Well-Informed & Open-Minded

India’s life expectancy has soared since 1950—but with that success comes a looming crisis. In this episode, we explore how the country’s celebrated “demographic dividend” is already beginning to fade as India races toward a future where its elderly population will double by 2050. The danger? Growing old before growing rich. Many seniors—especially widows—face retirement with little savings, fragile health support, and shrinking family networks as multigenerational homes give way to nuclear ones. Government schemes exist, but they’re patchy, bureaucratic, and rarely enough. So where will care come from? We look at the quiet rise of community day-care centers offering companionship, meals, and dignity—and ask whether India can scale these lifelines fast enough to meet the needs of a rapidly aging nation.https://www.economist.com/asia/2025/02/27/the-trouble-with-ancient-indians

The dollar may look unshakeable, but history suggests its throne has always been more precarious than it appears. In this episode, we trace how past challengers—from the Soviet rouble to the Japanese yen—once seemed poised to dethrone it, only to falter. Today, the biggest threat isn’t a rising rival but America itself: political volatility, erratic trade policies, and the risk of a sudden loss of investor confidence. Economist Kenneth Rogoff argues that while countries have suffered crises by tying themselves too tightly to the dollar, the world’s current “Tokyo consensus” of holding vast reserves without fixed pegs has kept the system stable—so far. What happens if that confidence cracks? We unpack the past, present, and uncertain future of the world’s most powerful currency.https://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/2025/04/16/hell-is-other-peoples-currencies

Nightmares aren’t just scary stories your brain tells at 3 a.m.—they may be warning signals. In this episode, we explore the startling new science showing that frequent nightmares aren’t merely linked to anxiety or PTSD, but to physical illnesses too: cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disorders, even neurological conditions like Parkinson’s and dementia. And the newest research goes further. According to Dr. Abidemi Otaiku, recurring nightmares may predict premature death more strongly than smoking or obesity, possibly because the stress they trigger accelerates cellular aging. Are nightmares a symptom, a cause, or something in between? And why isn’t medicine taking them more seriously? We delve into the haunting connection between our dreams and our health—and what it might mean for the future of sleep science.https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2025/08/08/are-nightmares-bad-for-your-health

Why are travelers flocking to the world’s darkest places? In this episode, we explore the rise of dark tourism—visits to battlegrounds, prisons, and sites of catastrophe—and the complicated ethics behind a booming, multi-billion-dollar industry. From Syria’s ruins and former torture sites to war-scarred Ukraine and the aftermath of terror attacks, today’s travelers aren’t just seeking beauty; they’re seeking the shadow of history. Social media has only accelerated the trend, turning once-forbidden zones into viral destinations. But what separates a voyeur taking a crass selfie from a traveler trying to bear witness? And why does the line matter now more than ever?https://www.economist.com/culture/2025/12/04/why-do-tourists-visit-sites-of-atrocities

In a city obsessed with the new, one Seoul movie house has become a refuge for those who remember the old. In this episode, we visit the Hollywood Classic, an independent theater transformed into a lifeline for South Korea’s aging population—a demographic facing some of the world’s highest rates of loneliness and poverty. For just a few dollars, seniors can spend their entire day watching classic films, listening to trot concerts, and finding companionship in a place that welcomes them without judgment. It’s a sanctuary kept alive only through the devotion of its owner, who has sacrificed her own comfort—even selling her home—to keep the doors open. As we step inside the dim auditorium filled with napping patrons, quiet conversations, and the glow of old cinema, we explore how one small theater offers dignity, community, and purpose in a society where the elderly often feel forgotten.https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/09/world/asia/skorea-aging-movies.html

Long before the cubicle became a symbol of corporate drudgery, it was meant to be a utopia. In this episode, we trace the surprising rise—and spectacular distortion—of the office cubicle, born in 1968 from Robert Propst’s vision of flexibility, mobility, and human-centered design. Companies quickly twisted that dream into dense grids of 90-degree boxes built for one purpose: packing in as many workers as possible. We explore how this cost-cutting compromise reshaped office life for decades, fueling stress, poor ventilation, spreading infections, and offering neither privacy nor the freedom of open-plan layouts. And as workplaces rethink design in the age of mobile tech, we ask: are new concepts like the “Living Office” finally correcting Propst’s broken legacy, or are we just reinventing the same old box?https://www.economist.com/international/2014/12/30/inside-the-box

How do you measure the value of lives that don’t yet exist? In this episode, we dive into the strange and fascinating world of population ethics—the branch of philosophy wrestling with questions that shape our future without us even noticing. From the old maritime logic of the “Birkenhead drill” to today’s climate and economic policies, we explore how decisions made now affect not only the well-being of future people, but how many of them there will be. We unpack the “neutrality intuition,” the puzzle that says creating happy lives is neither good nor bad, and the troubling “repugnant conclusion,” where a vast population with miserable lives could be judged morally superior to a smaller, flourishing one. Why are potential future generations almost never factored into our political calculations? And what would change if they were?https://www.economist.com/christmas-specials/2022/12/20/should-we-care-about-people-who-need-never-exist

Once famed for razor-sharp wit and soaring rhetoric, Britain’s Parliament now struggles to hold anyone’s attention—including its own members. In this episode, we trace the decline of Westminster oratory, from the glory days of electrifying Prime Minister’s Questions to today’s drab, note-read soundbites crafted for Twitter rather than debate. Speeches have shrunk, arguments have flattened, and a nation facing real economic challenges is left without clear, compelling explanations of its government’s plans. We explore how social media, shrinking attention spans, and an elite culture long obsessed with debate have all played a role—and why the deeper problem may be that no one is truly listening anymore. Is Parliament losing the power of speech, or the power of relevance?https://www.economist.com/britain/2025/02/03/speeches-in-britains-parliament-are-getting-shorter-and-worse

Why is one of the world’s most flavorful cuisines still flying under the global radar? In this episode, we dig into the mystery of Indonesian food—a culinary giant at home, yet shockingly scarce in cities like New York and London. From richly spiced rendang to the layered warmth of soto, Indonesia offers some of the world’s most complex, nuanced dishes. So why aren’t there more Indonesian restaurants abroad? We explore how colonial history, diaspora patterns, and the high cost of herbs and spices keep these dishes from achieving the fame they deserve. It’s a story of world-class flavors hiding in plain sight—and the greatest gap between deliciousness and global recognition.https://www.economist.com/culture/2022/09/01/indonesian-food-is-delicious-but-little-known

What can a swim lane reveal about a city’s soul? In this episode, we slip into the shimmering world of Paris’s public pools—architectural gems from the Art Deco era where history, culture, and chaos flow together. Through the eyes of a competitive swimmer, we explore coed showers, unruly lanes, and a fiercely French devotion to personal liberty that turns every session into a study in etiquette… or the lack of it. But beneath the frustration lies a deeper beauty: sunlit tiles, echoes of decades past, and the unmistakable feeling that swimming in Paris is less about the workout and more about communion—with the water, the city, and the centuries it carries.https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/03/world/europe/paris-france-swimming-pools.html

Why did The White Lotus become the defining drama of the post-pandemic world? In this episode, we unpack how the hit series turns luxury vacations into a mirror of our most modern anxieties. Across three seasons, the show follows rich American tourists drifting through murder mysteries and social satire—but beneath the wealth and tropical backdrops lies something more universal: the claustrophobia of lockdown, the awkwardness of reopening, and the uneasy search for meaning after global upheaval. From season one’s quarantine-era tension to season two’s sexual insecurities and season three’s blend of spirituality and decadence in Thailand, The White Lotus captures the emotional hangover of a world trying to feel normal again. What does this glossy, unsettling series reveal about us?https://www.economist.com/culture/2025/02/14/escapism-and-fear-made-the-white-lotus-a-pandemic-era-hit

Superyachts weren’t supposed to boom in a time of pandemics, wars, and shrinking billionaire lists—and yet, they’re bigger business than ever. In this episode, we explore the surprising surge of the superyacht industry, where record sales, massive backlogs, and sky-high revenues reveal a world reshaped by the wealthy’s craving for seclusion and the sobering sense that “life is short.” We look at how sanctions, supply shocks, and global turmoil barely dented demand, and how the next generation of yachts—sleek, custom-built, and marketed as “green”—fit into this new mindset. From industry insiders to headline-grabbing vessels like Jeff Bezos’s towering sailing yacht (and its not-so-green diesel support ship), we dive into the psychology and economics powering luxury’s most extravagant market.https://www.economist.com/business/2023/11/16/why-the-market-for-superyachts-is-booming

Commercial aviation has never been busier—or more fragile. In this episode, we uncover why the world’s air-traffic control systems are buckling under pressure, still running on technology that dates back to the Second World War. While Europe’s Maastricht control center shows what modern, digitalized sky management can look like, most national systems are trapped in a tangle of outdated tools, political turf wars, military sensitivities, and union resistance. The result? Soaring delays, rising costs, and a global network stretched to its limits. We explore why reform is so hard, what’s blocking real modernization, and whether competition and coordinated digital upgrades can rescue the skies before congestion becomes unmanageable.https://www.economist.com/international/2019/06/15/air-traffic-control-is-a-mess

Every sport has its heroes—and its hustlers. In this episode, we dive into the world of “dark arts” and shithousery: the sneaky, time-wasting, rhythm-breaking tactics teams use to tilt a match in their favor. From the heated Manchester City–Arsenal showdown to countless subtle infractions across leagues, we explore why these gritty moves spark outrage, even though everyone—yes, everyone—uses them. Are they immoral? Unsporting? Or simply the underdog’s best weapon against richer, more skilled rivals? With rules full of gray areas and winning still the only currency that matters, we unpack why bending the game’s spirit may be as much a part of sport as the goals, tries, and trophies themselves.https://www.economist.com/culture/2024/09/27/from-diego-simeone-to-arsenal-in-praise-of-sports-dark-arts

Singapore’s skyline tells a story—not of luxury condos, but of one of the world’s most ambitious social experiments. In this episode, we unpack how H.D.B. housing transformed a nation of overcrowded slums into a country where most citizens live in clean, subsidized, thoughtfully designed high-rises. These “new towns” weren’t just about shelter; they were engineered for community, racial integration, and national identity. But today, the system faces a new challenge: soaring resale prices, million-dollar flats, and growing anxiety over affordability. As the government races to cool the market with grants, restrictions, and policy tweaks, we ask: can Singapore preserve the unity and stability its housing miracle created—or is the pressure building in its foundations?https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/24/world/asia/singapore-public-housing-program.html

Chess is getting a makeover—and it’s anything but quiet. In this episode, we explore the launch of the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour, a $12 million bid to turn the world’s most cerebral game into a global spectacle. Led by Magnus Carlsen and entrepreneur Jan Henric Buettner, the tour borrows glitz from Formula 1, shakes up tradition with randomized starting positions, and rewires broadcast coverage with heart-rate monitors, live computer analysis, and even “confession booths.” Designed to elevate chess stars and captivate both purists and casual viewers, Freestyle Chess may be the boldest attempt yet to bring strategy, drama, and personality to the center of the world stage. Is this the future of the game—or a high-stakes experiment in reinventing a classic?https://www.economist.com/culture/2025/01/30/can-magnus-carlsen-convince-people-to-watch-chess

Why do we tip—and why does it make absolutely no sense? In this episode, we unravel the strange economics and even stranger psychology behind one of the world’s most confusing social rituals. We explore how tipping is supposedly a reward for good service, yet in practice is driven by guilt, habit, social pressure… and, apparently, the occasional magician. From America’s tip-flation to Japan’s tip-avoidance, we compare global norms, ask whether tipping actually improves service, and examine how restaurants quietly benefit by shifting risk onto workers. Is tipping an efficient incentive, or just an awkward cultural burden we can’t seem to quit?https://www.economist.com/international/2022/01/15/do-tips-make-for-better-service

What if the secret to a well-ordered society starts in primary school? In this episode, we explore Japan’s unique approach to education, where the goal isn’t just academic excellence—it’s hito-zukuri, the art of character building. From students cleaning their own classrooms to serving lunch and navigating school life with remarkable independence, Japan’s system shapes responsibility, cooperation, and social harmony from an early age. It’s a model so admired that countries from Singapore to Egypt are trying to copy it. But beneath the discipline and high achievement lie harder truths: conformity can stifle creativity, excessive rules can overwhelm kids who don’t fit the mold, and mental-health pressures are rising. For many parents, the question becomes: how do you balance order with individuality? And what do we lose—or gain—when a school system molds not just minds, but character?https://www.economist.com/christmas-specials/2024/12/19/why-do-small-children-in-japan-ride-the-subway-alone

What happens when a global pandemic rewrites one of our most ingrained daily habits—the shower? In this episode, we explore why many Americans are bathing less often than before lockdowns, and why they say it feels more practical, more freeing, and even better for the planet. We hear from individuals who embraced the shift, as experts remind us that daily showering is a surprisingly recent cultural invention—one that’s medically unnecessary and tough on the skin. But old habits die hard, especially when they’re tied to identity, hygiene norms, and big marketing budgets. Can science and sustainability persuade Americans to rethink the daily rinse?https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/06/health/shower-bathing-pandemic.html

“Bring your whole self to work”—it’s the slogan plastered across modern offices, onboarding decks, and HR campaigns. But what if the idea doesn’t actually make sense? In this episode, we unpack the corporate obsession with authenticity, exploring why companies encourage employees to show up as their “full” or “true” selves… while quietly expecting professionalism, conformity, and performance. We look at why the well-intentioned mantra falters in reality—after all, no one’s “whole self” is entirely workplace-ready—and why the real key to effective collaboration might be embracing our role self instead: the part of us aligned with the shared mission. Is corporate authenticity liberating, misleading, or just another management fad?https://www.economist.com/business/2022/06/14/do-not-bring-your-whole-self-to-work

Psychedelics have left the counterculture—and entered the boardroom. In this episode, we explore why a growing number of companies are embracing substances like ketamine, psilocybin, and MDMA as tools for employee well-being and executive performance. From biotech investors betting on psychedelic medicine to firms like Dr. Bronner’s offering ketamine therapy as a workplace benefit, the corporate world is reframing these drugs as pathways to better mental health, reduced anxiety, and even enhanced creativity. Some leaders are going further, hosting psychedelic-inspired retreats meant to deepen empathy and strengthen team bonds. But with these breakthroughs come big risks: misuse, blurred boundaries, and the possibility that an employee’s “expanded perspective” may prompt them to question their job—or the entire company. Are psychedelics the next frontier in workplace wellness, or a step too far?https://www.economist.com/business/2022/06/08/bosses-want-to-feed-psychedelics-to-their-staff

How did the humble backpack—once the domain of hikers, students, and schoolyard scuffs — become a bona fide fashion statement? In this episode, we trace the backpack’s unlikely rise from practical gear to luxury accessory. As workers returned to the office and travelers faced rising baggage fees, demand for stylish, functional packs surged to record highs. Advances in materials like waxed canvas and leather have pushed the backpack into boardrooms, while global fashion houses from Dior to Chanel now release limited-edition versions worthy of a runway. From Ötzi the Iceman’s wooden frame to today’s designer collaborations, the backpack has evolved for 5,300 years—and it’s never looked more chic.https://www.economist.com/culture/2025/01/23/backpacks-are-surprisingly-in-vogue

China is trying to tame the dragon—linguistically. In this episode, we explore why Chinese state media has begun replacing the English word dragon with loong in reports about the zodiac and beyond. The shift isn’t cosmetic; it’s strategic. For centuries, the dragon has been a benevolent symbol of imperial authority and good fortune in Chinese culture—yet in the West, dragons are fire-breathing monsters. As China rises on the global stage, officials worry that this Western imagery fuels suspicion and fear. We unpack how this language makeover fits into a broader pattern of political rebranding, from renaming Tibet as “Xizang” to refining English translations to shape global perception. Can a single word reshape how the world sees China?https://www.economist.com/china/2024/02/22/a-nationalist-effort-to-rebrand-the-chinese-dragon

On Japan’s Sado Island, an ancient art form isn’t just preserved—it’s lived. In this episode, we journey into the world of Noh drama, where ghost stories, Zen philosophy, and centuries-old ritual unfold not on grand stages, but in village shrines and community halls. Here, caregivers, fishermen, and shopkeepers perform as offerings to the gods, sustaining a tradition carried to the island by samurai and embraced by generations of locals. Sado now holds more Noh stages than anywhere else in Japan, even as its population ages and declines. Yet the islanders remain determined to pass this living inheritance to those who come next. What keeps a 700-year-old theater form thriving on a remote island—and what does it reveal about the soul of a community?https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/06/world/asia/sado-island-japan-noh-theater.html

We’re told to “omit needless words”… but what if some of those words aren’t so needless after all? In this episode, we explore the surprising power of linguistic redundancy—the repetitions, reminders, and extra signals that language purists love to hate. From long-winded transit announcements to the grammar lessons we hear twice, we dig into why wordiness can actually make language easier to learn, more resilient in noisy environments, and less mentally exhausting for listeners. Redundancy, it turns out, isn’t just clutter—it’s part of how communication stays clear, stable, and human. So how much is too much, and how much is essential?https://www.economist.com/culture/2023/03/16/omit-needless-words-but-not-all-of-them

We cheer their triumphs—but we rarely see the toll. In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the painful paradox at the heart of elite sport: the glory fans celebrate is often built on profound personal suffering. From Andy Murray’s emotional retirement to the raw comebacks of Paris Olympians like Florent Manaudou and Adam Peaty, and the mental health struggles of icons such as Simone Biles, the stories behind the medals reveal a world shaped by relentless pressure, punishing training, and coaches who prioritize discipline over joy. Yet, for spectators, this very risk and hardship is part of what makes sport feel meaningful. What do we really ask of the athletes we idolize—and what do they sacrifice to deliver the moments we love?https://www.economist.com/culture/2024/08/23/elite-sport-isnt-meant-to-be-fun-is-it

Hong Kong wants its tourists back—but first, it has to fix its taxis. In this episode, we unpack the city’s sweeping effort to repair its battered hospitality image after years of political turmoil and pandemic paralysis. With passenger complaints up 53% in a single year, officials are rolling out courtesy campaigns, penalty points, mandatory digital payments, and even surveillance cameras to rein in bad behavior behind the wheel. But these reforms hit an industry already under strain: aging drivers, costly licenses, shrinking wages, and relentless competition from a not-quite-legal Uber. Add rising frustration from mainland Chinese tourists—Hong Kong’s biggest visitor group—and the pressure to improve becomes a matter of economic survival. Can a taxi makeover help revive the city’s global appeal?https://www.economist.com/china/2025/03/13/hong-kongs-taxi-drivers-are-told-to-smile-more

Pickles are no longer just a sidekick—they’re the main event. In this episode, we dive into the internet-fueled rise of the humble cucumber, now a full-blown obsession among Gen Z food lovers. With billions of #pickles views on TikTok, everything from chamoy-soaked giants to neon-bright sweet-and-sour creations is turning into viral content—and serious business. Sales are skyrocketing, recipe books are hitting shelves, and even pickle juice is having a moment as athletes swear by its electrolyte kick. What’s behind this briny boom, and is it just a trend… or the new cultural craving?economist.com/culture/2024/10/16/food-lovers-the-world-over-are-tickled-by-pickles

In Bangkok, skyscrapers rise, traffic roars, and yet—everywhere you look—spirits still rule the land. In this episode, we step into Thailand’s vibrant world of spirit worship, where ancient beliefs aren’t just remembered but woven seamlessly into modern life. From ornate spirit houses tucked beside luxury condos to daily offerings left on busy sidewalks, these unseen guardians are treated as powerful neighbors who must be fed, honored, and kept content. Some Thais even credit the country’s low COVID-19 case counts to the spirits’ protection. Blending Buddhism, Hinduism, and deep-rooted animism, this living cosmology shapes how developers build, how families occupy their homes, and how the city understands its own fate. In Thailand, to take care of the spirits is to believe—they’ll take care of you.https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/13/world/asia/bangkok-spirit-houses.html

What happens when our words get too soft—or too sharp—to tell the truth? In this episode, we explore the modern battle over language through the twin lenses of euphemism and exaggeration. Drawing on George Orwell’s warnings about political speech that hides brutality behind phrases like “transfer of population,” we look at how today’s discourse still blurs reality with foggy abstractions such as “unfolding violence.” But there’s a new problem too: the dysphemism treadmill, where once-grave terms like “white supremacy” or “genocide” are deployed so broadly that they risk losing their meaning altogether. We unpack how these distortions warp public understanding—and why choosing clear, vivid, accurate language remains a moral act in describing the world as it truly is.https://www.economist.com/culture/2023/11/23/euphemism-and-exaggeration-are-both-dangers-to-language

Divorce is changing—and fast. In this episode, we explore how wealthy countries are moving away from blame, courtroom battles, and financial devastation toward a more humane way of ending a marriage. From Australia’s government-funded mediation to the global rise of collaborative divorce, couples are finding that splitting up doesn’t have to mean tearing each other down. We look at why alimony is fading, how shared custody and even “birdnesting” are reshaping family life, and why these approaches often spare both wallets and emotional well-being. Is this the beginning of a kinder, less combative era for divorce?https://www.economist.com/international/2022/01/22/divorce-in-the-rich-world-is-getting-less-nasty

In northeastern Nigeria, danger isn’t just avoided—it’s carried in a plastic bucket. In this episode, we meet Usman Maikunama, the self-proclaimed Scorpion King of Gwoza, who makes his living breeding, handling, and selling some of the region’s most venomous black scorpions. This is no stunt: it’s a family craft passed down through generations, complete with homemade herbal antidotes he insists neutralize the sting. From crafting potions to ward off sorcery to clearing homes of snakes, Maikunama’s work sits at the crossroads of tradition, mysticism, and survival. And his clientele? They range from rural households to Nigeria’s elite Guards Brigade, which proudly carries the black scorpion as its mascot. What does it mean to turn one of nature’s deadliest creatures into both a business—and a legacy?https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2023/02/23/a-nigerian-trade-in-insects-that-bite

Saunas aren’t just for Scandinavians anymore—they’re becoming a global wellness obsession. In this episode, we explore why high heat is suddenly so hot, from Finland’s long-standing sauna culture to rising adoption in gyms, spas, and backyards around the world. Scientists say this ritual acts as a gentle, controlled stressor, mimicking moderate exercise and boosting circulation—and observational studies even link frequent sauna use with lower risks of heart disease and dementia. But there’s a catch: the evidence isn’t airtight. Wealthier, healthier people are more likely to be sauna regulars, muddying the research. So are saunas truly medicinal, or just relaxing? We break down what scientists know, what they don’t, and why the next big test will require far more rigorous trials.https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2025/08/22/are-saunas-actually-good-for-you

Saudi Arabia has been “dry” for decades—at least officially. In this episode, we explore a quiet shift inside the kingdom’s alcohol prohibition: an unmarked liquor store in Riyadh that once served only diplomats is now discreetly selling bottles to a select group of wealthy, non-Muslim foreign residents. It’s a small change with big implications. As Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman pushes rapid social and economic reforms to attract global talent and boost tourism, this controlled access—complete with a dual-pricing system—hints at a broader softening of the ban. Yet the government maintains silence, relying on its signature strategy of incremental, deniable change to avoid angering conservatives. With major international events on the horizon, is Saudi Arabia preparing for a future where alcohol quietly, cautiously, becomes part of the landscape?https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/06/world/middleeast/saudi-arabia-alcohol-riyadh-store.html

Protein: miracle macronutrient or overhyped fitness buzzword? In this episode, we break down what protein actually does—from repairing tissues to fueling growth—and why the World Health Organization sets the daily baseline at 0.83 grams per kilogram of body weight. We unpack why certain groups, from teenagers to new mothers to the elderly, often need far more, and how higher intakes paired with resistance training can build muscle or support weight loss. Supplements like whey powders make hitting those targets easy, but whole foods offer valuable micronutrients without the additives. And despite the booming market for shakes, bars, and “high-protein” everything, most people eating a Western diet already get plenty. So how much protein do you really need—and when does more stop being better?https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2025/06/06/how-much-protein-do-you-really-need

It’s the liquor that fuels toasts, seals deals, and measures corruption—and it’s one of the most profitable businesses on the planet. In this episode, we pour into the world of Kweichow Moutai, the state-run distillery behind China’s infamous national spirit, baijiu. Despite ignoring every Western rule of marketing, Moutai has become a financial juggernaut with sky-high margins and a premium customer base larger than France. But its rise is tangled in politics: from decades of elite misconduct that turned its price into a “barometer of corruption” to recent bribery arrests and a meddlesome government shareholder that won’t let the company act like a normal corporation. Built on nationalism, elitism, and the spending power of older consumers, Moutai is a rare success story that thrives by breaking all the rules. The question is—how long can it keep defying gravity?https://www.economist.com/business/2020/01/23/moutai-madness

“Bring your passion!” It sounds inspiring—until it becomes a trap. In this episode, we unpack the rise of “passion” as a job requirement, and how hobbies once meant for joy have been transformed into performance metrics. With job postings now explicitly demanding emotional devotion, passion has become both a ticket to promotions and a smokescreen for declining performance that managers too often ignore. Worse still, it gives employers moral cover to exploit their most committed workers—asking them to stay late, accept lower pay, or sacrifice boundaries in the name of loving what they do. We examine why constant displays of enthusiasm can warp judgment, erode work-life balance, and push employees into unhealthy, unsustainable careers. Is passion still empowering—or has it become the newest workplace hazard?https://www.economist.com/business/2023/02/09/the-pitfalls-of-loving-your-job-a-little-too-much

Is ice cream getting… weird? In this episode, we dip into the world of experimental scoops—from ketchup and cheddar creations dreamed up by British designer Anya Hindmarch to the long, surprising history of chefs pushing frozen boundaries. But as adventurous as these flavors get, the story reveals a delicious truth: ice cream’s real magic still lies in childhood joy, not culinary shock value. Because when the taste-tests end, it’s vanilla and Coco Pops—not vinegar swirls—that people come running back to. We explore why this universal treat inspires both wild innovation and simple nostalgia, and why ice cream remains one of the world’s most lovable foods, no matter what strange shape it takes.https://www.economist.com/culture/2023/07/13/when-it-comes-to-ice-cream-the-instinct-to-innovate-is-misguided

Who really invented butter chicken—and why does it matter so much? In this episode, we dive into one of India’s most heated culinary courtroom battles, where two families, descended from wartime business partners, are fighting over the legacy of a dish loved across the world. The Gujrals of Delhi’s iconic Moti Mahal insist their patriarch created butter chicken (and dal makhani) as a clever way to rescue leftover tandoori chicken—a claim they’ve backed with a 2,752-page lawsuit. Meanwhile, the Jaggis of Daryaganj say their ancestor cooked it up on the fly to satisfy a late-night order. Behind the creamy sauce lies a story of migration, memory, money, and the high stakes of gastronomic fame. And in the end, we ask: do eaters even care who invented it… as long as it tastes divine?https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/07/world/asia/india-butter-chicken-lawsuit.html

India is one of the most unequal countries in the world—so why does social peace still hold? In this episode, we dig into the unsettling question explored in journalist Manu Joseph’s Why the Poor Don’t Kill Us. Joseph argues that fear of police brutality, faith in education, and even the shared ugliness of urban life help keep class conflict at bay. But critics say he’s looking in the wrong direction. Drawing on Katherine Boo’s work, we examine how the poor often end up competing—even sabotaging one another—for scarce opportunities, leaving the wealthy untouched. Yet beneath the surface lies a deeper tension: a growing, educated generation whose hopes for mobility are colliding with reality. The real threat to India’s elite may not be revolt from below—but rising bitterness from those who feel they were promised more.https://www.economist.com/asia/2025/10/09/what-rich-indians-fear

The sneaker resale empire has stumbled. In this episode, we unpack why once-hyped collectible sneakers—the kind that sparked bidding frenzies and eye-watering markups—are now languishing at discounts. The COVID-era surge in casual footwear collecting has faded, brands have flooded the market with restocks, and ultra-realistic counterfeits have eroded confidence and value. But the biggest shift is cultural: buyers are ditching chunky lifestyle shoes in favor of performance sneakers, loafers, and boots. Today, only the rarest grails — think game-worn signatures from legends who’ve passed—can command sky-high prices. Has the golden age of sneaker flipping finally ended?https://www.economist.com/culture/2025/04/03/sneakernomics-and-the-surprising-future-of-sneakers

Singapore prides itself on self-reliance—except in one beloved corner of public life: the hawker centre. In this episode, we explore why the state intervenes so heavily in these iconic food courts, regulating everything from stall prices to cuisine mix to the simple act of clearing your tray. Once created for public order, hawker centres now feed the nation affordably, embody multicultural identity, and preserve a UN-recognized cultural heritage. But with aging hawkers and little interest from younger generations, government programs like the Incubation Stall and Hawkers’ Development schemes are struggling to keep the tradition alive. Can Singapore maintain this cherished institution without violating its own philosophy of not “coddling” citizens—or is the future of hawker culture at risk?https://www.economist.com/asia/2024/12/19/singapores-government-is-determined-to-keep-hawker-centres-alive

Strength training isn’t just having a moment—it’s becoming the new foundation of fitness. In this episode, we explore why gyms, apps, and health experts worldwide are shifting their focus from pure cardio to the power of the weight room. Backed by the World Health Organisation and medical research, resistance training is now recognized not just for boosting metabolism and lowering disease risk, but for its crucial role in preventing sarcopenia—the age-related muscle loss that can rob older adults of mobility, independence, and safety. As populations age and health demands rise, building muscle has never been more essential. So why did it take so long for strength training to get its due?https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2025/01/10/should-you-start-lifting-weights

Pickleball may be America’s fastest-growing sport—but it’s also becoming its loudest headache. In this episode, we dive into the surprising national uproar over the sport’s signature pop-pop-pop, a sharp, irregular sound that’s driving neighbors from Arlington to Scottsdale to the brink. While the decibels aren’t extreme, experts say the high pitch and chaotic rhythm make pickleball uniquely aggravating—“a torture technique,” as one critic puts it. With complaints, lawsuits, and even sound-mitigation consultants entering the fray, communities are struggling to balance booming player demand with residents desperate for silence. Can peace be restored, or is the soundtrack of America’s new favorite pastime here to stay?https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/30/sports/pickleball-noise-complaints-lawsuits.html

The tandoor has shaped centuries of cooking—but its charcoal-fired glow is fading. In this episode, we explore why traditional tandoor ovens are disappearing from cities like London and Mumbai, as air-pollution rules push restaurants toward cleaner gas and electric alternatives. Chefs fear what may be lost: the unmistakable smoky flavor of naans and kebabs, born from clay walls heated by charcoal and tended by artisans with rare, hard-won skill. We trace the tandoor’s journey from ancient civilizations and Mughal courts to global fame after the 1947 Partition, and examine how rising material costs and modern efficiency pressures are reshaping kitchens worldwide. Is this the end of the classic charcoal tandoor—or just the next chapter in its long, fiery story?https://www.economist.com/culture/2025/04/28/mumbai-wants-to-extinguish-the-charcoal-tandoor

Across East Asia, young workers are hitting a breaking point. In this episode, we dive into the region’s growing wave of corporate despair—from rigid hierarchies and relentless presenteeism to the quiet rebellions reshaping office culture. We explore how frustration is spilling into unprecedented union strikes in South Korea, rising emigration among Japanese and Chinese youth, and the subtler protest movements like China’s “lying flat” and the trend of wearing intentionally “disgusting” outfits to work. With governments and CEOs now promising “cuddlier capitalism,” the pressure for reform is real—but deeply entrenched attitudes among older executives may be the hardest barrier to break. What happens when an entire generation decides the corporate deal is no longer worth it?https://www.economist.com/business/2024/06/13/how-gen-zs-rebel-against-asias-rigid-corporate-culture

In Indonesia, badminton isn’t just a sport—it’s a heartbeat. In this episode, we explore why a Tokyo Olympic gold in women’s doubles sent the nation into celebration, and how Indonesia became a global badminton powerhouse. While the sport may be a casual backyard pastime in its English birthplace, in Indonesia it’s a source of national pride, unity, and real opportunity. We look at the champions who became household heroes, the tournaments Indonesia dominates, and why badminton remains the country’s most developed and beloved sport. What is it about this fast, feathered game that brings an entire nation together?https://www.economist.com/asia/2021/08/12/how-indonesia-became-the-home-of-badminton

Chicken is now the world’s favorite meat—cheap, abundant, and traded across continents. But behind its meteoric rise lies a far more complicated story. In this episode, we unpack how decades of selective breeding engineered birds that grow faster and larger than ever, helping chicken conquer global markets while raising serious animal-welfare concerns: cramped sheds, chronic lameness, and heavy antibiotic use just to keep the system running. We explore the highly specialized international trade—from America’s white-meat obsession to China’s love of chicken feet—and the growing pushback from activists and regulators that’s forcing change in places like the EU. Yet for all the momentum around free-range and organic farming, one stubborn truth remains: most shoppers still choose the cheapest bird on the shelf. Can the industry evolve when the market itself resists reform?https://www.economist.com/international/2019/01/19/how-chicken-became-the-rich-worlds-most-popular-meat

Hong Kong’s hottest food trend isn’t fine dining—it’s a $4 takeout box. In this episode, we explore the unexpected rise of “two dishes and rice,” a humble, no-frills meal that became a citywide obsession during economic downturns and pandemic lockdowns. Once dismissed as commoners’ fare, these steam-filled counters now draw massive queues and social media buzz, offering comforting, home-style flavors at a price everyone can afford. The high-volume model has thrown struggling food entrepreneurs a lifeline while feeding a city hungry for simplicity and stability. And even as restrictions fade and the hype cools, one truth remains: cheap, reliable, filling food never goes out of style.https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/02/world/asia/hong-kong-inexpensive-dining.html

Why has a 2,000-year-old food become a political punchline? In this episode, we unpack the strange culture war around tofu—a staple across Asia for millennia, now unfairly stereotyped in the West as the bland mascot of the “wokerati.” We explore tofu’s real story: a product made much like cheese, with textures ranging from silky to extra-firm, and a culinary versatility that lets it mimic chorizo one moment and crisp up beautifully in a stir-fry the next. And we challenge the idea that tofu must replace meat at all—looking at dishes like Sichuanese mapo tofu, where bean curd and beef work together in perfect harmony. So how did tofu get stuck with a bad reputation, and what do we lose when politics shapes our palate?https://www.economist.com/culture/2025/01/27/tofu-never-judge-a-food-by-its-political-reputation