Economist Podcasts

Behind the scenes, Artificial Intelligence is playing a growing role in every aspect of film-making, from script-writing and production-planning to shot-generation and editing. As the number of people covered by Obamacare falls, our correspondent ponders the future of the healthcare programme. And the secret thrill of American country dancing in France.Guests and host:Henry Tricks, US technology editorStevie Hertz, US public policy correspondentSophie Pedder, Paris bureau chiefRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Hollywood, filmmaking, AIObamacare, healthcare, health insuranceFrance, country music, line-dancingListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our correspondent goes inside a Chinese robot facility to see thousands of droids being taught to complete useful tasks. Is it worth the time and money? How Meta’s $17bn settlement at its blockbuster trial could change teen social-media use. And 75 years of the Paris bookshop Shakespeare and Company.Watch extended clips from Insider here, plus the full Elon Musk interviewGuests and host:Don Weinland, China business editorAlice Fulwood, “Money Talks” host and US business editorAlexandra Suich-Bass, culture editorRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Robots, humanoids, China, AIMeta, Instagram, Facebook, social media, addiction, Shakespeare and Company, Paris, bookshopsListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After much hullabaloo America announced its “Operation Economic Outcast”, a new tranche of sanctions. It is thin gruel, and might in fact invite military reprisals from Iran. Call centres form a large part of the economy of the Philippines; surprisingly, AI is not stopping the industry’s rise. And a data-led look at which cities offer the best (relative) paycheques.  Guests and host:Fraser McIlwraith, foreign correspondentJoshua Spencer, Asia news editorVishnu Padmanabhan, Asia correspondentRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Iran war, sanctionsAI, offshoring, the Philippinesworld cities, pay, economic migrationListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Promising trade talks imploded after a literal 11th-hour change from the American side. We examine the new trade barriers being erected, and the complex calculation for Prime Minister Mark Carney. In Japan Gen X workers are even still bearing the costs of an economic bubble-burst from the 1990s. And how fates of civilisations have turned on sieges throughout history. Guests and host:Hal Hodson, Americas editorMoeka Iida, East Asia reporterRichard Cockett, senior digital editorJason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Canada, the United States, tariffs, Mark Carney, trade warJapan, Gen X, labour marketsieges, world historyListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.Correction (August 26th): We originally published a version of this podcast stated that Japan's bubble era spanned the 1970s and 1980s. It was only the 1980s. Apologies for the error. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The rise of generative AI has put new urgency into ancient questions. What is consciousness, and can machines ever have it? We dive into the data that reveal a surge in sexually transmitted infections in Europe. And our obituaries editor considers the life of Mary de Rachewiltz, translator and tireless defender of her father, Ezra Pound. Watch extended clips from Insider here.Guests and host:Alok Jha, science & technology editorStephen Hurford, newsdesk writerAnn Wroe, obituaries editorRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: AI, consciousnesssexual health, STIs, STDs, EuropeMary de Rachewiltz, Ezra PoundListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Lebanon’s president Joseph Aoun visits the White House to ask for Donald Trump’s help rebuilding the country. Our correspondent reports from his recent trip to Lebanon on the challenges it faces. Threats to Red Bull’s magnificent marketing machine. And why the age gap between the wealthiest men and their wives is shrinking.Guests and host:Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East correspondentVendeline von Bredow, senior Germany correspondentDoug Dowson, data journalistRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Lebanon, Beirut, Joseph Aoun, HizbullahRed Bull, energy drinks, extreme sportsTrophy wives, age gap, misogynyListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Andrey Melnichenko, Russia’s biggest industrialist, warns in The Economist that disaster is looming for his country as the war in Ukraine continues. What does it mean when members of the elite risk broadcasting their discontent? Our correspondent describes life in Kyiv as attacks intensify. And our week-long journey down Route 66 reaches the end of the road.Watch extended clips from Insider here.Guests and host:Edward Carr, Economist deputy editorArkady Ostrovsky, Russia editorOliver Carroll, Ukraine correspondentJon Fasman, senior culture correspondentRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Russia, Putin, Andrey MelnichenkoUkraine, Kyiv, drone, interceptorRoute 66, car cultureListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As NATO leaders gather for the annual summit in Turkey today, the thorniest issue is off the agenda: fractures within the alliance. Our correspondent travels to the Baltics, where a strategic shift is already evident. First there was vibe coding, now vibe lawyering is coming to courtrooms. And day two of our great American roadtrip down Route 66.  Guests and host:Anton La Guardia, diplomatic editorAnna Kerr, senior audience editorJon Fasman, senior culture correspondentRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: NATO, Ukraine, AnkaraVibe lawyering, vibe coding, courtroomRoute 66, CaliforniaListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.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.

For all the Trumpian chaos in Latin America, no other developing-world regional economy has done so well in the past year. We examine the Donroe dividend. The cost to make jollof rice, a staple dish in Nigeria and Ghana, is a window into the countries’ economies. And the BBC waves goodbye to its long-wave radio service.Guests and host:Cerian Richmond-Jones, international economics correspondentỌrẹ Ogunbiyi, Africa correspondentBo Franklin, senior editorRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Latin America, Donroe doctrine, miningNigeria, Ghana, cost of living, jollof riceBBC, long-wave radioGet 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. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ukraine is intensifying cross-border attacks in a strategic and psychological effort to make ordinary Russians take notice of the war. We have been collecting reports from the ground on shifting attitudes as occupied Crimea comes under fire. Why the valuation of Elon Musk’s SpaceX affects us all. And celebrating the life of former Fed chair Alan Greenspan.Guests and host:Matt Steinglass, Europe editorJosh Roberts, capital markets correspondentAnn Wroe, obituaries editorRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Ukraine, Crimea, Zelensky, PutinSpaceX, Elon Musk, trillionaire, valuationAlan Greenspan, Federal Reserve, monetary policyListen 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. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our correspondent joins an embed in Lebanon, where Israel claims that Hizbullah’s continued strength justifies its campaign. If Israel’s goals diverge from America’s, how does this affect peace talks over the Iran conflict? The impact of the oncoming “Godzilla" El Niño. And why Japan’s popular princess will never take the throne.Guests and host:Anshel Pfeffer, Israel correspondentCatherine Brahic, environment editorMoeka Iida, East Asia correspondentRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Lebanon, Hizbullah, IDF, Majdal ZounEl Niño, climate change, famineJapan, Naruhito, Aiko, Princess ToshiListen 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. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Alexis de Tocqueville visited America from France in 1831 he saw a new kind of society. Not just a country, but an idea that would change the world. His book “Democracy in America” was a big influence on later generations of writers and thinkers, including The Economist’s US Editor John Prideaux. Now, 250 years after its birth, the vitality of that democracy is under question. In this series, John retraces the route Tocqueville took to find out how much of what inspired Tocqueville about America remains—and how worried we should be about what’s changed.Out nowFind the show on The Economist app | On Spotify | On other appsOn Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/be/podcast/tocqueville-road-trip-from-the-economist/id1896918330 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On June 23rd 2016, Britain voted to leave the European Union, triggering years of argument, lost economic opportunities and political malaise. Our correspondents look back on the seismic moment and its aftershocks. And, as Britain prepares to get its seventh prime minister in a decade, we ask how the government can look forward to new opportunities.Guests and host:Daniel Franklin, senior editorJohn Peet, associate editorTom Carter, Britain economics correspondentGeorgia Banjo, Britain correspondentRosie Blau, co-host of “The intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The intelligence”Topics covered: Brexit, European Union, EUDavid Cameron, Boris Johnson, Andy BurnhamAI, defenceListen 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. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Alexis de Tocqueville visited America from France in 1831 he saw a new kind of society. Not just a country, but an idea that would change the world. His book “Democracy in America” was a big influence on later generations of writers and thinkers, including The Economist’s US Editor John Prideaux. Now, 250 years after its birth, the vitality of that democracy is under question. In this series, John retraces the route Tocqueville took to find out how much of what inspired Tocqueville about America remains—and how worried we should be about what’s changed.Out nowFind the show on The Economist app | On Spotify | On other appsOn Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/be/podcast/tocqueville-road-trip-from-the-economist/id1896918330 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Alexis de Tocqueville visited America from France in 1831 he saw a new kind of society. Not just a country, but an idea that would change the world. His book “Democracy in America” was a big influence on later generations of writers and thinkers, including The Economist’s US Editor John Prideaux. Now, 250 years after its birth, the vitality of that democracy is under question. In this series, John retraces the route Tocqueville took to find out how much of what inspired Tocqueville about America remains—and how worried we should be about what’s changed.Out nowFind the show on The Economist app | On Spotify | On other appsOn Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/be/podcast/tocqueville-road-trip-from-the-economist/id1896918330 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Alexis de Tocqueville visited America from France in 1831 he saw a new kind of society. Not just a country, but an idea that would change the world. His book “Democracy in America” was a big influence on later generations of writers and thinkers, including The Economist’s US Editor John Prideaux. Now, 250 years after its birth, the vitality of that democracy is under question. In this series, John retraces the route Tocqueville took to find out how much of what inspired Tocqueville about America remains—and how worried we should be about what’s changed.Out nowFind the show on The Economist app | On Spotify | On other appsOn Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/be/podcast/tocqueville-road-trip-from-the-economist/id1896918330 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The World Cup may seem to be proof that the digital commons centralises a global audience. We find that entertainment is in fact fragmenting, with big implications for soft power. Our series examining America’s 250 years of history tackles the AIDS crisis and the war on terror. And mosquitoes may in fact be attracted to a gold-standard repellent. Guests and host:Tom Wainwright, media editorAnnie Crabill, senior digital editorMatt Kaplan, science correspondentRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: global media, World Cup, cultureAmerican historymosquitoes, scienceGet 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. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Despite exchanges of missiles and drones between Israel and Lebanon, the start of a deal was struck overnight. What exactly has been agreed, and will it hold? We examine the idea that part-nationalisation could be a way to share the coming onslaught of AI wealth. And our series on World Cup contenders concludes with a look at England’s side.Guests and host:Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East correspondentAlex Domash, economics correspondentJon Fasman, senior culture correspondentRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Iran war, Middle East, AmericaAI, wealth redistributionWorld Cup, EnglandGet 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. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tocqueville saw America’s faith in its own democracy as a vital force. But these days the majority of Americans think the country is headed in the wrong direction. Can a group of maximum security prisoners in Sing Sing offer a vision of how to get back on track?Guests and HostsJohn Prideaux, The Economist’s US EditorSean Pica, executive director of Hudson Link for Higher Education in Prison Jean Frantz, prisoner at Sing Sing Correctional Facility Topics Alexis de Tocqueville’s views on voluntary associationsSing Sing prison education programmePrisoners’ views on the American dream Let us know what you think. Email [email protected] the show on The Economist app | On Spotify | On other appsOn Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/be/podcast/tocqueville-road-trip-from-the-economist/id1896918330To listen to the full series, subscribe to Economist Podcasts+If 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.

John Prideaux, The Economist’s US Editor, embarks on a roadtrip to see how America’s democracy is faring in the era of Trump. His companion is a long-dead French aristocrat called Alexis De Tocqueville, author of arguably the best book ever written about America. When Tocqueville arrived in New York in 1831, it was a small, low-slung city where pigs roamed the streets. But he was able to see past that—to a vision of the future.Arriving in Manhattan today, John finds cause for concern, even among the island’s wealthiest residents. Guests and HostsJohn Prideaux, The Economist’s US EditorBabara Tober, Philanthropist and former Editor of Brides magazineJohn Catsimatidis, CEO of Red Apple GroupTopics Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America‘Equality of conditions’ at 250The election of Zohran MamdaniDeclining faith in American democracyLet us know what you think. Email [email protected] To listen to the full series, subscribe to Economist Podcasts+.If 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.

An interview with Lee Jae Myung, South Korea’s president, a year into his role. Though he has stabilised a turbulent polity and overseen a stock market rally, the path ahead may be bumpy. Can India’s cockroach party become a powerful political movement? And celebrating the creator of “Persepolis”, Marjane Satrapi. Watch extended clips from Insider hereGuests and host:Noah Sneider, East Asia bureau chiefTom Sasse, South Asia bureau chiefAnn Wroe, obituaries editorRosie Blau, host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: South Korea, Lee Jae Myung, North KoreaCockroach party, Narendra Modi, Gen-Z protestsMarjane Satrapi, Iran, PersepolisListen 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. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tocqueville saw America’s faith in its own democracy as a vital force. But these days the majority of Americans think the country is headed in the wrong direction. Can a group of maximum security prisoners in Sing Sing offer a vision of how to get back on track?Guests and HostsJohn Prideaux, The Economist’s US EditorSean Pica, executive director of Hudson Link for Higher Education in Prison Jean Frantz, prisoner at Sing Sing Correctional Facility Topics Alexis de Tocqueville’s views on voluntary associationsSing Sing prison education programmePrisoners’ views on the American dreamLet us know what you think. Email [email protected] listen to the full series, subscribe to Economist Podcasts+.If 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.

John Prideaux, The Economist’s US Editor, embarks on a roadtrip to see how America’s democracy is faring in the era of Trump. His companion is a long-dead French aristocrat called Alexis De Tocqueville, author of arguably the best book ever written about America. When Tocqueville arrived in New York in 1831, it was a small, low-slung city where pigs roamed the streets. But he was able to see past that—to a vision of the future.Arriving in Manhattan today, John finds cause for concern, even among the island’s wealthiest residents. Guests and HostsJohn Prideaux, The Economist’s US EditorBabara Tober, Philanthropist and former Editor of Brides magazineJohn Catsimatidis, CEO of Red Apple GroupTopics Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America‘Equality of conditions’ at 250The election of Zohran MamdaniDeclining faith in American democracyLet us know what you think. Email [email protected] listen to the full series, subscribe to Economist Podcasts+.If 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.

Nearly two centuries ago, a French aristocrat called Alexis De Tocqueville went on a trip around America and wrote up his findings in a book called Democracy in America. Many people still think it’s the most insightful thing ever written about the country. John Prideaux, The Economist’s US Editor, is one of them. Tocqueville found Americans' faith in freedom and self-improvement exhilariting—he was the first foreigner to foresee how this new society would change the world. On America’s 250th birthday, John Prideaux sets out on a road trip of his own, following Tocqueville's footsteps from New York to Michigan to Washington, to find out how much of what inspired Tocqueville endures in Trump’s America.Out nowFind the show on The Economist app | On Spotify | On other appsOn Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/be/podcast/tocqueville-road-trip-from-the-economist/id1896918330 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The meeting between President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping will set the tone for three more this year. We examine what and what not to expect. Pepsi has been losing ground to Coca Cola recently; to catch up, it may have to become more like its rival. And this year’s Venice Biennale is uncomfortably besieged by geopolitics. Guests and host:Simon Rabinovitch, Beijing bureau chiefShera Avi-Yonah, business correspondentAlexandra Suich Bass, culture editorRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Trump/Xi summit, geopoliticsCoca Cola, Pepsi, businessVenice Biennale, cultureGet 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. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After catastrophic local-election results, Britain’s prime minister Sir Keir Starmer is fighting for his political life. One airline has folded and others may follow: jet-fuel prices are crimping carriers the world over, but the pain is not spread evenly. And could San Andrés, a popular Colombian tourist island, ever declare independence? Guests and host:Owen Winter, Britain political correspondentSimon Wright, industries editorClaire McQue, Americas writerRosie Blau co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Britain elections, Keir Starmer, Reform UK, Labour Airlines, jet fuel, oil price, Strait of HormuzSan Andrés, Colombia, CaribbeanListen 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. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Kremlin planned to provide Iran with unjammable drones, plus training in how to use them, according to leaked documents seen exclusively by The Economist. Meanwhile there are nearly 20,000 merchant seamen stranded in the Gulf. And a tribute to Craig Venter, dark horse of the Human Genome Project.Watch extended clips from Economist Insider here.Guests and host:Shashank Joshi, defence editorJoshua Spencer, Asia news editorGeoffrey Carr, senior editor, science and technologyRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Iran war, Russia, dronesCommercial shippingCraig VenterGet 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. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An egregious attack in a Jewish neighbourhood in London is just the latest example of a troubling trend. We investigate the claim that antisemitism is becoming normalised in Britain. While many of the world’s luxury brands are struggling, American ones seem to be flourishing. And our series of profiles of teams contesting the World Cup continues with Argentina.Guests and host:Shera Avi-Yonah, business writerAvantika Chilkoti, global business writerJon Fasman, senior culture correspondentRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: antisemitism, BritainAmerican brands, luxury goodsWorld Cup, ArgentinaGet 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. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Good bosses are rare. They don’t have to be. The skills of management can be learned.The Economist’s management columnist, Andrew Palmer, is here to help. The second season of Boss Class features leaders at some of the world’s best performing companies, from Levi’s to Novo Nordisk to Google. New episodes are out weekly starting May 12th. 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.

A sophisticated, predatory, multi-billion dollar industry is emerging from the shadows. It already rivals the size of the illicit drug trade. And it’s about to get bigger and much more powerful. The Economist’s Sue-Lin Wong follows a trail that starts with the collapse of a bank in rural Kansas to uncover a global, underground scam economy built around human trafficking, corruption and money laundering. Can it be stopped?Available now.To listen to the full series subscribe to Economist Podcasts+. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.