Economist Podcasts

Innovation: Coming up with new ideas

Duty falls: US and China reach a deal

This episode explores the recent developments in trade relations between the U.S. and China, and the potential for peace talks between Ukraine and Russia. It begins with an analysis of the trade deal announced in Geneva, where both countries agreed to cut reciprocal import tariffs, leading to positive market reactions....

Holy smoke! An American pope

This episode explores the selection of Robert Prevost as Pope Leo XIV, examining his background and potential impact on the Catholic Church, and the complexities of export controls on AI chips in the context of the US-China technology race, ending with an obituary of Martin Graham, the founder of the Longborough Festiv...

Identity parades: our VE-Day special

This episode explores the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, examining its historical significance and contemporary relevance, particularly in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine and shifting geopolitical alliances. It begins by highlighting how the Soviet Union initially celebrated VE Day as a people's vi...

Neighbour-rattling: India strikes Pakistan

This episode explores escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following a terrorist attack in Kashmir, alongside an examination of a Brazilian Supreme Court Justice's controversial role in defending democracy against misinformation. The discussion begins with India's retaliatory aerial strikes on alleged terrori...

Trailer: Boss Class Season 2

This episode explores the topic of effective management, specifically focusing on how to become a better boss. Against the backdrop of the common experience of having few truly great bosses, the podcast host, Andrew Palmer, introduces the second season of his "Boss Class" series. More significantly, this season featu...

First not past the post: Germany’s chancellor shocker

This episode explores pressing global issues, beginning with political turmoil in Germany as Friedrich Merz fails to secure enough votes to become Chancellor, an unprecedented event that raises questions about the stability of the new coalition and Germany's role in international affairs. Against the backdrop of this p...

Trailer: Boss Class Season 2

This episode explores the qualities and skills necessary for effective management, focusing on how to become a better boss. The host, Andrew Palmer, introduces the second season of his podcast, "Boss Class," which will feature insights from leading companies like Google, Novo Nordisk, and Levi's. Against this backdro...

People vilify plastic. they should use it better instead

This episode explores the complexities of plastic use and waste management, and the challenges of prisoner release and rehabilitation. It begins by challenging the predominantly negative perception of plastics, arguing that they are a miracle material essential for decoupling economic growth from environmental extracti...

Trailer: Boss Class Season 2

This episode explores the qualities and skills necessary for effective management, specifically focusing on how to become a better boss. The host, Andrew Palmer, introduces the second season of his podcast, "Boss Class," which will feature insights from leading companies like Google, Novo Nordisk, and Levi's. Against...

Aussie rules: give Trumpism the boot

Trailer: Boss Class Season 2

This episode explores the topic of effective management, specifically focusing on how to become a better boss. The host, Andrew Palmer, introduces the second season of his podcast, "Boss Class," which will feature insights from various companies like Google, Novo Nordisk, and Levi's. Against this backdrop, the podcas...

Mine craft: US-Ukraine resource deal

This episode explores the multifaceted impacts of Donald Trump's new tariffs on Chinese goods and a recently signed US-Ukraine minerals deal. Against the backdrop of a previously contentious relationship, the minerals deal, finalized after months of negotiation and a high-profile disagreement, establishes a joint inve...

Herman Pontzer: what people get wrong about metabolism

This episode explores the complexities of human metabolism and challenges common misconceptions surrounding weight management and exercise. Against the backdrop of the host's personal struggles with weight and various fad diets, the interview with evolutionary anthropologist Herman Pontzer reveals surprising findings ...

Trailer: Boss Class Season 2

This episode explores the qualities and skills necessary for effective management, focusing on how to become a better boss. The host, Andrew Palmer, introduces the second season of his podcast, "Boss Class," which will feature insights from leading companies like Google, Novo Nordisk, and Levi's. Against this backdro...

Executive disorder: Trump’s first 100 days

This episode explores the multifaceted impact of Donald Trump's first 100 days back in the White House, analyzing both the chaotic nature of his administration and its potential long-term consequences. Against the backdrop of controversial actions such as suggesting a plane crash was caused by diversity policies and pr...

Trailer: Boss Class Season 2

This episode explores the topic of effective management, specifically focusing on how to become a better boss. The podcast host, Andrew Palmer, introduces the second season of his "Boss Class" series, which will feature insights from various leading companies such as Google, Novo Nordisk, and Levi's. Against this bac...

The Carney army: Canada unites against Trump

This episode explores two significant shifts: the changing job market in Japan and the unexpected success of Volkswagen's currywurst. Against the backdrop of Japan's shrinking workforce, the traditional "salaryman" model of lifelong employment at a single company is eroding, with a 60% increase in regular workers chan...

Boss Class: Tracey Franklin interview

This episode explores the challenges and strategies of scaling a company's culture during rapid growth, using Moderna's experience during the COVID-19 pandemic as a case study. Against the backdrop of Moderna's explosive growth from 800 to over 4000 employees and expansion from one to seventeen countries, the conversa...

Boss Class: Daniel Kahneman interview