Advertise on podcast: Editor's Picks from The Economist

A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. Both Republicans and Democrats are waging war on taxes. We argue that exempting ordinary Americans from paying tax would be economically unrealistic and politically corrosive. Topics covered: Taxes in America Donald Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill” Affordability 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.

A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. The world’s most powerful new technology is in the hands of just a few men. While the Trump administration previously maintained a hands-off approach to AI, it appears America is finally waking up to the dangers. Topics covered: - Artificial intelligence - Anthropic’s Mythos - AI safety 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.

A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. 100 days have passed since America seized Venezuela’s dictator, Nicolás Maduro. The country has changed for the better—but a lasting transformation will require the return of democracy. Topics covered: Government of Venezuela America’s capture of Nicolás Maduro Regime change 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.

A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. Many of China’s rural elderly must continue to work the soil to make ends meet. The government should boost pensions for its farmers to address one of China’s cruellest inequalities. Topics covered: China’s pension system Extreme poverty in China China’s agricultural tax 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.

A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. Modern technology has cured Britons of boredom. Psychologists are urging people to put down their phones and embrace the necessity of doing nothing. Topics covered: Boredom Technology British culture 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.

A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. Africa’s protests span countries, classes and causes. But these movements often struggle to achieve lasting political reform. Topics covered: Africa’s protests Corruption State violence 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.

A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. Anthropic is delaying the public release of a powerful new artificial intelligence model. Both hackers and America’s government may be losing out. Topics covered: Anthropic’s Mythos model Project Glasswing Artificial intelligence 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.

A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. Global businesses can no longer ignore the geopolitical chaos in the Middle East. The constant threat of war has imposed a creeping tax on the world economy. Topics covered: Iran war Energy markets Economic policy 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.

A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. One of the biggest names in American television news has a demographic problem. With its median viewer pushing 70, Fox is now attempting to woo the smartphone generation. Topics covered: Fox News Cable television Digital media 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.

A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. Three months after America’s capture of Nicolás Maduro, the mood in Venezuela is strange and unsettled. The opposition is hopeful—but when will free and fair elections take place? Topics covered: Venezuelan government America’s capture of Nicolás Maduro Democratic transition 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.

A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. Anxious investors are rushing to pull their cash out of private credit funds. While failing funds are unlikely to bring down the rest of the financial system, the crisis may still spill over. Topics covered: Private credit Private-equity houses 2008 financial crisis 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.

A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. The escalating conflict in Iran has proved costly to America. At the same time, the war offers diplomatic and economic opportunities for China. Topics covered: Chinese foreign policy Iran war Economic self-reliance 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.

A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. A new book traces the evolution of laws and attitudes over the right to care for children after marital dissolution. Topics covered: “Custody” by Lara Feigel Child custody battles Divorce law 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.

A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. China now has more active AI researchers than America, Britain and Europe combined. Our analysis shows that China’s lead over the West is set to expand. Topics covered: AI talent race Chinese AI Conference on Neural Information Processing Systems (NeurIPS) 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.

A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. In 2025 Mexico experienced its worst growth rate since the pandemic. While America’s trade policy has contributed, it is not the main cause of the slump. Topics covered: Mexican economy Claudia Sheinbaum Morena 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.