Economist Podcasts

Tom Easton, The Economist's American business editor, joins Hal Hodson, the technology correspondent, to dive into the Theranos trial and the unraveling of Elizabeth Holmes' blood-testing startup. They discuss the initial hype around Theranos, the legal battles that revealed the truth, and what this means for female entrepreneurs and the tech industry. They also explore the contrasting animal research practices emerging between the West and East Asia, focusing on the ethical quandaries of primate research and the implications for future biomedical practices.

Tom Nuttall, The Economist's Berlin bureau chief, provides keen insights into the chaotic landscape of German politics as the election looms. He discusses the faltering Christian Democrats and the unexpected rise of the Social Democrats. The conversation takes an intriguing turn to the dangers of ghost guns—untraceable firearms available with a click—and their impact on safety. Plus, Nuttall reflects on how cultural sensitivity shapes band name changes, threading music with politics and public perception in today's society.

Ryan Avent, The Economist's trade and economics editor, discusses the need for central bankers to relax their approach to inflation, emphasizing clear communication on monetary policies. Tim Judah, The Economist's Balkans correspondent, shares insights into the environmental challenges facing Albania's Vjosa River as local advocates fight against harmful hydroelectric projects. The conversation also explores fascinating dinosaur footprints in Bolivia, highlighting the region's prehistoric significance and the challenges facing paleontological exploration.

The podcast dives into the troubling spike of violence in Kabul, particularly the recent suicide bombings and their implications for global jihadism. It critiques the Taliban's governance challenges amidst chaos and the resurgence of ISIS. The conversation shifts to the tumultuous world of online adult content, focusing on OnlyFans' controversial decisions driven by banking pressures. It highlights the personal struggles of content creators and broader industry challenges as they navigate financial hurdles and platform changes.

The meeting between President Biden and Israel's Prime Minister Bennett hints at a cooperative future, but underlying tensions about the Iranian nuclear deal and Palestinian conflict loom large. In Indonesia, the integrity of its anti-corruption agency faces challenges as it gets absorbed into the civil service, complicating the battle against corruption. Meanwhile, vaccine inequality creates resentment worldwide, impacting global tourism and opening doors for geopolitical maneuvering by countries like Russia and China.

Matt Steinglass, the Economist's Europe correspondent, shares insights on the challenges Australia faces as Delta disrupts its COVID strategies. The discussion unveils lessons learned from initially effective containment measures and evolving tactics amidst rising infections. Steinglass also highlights the new European Public Prosecutor’s Office, crucial for tackling financial fraud in the EU, emphasizing its role in upholding the rule of law. Additionally, discover Japan's quirky seasonal sweets trend, showcasing the cultural significance of unique flavors.

Ludwig Stigler, The Economist's U.S. technology editor, and Su Lin Wong, its China correspondent, dive into Apple's growth under Tim Cook. They discuss the hurdles ahead for maintaining Apple's dominance amid increasing competition and regulatory challenges. Wong sheds light on the escalating crackdown on labor unions in Hong Kong, illustrating the dire state of democracy and activism there. The conversation also touches on how California's new laws are impacting the pork industry, reflecting broader tensions in consumer advocacy and compliance.

Shashank Joshi, The Economist's defense editor, shares insights into Ukraine's efforts to spotlight the ongoing Russian occupation of Crimea. He discusses President Zelensky's drive for international attention and support as Ukraine approaches its 30th independence anniversary. The conversation also touches on the disturbing trend of enforced disappearances in Bangladesh, juxtaposed with the journey of female astronaut Wally Funk, highlighting the gender disparities in space exploration. Joshi's analysis unveils the complex interplay of geopolitical tensions and human rights concerns.

David Rennie, The Economist's Beijing bureau chief, dives into China's strategic interests in Afghanistan following the Taliban's takeover. He discusses how this shift in power plays into China's propaganda narrative against the U.S. and the changing geopolitical landscape. The conversation also touches on the ethical responsibilities of investors amid global crises and examines the waning effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines, highlighting the importance of booster shots as infections rise. Additionally, they explore the evolving dynamics of work-life balance in a post-COVID world.

Natasha Loader, The Economist's health policy editor, and Matthew Hullhouse, British politics correspondent, dive into the tangled origins of COVID-19, emphasizing the flawed WHO investigation that neglected key evidence. They discuss the implications of these findings on global health preparedness and the challenges posed by China's opacity. Shifting gears, they analyze Boris Johnson's struggles with reconciling environmental promises and the UK’s transition to electric vehicles, highlighting the socio-political complexities of this significant shift.