Economist Podcasts

Shashank Joshi, The Economist's defence editor, discusses Ukraine's critical counter-offensive strategies against Russian forces, emphasizing strategic regions and logistical challenges. James Miles explores the Wenzhou diaspora's impact on European economies, highlighting success stories in textiles and catering. The conversation also touches on the political messages in dystopian films, particularly 'Soylent Green', reflecting on environmental degradation and societal issues, resonating with today's pressing concerns.

Simon Rabinovich, the US economics editor for The Economist, discusses the surprising resilience of the American economy despite political woes. Mark Johnson, the education correspondent, critiques the high cost of higher education, arguing the wrong degree could leave students worse off. Stephanie Studer dives into the pressing issue of book censorship, highlighting the ongoing battles for literary freedom globally. Together, they reveal how these threads connect to broader societal challenges and the importance of balancing education with economic realities.

Tom Gardner, The Economist's East Africa correspondent, and Stanley Pinial, Brussels bureau chief, dive into the escalating violence in Sudan as rival military factions clash, threatening a transition to civilian rule. Gardner provides expert insights into the dire humanitarian impact on civilians and the grim prospects for peace negotiations. Meanwhile, Pinial tackles Europe's air pollution crisis, revealing its serious health repercussions and the struggles cities face in combatting it, all while discussing a new 'banana index' for sustainable eating.

In this engaging discussion, Piotr Zilevski, The Economist's Turkey correspondent, shares insights on the massive reconstruction efforts after the earthquakes, highlighting the staggering $104 billion cost and political implications for President Erdogan. Kinley Salmon, Africa correspondent, reveals a surprising demographic trend as Africa's baby boom slows down, exploring changing attitudes toward family planning and the impact on future economic dynamics. Together, they offer a thought-provoking look at pressing global challenges.

Kerry and Richmond Jones, finance and economics writers for The Economist, dive into the complexities of the IMF's stagnant lending despite its cash reserves. They discuss how China’s lending practices threaten the IMF's relevance. Robert Guest, the deputy editor, sheds light on the toll of climate change on Latin American agriculture, revealing struggles faced by farmers in Brazil and Argentina. The conversation also touches on the intriguing dynamics of the 'talented jerk' in the workplace, exploring their impact on team morale.

Anton LaGuardia, Diplomatic editor for The Economist, shares insights on a massive intelligence leak that could tilt the balance of power in Ukraine's conflict. He discusses the U.S. government's urgent efforts to contain the fallout and how this breach could impact international relations. The conversation also dives into the dramatic tech layoffs of 2023, revealing where displaced workers might go next. Additionally, there's a fascinating look at how pet ownership can potentially reduce childhood allergies, challenging conventional wisdom on hygiene.

The podcast dives into the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, celebrating its role in reducing violence while confronting current political dysfunction in Northern Ireland. It discusses President Biden's visit, unraveling the complexities of modern Irish unity. The transition from Jenner's smallpox vaccine to today's mRNA technology is examined, highlighting advancements in delivery methods. Lastly, the legacy of Picasso is explored, revealing how personal controversies influence perceptions of his art in today's society.

Anjali Johnstone, a data journalist at The Economist, dives into the nuances of the housing market in light of rising interest rates. She discusses how these changes are creating challenges for buyers and builders alike. The conversation shifts to a contentious debate on mask effectiveness, highlighting conflicting studies and public compliance issues during the pandemic. Additionally, Johnstone explores an innovative revival of 'Guys and Dolls,' emphasizing how immersive theater can engage audiences in ways that traditional performances can't.

Tom Wainwright, The Economist's tech and media editor, discusses the explosive growth of the gaming industry, which now eclipses cinema in revenue. He examines the rise of esports and educational programs designed around gaming, showing the vibrant community it fosters. Wainwright also explores gaming's socio-political impact and the evolving landscape of the metaverse. Additionally, the episode features a poignant update from Kharkiv, delving into resilience amid conflict and a cultural resurgence spurred by the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.

The arrest of a Wall Street Journal journalist in Russia raises alarms about the risks faced by foreign reporters amid geopolitical tensions. Personal stories reveal the struggles of single mothers navigating government assistance in the U.S. and the challenges of fraud in social welfare programs. Meanwhile, ChatGPT showcases its impressive language capabilities, offering hope for smaller languages at risk of decline. The podcast weaves together pressing issues of journalism, social policy, and technological innovation.