Big Take

Joshua Green, Bloomberg Businessweek national political correspondent, discusses the encroachment of red states on blue cities in the US, highlighting examples from Nashville and Austin. The episode explores the breakdown of bipartisan cooperation, gerrymandering, and the shift of political battles to the state level. It emphasizes the frustration felt by Nashville residents as their power and representation in government erode, and reflects on the lack of positive signs or reforms in Tennessee's political climate.

US auto workers initiated an unprecedented strike against major car manufacturers, demanding better working conditions and higher wages. The strike's potential impact on the economy and support from union workers are discussed. CEOs express frustration with the strike and its consequences are examined, including its ripple effects on various industries. President Biden faces challenges in balancing support for labor unions with the need to prevent a prolonged strike. Speculation on the strike's future and separate issues with GM and Stellantis are also explored.

There were many global issues on the table at the G-20 summit in New Delhi. But arguably the real center of attention at the India meeting was India itself–and the ambitious agenda of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Bloomberg’s Sudhi Ranjan Sen and Daniel Ten Kate join this episode to discuss what came out of the gathering of leaders—and how India is asserting itself on the world stage. Read more: India’s Moment Has Arrived, and Modi Wants a New Global Order Listen to The Big Take podcast every weekday and subscribe to our daily newsletter: https://bloom.bg/3F3EJAK  Have questions or comments for Wes and the team? Reach us at bigtake@bloomberg.net.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Retail workers are facing amplified challenges in the post-pandemic economy, including rude customers, long hours, and low pay. These issues have resulted in a decline in workers' sense of value and respect, leading many to quit. The podcast also discusses the broader challenges faced by brick and mortar stores in competing with online sales.

The podcast discusses the make or break moment for carbon capture and whether it can slow climate change. It explores the concept of carbon capture and storage, the importance of CCS in achieving green goals, and the challenges and environmental impact of Chevron's Gorgon facility. The potential impact of carbon capture technology and the feasibility and financial considerations of carbon capture projects are also explored. The role of carbon capture and storage in addressing emissions and securing funding and support is discussed as well.

For decades, companies looking to lower costs have resorted to offshoring—moving their manufacturing to China and other nations in Asia. But US-China tensions and a desire to simplify long, complex supply chains are now leading a growing number of businesses that serve US customers to do the reverse—“nearshoring.”  They’re relocating some or all of their operations to Mexico. Bloomberg’s Maya Averbuch and Leda Alvim join this episode to talk about Mexico’s manufacturing boom in everything from electric vehicles to baked goods—and why it’s a critical moment for the country’s economy. Read more: Mexico’s Moment: The Biggest US Trading Partner Is No Longer China Listen to The Big Take podcast every weekday and subscribe to our daily newsletter: https://bloom.bg/3F3EJAK  Have questions or comments for Wes and the team? Reach us at bigtake@bloomberg.net.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

By now, most people across the globe have returned to pre-pandemic routines like traveling and going to the movies. But when it comes to where they work, many remote employees want to leave their offices in the past. Bloomberg’s Matthew Boyle joins this episode to discuss companies’ ongoing battle to lure employees back to in-person work, and where the return-to-office movement has gained the most traction around the world. Read more: Return-to-Office Is a $1.3 Trillion Problem Few Have Figured Out Listen to The Big Take podcast every weekday and subscribe to our daily newsletter: https://bloom.bg/3F3EJAK  Have questions or comments for Wes and the team? Reach us at bigtake@bloomberg.net.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A cheap, illegal amphetamine called captagon is raising alarm around the globe after circulating for years in the Middle East. The US and its allies say much of the world’s supply of captagon is made in Syria–and that the government of President Bashar Al-Assad is using captagon sales abroad to cushion the financial blow of Western sanctions on Syria. Bloomberg’s Sam Dagher and Samy Adghirni join this episode to describe captagon’s rise from 1960s German pharmaceutical to pervasive street drug, and why European officials are so concerned about a possible influx within their borders. Caroline Rose, Director of the Captagon Trade Project at the New Lines Institute explains how the US is responding to the spread of captagon. Read more: ‘Poor Man’s Cocaine’ Costing $3 a Pill Threatens to Proliferate Listen to The Big Take podcast every weekday and subscribe to our daily newsletter: https://bloom.bg/3F3EJAK  Have questions or comments for Wes and the team? Reach us at bigtake@bloomberg.net.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This podcast discusses the upsides and downsides of the growing EV boom, including abandoned electric cars in China and revenue shortfalls in Norway due to tax breaks. It highlights the rise and fall of EV startups in China, Norway's success story with EVs, and how Oslo is adapting to the rise of electric cars. The importance of electric cars in combating climate change and addressing car congestion in cities is also explored.

Bloomberg reporter Austin Carr shares his frustrating experience attempting to leave Apple's ecosystem for Android and Windows. He explores the challenges of transferring photos, messages, and contacts, and discusses why Apple creates these barriers. The chapter also delves into the social pressures and complexities involved in migrating from Apple to Android. Despite the frustrations, the demand for more options to leave Apple for Android is discussed.