The Intelligence from The Economist

From politics and finance to weather and reality TV, prediction markets are letting ordinary people bet on almost anything. But unlike traditional bookmakers, they list questions that are inherently subjective: Did Zelensky wear a suit? Did Ronaldo cry at the World Cup? It raises a thorny question: who, in the end, is the arbiter of truth?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.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 podcasts@economist.com.

Ahead of the G20 summit in Manchester, Britain’s prime minister sets out his foreign-policy plans. From reviewing EU links, to brokering the relationship between America and China, he is making big promises. To Russia’s delight, war is eroding Ukraine's population. And a tribute to a renowned American labour leader. Watch extended clips from Insider hereGuests and host:Hugo Gye, Britain political correspondentPiotr Zalewski, Turkey correspondentJon Fasman, senior culture correspondentỌrẹ Ogunbiyi, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Britain, Andy Burham, BrexitUkraine, Russia, demographicsDolores Huerta, César Chávez, labour rightsListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.

The success of GLP-1s has prompted biotechs to approach the challenge differently. After years of false starts and disappointing results, longevity drugs could be on the horizon. Do immigrants from some countries commit more sex crimes? And the big business of miniatures. Guests and host:Shailesh Chitnis, global business writerJames Fransham, data correspondentSascha Lowdermilk, culture internỌrẹ Ogunbiyi, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Longevity drugs, biotechnology, ageingImmigration, sex crime, BritainMiniatures, 3D printing, hobbiesListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.

In the end, the result was clear and uncontested: Democrats had an astonishingly good night. Our editors and correspondents across America report on the proceedings, and we ask what comes next—for Democrats, for Republicans and for Trumpism more widely.Guests and host:Edward Carr, deputy editorCharlotte Howard, United States editorRebecca Jackson, Southern correspondentDaniel Knowles, Midwest correspondentJason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: midterm elections, Congressional controlDonald Trump, MAGAthe future of the free worldListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.

Two European startups are tackling the chromosomal abnormalities that make it difficult for older women to get pregnant. Their innovations might also prevent younger women from miscarrying. Belarusian culture looks increasingly Russian. And the world is taking a liking to biltong.Guests and host:Catherine Brahic, environment editorKatie Bryant, senior video producerJohn McDermott, chief Africa correspondentỌrẹ Ogunbiyi, co-host of “The Intelligence”Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Infertility, in-vitro fertilisation (IVF), Belarus, Russia, Alexander LukashenkoBiltong, South Africa, meatListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.

Ahead of tomorrow’s legislative elections we consider the chances of a “blue wave”, the most influential demographics this time around and whether to expect election-administration trouble. Young people are deciding that bricks-and-mortar investment is not as dependable as the stocks-and-shares kind. And 100 years on from his death Harry Houdini still has lessons to teach about getting and staying famous.Guests and host:Charlotte Howard, United States editorKennett Werner, Washington correspondentVinjeru Mkandawire, news editorCaitlin Talbot, digital culture correspondentRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered:America’s midterm electionsproperty, securities, investingHarry Houdini, fameListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.

When el-Fasher, Sudan, came under siege by the RSF, Saudi Hospital became the region’s last functioning hospital. There, a team of extraordinary doctors experienced some of the most traumatic and rewarding days of their lives—providing life-saving medical services to more than a million people. By the time the city fell they’d become not just friends, but family.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.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 podcasts@economist.com.Read more about how we are using AI.

We examine the record of the man at the helm of India’s government. As protests pose a fresh threat, where will he take the country next? From New Hampshire to Virginia, our American-midterms series takes you to the races you might be missing. And the life of Winston Churchill’s last personal secretary. Guests and host:Tom Sasse, South Asia bureau chiefDaniella Raz, US correspondentAnn Wroe, obituaries editorỌrẹ Ogunbiyi, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Narendra Modi, India, Cockroach-Janta partyAmerica’s midterm elections, abortion, CaliforniaCecily Gemmell, Winston ChurchillListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.

The world’s richest person does not say much nice about philanthropy, and his foundation does not say much about itself. Our correspondent digs deeper. The next stop for our midterm-elections series is Kansas, where a Republican-seeming Democrat has an unlikely shot at the Senate. And an examination of the received wisdom about how many steps to walk in a day.Guests and host:Avantika Chilkoti, global business writerDaniel Knowles, Midwest correspondentSam Wikeley, science correspondentRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Elon Musk, Musk Foundation, philanthropyAmerica’s midterm elections, Kansaswellness, walking, received wisdomListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.