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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.

Can something be moving and stationary at the same time? If you’re sitting still, you’re stationary with respect to the Earth, but moving relative to the Sun and galaxy. That insight led the physicist Carlo Rovelli to argue that no quantity—speed, position or energy—is absolute; all quantities are fundamentally relational. Dr Rovelli’s ideas not only challenge the hunt for a “theory of everything” in physics, but he has also extended them to the most pressing issues in global diplomacy and even human survival. Guests and hosts: - Carlo Rovelli of the Centre de Physique Théorique in Marseille and author of “On the Equality of All Things” and “85 Seconds to Midnight” - Alok Jha, The Economist’s science and technology editor Topics covered: - Relational physics - Philosophy of science - Nuclear weapons For more on the physics and physicists behind nuclear weapons, listen to Babbage’s four-part series “The Bomb”, released in August 2025. Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcasts. Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.

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.

Life in China is competitive and stressful. A recent study found some 191m people have a mental-health disorder. While still a taboo subject for many older Chinese, a growing number of their children are seeking therapy. How do China’s changing attitudes towards mental health sit with the Communist Party's efforts to promote a happier, stable society? Guests and hosts: Sarah Wu, co-host of “Drum Tower” Jeremy Page, co-host of “Drum Tower” Barclay Bram, staff writer for 1843 at The Economist Topics covered: Mental health in China Online therapy in China Healthy China 2030 Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcasts. Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.

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.

This week, a tour of three states and three policy areas from Donald Trump’s second term. How will the actions taken by this administration influence the way people vote in November? Guests and hosts: John Prideaux, executive editor Charlotte Howard, US editor James Bennet, Lexington columnist Aryn Braun, West Coast correspondent Stevie Hertz, US policy correspondent Alex Domash, economics correspondent Topics covered: DOGE cuts in Alaska Tariffs and Maine Healthcare policy in Ohio Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcasts Listen 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.

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.

Global alcohol consumption fell by 2% in 2025. It was the third straight year of decline, as younger drinkers prove they are not as boozy as their parents. As drinks-makers face an uncertain future, competition is sharpening. With brewers, vintners and distillers expanding into new domains, which companies hold the advantage? Guests and hosts: Jacob Aarup-Andersen, CEO of Carlsberg Trevor Stirling, analyst at Bernstein Avantika Chilkoti, global business writer at The Economist Alice Fulwood, co-host of “Money Talks” Ethan Wu, co-host of “Money Talks” Topics covered: Alcoholic drinks industry Ready-to-drink cocktails Alcohol-free drinks Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcasts. Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.

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.

Artificial intelligence systems have mysterious minds. Not even their developers fully understand how they work. Recent autonomous hacks, biosecurity fears and warnings of existential doom have prompted AI leaders to call for a slowdown in the technology’s development. We travel to Berkeley, California to investigate why to make artificial intelligence safer, scientists need to pierce the black box. Guests and hosts: - Cameron Berg of Reciprocal Research - Robert Long and Derek Shiller of Eleos AI Research - Alok Jha, The Economist’s science and technology editor Topics covered: - Digital minds - Mechanistic interpretability - AI safety Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcasts. Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.

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.

The honour guard has rehearsed and the flyover has been scheduled. Beyond the pageantry and pomp, a lot is at stake as Xi Jinping heads to America for his first state visit since 2015. What will be on the agenda when the Chinese and American presidents sit down for their second meeting this year––and is the relationship between the two superpower rivals about to see a lasting change? Guests and hosts: Simon Rabinovitch, The Economist’s Beijing bureau chief and Chaguan columnist Jeremy Page, co-host of “Drum Tower” Jing Qian, co-founder and managing director of the Asia Society Policy Institute’s Centre for China Analysis Topics covered: 2026 state visit by Xi Jinping to America Chinese investment in America AI safety Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcasts. Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.

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.