Economist Podcasts

European populist-right leaders are rethinking their warmth toward Trump after his moves on sovereignty. MAGA networks and transatlantic ties are examined alongside fractures within parties. In India, Western dating apps failed and local startups adapted to culture and monetization limits. Jungle science reveals predators clustering at salt and mineral-rich sites captured on camera traps.

Sarah Larniuk, Deputy Editor of The Intelligence and on-the-ground reporter in Kyiv, describes life under strikes and freezing outages. The show also digs into a surprising probe of two top Chinese generals and what it means for leadership and military readiness. Finally, the rise of Strava and its IPO ambitions and why athletes flock to its social fitness features are explored.

Hamish Clayton, a conservation reporter who covers wildlife and red squirrel protection. Henry Trix, a tech editor who tracks AI industry finances and strategy. They discuss a controversial federal killing in Minneapolis and its political fallout. They also examine OpenAI’s massive cash burn and survival options. Finally, they outline Britain’s red squirrel rescue tactics.

A management columnist experiments with AI tools and even an AI clone to see what actually works. The show cuts through AI hype to find practical uses for managers and employees. It explores emotional reactions to automation and how companies already deploy AI for customer service and building businesses. The series looks at agents as co‑founders and warns against the easy‑button mindset.

AI is changing how we work. It's turning us all into managers. Be a good one. The Economist’s management columnist, Andrew Palmer, takes on the bots in the third season of Boss Class. From cloning to coding, agents to entry-level jobs, he tackles the threat head on and figures out how to turn anxiety into opportunity. Along the way he meets bulls and bears and the people who can help you to master management in the age of AI. Full Season 3 out 29th January 2026.To listen to the full series, subscribe to Economist Podcasts+. https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plusIf you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you have full access to all our shows as part of your subscription. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gareth Brown, a Middle East correspondent, offers an insightful look into life's turbulent realities at Al-Hol camp, the largest holding site for ISIS fighters in northern Syria. He discusses the recent handover from Kurdish control and the security concerns that arise from potential escapes. The camp's diverse residents, particularly the children, reveal complex ideological divides. Brown also explores how Al-Hol's struggles might shape Syria's future amidst rising sectarian tensions and the looming threat of violence.

Explore the evolving workplace as AI transforms managers into a new breed of leaders. Andrew Palmer engages with his clone while testing various AI tools, encountering a rollercoaster of emotions from excitement to frustration. Delve into how companies are harnessing AI for customer service and innovation. Yet, he argues the limits of AI—emphasizing it can't fully replace new talent. Join the conversation on mastering management in an AI-driven world!

Tom Nuttall, Berlin bureau chief at The Economist, discusses the fallout from Trump's controversial Greenland remarks, questioning the future of US-Europe relations. He highlights Denmark's sovereignty and the unlikely prospects of a purchase. Meanwhile, Tom Wainwright, Media editor, dives into TikTok's complicated ownership transfer, revealing concerns over user data and algorithm influence. He also examines how shifting political dynamics and financial incentives shaped the deal despite ongoing scrutiny.

Recent clashes in northeastern Syria highlight the complex dynamics between Kurdish forces and the Syrian government. A correspondent reports on the shifting frontlines and the strategic significance of Shadadi in the fight against ISIS. Meanwhile, excitement brews in Vietnam as factions vie for power in a critical Communist Party Congress that could reshape the nation’s future. The podcast also touches on the evolving role of millennial fathers, revealing increased involvement in childcare and aiming for greater gender equality.

Noah Snyder, East Asia bureau chief at The Economist, analyzes Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae's bold decision to call a snap election, weighing her popularity against her party's struggles. Dominic Ziegler discusses the newly formed Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement aimed at protecting high seas, tackling overfishing and ecosystem degradation. Henrietta McFarlane explores how upscale restaurants adapt to the rise of weight-loss drugs, shifting towards smaller, high-quality dishes as dining habits evolve.