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Now every fact is a click away, the role of memory has changed. On The Weekend Intelligence, Rosie Blau profiles an eight-times world memory champion, a woman suffering from early-onset dementia and Artificial Intelligence to find out what matters: the information itself, or the journey we take to retrieve it? 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. Music by bluedot Sessions and Epidemic Sound.

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 writerNikita Ostrovsky, science writerAnn Wroe, obituaries editorRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: AI, tax, wealth tax, consumption taxClimate change, paint, adaptationStanislas Hutin, Algeria, France, war crimesListen 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 correspondentHenry Tricks, US technology editorCatherine Nixey, Britain correspondentRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: Ukraine, Kyiv, civilian targetsSmart 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 correspondentJonathan Rosenthal, international correspondentMoeka Iida, East Asia reporterRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Man City, Abu Dhabi, Premier LeagueRussia, Europe, grey-zone, droneChiikawa, kawaii, mangaListen 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 correspondentRobert Guest, deputy editorVicky Jessop, culture writerRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Brazil, Lula, BolsonaroWomen, honour culture, equalityPhone-free, concerts, gigsListen 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 editorMichelle Hennessy, graphic detail editorRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Fairford, Iran, hybrid warfare, terrorist attackOil, oil prices, IranGender-pay gap, fatherhood, daughtersListen 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 chiefGeorgia Banjo, Britain correspondentAnn Wroe, obituaries editorJason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Xi Jinping, Donald Trump, trade war, diplomacyTommy Robinson, American politics, TexasBob Mackie, fashionListen 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.

In our third and final episode of Shire folk, our series on the rise of Tommy Robinson, Georgia follows Tommy across the Atlantic to find out why so many powerful Americans are suddenly interested in his version of Britain, and what they stand to gain from endorsing it. Topics covered: Christian nationalism Anti-Islam sentiment Mass deportations Danny Tommo Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. *************** Music by bluedot Sessions and Epidemic Sound. This podcast transcript is generated by third-party AI. It has not been reviewed prior to publication. We make no representations or warranties in relation to the transcript, its accuracy or its completeness, and we disclaim all liability regarding its receipt, content and use. If you have any concerns about the transcript, please email us at [email protected]. Read more about how we are using AI.

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 writerJosh Spencer, Asia news editorAndrew Miller, special correspondentJason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: housing markets, bond yields, interest ratesAustralia, social media bans“Fauda”, October 7thListen 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 correspondentHamish Clayton, culture writerRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: French politics, Marine Le PenIndia, West Bengal, Bangladesh, Hindu nationalismArgentina, poloListen 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 correspondentShera Avi-Yonah, business correspondentAlexandra Suich Bass, culture editorJason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered:  South Africa, organised crime, criminal justicewearable tech, Oura ringsLucas 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 chiefỌrẹ Ogunbiyi, Africa correspondentSam Wikeley, science correspondentRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered:  German politics, Friedrich Merz, AfD, Die LinkeAfrican stockmarkets, Aliko Dangotesleep 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.

In our second episode of “Shire folk; the Tommy Robinson story”, Georgia Banjo revisits the late 2010s to chart how Britain’s grooming gangs scandal shaped Robinson’s rise, from Luton football hooligan to Europe correspondent for Rebel Media. Topics covered: Terror attacks Grooming gangs Alternative media Southport riots Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.

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 editorAvantika Chilkoti, global business writerAnn Wroe, obituaries editorRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered:  Ukraine, drones, Shahed, KyivAlcohol, beer, aperolGloria 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 editorMoeka Iida, East Asia reporterAndrew Miller, special correspondentRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered:  Federal Reserve, Kevin Warsh, interest rates, inflationOkinawa, JapanSummer, 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.