The EI Podcast

Andrew Ross Sorkin, bestselling author of "1929" and financial journalist, dives into the lessons from the 1929 Wall Street crash. He discusses the intriguing character of Charles 'Sunshine' Mitchell, showcasing how his overbuying at National City led to chaos. Sorkin highlights the opulent lifestyles of bankers and how modern regulations have shifted the financial landscape, likening today's conditions more to 1999 than 1929. He also emphasizes the importance of humility, cash reserves, and asking the right questions in finance.

Historian Damian Valdez dives into the pivotal year of 1821 and the birth of modern international order. He explores the surprising alliance between Guerrero and Iturbide that marked Mexico's independence. The conversation shifts to Spain's revolt and its ripple effects across Latin America and Europe, igniting constitutionalism and national movements. Valdez highlights Metternich's efforts to maintain stability through diplomacy, while the Greek uprising posed new challenges. Ultimately, 1821 set a precedent for international crisis management, shaping national identities and policies for generations.

Explore the troubled childhood of Graham Greene through the lens of critic Malcolm Forbes. Discover the influence of bullying, early fears, and traumatic memories on Greene's writing. Delve into the themes of betrayal and escape that recur in his work. Hear about his early ambitions and the failure of his first novel, which paradoxically became the cornerstone for his later success. Greene's complex relationship with childhood reveals insights into his often bleak yet nuanced portrayals of innocence and adulthood.

This episode dives into how Stalin manipulated the Slavic cause to construct the Soviet Empire. It reveals Edvard Beneš's perspective on the looming Slavic struggle against German expansion. The discussion highlights Nazi ambitions in Eastern Europe and the paradoxical alliances of WWII. Stalin's wartime propaganda is examined, showcasing a distorted vision of Slavic unity. As Beneš navigates his complex relationship with Stalin, the shift from Slavic solidarity to Soviet dominance unfolds, culminating in the chilling decline of the Slavic myth during the Cold War.

A warning to the young about the perils of AI for critical thinking and creativity takes center stage. The host discusses how AI erodes concentration and deep work, raising concerns about its impact on student writing. He emphasizes that writing is integral to learning and warns against outsourcing this skill. Historical comparisons illustrate how technology reshapes human capabilities. Urging students to reject AI aids, he argues that intellectual freedom relies on genuine thought. The discussion underscores the vital link between reasoning skills and democratic resilience.

Dive into the fascinating world of Mick Herron’s Slough House series. Explore how spy fiction artfully blends reality and invention. Discover the compelling details that create suspense, alongside the peculiar lives of MI5's misfits. Unpack the meaning of betrayal in the realm of espionage and the moral weight of loyalty embodied by Jackson Lamb. Learn how Herron’s narrative resonates with modern British life, revealing societal flaws while showcasing the surprising competence of the so-called 'slow horses' when given real missions.

In this engaging conversation, historian Stephen Kotkin, renowned for his work on Stalin, discusses the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and its historical roots. He argues that Ukraine's destruction could be seen as a Russian victory strategy. Kotkin emphasizes the limits of sanctions and the importance of targeting Putin's elite to destabilize his regime. He also proposes a Nordic-Baltic alliance to enhance military cooperation in Europe and cautions about the risks of major powers navigating their rivalries without escalating violence.

Why do people the world over enjoy listening to songs sung in French? Critic Muriel Zagha illuminates the living tradition of French chanson.  Image: Juliette Gréco, the French actress and singer. Credit: Heritage Image Partnership Ltd / Alamy Stock Photo

Explore the centuries-old dilemma surrounding attention and presence. The impact of smartphones on our focus raises questions about awareness and social consequences. Findings suggest no significant harm from screen time on children's brains. Mindfulness techniques linked to Stoicism are examined, highlighting their potential for anxiety relief. Montaigne's critiques and insights into imagination illuminate our quest for meaning. Ultimately, attention isn't lost; it's just aimed at trivial distractions, with a simple remedy found in the beauty of the world around us.

Historian David Cowan explains how radical reform can reshape the state. Read by Leighton Pugh. Image: A political caricature, 'Political Dreams, Visions of Peace, Perspective Horrors', by James Gillray of Pitt the Younger. Credit: INTERFOTO / Alamy Stock Photo