies, impacting essential public services. Hear about the promise of new oil refineries and innovative strategies Nigerians are adopting to cope with rising petrol prices. Shift gears to Texas, where the crypto-mining boom is tempered by energy concerns and looming regulations. Finally, explore the thrilling rise of Indonesian horror films, a genre blending cultural narratives and international appeal, showcasing a filmmaker's inspiring journey to fame.

13 snips
Sep 16, 2024 • 23min
Foiled again: a second attempt on Trump
John Priddo, US editor for The Economist, discusses the alarming implications of a second assassination attempt on Donald Trump, questioning the routine nature of political violence in America. Paul Markilly, the Innovation editor, shares insights about the transformative potential of digital twins, highlighting their use in various industries like F1 racing and aviation. They also touch on the legendary Brazilian musician Sergio Mendes, celebrating his unique blend of bossa nova and jazz.

17 snips
Sep 13, 2024 • 53min
Open to debate: Harris and Trump clash
Join James Bennet, a columnist for The Economist, and Owen Winter, a political data scientist, as they dissect the fiery clash between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. They explore the debate's potential impact on the 2024 election, scrutinizing each candidate's rhetorical style. Bennet highlights Harris's strategic moments, while Winter delves into polling data and the electoral landscape. The duo offers insights into how communication shapes public perception and the complexities of voter sentiment in a tightly contested race.

14 snips
Sep 13, 2024 • 27min
Come on out, the vacuum’s fine: SpaceX
Join Oliver Morton, Planetary Affairs Editor at The Economist, as he discusses SpaceX's Polaris Dawn mission and the historic first spacewalk by private citizens. Adam Roberts, Digital Editor, shares exciting updates about the Espresso app. Meanwhile, health editor Natasha Loda delves into the challenges of making innovative gene editing therapies more accessible and affordable. The conversation also humorously touches on the integration of corporate sponsorships in space travel, including snack production for zero-gravity environments.

19 snips
Sep 12, 2024 • 24min
Chip wreck: Intel is on the rocks
In this discussion, Jan Petrovsky, a seasoned writer for The Economist, delves into Intel's dramatic fall from grace in the tech world. He shares insights on the company's failure to embrace mobile and AI, highlighting its mismanagement and the potential fallout for the chip industry. Oliver Carroll, The Economist's Ukraine correspondent, sheds light on Ukraine's innovative use of drone warfare, underscoring the clash between traditional military tactics and modern technology in their fight against Russia. Together, they explore political misinformation as it relates to immigration claims and its impact on community perception.

12 snips
Sep 11, 2024 • 23min
Don wan: Harris keeps Trump tame
Join Vice President Kamala Harris as she reflects on her recent debate with Donald Trump, showcasing her confidence in a challenging political climate. The discussion dives into the pressing issue of blood plasma shortages, exploring market solutions to enhance medicine development. Meanwhile, it touches on how Nigerians are creatively adapting their lavish wedding traditions amid economic challenges. These conversations reveal not just political strategies, but also the resilience and ingenuity of individuals navigating change.

19 snips
Sep 10, 2024 • 24min
Mario druthers: Draghi’s plan for Europe
This conversation features Christian Odendahl, the European economics editor for The Economist, and Andrew Miller, author of the Backstory column. They dive into Mario Draghi's ambitious plan to revitalize Europe’s economy and the need for innovation amidst geopolitical pressures. Additionally, they discuss the outgoing Mexican president's controversial judiciary reforms and the implications for democracy. Miller also reflects on 'Fight Club’s' cultural significance and its ongoing messages about masculinity and consumerism, linking them to today's societal challenges.