The Intelligence from The Economist

In the 1990s, as Nigeria was under a brutal military dictatorship, Radio Kudirat emerged as a glimmer of hope. The clandestine project united journalists, activists and engineers, who risked their lives to give Nigerians a voice even when a $5 million bounty was put out on their heads. Over 30 years later, Africa correspondent Ore Ogunbiyi re-unites some of the people who brought Radio Kudirat to life.Topics covered:NigeriaDemocracyAuthoritarianism PropagandaRadio KudiratListen 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.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 podcasts@economist.com.Read more about how we are using AI.

Nvidia, the world’s most valuable company, has shifted strategy to boost demand for its chips. Our correspondent assesses the opportunities and risks. Knife crime in Britain moves to rural pastures. And our obituaries editor recounts the life of Frank Smith, who died in prison aged 101. Watch extended clips from Insider here, plus the full Elon Musk interviewGuests and host:Shailesh Chitnis, global business writerSonny Loughran, Britain correspondentAnn Wroe, obituaries editorRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Nvidia, AI, Jensen HuangKnife crime, county lines, drug marketFrank Smith, electric chair, death rowListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.

Donald Trump’s stance on immigration helped him win the presidency. Our correspondent asks if a backlash against the campaign could damage Republican midterm prospects. Reddit is struggling in an age of AI. And the enduring beauty of the Bayeux tapestry.Guests and host:Aryn Braun, West Coast correspondentShera Avi-Yonah, business correspondentAlexandra Suich Bass, culture editorRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Deportation, ICE, immigration, MinneapolisReddit, Google, AIBayeux tapestry, 1066, British MuseumListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.

On Sunday, Alternative for Germany could become the first far-right nationalist party to win a state election since the end of the second world war. Is Britain right to worry about Palantir handling government contracts? And could the Chinese learn to love chocolate? Guests and host:Tom Nuttall, chief Germany correspondentGeorgia Banjo, Britain correspondentDon Weinland, China business and finance editorRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Germany, AfD, Alternative for Germany, Saxony-AnhaltPalantir, NHSChina, chocolate Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.

After the devastating flash flood last week, our correspondent explains why the country is so ill-equipped to deal with the crisis. Does AI stop children from learning? And why Japanese ongaku kissa, or listening bars, are so popular abroad.Guests and host:Kira Hiju, Asia correspondentMichelle Hennessy, graphic detail editorAaron Coultate, head of newslettersRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Nepal, flood, climate change, glacier, hydropowerAI, education, examsJapan, listening bars, ongaku kissa Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.

Behind the scenes, Artificial Intelligence is playing a growing role in every aspect of film-making, from script-writing and production-planning to shot-generation and editing. As the number of people covered by Obamacare falls, our correspondent ponders the future of the healthcare programme. And the secret thrill of American country dancing in France.Guests and host:Henry Tricks, US technology editorStevie Hertz, US public policy correspondentSophie Pedder, Paris bureau chiefRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Hollywood, filmmaking, AIObamacare, healthcare, health insuranceFrance, country music, line-dancingListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.

FOR 35 years the Ig Nobel prizes—given for “research that makes people laugh, then think”—have been awarded at a madcap ceremony in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The “laugh” part highlights the sillier side of science; the “think” part reveals the same creative inquiry that drives the more dour-seeming side. Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”, speaks to the prizes’ founder and past winners about the grave reasons the ceremony is moving this year to Zurich. Topics covered:Ig Nobel prizes Nobel prizesscientific inquiryAmerican science policyGuests:Marc Abrahams, founder, Ig Nobel prizesMarie Dacke, professor of sensory biology, Lund UniversitySir Andre Geim, professor of physics, University of ManchesterDavid Kaiser, professor of physics and professor of the history of science, MITLuca Luiselli, president, Institute for Development, Ecology, Conservation and Co-operationLinks to other episodes:The Weekend Intelligence: Science under siegeThe Weekend Intelligence: The War on Animal ResearchListen 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.

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 interviewGuests 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, bookshopsListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.

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 musicListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.