In a polarised world, the opportunities to disagree are plentiful – and frequently destructive. In one of our favourite episodes of 2022, host Anne McElvoy asks Adam Grant, an organisational psychologist and the author of “Think Again”, why he thinks the key to arguing well is to be open-minded. They discuss whether social media erode reasoned argument, and the new breed of powerful political communicators. Plus, how does the psychology of resilience help those who are “languishing”?

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The pursuit of happiness continues to puzzle everyone from philosophers to politicians. But how can science help the search? Host Anne McElvoy asks Tal Ben-Shahar, an expert in positive psychology and the author of “Happier: No Matter What”, how evidence-based research can improve well-being. Plus, what’s the best way to make new year’s resolutions stick? 

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Host Anne McElvoy asks the historian and writer Simon Sebag Montefiore why he believes the story of human history has been shaped by the family unit. The author of "The World: A Family History" considers what all dynasties have in common and what the future holds for monarchies in Britain and beyond. Plus, do men and women hold onto power differently?

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After her brother died fighting in Luhansk in 2017, the historian and author Olesya Khromeychuk channelled her grief by writing “The Death of a Soldier Told by His Sister”. Host Anne McElvoy asks her how war and resistance has shaped the identity of Ukraine and Ukrainians and what the country could look like once the conflict ends.

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Days after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Olaf Scholz, the German chancellor, announced a radical shift in the country’s foreign and security policy. Host Anne McElvoy asks Christoph Heusgen, a former advisor to Angela Merkel, whether the Zeitenwende (“turning point”) will be delivered or derailed. The veteran diplomat, who now chairs the Munich Security Conference, also assesses Germany’s China policy and how to mend fences with European allies.

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Ben Hodges, a former commanding general of US Army Europe, believes that Ukraine has achieved “an irreversible momentum” since the liberation of Kherson. He predicts the country could declare victory against Russia by the summer. Host Anne McElvoy asks him how Ukraine could pull it off. He assesses whether Western countries will hold their nerve as the conflict drags on and what could happen if Vladimir Putin loses on the battlefield.

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As the end of COP27 nears, US energy secretary Jennifer Granholm talks to Anne McElvoy from the climate summit in Egypt. They discuss the impact the global energy crisis is having on Joe Biden’s green agenda, whether the hype around hydrogen will endure and if the president is willing to put aside a tussle with China for the sake of climate cooperation. Plus, Vijay Vaitheesawaran, The Economist’s global energy and climate innovation editor, measures the ambitions declared at COP27 against what is achievable.

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Binyamin Netanyahu is set to return to power in Israel, after winning a majority in last week’s general election. His coalition is likely to include Religious Zionism, a far-right bloc. Host Anne McElvoy asks Anshel Pfeffer, The Economist’s Israel correspondent and a biographer of Mr Netanyahu, what the partnership could mean for Israel’s democracy. And David Makovsky of the Washington Institute assesses how the change in government could affect Israel’s alliance with America and burgeoning relationships in the Middle East.

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Eric Adams, the mayor of New York, grew up on the verge of homelessness. Now he’s in charge of fixing the city’s housing crisis. Host Anne McElvoy asks him how he plans to do it. They discuss how an influx of 20,000 migrants, many from the southern border, adds to the problem. Mr Adams, a former police captain, defends his record tackling violence and relays his concerns about the Democrats’ pitch ahead of the midterms.

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On Tuesday, Rishi Sunak became Britain’s new prime minister–its third in two months. Host Anne McElvoy speaks to Matthew Holehouse, The Economist’s British political correspondent, about the new leader’s first few days in office and the shape his premiership could take. Mr Sunak inherits a fractured Conservative Party that’s taken a pummelling in the polls. Anne asks Matt Goodwin, a pollster and professor of politics at the University of Kent, if the Tories can restore their image in time for the next general election.

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The Supreme Court could be on the verge of gutting the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Eric Holder, a former attorney-general, was in office the first time the court hollowed out the VRA. Host Anne McElvoy asks him what’s at stake as the midterm elections approach. Mr Holder, who now leads the National Democratic Redistricting Committee, explains why he believes American democracy is in decline. And, they explore whether a bipartisan effort is likely to bear fruit.

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During his decade-long reign in China, Xi Jinping has amassed more power and wielded it more ruthlessly than any leader since Mao Zedong. At the upcoming Chinese Communist Party congress, Xi is expected to secure an unprecedented third term as leader. Host Anne McElvoy asks Kevin Rudd, president of the Asia Society Policy Institute and a former prime minister of Australia, what to expect from the next era of Xi’s rule and the implications that could have for China and the world. 

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The covid-19 pandemic starved young brains. Estimates suggest that globally schoolchildren may be eight months behind where they’d normally be. Host Anne McElvoy asks Jaime Saavedra, global director of education at the World Bank, how kids can catch up after “the worst educational crisis for a century”. They discuss the education policies that could make a difference, and why political will is the key to implementing them.

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The World Trade Organisation was set up in 1995 to enable the multilateral trading system. But in the past decade, it’s come under pressure. Now, the global economy looks set to enter an unstable new phase. Host Anne McElvoy and Henry Curr, The Economist’s economics editor, travel to the WTO’s headquarters in Geneva to ask Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the director-general, how trade can mitigate the pain. They discuss how supply chains need to change and assess the trade-off between efficiency and equality. Dr Okonjo-Iweala examines the rift between China and America and how the WTO needs to reform.

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The covid-19 pandemic played havoc with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Progress to achieve gender equality by 2030 has not only stalled, it’s reversed. Host Anne McElvoy asks Melinda French Gates, a philanthropist, if the target still makes sense. The co-chair of the Gates Foundation also discusses the overturning of Roe v Wade in America. 

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Ukraine has made a remarkable turnaround. In a few days, its army liberated 6,000 square kilometres of territory–more than Russia had seized in the previous five months. Host Anne McElvoy asks Wesley Clark, a retired four-star US general, if Ukraine’s surprise counter-offensive marks a new phase in the war and what to expect if Russia retaliates. And Alexander Gabuev, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, analyses whether the cracks in Vladimir Putin’s aura of invincibility will damage his standing at home. 

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During the 13 years Thomas Insel led America’s National Institute of Mental Health, medicines and treatments for those with serious mental health disorders improved, but outcomes did not. Host Anne McElvoy asks him what has gone wrong–and how it might be fixed. The psychiatrist and author of “Healing” also discusses how technology might help.

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The Supreme Court is changing America. In its last term, it eliminated the constitutional right to abortion, loosened gun laws and eroded the separation of church and state. Host Jon Fasman asks Eric Segall, professor of law at Georgia State University, what will happen in the upcoming term and whether the court could be reformed. They also discuss the role of “originalism”, the judicial philosophy that interprets the constitution precisely as it was written by its authors. 

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In a polarised world opportunities to disagree are plentiful – and frequently destructive. Host Anne McElvoy asks Adam Grant, an organisational psychologist and author of “Think Again”, why he thinks the key to arguing well is to be open-minded. They discuss whether social media erode reasoned argument, and the new breed of powerful political communicators. Plus, how does the psychology of resilience help those who are “languishing”?

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Joe Biden and Xi Jinping bonded on basketball courts when they were vice-presidents. Today their relationship has turned tense as they tussle over Taiwan and trade. But the war in Ukraine is also consuming much of President Biden’s attention. Host Anne McElvoy asks Wendy Sherman, America’s deputy secretary of state, how the administration is balancing its two biggest foreign-policy challenges as well as its renewed focus on the Indo-Pacific. And the steely negotiator discusses the frustrating reality of high-stakes talks.

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The deaths of 53 migrants in San Antonio, Texas are a reminder of the risks taken to enter America illicitly. Border crossings are at record levels. President Joe Biden promised to fix immigration, but his critics say his policies stoke disorder. Host Anne McElvoy asks Ted Cruz, a Republican senator from Texas, how he would solve the problem. Plus, Alexandra Suich Bass, The Economist’s senior US correspondent, explains why Congress has failed to tackle immigration.

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As the Ukraine conflict grinds into its fifth month, host Anne McElvoy and Shashank Joshi, The Economist’s defence editor, ask Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, Britain’s chief of the defence staff, how Ukraine can win as Russia wages a long war of attrition. The head of the UK’s armed forces assesses the strengths of the Russian army and how western militaries are meeting that challenge.

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After days of mounting pressure–sparked by a scandal involving his deputy chief whip–Britain’s prime minister quit as Conservative Party leader. The scandal is one of many that plagued his leadership, but the problems facing the Tories run far deeper. Host Anne McElvoy asks The Economist’s Andrew Palmer and Soumaya Keynes what brought the curtain down on Mr Johnson and what problems await his successor. Plus, Charles Powell, Margaret Thatcher’s closest adviser, assesses the similarities between the denouement of the two charismatic and controversial leaders.

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Twenty-five years ago, Britain returned Hong Kong to China. The handover was based on a promise the city would retain its high degree of autonomy. That pledge now lies in tatters.  Host Anne McElvoy asks Chris Patten, the last colonial governor, why Hong Kong’s nascent democracy was thwarted. Sue-Lin Wong, The Economist’s China correspondent, tells Anne how China tightened its grip on Hong Kong. And, exiled activist Nathan Law ponders the future of the pro-democracy movement. 

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Consumer prices across the rich world are rising by more than 9% year on year, the highest rate since the 1980s. Paul Krugman, the Nobel prize-winning economist, talks to host Anne McElvoy and Henry Curr, The Economist’s economics editor, about how governments and central banks should respond. We also ask if a recession can be avoided, and whether the era of big government spending is over.

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The US Senate has reached a bipartisan gun-reform agreement that, if passed into law, could be the most significant in 30 years. Guest host Jon Fasman speaks to Chris Murphy, the Connecticut senator who led the negotiations for the Democrats, about the significance of the deal and why a compromise has been so elusive in the past. The senator, who has spent ten years trying to enact a change in gun laws, explains why he thinks even modest reforms will make America safer. 

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When chef Alice Waters opened her restaurant Chez Panisse, she sparked a food revolution in America. She talks to guest host Jon Fasman about leading the Slow Food movement and fighting against fast-food culture. In her latest book, “We Are What We Eat”, she argues for a fairer and more sustainable food system. But how can that be achieved in practice? And, would she ever put lab-grown fish on her menu?

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Since reunification, Germany has sought stable relations with Russia. That changed with Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. But is this Zeitenwende (“turning point”) really a new era for Europe’s powerhouse? Anne McElvoy asks John Lough, former NATO strategist, why risk-averse chancellors turned a blind eye to the Kremlin. Anne visits the mothballed Nord Stream 2 pipeline with Alexander Drost, from the University of Greifswald. And Anna Luhrmann, Germany’s Europe and climate minister, discusses how the country can wean itself off Russian energy and the significance of the shift in foreign and security policy.  

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This week the global elite gathered in Davos for the World Economic Forum against a backdrop of rising commodity prices, soaring inflation and conflict in Europe. Host Anne McElvoy assesses the economic fallout with Patrick Foulis, The Economist’s business affairs editor, and our finance and economics editor, Rachana Shanbhogue. Anne also talks to Adena Friedman, CEO of the Nasdaq stock exchange, to gauge the outlook for the markets. Plus, historian Adam Tooze on the changing economic world order.

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The war in Ukraine has put the organisation’s founding principles and its authority on the line. Anne McElvoy asks Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the United States ambassador to the UN, how the Security Council can function in a time of division. Is the sharing of military intelligence by America an act of war? Plus, the ambassador discusses her solutions to the looming food security crisis. 

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For 50 years, women in America have had a constitutional right to terminate a pregnancy. Now, a leaked draft opinion suggests that the Supreme Court will overturn Roe v Wade. Anne McElvoy asks Mary Ziegler, a legal historian, about the origins of the landmark legislation and what would happen if Roe is cast aside. Plus, does the Supreme Court need reforming?

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In ten weeks of conflict Vladimir Putin has not been afraid to rattle the nuclear sabre. Western leaders have responded by tempering their own rhetoric – but the risk of nuclear war is greater than it has been for more than half a century. Anne McElvoy asks Rose Gottemoeller, a former deputy secretary-general at NATO, whether Russia will launch nuclear weapons and, if it did, what the West should do. And, has NATO proved its worth?

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Evidence of Russian war crimes litters the landscape of Ukraine. But it’s a long trudge from the battlefields to the courtroom. Anne McElvoy asks Oona Hathaway, an expert on law and warfare and a professor at Yale University, whether the perpetrators will be held accountable. Could Vladimir Putin and others be prosecuted by a Nuremberg-style tribunal? Plus, should America join the International Criminal Court?

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The war in Ukraine has driven Finland and Sweden to rethink their long-held position on neutrality. Anne McElvoy asks the former Swedish prime minister whether the two countries will join Nato. Will membership bring stability and security to Europe and how should the Nordic neighbours manage their relations with Russia? Plus, he relives the history lesson he received from the former German chancellor Helmut Kohl. 

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President Joe Biden began his presidency wanting “stable and predictable” relations with Russia. As war in Ukraine rages on, Anne McElvoy asks Senator Bob Menendez how it will test US foreign policy. The chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee discusses the potency of sanctions and measures anti-Nato sentiment in Congress. Plus, how should President Biden handle the bond between Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping?

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Host Anne McElvoy asks the prime minister of Lithuania if today’s Russia threatens the Baltic states – and how does she assess the strengths and weaknesses of Nato’s defence? Her country took the step to ban Russian gas, but will the rest of the European Union follow suit? Plus, why does she think it’s “delusional” to assume diplomacy works with Vladimir Putin?

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At his headquarters in Kyiv, Ukraine’s president tells Zanny Minton Beddoes, The Economist’s editor-in-chief, and Russia editor Arkady Ostrovsky why his country must defeat Vladimir Putin. He explains how people power is the secret to Ukrainian resistance and urges international partners to send in more military equipment. Plus, what does a Ukrainian victory look like?

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As the war in Ukraine enters its second month, Nato and European leaders have pledged to send in more weapons and to ramp up sanctions against Russia. But is it enough? Anne McElvoy assesses the strength of those promises with Marie Yovanovitch, a former US ambassador to Ukraine. Plus, Edward Carr, The Economist’s deputy editor, discusses which diplomatic strains are yet to test Western unity.

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Host Anne McElvoy asks the former Russian foreign minister how war in Ukraine will change Vladimir Putin’s standing at home and abroad. They discuss the remarkable acts of dissent happening around Russia and what methods Western leaders should use to negotiate with Mr Putin. Plus, what are the chances for democracy returning to Russia? 

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Amid the war in Ukraine and a humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, the Nobel peace-prize laureate urges more progress in equal access to education. She tells The Economist’s editor-in-chief Zanny Minton Beddoes how keeping girls in school can benefit economies and societies. And, how has the pandemic affected the gender gap?

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As the war in Ukraine enters a bloodier phase, Anne McElvoy assesses what moves the Russian president will make. She asks General Sir Nick Carter, the former chief of Britain’s defence staff, how urban warfare could shape the conflict and how Nato’s strategy might evolve. Plus, leading Russia expert Fiona Hill provides insight into the psyche of the Kremlin strongman and what would persuade him to call a ceasefire. 

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Russian tanks have poured into Ukraine in what is all-out war. Host Anne McElvoy asks The Economist's editor-in-chief Zanny Minton Beddoes, defence editor Shashank Joshi and business affairs editor Patrick Foulis whether Ukraine's defensive capabilities can withstand Russian forces, and we assess Vladimir Putin's endgame. Also, we analyse the financial fallout of war and the effectiveness of Western-imposed sanctions.

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The Democratic congressman for Silicon Valley represents a district home to tech industry titans. Anne McElvoy asks him how their power can be checked. Can Capitol Hill regulate online hate speech without impinging on free speech? Plus, how does the deputy whip of the Congressional Progressive Caucus see his wing’s relationship with the rest of the party?

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Host Anne McElvoy assesses Moscow’s readiness for conflict and Kyiv’s defensive capabilities with Oleksander Danylyuk, Ukraine’s former national security chief. And Anne asks Shashank Joshi, the Economist’s defence editor, and Arkady Ostrovsky, our Russia editor,  what war would mean for the world and if diplomacy could end the tensions. Plus, our culture editor Andrew Miller takes a longer view of Ukrainian independence movements. 

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As awards season gets underway, Anne McElvoy asks the Oscar-nominated actor and filmmaker how streaming platforms will change cinema. The director of “The Lost Daughter” reveals why she chose to adapt Elena Ferrante’s novel and what drew her to the messy mothers at the centre of the story. Plus, has she spoken to the famously enigmatic Italian writer? 

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The veteran reporter was a teenager when he first walked into a newsroom. He tells Anne McElvoy how that moment led him to become one half of the most famous bylines in journalism. They discuss the decline in trust in the media and echoes of Watergate in American politics today. And the author of “Chasing History” reflects on a painful moment from his past being turned into a film. 

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The Broadway legend has entertained audiences for four decades. He tells Anne McElvoy why he combines acting and activism and how he became a late-life TikTok sensation. And the star of “Homeland” reveals the personal story that inspired him to highlight Europe’s refugee crisis. Also, he gives us a burst of song from his days working with the late Stephen Sondheim.

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The new year presents President Biden with a raft of foreign-policy challenges – from Russian troops on Ukraine’s border, to an aggressive China in the Taiwan Strait. Host Anne McElvoy asks a leading geopolitical thinker how the United States will face the tests to its power in 2022. Plus, the author of “The Revenge of Geography” assesses America’s willingness to go to war and the influence domestic factors will have on diplomacy.

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We look back to some of our favourite moments and guests from the past 12 months—featuring conversations about how our work lives are changing and business is transforming. From technological breakthroughs to shifting workplaces, you’ll hear from six guests we wanted to revisit—Kai-Fu Lee, Joanna Coles and Melora Hardin, Whitney Wolfe Herd, Indra Nooyi, and Ray Dalio. Also features a calming gift of meditation for all our listeners. Anne McElvoy hosts.

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The designer is rethinking sustainability and style, but can luxury fashion really be green? She talks to Anne McElvoy about making sought-after handbags out of recycled plastic bottles and biodegradable leather and assesses whether renting clothes is the solution to the environmental impact of changing trends. And which political heavyweight – known for handbagging – inspired her to go into business? 

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The sculptor is one of the most recognisable figures in contemporary art. Over his four-decade career, how have conversations about representation and appropriation changed? He talks to Anne McElvoy about cancel culture and the risks of tokenism for creative institutions. The Turner prize winner also assesses whether public art needs to be popular and the controversy around his use of the blackest black ever created.

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In a rare interview, the head of Britain’s Secret Intelligence Service spells out his plans to modernise MI6. He tells Anne McElvoy and Shashank Joshi, The Economist’s defence editor, why China is his most pressing priority. The spymaster wants to recruit diverse talent, but how is he encouraging ethnic minorities to join the ranks? And what does “C” make of his big-screen counterpart “M” in the James Bond films?

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The former House majority leader and Virginia congressman assesses whether the Republican Party needs Donald Trump to win. The one-time rising star of the GOP talks to Anne McElvoy about the lessons learnt from losing his seat to a Tea-Party challenger. Is bipartisanship broken or can his old frenemy President Joe Biden fix it? 

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In 1956 the Suez Crisis forced the Egyptian-born cookery writer and her Jewish family to flee Cairo for London. She tells Anne McElvoy why she collected the recipes of fellow refugees to keep the flavours of home alive and what food tells us about stories of migration. The octogenarian author of “A Book of Middle Eastern Food” and “Med” spills the secrets of her kitchen – from embracing mistakes to what to cook for the festive season. 

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When covid-19 lockdowns shuttered his productions, the renowned satirist vented his frustrations in a new form – a mock-epic poem called “Pandemonium”. He talks to Anne McElvoy about seeking inspiration in the works of John Milton and how to find humour in difficult days. Is any joke out of bounds for the creator of the television shows “The Thick of It” and “Veep” and what’s on his pick-me-up reading list?

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Host Anne McElvoy asks the founder of Multiverse why he thinks apprenticeships are the best route into the workplace and whether the education policies of former British prime minister Tony Blair, his father, mean too many young people go to university. He reflects on growing up in the spotlight and what proximity to power has taught him. And is there the tech entrepreneur’s dress code?

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The leading man who made his name playing the baddie talks to Anne McElvoy about what makes the best villains and his recent memoir “Putting the Rabbit in the Hat”. The star of HBO’s “Succession” says why the series struck a chord during the Trump presidency and what links the two powerful patriarchs Logan Roy and Shakespeare’s King Lear. Also, have young actors lost the craft of theatre?

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Is work-life balance possible at the top? Host Anne McElvoy asks the former chief executive of PepsiCo how she juggled family commitments with leading a Fortune 500 company. She shares her lessons on mixing business with politics – and how should top companies respond to criticism that they pay too little tax? And why did she plump for a corporate career when she could have been a rock star?

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This year’s award celebrates two journalists working in countries where the screws are tightening on media freedom. Host Anne McElvoy asks Maria Ressa of the Philippines and Russia’s Dmitry Muratov how they are defending the free press. The editor of Novaya Gazeta explains why he has dedicated his medal to murdered colleagues and the co-founder of Rappler shares how she fights back in the face of online trolling. 

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Fourteen years after “The Sopranos'' ended, the creator of the hit TV series explains why his show is reaching new and younger audiences. Host Anne McElvoy asks whether mobsters have a moral compass and why audiences root for the patriarch Tony Soprano? The Hollywood veteran talks about bringing the story back to life in the prequel movie “The Many Saints of Newark” and why it should be enjoyed in a cinema, not at home.

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Are Western alliances fraying? Anne McElvoy asks the retired four-star US General about the diplomatic fallout from the AUKUS deal. As Chinese jets menace Taiwan, would the US go to war to defend the island? The former commander of US and coalition troops in Afghanistan ponders whether the Taliban could become America’s counter-terrorism allies. And could you follow the General’s lead and exist on one meal a day? 

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As trade tensions flare, Anne McElvoy asks the former chief Brexit negotiator about the state of relations between the European Union and the United Kingdom. Can the two sides end a stand-off about the Northern Ireland protocol? The author of “My Secret Brexit Diary” reveals why he wants to be the next president of France. And, after four years of tussles with Britain, would he still call himself an Anglophile? 

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Host Anne McElvoy reviews the German Chancellor’s 16-year leadership with Wolfgang Nowak, a political veteran who advised Angela Merkel's predecessor, and asks what made her such a phenomenal politician. And as the race to replace Angela Merkel draws to a close, Anne talks to security expert Claudia Major about the domestic and foreign challenges awaiting her successor. 

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As President Biden pushes to get more Americans fully jabbed, Anne McElvoy asks the former commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration whether America’s vaccine mandates will work. The author of “Uncontrolled Spread” discusses the failures in handling the covid-19 pandemic and the efficacy of booster shots. And, what is the best temperature to cook a steak?

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Should the West engage with the Taliban? As Afghans and the Western alliance adjust to Afghanistan's new reality, Britain's chief of the defence staff talks to Anne McElvoy about the speed of the takeover and the future of Taliban rule. He also reflects on the mistakes of the war and assesses the terror threat as the 20th anniversary of 9/11 approaches.

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Anne McElvoy asks the Japanese-American writer whether war criminals can be brought to justice. The author of “Intimacies” reveals why she drew inspiration from the international criminal courts as well as the interpreters who work in them, the power of language and the pitfalls of mistranslation. The daughter of immigrants to the US talks about where she feels most at home and the secret to marital bliss.

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One of the most prominent figures in China’s tech sector and author of “AI 2041” tells Anne McElvoy how artificial intelligence will have changed the world in twenty years time. They discuss the impact machine learning will have on jobs and why an algorithm could spot the next pandemic. Plus, can a robot ever replicate human emotion?

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The star of “Bach and Sons” tells Anne McElvoy how he brought the great German composer to life on stage. They discuss the impact of theatre closures on actors’ finances and why he reckons it’s now safe to return to the stalls on both sides of the Atlantic. Plus, how far should identity politics influence who plays which roles?

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Can biography tell the whole truth? Anne McElvoy asks the writer how he balances the friendliness with his subjects and over-familiarity. The author of “The Code Breaker" and “Steve Jobs” reveals whether he regrets anything he has written and if he’s more critical of politicians than scientists. And, of all the historical figures he’s profiled, who would he most like to go for dinner with?

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Can data make better parents? The author of “The Family Firm” and economics professor at Brown University tells Anne McElvoy why crunching the numbers takes the stress out of raising children. She talks about the backlash to her advocacy of re-opening schools during the Covid-19 pandemic and what damage a year out of the classroom means for pupils. And, what's her top piece of parenting advice?

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Where is the difference between moderation and censorship on tech platforms? Anne McElvoy asks the author of “Dangerous Ideas" whether social media giants were right to ban Donald Trump and if speech should be free even if it’s offensive? The human-rights lawyer also talks about working with asylum seekers and picks a previously-censored book to take with him to a desert island. 

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Are today’s sporting competitions fair? The four-time Olympic champion sprinter tells Anne McElvoy why he handed back his gold medal after discovering his team-mate's use of performance-enhancing drugs, and why he thinks doping will never be eradicated. Should athletes be allowed to protest on the podium? And, the man with the “golden shoes” on his fantasy sport opponent?

With acknowledgments to Team USA.

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The actor and director of “The Water Man” tells Anne McElvoy why he thinks Hollywood needs new stories and how grieving for his parents inspired his latest film. The star of “Selma” reveals why he left London for Los Angeles in search of bigger roles. And, does he want to be the next 007? 

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Are economic sanctions against Russia a good idea? Anne McElvoy asks the Prime Minister of Estonia whether sanctions really punish Vladimir Putin, and why she thinks dialogue with the Kremlin shows weakness. Are all NATO members spending enough on defence? Estonia’s first female PM explains why she looks to Angela Merkel for lessons in leadership and what the golf course taught her about life.

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Is the era of globalisation over? The Economist’s editor-in-chief Zanny Minton Beddoes asks the director-general of the World Trade Organisation whether the multilateral trading system still works. Can an organisation rooted in the twentieth century prevent a trade war between the US and China in the twenty-first—and how serious a problem is vaccine protectionism? The WTO’s first African leader talks about being a champion for the continent. And, why poetry is her source of inspiration.

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Has the #MeToo movement run into trouble? The renowned philosopher and author of “Citadels of Pride: Sexual Abuse, Accountability, and Reconciliation” talks to Anne McElvoy about the moral complexities of mass-sharing experiences of sexual assault and shaming of alleged perpetrators. Also, can rules of consent keep up with behaviour? And, as a music buff, what’s her favourite philosophical opera?

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What makes language offensive? The linguist and author of “Nine Nasty Words” talks to Anne McElvoy and Lane Greene, our language columnist, about the art of swearing. Is language the new cultural battlefield and does the current rhetoric around race help black Americans? And, grammatical bugbears — literally.

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The founder of Bumble talks to Anne McElvoy about whether dating apps have killed romance. Is she cashing in on feminism by building a brand around female empowerment? The world’s youngest female self-made billionaire explains why she’s calling for more diversity in the tech industry. And, what’s her mantra for love?

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How to remember the past in the digital present? The author of “In Memory of Memory” talks to Anne McElvoy about charting her family’s history, her nomination for the International Booker Prize, and what young Russians want from politics. And, what are the challenges of parenting in the age of visual technology?

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The billionaire founder of Bridgewater Associates, the world’s largest hedge-fund manager, assesses President Biden's plans to tax the rich. Anne McElvoy asks him whether his firm's distinctive culture is cultish and whether the Redditers were right in their criticism of hedge funds over GameStop. Also, the need to place some chips on China's economic power and the power of meditation.

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Can the US broker peace between Israel and the Palestinians? With a ceasefire restoring calm in Israel and Gaza, Barack Obama’s former security advisor and author of “After the Fall” talks to Anne McElvoy how President Biden should approach his first diplomatic test and the lessons he learnt in the White House on the art of negotiations. And, the co-host of “Pod Save The World” talks about whether it’s better to debate politics on a podcast or at the dinner table?

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How has the pursuit of love changed? Anne McElvoy asks the British actress, screenwriter and director of the TV adaptation of Nancy Mitford’s novel "The Pursuit of Love" about the choice women face between heady freedoms and a more settled life through the generations. Should period dramas be more diverse? And, which Russian classic would she adapt for the screen.

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The Senator for Minnesota, former Democratic presidential candidate, and author of "Antitrust" talks to Anne McElvoy about whether America's mega-companies should be broken up. Also, will the Apple v Epic Games case increase competition and were Facebook’s Oversight Board right to uphold the suspension of Trump’s account. And are female politicians more likely to be accused of bossiness than men?

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In 2004 Tammy Duckworth was shot down by Iraqi insurgents while she was serving in the army and lost both legs in the attack. As America withdraws troops from Afghanistan, Anne McElvoy asks the Illinois senator about the legacy of America's interventions abroad and whether President Biden is making the right decision. The first Thai-American woman in Congress says there is "enough pie for everyone" and minority groups in Congress should work together. Also, what scares her?  

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How does the best-known veteran of foreign policy view the great global standoff today? Henry Kissinger is a titan of US politics — as Secretary of State and National Security Advisor in the Nixon and Ford administrations he brokered detente with the Soviet Union and orchestrated a breakthrough presidential visit to China in 1972. Incumbents have sought his insight long after he left the White House. Anne McElvoy asks him about the current threats to world order, how to handle Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping, and what he would have done differently when in office. And, following an Economist advert, are plane companions ever too inhibited to talk to him? 

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How do you reinvent a city? The mayor of Miami is on a mission to turn his city into the world’s foremost tech and financial hub. Anne McElvoy explores whether he can tempt entrepreneurs and investors away from Silicon Valley and Wall Street and how he will improve the lives of Miamians. Mayor Suarez talks about his ambitions in the Republican Party and reveals why he did not vote for Donald Trump.

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What can a travel writer learn from staying at home? Anne McElvoy asks the prolific travel author Paul Theroux about the virtues of being homebound during the pandemic. The author of "Under the Wave at Waimea" reveals that his friend and one-time foe V.S. Naipaul inspired a character in his new book about big-wave surfing in Hawaii. Also, verbal fencing with his sons Louis and Marcel and his ultimate travel destination. 

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How important is truth in historical TV drama? Anne McElvoy asks the Oscar-winning screenwriter about the difference between journalistic accuracy and artistic truth, how he uses that tension in his latest film "The Trial of the Chicago 7" and why he loves courtroom dramas. The creator of "The West Wing" also explains why that series still captivates audiences and whether he would write a drama set on a Zoom call.

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Is it time for diversity quotas? Ursula Burns, the first black woman to lead a Fortune 500 company, tells The Economist’s editor-in-chief Zanny Minton Beddoes why she thinks businesses will not diversify without quotas. The former CEO of Xerox also argues that business leaders have the edge over presidents when it comes to closing the skills gap and explains why she became an engineer rather than a nun. 

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Record numbers of women are considering leaving the workforce due to the pressures of the pandemic. How can successful women help their successors through the glass ceiling? Host Anne McElvoy talks to Joanna Coles, CEO of Northern Star Investments and former chief content officer of Hearst magazines, and Melora Hardin, star of “The Bold Type” and “The Office”, about why audiences enjoy portrayals of monstrous women bosses and the best—and worst—career advice they have received. Plus, has the pandemic slain the stiletto? 

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During the pandemic, how can we better parent our children? Psychotherapist and writer Philippa Perry talks to Anne McElvoy about the mental-health consequences for the 1.6 billion students kept out of school during the pandemic. Plus, why the idea of quality time is a “cop-out” and feeling sad is part of being human. 

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What can artificial intelligence reveal about what it means to be human? Host Anne McElvoy asks the Nobel prize-winning author of "The Remains of the Day” about his new book, "Klara and the Sun", in which he argues that people's relationship to machines will eventually change the way they think of themselves as individuals. But does he think only humans are capable of love? And what do he and his author daughter argue about?

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How should President Joe Biden deal with President Vladimir Putin? At a point of “acute confrontation” between America and Russia, Fiona Hill, former official at the US National Security Council and expert on Russia, tells Anne McElvoy how post-Trump relations might look. Also, why Russian opposition figurehead Alexei Navalny is like Harry Potter— challenging a ruthless leader. Also, was Hill herself poisoned on a research trip in Russia in 2002?

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When will the electric car rule the road? Herbert Diess, the chief executive of Germany's Volkswagen Group, talks to Anne McElvoy and Simon Wright, The Economist’s Industry editor, about its plans to switch from the internal-combustion engine to electrification. More than a dozen countries have set a date for when they will prohibit sales of fossil-fuelled cars -- but are these plans realistic? He also tells us why his daughter doesn’t own a car and who he thinks will win the electrification race.

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What next for the euro area? Christine Lagarde, the president of the European Central Bank and the former head of the IMF tells The Economist's editor-in-chief, Zanny Minton Beddoes, why the continent needs more fiscal support in coming years, why she isn't worried about inflation, and why climate change matters for monetary policy. China is already testing a digital currency -- but a virtual euro may not be too far off. And why women make better leaders. 

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What does American history tell us about politics now? Anne McElvoy asks the professor at Boston College and author of the popular newsletter "Letters from an American". Using the sweep of history since the civil war, she brings a long view to febrile US politics and explains why she thinks the GOP is like a car driven into a deep ditch. Also her personal connection to the sea shanty—the nautical songs taking over social media.

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