The most played episodes among Podcast App listeners.

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   Number 1: Elbows up, again: a US-Canada trade flare-up

   Promising trade talks imploded after a literal 11th-hour change from the American side. We examine the new trade barriers being erected, and the complex calculation for Prime Minister Mark Carney. In Japan Gen X workers are even still bearing the costs of an economic bubble-burst from the 1990s. And how fates of civilisations have turned on sieges throughout history. Guests and host: Hal Hodson, Americas editorMoeka Iida, East Asia reporterRichard Cockett, senior digital editorJason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: Canada, the United States, tariffs, Mark Carney, trade warJapan, Gen X, labour marketsieges, world history Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Correction (August 26th): We originally published a version of this podcast stated that Japan's bubble era spanned the 1970s and 1980s. It was only the 1980s. Apologies for the error. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

   August 24, 2026·22min
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   Number 2: I, robot? AI and consciousness

   The rise of generative AI has put new urgency into ancient questions. What is consciousness, and can machines ever have it? We dive into the data that reveal a surge in sexually transmitted infections in Europe. And our obituaries editor considers the life of Mary de Rachewiltz, translator and tireless defender of her father, Ezra Pound. Watch extended clips from Insider here. Guests and host:Alok Jha, science & technology editorStephen Hurford, newsdesk writerAnn Wroe, obituaries editorRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: AI, consciousnesssexual health, STIs, STDs, EuropeMary de Rachewiltz, Ezra Pound 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.

   August 21, 2026·25min
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   Number 3: Big shot: does a cancer vaccine work?

   Personalised vaccines could offer a breakthrough in the fight against cancer. Our correspondent analyses the latest trial. Canada’s oil market is flourishing, despite the trade war. And, why we will always love Dolly Parton. Guests and host:Natasha Loder, health editorSarah Lawrynuik, deputy editor of “The Intelligence”Jon Fasman, senior culture correspondentJason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: Cancer, immunotherapy, vaccines, mRNAOil, Canada, trade war, tariffsDolly Parton, country music 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.

   August 27, 2026·23min
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   Number 4: Bots on the ground: China leads humanoid race

   Our correspondent goes inside a Chinese robot facility to see thousands of droids being taught to complete useful tasks. Is it worth the time and money? How Meta’s $17bn settlement at its blockbuster trial could change teen social-media use. And 75 years of the Paris bookshop Shakespeare and Company. Watch extended clips from Insider here, plus the full Elon Musk interview Guests and host:Don Weinland, China business editorAlice Fulwood, “Money Talks” host and US business editorAlexandra Suich-Bass, culture editorRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: Robots, humanoids, China, AIMeta, Instagram, Facebook, social media, addiction, Shakespeare and Company, Paris, bookshops 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.

   August 28, 2026·25min
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   Number 5: Slip the surly bonds? Scott Bessent goes on a yield trip

   Amid record-tickling yields, the bond markets are now trying to make sense of what Scott Bessent, America’s Treasury secretary, has announced—a move that might put him on a collision course with the Federal Reserve. We ask why it is so easy for hackers to infiltrate America’s water infrastructure. And understanding a political lineage through the new British prime minister’s accent. Guests and host:Joshua Roberts, capital markets correspondentShashank Joshi, Washington bureau chiefLane Greene, language correspondentJason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: bond markets, Treasury, yields, Scott BessentAmerica, cyber-attacks, water, critical infrastructureBritish politics, Andy Burnham, accents, class angst 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.

   August 26, 2026·23min
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