Economist Podcasts

John Priddo, the U.S. editor for The Economist, Leo Morani, the Asia correspondent, and Anne Rowe, Obituaries editor, dive into the political shake-up of Joe Biden endorsing Kamala Harris. They discuss how India's governance could improve by creating new states, allowing for better local administration. The conversation takes a turn to remember Dr. Ruth Westheimer, the renowned sex therapist who transformed American discussions about sexuality, emphasizing her impactful legacy in challenging societal norms.

Slavia Chankova, The Economist's healthcare correspondent, examines the looming threat of a bird flu pandemic, discussing its potential to leap from animals to humans. Meanwhile, Rebecca Jackson, the Southern correspondent, sheds light on the often-overlooked roles of white women in the American slave trade, revealing their active participation in nearly 30% of slave transactions. The conversation navigates historical narratives and the complexities of gender roles in economic transactions, making for a captivating blend of current and historical topics.

Kinley Salmon, a Latin America correspondent for The Economist, dives into the sluggish trade dynamics within Latin America, exploring trade barriers like protectionism and customs challenges. He contrasts management texts with classic literature to uncover deeper insights on leadership. The conversation also touches on J.D. Vance's rise in American politics and the implications of his recent speech, providing a fascinating backdrop to the complexities of the region's economic potential.

Shashank Joshi, The Economist's defence editor, dives into crucial topics like the connection between nutrition and cognitive development. He highlights how proper nourishment in the first 1,000 days can unlock a child's potential. The discussion also covers the vulnerabilities of undersea cables, which are critical to global communication yet face threats from geopolitical tensions. Additionally, advancements in menstrual hygiene products are explored, including a groundbreaking powder that aims to ease discomfort during periods.

Noah Snyder, The Economist's East Asia bureau chief, sheds light on Japan's puzzling economic situation. He discusses the nation’s struggle with low inflation and mixed signals about its recovery, including stagnant wages and changing consumer habits. The chat dives into deep demographic challenges posed by an aging workforce, leaving Japan with weak long-term growth prospects. Additionally, ethical concerns about animal testing and the rising trend of etiquette coaching amid social media shifts add intriguing insights to the conversation.

Idris Kahloon, Washington bureau chief for The Economist, and Daniel Franklin, Senior editor at The Economist, dive into the aftermath of an attempted assassination on former President Trump. They explore the chaotic fallout and the disturbing rise of political violence in America. The conversation sheds light on how such events may influence voter perceptions and campaign dynamics, drawing historical parallels and highlighting current political polarization. Their insights reveal the troubling legacy of violence within the American democratic landscape.

Shashank Joshi, The Economist's Defence Editor, dives deep into the role of AI in modern warfare, addressing the pressing ethical dilemmas it brings to combat decisions. Rory Galloway highlights groundbreaking discoveries of fossil chromosomes from extinct species, shedding light on ancient DNA secrets. Meanwhile, Anne Rowe recounts the intriguing life of art thief Pål Enger and his obsession with Edvard Munch’s The Scream, revealing the psychological facets of his notorious crimes.

John Prideaux, The Economist's U.S. editor, provides sharp insights into the current political landscape surrounding President Biden's potential reelection. He discusses the rising worries among Democrats as Trump gains a lead in polls, questioning Biden's reluctance to step aside for younger leadership. The conversation shifts to intriguing treasures from a shipwreck off Colombia's coast, where ownership debates intensify. Additionally, he explores Finland's innovative strategies to attract foreign students to address demographic challenges in education.

Nicholas Pelham, a seasoned Middle East correspondent, and Kerry Richmond Jones, specializing in international economics, delve into Iran’s political landscape and Ukraine's financial turmoil. They discuss Masoud Pezeshkian’s challenges as a reformist president amid public desire for change. The duo highlights Ukraine's looming debt crisis while military aid struggles to make an impact. Additionally, they explore the trend of wealthy individuals moving to Dubai for its tax benefits and luxurious lifestyle, showcasing its growing allure as a global destination.

Anton LaGuardia, Diplomatic editor at The Economist, dives into NATO's 75th anniversary, addressing contemporary challenges like the war in Ukraine and geopolitical tensions. Fraser McIlwraith reveals alarming mortality rates in Scotland’s salmon farming, emphasizing potential solutions to safeguard this crucial industry. Meanwhile, Andrew Knox shares insights on North Korea's provocative hot air balloon exchanges with the South, carrying waste and sparking scrutiny of regional tensions. This lively discussion spotlights pressing global issues and innovative responses.