Economist Podcasts

The podcast dives into America’s paradox of skyrocketing high school graduation rates paired with declining academic knowledge. It explores how equity-driven policies might compromise educational standards. The conversation also shifts to London’s Canary Wharf, now adapting to a work-from-home culture and transforming into a vibrant urban space. Meanwhile, the cinema industry sees a fascinating shift, as luxury experiences attract audiences despite a general decline in moviegoers. Tune in for insights on education, urban evolution, and the film industry's future!

Simon Rabinovitch, the US economics editor for The Economist, joins a lively discussion on America’s surprising economic growth and the unusual disconnect with voter sentiment towards President Biden. They explore the resilience of the economy amid low unemployment and booming markets, alongside the complexities of inflation and oil pressures. Rabinovitch delves into how consumer sentiment differs from economic performance, setting the stage for the 2024 election landscape, all while reflecting on historical trends in a fun, nostalgic quiz segment.

Arkady Ostrovsky, Russia and Eastern Europe editor for The Economist, offers a deep dive into the sham nature of Russia’s upcoming elections, spotlighting how the absence of opposition creates a façade of democracy. He discusses potential protests and the implications for Putin's regime. Anne Rowe, the obituaries editor, pays tribute to the creator of Dragon Ball Z, weaving a nostalgic thread into the conversation. They also explore how the conflict in Sudan intertwines with the war in Ukraine, revealing a complex geopolitical struggle.

Kerry and Richmond Jones, Economics correspondents at The Economist, delve into the severe economic impact of the ongoing war in Israel, revealing an $8 billion increase in military costs that strains social services. They also discuss TikTok's precarious position as U.S. legislation threatens its Chinese ownership, raising concerns over data privacy and political influence on youth. Additionally, the talk highlights shifting trends in the Maastricht art fair, where the decline of old masters is evident amidst a growing interest in contemporary art.

Shashank Joshi, The Economist's defence editor, offers insightful analysis on the escalating violence in Kharkiv, highlighting Russia's renewed aggression and its impact on Ukrainian forces facing resource shortages. He discusses the geopolitical importance of rare earth minerals in the context of renewable energy shifts and the ethical dilemmas posed by cobalt processing for electric vehicles. Amid serious topics, there's also room for some light-hearted reflections on popular culture, merging humor with pressing global issues.

Matt Steinglass, Europe correspondent for The Economist, discusses the paradox of Europe’s climate crisis, where tangible impacts like melting glaciers are failing to sway voters toward green parties. He explores public perceptions and political choices in light of extreme weather events. Michael Reid, Writer-at-large, reviews Gabriel García Márquez's controversial posthumous novella, sparking ethical debates around the integrity of publishing unfinished works. This lively dialogue blends climate issues with literary insights and technology trends in the eyewear industry.

Andrew Knox, The Economist's careers correspondent, dives into North Korea's risky rapprochement with Russia, highlighting the escalating tensions with South Korea and the precarious power balance in the region. Meanwhile, Michelle Hennessy, Daily Charts editor, discusses alarming global obesity trends, noting over one billion obese individuals in 2022. She emphasizes the urgent need for preventative measures rather than costly solutions, particularly for low-income communities, as both authors present insights into issues with profound local and global implications.

In this discussion, Max Norman, a culture correspondent, explores the growing prominence of international films at the Oscars, showcasing titles like 'Anatomy of a Fall' and 'Zone of Interest.' Anne Rowe, obituaries editor, pays homage to the influential fashion icon Iris Apfel, celebrating her creative legacy and unique style that transformed the design landscape. They also touch on the political turmoil in Haiti, addressing the crisis of gang violence and the complexities of securing international support for the beleaguered nation.

Tom Sass, Britain’s public policy editor, shares insights into the Labour Party's remarkable surge, highlighting how key demographics are realigning politically. Max Rodenbeck, the Berlin bureau chief, discusses Germany's military blunders and their reputational fallout amidst rising tensions. The conversation also explores innovative childcare initiatives in Japanese towns, revealing how community-driven support can combat declining birth rates and transform societal attitudes towards parenting.

Daniel Glaser, a neuroscientist at the Institute of Philosophy, explores the fascinating intersection of human and artificial intelligence. The discussion reveals how insights from the human brain have driven the development of AI technologies. Topics include the origins of neural networks, the complexities of defining intelligence, and the historical milestones that shaped AI’s evolution. Glaser also dives into brain imaging studies that provide crucial data on cognitive functions and the intricate relationship between brain structure and intelligence.