The Economist Radio (All audio)

Decades of messaging have not worked, so governments are trying new ways to get citizens to eat well, from scary labelling to taxing the junkiest foods. Will it work? The death of a plague researcher in Russia is made more mysterious by the government’s resolute lack of transparency. And a tribute to Cyril Hilsum, the inventor behind ubiquitous flat-screen displays. Watch extended clips from Insider here. Guests and host: Slavea Chankova, health-care correspondent Alex Turner, defence editor Ann Wroe, obituaries editor Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: diet, public health, health policy Russia, plague, bioweapons Cyril Hilsum, liquid crystals, flat-screen displays Listen 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.

Bond yields across the rich world keep ticking up. We take a global look at where the risks are mounting most, and just how much worry is warranted. What might have once seemed fanciful is becoming real: delivering daylight to dark parts of the world using mirrors in space. And the fatal earnestness of “The Social Reckoning”. Guests and host: Alex Domash, economics correspondent Tim Cross, senior science writer Tom Wainwright, culture correspondent Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: bond yields, monetary policy, animal spirits satellite technology, darkness and light “The Social Reckoning”, Aaron Sorkin Listen 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.

What started as a small protest about conditions of a school and of schooling has mushroomed, and tapped into national anxieties that may prove hard to tame. In the context of the “Cornell 7” case we examine Title IX, the statute that should protect students—but that is failing. And how peddling superstitions to financiers is big business in India. Guests and host: Sophie Pedder, Paris bureau chief Stevie Hertz, US policy correspondent Abhishek Kumar, India writer Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: France protests, French politics Cornell 7, Title IX, sexual assault India, finance, astrology, superstition Listen 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.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is gambling that anger about housing might solidify his mandate in a snap poll. Most probably it will instead add to the rightward shift in European politics. America’s beef prices have never been higher, so why is it that the meatpackers have it so tough? And the battery technology to improve medical diagnostics you can swallow. Listen to our episode of “Babbage” on edible electronics here. Guests and host: Michael Reid, Spain correspondent and writer at large Bella King, news editor David Adam, science writer Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: Spanish politics, housing crisis, Pedro Sánchez America’s meat industry, meatpackers medical diagnostics, edible electronics, battery technology Listen 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.

Flávio Bolsonaro, populist-right son of the imprisoned coup architect Jair, received the most votes in the presidential first round. We ask why Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the incumbent, fell behind—and what is at stake when they go head-to-head. We examine Americans’ growing anger at automatic number-plate-reading cameras. And the demanding but lucrative business of nannying the children of the super-rich. Guests and host: Ana Lankes, Brazil bureau chief Hollie Berman, news editor Alice Fulwood, US business editor Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: Brazilian election, Lula, Bolsonaro, populist-right politics Flock cameras, American law enforcement, privacy, surveillance childcare, plutocrats Listen 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.

If Artificial Intelligence results in job losses or lower salaries, government revenues will fall. Our correspondent explains how best to tax the windfalls from AI. Paint is a surprisingly cheap way to cool buildings. And remembering the life of Stanislas Hutin, who revealed France’s barbarity in Algeria. Watch extended clips from Insider here Guests and host: Callum Williams, senior economics writer Nikita Ostrovsky, science writer Ann Wroe, obituaries editor Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: AI, tax, wealth tax, consumption tax Climate change, paint, adaptation Stanislas Hutin, Algeria, France, war crimes Listen 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.

Russia has embarked on a new campaign to quell Ukraine, focused on supermarkets, playgrounds and other civilian targets. Our correspondent reports on the toll on daily life in Kyiv. Despite the backlash against “pervert glasses”, companies continue to develop AI-enabled smart specs. And how the pen changed history. Guests and host: Oliver Carroll, Ukraine correspondent Henry Tricks, US technology editor Catherine Nixey, Britain correspondent Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: Ukraine, Kyiv, civilian targets Smart glasses, Meta, pervert glasses Fountain pen, Simon Garfield Listen 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.

An independent commission has found Manchester City guilty of breaching over 100 rules. What penalty will the Premier League exact? Russia’s increasingly brazen attempts to provoke and undermine Europe. And why cute Chiikawa, star of a Japanese blockbuster, gives comfort in anxious times. Subscribers can listen to “Kidulting” on “The Weekend Intelligence” Guests and host: Sonny Loughran, Britain correspondent Jonathan Rosenthal, international correspondent Moeka Iida, East Asia reporter Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: Man City, Abu Dhabi, Premier League Russia, Europe, grey-zone, drone Chiikawa, kawaii, manga Listen 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.

On October 4th, Brazil faces a polarising general election: re-elect the octogenarian incumbent or pick the son of a former president jailed for attempting a coup. In some countries honour culture holds women back from even entering the workplace. And why artists are banning phones from concerts. Guests and host: Ana Lankes, Brazil correspondent Robert Guest, deputy editor Vicky Jessop, culture writer Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: Brazil, Lula, Bolsonaro Women, honour culture, equality Phone-free, concerts, gigs Listen 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.

Five men are in custody under suspicion of explosives and terrorism offences after being arrested near a British military base used by American aircraft. This could mark a significant escalation in Iranian hybrid warfare. What oil firms are doing with their profits from the Gulf conflict. And why women’s wages rise after their male managers have daughters. Guests and host: Matthew Symonds, contributing editor Matthieu Favas, commodities editor Michelle Hennessy, graphic detail editor Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: Fairford, Iran, hybrid warfare, terrorist attack Oil, oil prices, Iran Gender-pay gap, fatherhood, daughters Listen 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.

Not much of real substance appears to have emerged from the get-together. But our correspondent says there are clues of how both sides view an evolving relationship. Tommy Robinson, a British far-right influencer, is increasingly well known to MAGA types in America; we examine his rise to prominence. And remembering Bob Mackie, daring dressmaker to the stars. Watch extended clips from Insider here Guests and host: Simon Rabinovich, Beijing bureau chief Georgia Banjo, Britain correspondent Ann Wroe, obituaries editor Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: Xi Jinping, Donald Trump, trade war, diplomacy Tommy Robinson, American politics, Texas Bob Mackie, fashion Listen 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.

Rich-world house prices survived the last fit of interest-rate rises; our correspondent lays out why they may not this time. Nine months after Australia banned social media for under-16s, we ask if anything has changed. And a critical look at Israel’s hit show “Fauda” as it tackles the atrocities of October 7th. Guests and host: Callum Williams, senior economics writer Josh Spencer, Asia news editor Andrew Miller, special correspondent Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: housing markets, bond yields, interest rates Australia, social media bans “Fauda”, October 7th Listen 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.

Marine Le Pen, party leader of France’s populist-right National Rally, starts her fourth presidential bid with a commanding lead. The country’s political centre is broad, fragmented—and flagging. A buffer zone against so-called infiltrators in India’s West Bengal state is making life miserable also for Indian citizens. And how Argentina’s supply of horses and cowboys led to world dominance in polo. Guests and host: Sophie Pedder, Paris bureau chief Kira Huju, Asia correspondent Hamish Clayton, culture writer Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: French politics, Marine Le Pen India, West Bengal, Bangladesh, Hindu nationalism Argentina, polo Listen 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.

An illicit shadow economy, rampant extortion and the capture of the criminal justice system: mafia members and tactics are eating away at the state. Oura seems to have captured the market for smart rings; we ask whether it can keep its lead finger-tight. And our correspondent finds convention upended, for good and bad, at the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art. Guests and host: John McDermott, chief Africa correspondent Shera Avi-Yonah, business correspondent Alexandra Suich Bass, culture editor Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered:  South Africa, organised crime, criminal justice wearable tech, Oura rings Lucas Museum Listen 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.

Two more state-election results reveal surging support for both the far-right AfD and the populist-left Die Linke parties. Chancellor Friedrich Merz himself described the outcome as a disaster; what will it mean for him? Our correspondent looks into why there is so much enthusiasm for African stocks. And what the science says about blue-light exposure and sleep.  Guests and host: Tom Nuttall, Berlin bureau chief Ọrẹ Ogunbiyi, Africa correspondent Sam Wikeley, science correspondent Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered:  German politics, Friedrich Merz, AfD, Die Linke African stockmarkets, Aliko Dangote sleep science, blue light Listen 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 a visit to Ukraine last week, our defence editor reports on a new phase of the war as Kyiv and other civilian targets are bombarded by Russian missiles. He also visits an elite Ukrainian drone unit. Why alcohol companies are scrambling to innovate. And remembering the life of feminist pioneer Gloria Steinem. Watch extended clips from Insider  Guests and host: Alex Turner, defence editor Avantika Chilkoti, global business writer Ann Wroe, obituaries editor Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered:  Ukraine, drones, Shahed, Kyiv Alcohol, beer, aperol Gloria Steinem, feminism Listen 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.

The Federal Reserve has raised interest rates for the first time since July 2023. For the central bank’s new chair Kevin Warsh, that decision was a test both of monetary policy and politics. A governor’s election in Okinawa is a boon to Japan’s military ambitions. And why summer is a casualty of climate change. Guests and host: Archie Hall, acting economics editor Moeka Iida, East Asia reporter Andrew Miller, special correspondent Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered:  Federal Reserve, Kevin Warsh, interest rates, inflation Okinawa, Japan Summer, climate change, heatwave Listen 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.

Is artificial intelligence becoming uncontrollably powerful? Our correspondent analyses whether a pause to breakneck development is possible or feasible. We have entered the new age of the orator. And why cheese is getting more popular in India.  Guests and host: Alex Hern, AI writer Tom Wainwright, culture correspondent Tom Sasse, South Asia bureau chief Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered:  Human extinction, AI, Sam Altman, Dario Amodei Oral culture, literacy, James Marriott, Walter Ong Cheese, India, kalimpong Listen 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.

Though a growing share of the British population is anxious about Islam, they have no reason to be. Islamism, a fringe ideology that believes government and society should be guided by Islamic principles, may be more of a concern. America cracks down on multinationals’ efforts to shift profits overseas. And why corporate training videos are virtually useless. Guests and host: Sonny Loughran, Britain correspondent Shera Avi-Yonah, US business correspondent Andrew Palmer, “Boss Class” host and Bartleby columnist Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered:  Islamism, Britain, Islamophobia IRS, corporate tax, Coca-Cola Corporate training videos Listen 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 years of stalemate, Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis are taking territory, including on a Red Sea strait. We ask what has changed, and how the shift fits into the wider regional conflict. As America’s midterm elections approach, we examine the fragmentation of the coalition that put Donald Trump back in office. And we ask how much nepotism matters in Hollywood today. Listen 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.