Economist Podcasts

Anshul Pfeffer, The Economist's Israel correspondent, and Ed Carr, the deputy editor, dissect the recent unexpected attack by Hamas on Israel. They explore the shocking fatalities, intelligence failures, and the ensuing chaos within Israeli communities. The discussion emphasizes the dire implications for Palestinian civilians and the ongoing shifts in Israeli-Palestinian relations. They also analyze how this crisis could affect Israel's diplomatic landscape and the urgent need for a renewed approach to peace negotiations.

Guy Scriven, The Economist's U.S. technology correspondent, shares insights into Microsoft's ambitious AI strategy, highlighting its potential to reclaim tech dominance under Satya Nadella. Rosie Bloor, the International China correspondent, discusses the Women's Tennis Association's controversial stance on the Peng Shuai case and the implications for sports ethics. They also touch on the emotional fallout from the destruction of an ancient tree in Britain, symbolizing community loss and cultural significance.

Matthew Holhouse, The Economist's Britain desk correspondent, provides a deep dive into the turmoil within the Conservative Party, highlighting internal divisions exacerbated by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's recent policies. Tamara Gilkes-Bohr, the U.S. policy correspondent, discusses groundbreaking research on medications for alcohol use disorder, particularly the potential of weight-loss drugs in treatment. The conversation also touches upon global sleep patterns, revealing surprising insights about which countries enjoy the best rest.

Daniel Franklin, Deputy U.S. editor for The Economist, dives into the political chaos surrounding Kevin McCarthy's ousting as Speaker of the House, highlighting internal Republican rifts and upcoming challenges. Leo Marani offers insights into 'Jawan,' a Bollywood film that merges action with socio-political commentary, showcasing how cinema is bridging regional divides in India. The discussion also explores Okinawa's centenarians, questioning the true secrets behind their longevity and revealing surprising insights into healthy lifestyles.

Sam Bankman-Fried, the founder of the failed cryptocurrency exchange FTX, faces serious fraud charges in a high-stakes New York trial. He reflects on his rapid rise and fall in the crypto world, shedding light on the complexities of financial mismanagement. The discussion also touches on the troubling increase in shoplifting in Britain, contrasting it with overall crime rate declines. Additionally, the cultural phenomenon surrounding pizza reviews and their unexpected influence in society adds a flavorful twist to the conversation.

Learn how to be a better boss with practical advice from successful managers and leaders in this podcast. Andrew Palmer shares his experience as a journalist and introduces the importance of being a good boss.

Daniel Franklin, Deputy US Editor for The Economist, discusses the potential fallout from the recent deal to avert a government shutdown, which could jeopardize Kevin McCarthy's leadership. Mike Bird, Asia business and finance editor, shares insights on the electric scooter boom in Asia, highlighting China's dominance and India's emerging role. Catherine Nixie, Britain correspondent, delves into Britain’s risk registers, revealing the underlying statistics predicting national disasters and the challenges of preparedness. A thought-provoking blend of politics and innovation!

Simon Cox discusses China's economic woes, detailing the struggles in the real estate sector and the political constraints on the central bank. Shashank Joshi reveals how Russian spies exploit Latin American identities to operate in Europe, highlighting the geopolitical backdrop. Anne Rowe reflects on Colombian artist Fernando Botero, noting his signature style and the societal commentary woven into his work. Together, they explore the intertwining of politics and art in today's complex global landscape.

The discussion kicks off with a focus on the strides made in reducing HIV and AIDS deaths due to improved medication access in sub-Saharan Africa. Personal stories from South Africa highlight the stigma and barriers faced by those living with HIV. The financial challenges of developing new treatments reveal the importance of drug price negotiations. Meanwhile, Japan's adult industry is examined under new regulations and China's use of UNESCO to reshape historical narratives adds a layer of cultural complexity.

Kyrylo Budanov, Ukraine's military intelligence chief known for predicting the Russian invasion, shares insights with Oli Carroll, The Economist's Ukraine correspondent. They dive deep into Ukraine's counter-offensive strategies as winter approaches, emphasizing the importance of factual analysis over speculation. Budanov discusses the dynamics of drone warfare and the impact of Western support. Additionally, the conversation touches on Brazil's potential re-legalization of gambling and the influence of TikTok on publishing trends.