Economist Podcasts

Noah Snyder, The Economist's Tokyo bureau chief, sheds light on Japan's political climate and Kishida Fumio's rise as prime minister amidst public dissatisfaction. He analyzes Kishida's challenges in gaining trust and implementing reforms. Meanwhile, Kenley Salmon, the Africa correspondent, delves into Nigeria's megachurch phenomenon, discussing their immense wealth and the concerning financial practices that resemble Ponzi schemes. The stark contrast between the opulence of church leaders and the struggles of their congregants raises important ethical questions.

Idris Kaloun, a Washington correspondent for The Economist, dives into the looming budget crisis threatening President Biden's social-spending reforms. The discussion navigates the political turbulence within the Democratic party and the risks of a government shutdown. Kaloun also highlights South Korea's controversial battle against fake news, examining how it may stifle journalism rather than support it. Lastly, they explore an intriguing new art exhibition that poignantly addresses human fragility through an immersive experience.

Tom Nuttall, Berlin bureau chief for The Economist, dives into Germany's political landscape post-election, discussing the intricate coalition-building between parties. He highlights the Social Democrats’ narrow victory and the challenges faced by the CDU. Shifting gears, Nuttall explores groundbreaking mRNA technology's potential to revolutionize HIV vaccine development. He also shares intriguing insights into Tyrannosaurus rex interactions, presenting evidence of possible mating behaviors, adding a prehistoric twist to the conversation.

David Rennie, Beijing bureau chief for The Economist, offers a sharp look at how China perceives the burgeoning alliances like the Quad and AUKUS amidst rising tensions. Tom Nuttall, Berlin bureau chief, reflects on Angela Merkel’s significant legacy and the challenges that await her successor in Germany, from climate goals to infrastructure. The podcast also delightfully dives into the global spread of baklava, revealing its rich history and cultural connections, showcasing how politics and culinary traditions intersect.

Daniel Franklin, Executive and diplomatic editor at The Economist, sheds light on the shifting dynamics of the United Nations General Assembly amid ongoing global challenges. Lane Green, author and linguistics expert, delves into the evolving role of 'like' in modern language, defending its usage against common stereotypes. Alec Jha, science correspondent, highlights concerns over a potential 'Twindemic' this winter, emphasizing the importance of vaccination and readiness. Together, they explore the delicate balance of diplomacy and communication in today’s world.

Don Wineland, The Economist’s China business and finance editor, discusses the precarious situation of Evergrande, China’s debt-ridden property giant, and its potential ripple effects on the real estate market and broader economy. He also explores Britain's demographic shift, where a surge in youth is influencing the labor market and political landscape. Finally, the conversation touches on fashion changes in the wake of the pandemic, revealing a shift toward casual attire as society adapts to new norms of work and self-expression.

Emma Hogan, America's editor for The Economist, and Georgia Banjo, a foreign correspondent, dive into the aftermath of Canada's recent election. Trudeau's leadership faces pressure from a weakened majority and rising far-right sentiments. A significant focus is on the alarming resurgence of child labor post-pandemic, challenging traditional approaches to combat it. They also discuss a quirky solution to climate change: potty-training cows, showcasing innovative ideas amidst global challenges.

Arkady Ostrovsky, The Economist's Russia editor, and Avantika Chilkoti, international correspondent, dive into the contentious atmosphere surrounding Russia's recent elections, where Vladimir Putin's party emerged victorious amid claims of fraud. They discuss the waning facade of the Kremlin, the surprising resilience of the opposition, and Alexei Navalny's influence. Chilkoti highlights the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation's role in global health, questioning the efficacy of its funds while exploring innovative projects like the Omni Processor that aim to make a real impact.

Shashank Joshi, defense editor at The Economist and expert on Indo-Pacific security, discusses the AUKUS alliance's profound implications for global stability, especially with Australia's nuclear submarine deal. He delves into the geopolitical shifts this poses, particularly in light of China's growing influence. The conversation also highlights the tumultuous state of container shipping, exploring how crises have impacted global trade dynamics, and touches on the intriguing intersection of politics and storytelling in shaping public discourse.

Anne McElvoy, Senior Editor at The Economist, and Natasha Loader, Health Policy Editor, delve into the latest UK cabinet reshuffle, analyzing its implications for Boris Johnson's leadership and agenda amidst public scrutiny. They also tackle a groundbreaking coronavirus human challenge trial, discussing the ethical dilemmas and insights gained from deliberately infecting volunteers. Additionally, they highlight rural opportunities in places like Creed, Colorado, aiming to attract tourists by promoting their pristine dark skies.