Economist Podcasts

Karrion Richmond Jones, an international economics correspondent, explores how Trump has reshaped U.S. aid to prioritize political allies and economic interests over traditional support. Matthew Simons discusses Ukraine's strategic strikes on Russia’s fuel infrastructure, highlighting its economic impacts and the challenges faced by Russia. Sunny Lochman analyzes the success of J.D. Wetherspoon, revealing how its unique business model thrives amidst declining UK pubs, showcasing resilience even in tough economic times.

In this insightful discussion, Alex Hearn, a Technology correspondent, dives into the alarming rise of cybercrime, detailing how firms like Jaguar Land Rover faced crippling attacks. He explores the evolution of ransomware and its link to cryptocurrency that fuels these crimes. Meanwhile, Tom Gardner, Africa correspondent, addresses the troubling difficulty of accurately counting deaths in conflict-ridden African regions, emphasizing the gap in reliable data. The segment even touches on whether dark chocolate is genuinely beneficial, separating fact from hype.

Join Josie DeLapp, The Economist’s Middle East editor, who shares insights on the release of Israeli hostages amid ongoing tensions in Gaza. She discusses the challenging negotiations and the devastation in Gaza post-withdrawal. Avantika Chilkoti, a global business writer, reveals why luxury travel is booming, highlighting a shift in consumer spending from goods to experiences, fueled by social media. Finally, Anne Rowe pays tribute to actress Claudia Cardinale, reflecting on her unexpected rise to fame and lasting impact in cinema.

Yevgenia Berkovich, a renowned theatre director and playwright, discusses her harrowing trial in Russia, where she was convicted for her experimental play. The conversation dives into the chilling reasons behind her prosecution, including the state's reliance on dubious 'destructology' evidence. Berkovich defends her work by showcasing its anti-terrorism messages and critiques the use of art as a scapegoat for political dissent. The episode sheds light on her imprisonment and the ongoing struggle for artistic freedom under oppressive regimes.

Tom Wainwright, Media editor at The Economist, sheds light on Saudi Arabia's booming video game industry and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's personal passion for gaming. The discussion highlights Saudi's massive acquisitions, including a $55 billion deal with Electronic Arts, and explores the implications for regional culture and job creation. Fraser McIlwraith offers insights into Finland's icebreaker industry, discussing its strategic importance and shift towards Western clients, amid rising geopolitical concerns in the Arctic.

In a riveting discussion, Greg Karlstrom, The Economist's Middle East correspondent, dissects the recent Gaza ceasefire deal brokered by Donald Trump, explaining the intricacies of hostage releases and political reactions from both Israel and Hamas. He explores potential governance challenges in Gaza and how unresolved issues may jeopardize the agreement's future. Meanwhile, audio correspondent Sarah Larniuk delves into the science of red-light face masks, detailing their use for skin aging and offering tips for optimal results.

Sophie Pedder, the Paris bureau chief for The Economist, discusses the whirlwind of political upheaval in France, including the abrupt resignation of the newly-appointed prime minister. She explores President Macron's urgent call for a budget plan amid a split parliament causing gridlock. The economic fallout of this uncertainty is significant, with businesses hesitating to invest. Pedder also examines the risks of snap elections and the mounting pressure on Macron as critics push for his resignation.

Hal Hodson, America editor at The Economist, discusses Mark Carney's mission to ease Canada's economic woes by negotiating with Trump on tariffs and his broader strategy for trade diversification. Avantika Chilkoti, Global business correspondent, dives into the booming world of live-stream shopping, exploring its addictive nature and the blending of social media with retail. She highlights how platforms like TikTok are changing shopping habits and what regulators are doing to address the potential for consumer addiction.

Anshul Pfeffer, The Economist's Israel correspondent, dives into the delicate Gaza ceasefire negotiations. He highlights the international pressure motivating talks and traces the crisis back to a significant airstrike misstep. Pfeffer elaborates on a proposed plan featuring hostage exchanges and aid access. He also contemplates the complexities of post-ceasefire governance and questions surrounding Hamas disarmament. Plus, there’s intriguing discussion on Donald Trump's unexpected influence in this diplomatic landscape.

Hal Hodgson, America's editor at The Economist, discusses the challenges facing Argentina's President Javier Milei amid election losses and corruption allegations. He analyzes the U.S. intervention to stabilize the peso and the potential political fallout from this reliance. Meanwhile, Mike Bird, Wall Street editor, explores the slow recovery of the U.S. commercial property market post-pandemic, identifying driving factors like dwindling supply and changing investment trends. Additionally, an archival clip features renowned primatologist Jane Goodall reflecting on her groundbreaking work with chimpanzees.