Economist Podcasts

Can peace hold in Lebanon while Hizbullah remains? Our correspondent weighs the balance of power between government forces and the Iran-backed militia. The resale value of Labubus is falling – who cares? And remembering Swedish death-clearer, Margareta Magnusson. Watch extended clips from “ The Insider ” on rising oil prices. And listen to our “ Weekend Intelligence ” episode on “Kidulting: why adults are turning to toys”. Guests and host: Gareth Browne, Middle East correspondent Josh Roberts, capital markets correspondent Ann Wroe, obituaries editor Rosie Blau, host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: Lebanon, Hizbullah, Israel, ceasefire Labubus, PopMart, Funko, financial bubbles Margareta Magnusson, death-clearing, decluttering Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ 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.

Oil prices are at their highest since 2022, as a swift end to the Iran conflict proves elusive. Yet, our commodities editor says, markets do not yet yet recognise how deep the supply shock is. Who will contest next year’s pivotal election in France? And great expectations in Brazil ahead of the World Cup. Hosted on Acast.

Artificial Intelligence is becoming ubiquitous, but the industry that powers it is struggling to keep up with demand. The host of our award-winning podcast series “ Scam Inc ” says fraudsters in Asia are becoming more sophisticated. And after Allbirds stops selling shoes, what comes next? Guests and host: Shailesh Chitnis, global business writer Sue-Lin Wong, host of Scam Inc Shera Avi-Yonah, business writer Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Jason Palmer, co-hosts of “The intelligence” Topics covered: AI, Anthropic, GPUs, Nvidia, TSMC Scam Inc, malware, cybercrime, fraud Allbirds, Casper, Warby Parker, Dollar Shave Club Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ 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.

The “special relationship” between Britain and America is at its weakest since the Suez crisis of 1956. Will a state visit by King Charles III to America salvage the tie? Why Japanese automakers may be running out of road. And fish from New York’s Hudson river are now safe to eat. Guests and host: Rosie Blau, host of “The Intelligence” Daniel Franklin, senior editor, Britain Ethan Wu, Asia business and finance editor Stevie Hertz, US policy correspondent Topics covered: King Charles III, state visit, special relationship Japanese carmakers, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, EVs Hudson river, fishing Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ 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.

After a gunman stormed Donald Trump’s dinner with the press, questions are being revived about the president’s security. Germany’s top general explains the country’s new defence strategy. And listeners respond to our Weekend Intelligence episode on the passport bros who go abroad to find “a good woman”. Guests and host: John Prideaux, host of “Checks and Balance” and US editor Tom Nuttall, Berlin bureau chief Carla Subirana, reporter Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Jason Palmer, co-hosts of “The intelligence” Topics covered: Donald Trump, assassination attempt, White House dinner, Cole Tomas Allen Carsten Breuer, Bundeswehr, NATO, Ukraine Passport bros, tradwife, misogyny Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ 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.

We go deep inside the Chernobyl nuclear-power plant and the surrounding exclusion zone, recounting the history of the accident on April 26 1986, and speaking with plant workers who were on shift that day. A pre-eminent Chernobyl historian discusses the lessons learned and yet to be learned from the disaster. And we consider the science still being done at Chernobyl. In 2024 “The Weekend Intelligence” went to Ukraine to consider the aftermath of the Russian invasion and occupation of Chernobyl, and then of the Zaporizhia nuclear-power plant. What we found was an industry that had no expectation that could even happen, and nothing of a plan when it did. Guests and host: Serhii Plokhy, historian, Harvard University Olena Pareniuk, radiobiologist, Institute for Safety Problems of Nuclear Power Plants Jim Smith, environmental scientist, University of Portsmouth Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: Chernobyl nuclear-power plant, history nuclear safety, nuclear-energy policy radiation exposure, radiobiology, radioecology Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+. 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.

We examine what our forecast model predicts so far —and consider what might change its confident prediction for one house of Congress and toss-up call for the other. Our correspondent sits down with Steve Reich, a pioneering classical composer who is nearing his 90th birthday. And the surprising reason why firstborns tend to have more-successful lives. Additional music courtesy of Steve Reich (Nonesuch Records), Erik Hall (Western Vinyl) Guests and host: Dan Rosenheck, data editor Jon Fasman, senior culture correspondent Ainslie Johnstone, data journalist Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: American elections, Congress, polling, gerrymandering Steve Reich, contemporary classical music birth order, statistics Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+. 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.

The decision of Anthropic, an AI giant, to keep its Mythos model sequestered surely makes for good press. But there seems to be more to it than that—and it might change the whole industry’s approach. Indian politicians are chasing female voters more than ever; we question the means and the outcomes. And next in our World Cup contender-country profiles: Senegal. Guests and host: Alex Hern, AI writer Kira Huju, Asia correspondent Jon Fasman, senior culture correspondent Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: AI, Anthropic, Mythos India, women, politics World Cup, Senegal Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+. 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.

Tim Cook is stepping down after overseeing 15 years of spectacular growth. We take a look at his successor. Japan’s rural women are disproportionately heading to cities, and their home towns are working hard to lure them back. And a historical examination of boredom, and why Britons have perhaps less of it than they should. Guests and host: Tom Lee-Devlin, business editor Moeka Iida, Japan reporter Catherine Nixey, culture correspondent Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: Apple, technology, CEO, John Ternus Japan, demographics Britain, boredom Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+. 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.

This week’s peace talks are endangered after American forces fired on and boarded a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz. We visit Chernobyl’s ruined reactor to assess the damage done by a Russian drone to its enormous safety structure. The likes of McDonald’s and KFC have long been in China’s cities; now they are expanding at pace in the countryside. Guests and host: Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East correspondent Sarah Lawrynuik, deputy editor of “The Intelligence” Don Weinland, China business and finance editor Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: Iran war, Strait of Hormuz Chernobyl, Ukraine war China, fast food Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+. 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.

When America seized Venezuela’s president Nicolas Maduro in January, it left the rest of his regime intact. Three months on, our correspondent finds optimism and some loosening of repression. Venezuela’s opposition leader María Corina Machado fled to America, now she explains her ambitions for the country. And celebrating the life of Nick Pope, who spent decades investigating UFOs. Guests and host: Kinley Salmon, Latin America correspondent Ann Wroe, obituaries editor Rosie Blau, host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: Venezuela, oil, Maduro, Trump María Corina Machado, elections Nick Pope, UFOs, aliens, NASA Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ 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.

After six weeks of Israel’s offensive against Hizbullah, Lebanon’s president and Israel’s prime minister are due to talk today. What can they achieve? Britain’s “triple lock” pensions are unsustainable. And Uzbekistan’s footballers prepare for the World Cup. Vote for The Economist at the Webby Awards: “ The Last Boat ” podcast, TikTok channel and language series. Guests and host: Anshel Pfeffer, Israel correspondent Josh Roberts, capital markets correspondent Jon Fasman, senior culture correspondent Rosie Blau, host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: Israel, Lebanon, Hizbullah, Netanyahu State pension, Britain, triple lock, inflation World Cup, Uzbekistan Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ 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.

The Iran conflict and blockades in the Strait of Hormuz are slowing supply not just of fuel, but food and fertiliser. Geophysics could worsen the approaching hunger crisis: an El Niño weather event is predicted for this year. Anti-conversion laws are resulting in horrific scenes at Christian burial sites in India. Guests and host: Catherine Brahic, environment editor Avantika Chilkoti, global business writer Kira Huju, Asia correspondent Carla Subirana, news desk editor Rosie Blau, host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: Iran conflict, oil, food crisis, fertilisers, El Niño India, Hindu nationalism, Christian conversions, Modi Britain, pets, vets Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ 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.

After the failure of talks at the weekend, America is now stopping all ships from using Iranian ports and coastal areas. Our correspondent analyses the rationale. Burkina Faso ’s government is committing war crimes. And which type of fizzy water tastes best? Vote for “The Economist” in the Webby Awards: “ The Last Boat ” podcast and Lane Greene on languages Guests and host: Shashank Joshi, defence editor Tom Gardner, Africa correspondent Jon Fasman, senior culture writer Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: America, Iran, blockade, Strait of Hormuz, oil Burkina Faso, Sahel, jihad, Ibrahim Traoré Sparkling water, fizzy drinks, alcohol Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ 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.

In a momentous election, Viktor Orban has lost power in Hungary after 16 years of increasingly autocratic rule. Our correspondent explains how the country’s opposition led by Peter Magyar ousted a corrupt regime. Why cows in Britain are producing too much milk. And celebrating the giant rat that helped sniff out landmines in Cambodia. Guests and host: Matt Steinglass, Europe editor Harry Taunton, Britain writer Vishnu Padmanabhan, Asia correspondent Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Jason Palmer, co-host of “The intelligence” Topics covered: Hungary, Viktor Orban, Peter Magyar, populism Dairy farming, cows, milk, wellness Cambodia, landmines, Magawa, heroRats Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ 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.

Also on the daily podcast: what the Artemis Moon mission really accomplished and remembering a brave Soviet psychiatrist SHOW-NOTES TEXT (60ish wds) Binyamin Netanyahu says his strikes against Hizbullah are separate from the Iran-war ceasefire. That assertion is putting cracks in the deal, and in Israel’s relationship with America. We look at the stated and the unstated goals of the Artemis mission to the Moon—both achieved. And a tribute to Semyon Gluzman, who exposed the Soviet ruse of labelling dissidents as mental-health cases. Guests and host: Anshel Pfeffer, Israel correspondent Oliver Morton, senior editor Ann Wroe, obituaries editor Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: Israel, Iran war, Lebanon, America Artemis mission, NASA, Moon Semyon Gluzman, Soviet Union, psychiatry Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+. 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.

President Donald Trump has long threatened to pull America out of the alliance. We examine why the Iran war has made this time look significantly more serious. Westerners are fleeing their countries in record numbers —with economic consequences for their origins and destinations. And our series profiling the countries contesting the World Cup starts with Spain. Guests and host: Anton La Guardia, diplomatic editor Callum Williams, senior economics writer Jon Fasman, senior culture correspondent Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: NATO, war in Iran, Donald Trump, Mark Rutte expats, emigration, economics World Cup, Spain Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+. 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.

With little time to spare before a threatened civilisation-ending attack, America agreed a pause in fighting with Iran. We ask how the temporary deal was reached and how likely a permanent one is. China has an ever-expanding, state-led IVF programme: can that actually reverse a deepening demographic crisis? And the right way to think about AI’s entry into literature. Guests and host: Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East correspondent Carla Subirana, news editor Andrew Miller, special correspondent Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: Iran war, Donald Trump, ceasefire China, demographics, IVF AI, literature Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+. 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.

President Donald Trump’s rhetoric has grown yet more bellicose—and sweary. His stated ploy to destroy Iran’s bridges and power plants would be ruinous for Iran, and Iran’s planned retaliation ruinous for the region. AI-driven job losses predicted for India’s IT sector are looking more likely to be job gains. And why Gen Z is taking up boomers’ hobbies. Guests and host: Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East correspondent Gavin Jackson, South Asia business and economics correspondent Caitlin Talbot, digital culture correspondent Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: Iran war, America India, IT work, AI Gen Z, hobbies Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+. 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.

Viktor Orban, Hungary’s prime minister, is an idol to the global nationalist conservative right. Losing the next election would have far-reaching consequences. Could tourists help boost jaguar populations in South and Central America? And the number of Catholic saints is soaring. Guests and host: Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Jason Palmer, co-host of “The intelligence” Matt Steinglass, Europe editor Ana Lankes, Brazil correspondent Catherine Nixey, culture correspondent Topics covered: Hungary, Viktor Orban, Peter Magyar, Fidesz Jaguars, climate change Saints, Catholic Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ 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.