Behind the Money

Sujeet Indap, Wall Street editor at the Financial Times, shares insights on Charlie Ergen's tumultuous journey with EchoStar. The discussion dives into Ergen's ambitious plan to create a national mobile network, which ultimately fell apart after massive investments and shifting industry dynamics. Notably, how SpaceX's Starlink and deals with AT&T turned the tide for Ergen's struggling company. The conversation also touches on Ergen's strategic negotiations, his meeting with Trump, and the bittersweet outcome of his telecom dreams.

Explore the intriguing race to Mars as global powers and private firms set their sights on the red planet. Hear about ambitious plans from the US, China, and Elon Musk's vision for making humanity an interplanetary species. Delve into the complex questions surrounding the feasibility of human settlement: Will it be worth the cost? And will people really want to live there? This captivating discussion challenges our notions of exploration and the future of mankind beyond Earth.

Chris Kay, Mumbai bureau chief at the Financial Times, and Krishn Kaushik, its Mumbai correspondent, delve into Bangalore's explosive tech growth and the infrastructure challenges that accompany it. They reveal how Bangalore, touted as India's Silicon Valley, struggles with basic amenities like water and traffic management, risking investor confidence. As they explore potential alternatives like Hyderabad, they caution that rapid urban development often neglects livability and sustainability, raising critical questions about the future of India’s economy.

Listeners are invited to participate in a thrilling vote for a prestigious Signal Award in the Money & Finance category. The host passionately shares how crucial listener support is for this listener-choice accolade. There's a sense of urgency as the deadline to cast votes approaches on October 9th. The excitement doesn't stop there, as other FT podcasts are also nominated, adding to the anticipation. Join in on this fun way to engage with great content and support your favorites!

In this engaging discussion, Akila Quinio, the US banking correspondent for the Financial Times, delves into the collapse of Tricolor Holdings, a subprime auto lender targeting low-income Hispanic immigrants. Listeners learn about the impact of a federal fraud investigation, the rapid liquidation proceedings, and the unsettling ties between major banks and Tricolor. The conversation also raises questions about the broader implications for consumer credit and Wall Street investors, highlighting the precarious nature of subprime lending in America.

Aanu Adeoye, the West and Central Africa correspondent for the Financial Times, dives into the rise and struggles of Jumia, often dubbed Africa's 'Amazon.' She discusses the challenges of applying Western business models in diverse African markets and highlights Jumia's ambitious turnaround plans amidst investor skepticism. Adeoye examines geographic disconnects, local market dynamics, and the quest for profitability in a competitive landscape. Tune in for insights on navigating the complexities of the African tech scene!

Leslie Hook is the Financial Times’ natural resources editor, diving deep into the evolving diamond industry. She discusses the rise of lab-grown diamonds, which are identical to natural ones but far cheaper, posing a serious threat to traditional retailers. Eleanor Olcott shares insights from her trip to China's production hub for these synthetic gems. The conversation also explores De Beers' potential sale and what it could mean for the future, as well as changing consumer trends influenced by affordability and celebrity culture.

Join Jamie Smyth, the US energy editor at the Financial Times, as he dives into the heated rivalry between Chevron and ExxonMobil. Smyth explores Chevron's recent acquisition of a valuable oilfield and its ambitious strategy to challenge its larger competitor. The discussion highlights the historical context of their fierce competition, including Chevron's attempted takeover of Hess. Additionally, Smyth touches on the broader implications of their rivalry for the oil industry and the shift towards sustainability in these turbulent times.

Dive into the fascinating world of AI-generated music, where artificial intelligence creates tunes almost indistinguishable from human-made songs. Explore the dual nature of this technology: a revolutionary tool for some musicians and a potential threat to the livelihoods of others. Legal challenges around consent and ownership in the age of AI are also discussed, sparking a debate on whether this innovation signifies the dawn of a new era or the end of the creative process as we know it.

Claire Jones, the US economics editor at the Financial Times, offers keen insights into the political tumult facing the Federal Reserve. She discusses the Jackson Hole symposium, which was marred by personal attacks on board member Lisa Cook, the first Black woman in her position. Claire highlights the implications of increasing political pressure on the Fed's independence and examines how an aggressive interest rate cut could stoke inflation fears. Amidst a backdrop of legal challenges and even a fire alarm, the conversation remains riveting.