Economist Podcasts

Matthew Hullhouse, The Economist's British politics correspondent, analyzes the fallout from Nicola Sturgeon's resignation, discussing its impact on Scottish independence and the future of the SNP amidst a polarized political climate. Arthur Holland Michel explores groundbreaking Wi-Fi signal tracking technology, revealing how it can reconstruct personal movements like echolocation, while raising urgent privacy concerns. They also dive into France's pension reforms and the societal implications of work culture, providing a comprehensive look into the evolving political landscapes.

Nikki Haley kicks off her 2024 presidential campaign, facing steep challenges in the Republican race. The podcast dives into the dynamics of her candidacy and the shifting support among party donors. Meanwhile, it sheds light on the troubling repression of journalism in the Middle East, highlighting the risks faced by reporters. Finally, an exploration of two films featuring donkeys invites listeners to rethink empathy and the complexities of animal characters in storytelling.

Greg Karlstrom, The Economist's Middle East correspondent, shares insights on how Gulf states are modernizing and liberalizing in anticipation of a post-oil world. He discusses cultural shifts, economic diversification, and the rising living costs that threaten political stability. Meanwhile, Henry Tricks analyzes BYD's meteoric rise as a contender in the electric vehicle market, challenging Tesla with innovative strategies. They also humorously highlight the environmental dilemma of wet wipes creating islands along the Thames, sparking a conversation about pollution and regulations.

Piotr Zalewski, The Economist's Turkey correspondent, shares heart-wrenching insights from the earthquake's aftermath in Turkey, focusing on the failure of building regulations and the public outcry for accountability. Joshua Roberts, city and finance correspondent, dives into Britain's productivity crisis, linking it to management failures and suggesting that better management could significantly boost company performance. The conversation also touches on a national survey exploring sexual health data, revealing changing attitudes and behaviors.

Kinley Salmon, The Economist's West Africa correspondent, sheds light on the upcoming elections in Nigeria, emphasizing the potential for youth-driven change amidst significant challenges. Simon Cox, the China economics editor, examines the mixed global effects of China's post-pandemic reopening, raising questions about its impact on worldwide markets. Meanwhile, Imogen White critiques the portrayal of psychotherapy in films and TV, revealing how these dramatizations shape public perception and often misrepresent the therapeutic process.

Alexandra Sewitch-Bass, a senior correspondent at The Economist specializing in U.S. state politics, joins Jan Piotrowski, the publication's business editor, and Asia editor James Astell. They delve into the rising importance of state legislatures, discussing how their laws affect citizens more than federal actions. Jan offers insights into Meta’s recovery strategies, while James reflects on Pervez Musharraf’s complex legacy in Pakistan, highlighting his reforms and the intertwining of military and democracy.

The race for AI dominance is heating up, as tech giants like Microsoft and Google battle to redefine online search. Discover how integrating AI can enhance efficiency, as illustrated by a personal trainer's experience. Meanwhile, luxury office spaces are emerging as a solution to attract talent in a shifting work environment. Lastly, explore the sugar crisis impacting European bakeries, driven by rising ingredient costs and poor harvests, threatening the future of beloved pastries.

Matt Steinglass, Europe correspondent for The Economist, analyzes the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, discussing the challenges of delivering aid in a politically charged environment. Chris Whipple, an expert on White House chiefs of staff, shares insights on the crucial role of leadership during crises, focusing on Ron Klain and Jeff Zients. The conversation also touches on the political implications of Turkey's disasters as it approaches elections, highlighting the intersection of humanitarian response and governance.

James Bennett, the insightful author of the Lexington column for The Economist, joins to dissect the recent Chinese balloon incident that has strained U.S.-China relations. He analyzes the contrasting narratives from both nations and the political fallout for the Biden administration. The conversation also explores the vibrant life in Mumbai's Chor Bazaar, reflecting on the challenges of informal labor and urban development. Lastly, Bennett touches on the troubling rise in obesity rates in France, debunking the idealized image of French femininity.

Charlotte Howard, Executive Editor at The Economist, talks with Arkady Ostrovsky, Russia’s editor, and Fiametta Rocco, Culture Correspondent, about various transformative topics. They delve into the Biden administration’s revitalization plans for American manufacturing and clean energy. Ostrovsky highlights the resilience of independent journalists in Russia amid censorship and war. Rocco shares insights on Gina Lollobrigida’s inspiring rise from wartime Italy to Hollywood stardom, emphasizing her cultural impact.