Economist Podcasts

Edward Carr, a renowned expert on the Ukraine war, offers profound insights into the contrasting speeches of Vladimir Putin and Joe Biden. He discusses Putin's blame game versus Biden’s firm defense of democratic values. The conversation also touches on the struggle of a Chinese blogger revealing truths about the conflict amid state censorship and the growing trend of young Japanese professionals leaving for better opportunities abroad. Carr's analysis sheds light on the complexities of these international issues and their implications for peace.

Leo Marani, The Economist's South Asia correspondent, dives deep into the air pollution crisis plaguing South Asia, where nine of the ten cities with the worst air quality exist. He discusses how poor policies and agricultural practices worsen health and economic issues. Marani also touches on the urgent need for international collaboration to combat pollution. Additionally, he shares a gripping tale of two Russians who escape their oppressive homeland and highlights the lifestyle habits of the Seventh Day Adventist community that contribute to their longevity.

Greg Karlstrom, Middle East correspondent for The Economist, sheds light on the dire humanitarian crisis in northwest Syria post-earthquake, highlighting the complex dynamics of aid amid political tensions. He discusses how longstanding sanctions complicate relief efforts. Mike Bird, Asia business and finance editor, explores South Korea's precarious property market, detailing how rising interest rates and household debt are driving housing prices down, posing risks to the economy. Together, they paint a picture of two interconnected crises.

Avantika Chilkoti, an international correspondent for The Economist, discusses how Silicon Valley billionaires are reshaping philanthropy with data-driven, impactful giving. Meanwhile, Tomas Keen, an incarcerated individual, shares his eye-opening experiences with day trading behind bars, revealing how he navigates finances while confronting the challenges of the prison system. The podcast also touches on the artistic legacy of Maya Widmaier-Picasso, highlighting her deep bond with her father and her struggles to preserve his work.

Matthew Hullhouse, The Economist's British politics correspondent, analyzes the fallout from Nicola Sturgeon's resignation, discussing its impact on Scottish independence and the future of the SNP amidst a polarized political climate. Arthur Holland Michel explores groundbreaking Wi-Fi signal tracking technology, revealing how it can reconstruct personal movements like echolocation, while raising urgent privacy concerns. They also dive into France's pension reforms and the societal implications of work culture, providing a comprehensive look into the evolving political landscapes.

Nikki Haley kicks off her 2024 presidential campaign, facing steep challenges in the Republican race. The podcast dives into the dynamics of her candidacy and the shifting support among party donors. Meanwhile, it sheds light on the troubling repression of journalism in the Middle East, highlighting the risks faced by reporters. Finally, an exploration of two films featuring donkeys invites listeners to rethink empathy and the complexities of animal characters in storytelling.

Greg Karlstrom, The Economist's Middle East correspondent, shares insights on how Gulf states are modernizing and liberalizing in anticipation of a post-oil world. He discusses cultural shifts, economic diversification, and the rising living costs that threaten political stability. Meanwhile, Henry Tricks analyzes BYD's meteoric rise as a contender in the electric vehicle market, challenging Tesla with innovative strategies. They also humorously highlight the environmental dilemma of wet wipes creating islands along the Thames, sparking a conversation about pollution and regulations.

Piotr Zalewski, The Economist's Turkey correspondent, shares heart-wrenching insights from the earthquake's aftermath in Turkey, focusing on the failure of building regulations and the public outcry for accountability. Joshua Roberts, city and finance correspondent, dives into Britain's productivity crisis, linking it to management failures and suggesting that better management could significantly boost company performance. The conversation also touches on a national survey exploring sexual health data, revealing changing attitudes and behaviors.

Kinley Salmon, The Economist's West Africa correspondent, sheds light on the upcoming elections in Nigeria, emphasizing the potential for youth-driven change amidst significant challenges. Simon Cox, the China economics editor, examines the mixed global effects of China's post-pandemic reopening, raising questions about its impact on worldwide markets. Meanwhile, Imogen White critiques the portrayal of psychotherapy in films and TV, revealing how these dramatizations shape public perception and often misrepresent the therapeutic process.

Alexandra Sewitch-Bass, a senior correspondent at The Economist specializing in U.S. state politics, joins Jan Piotrowski, the publication's business editor, and Asia editor James Astell. They delve into the rising importance of state legislatures, discussing how their laws affect citizens more than federal actions. Jan offers insights into Meta’s recovery strategies, while James reflects on Pervez Musharraf’s complex legacy in Pakistan, highlighting his reforms and the intertwining of military and democracy.