Best Spain Current Affairs Podcasts (2024)

1
Rocketing: Israel escalates Lebanon conflict 21:07

22m ago21:07

21:07

After Israeli fires rockets into Lebanon and Hizbullah warns of “red lines” crossed, the Middle East is braced for further attacks. As the planet warms, sport is getting harder – and deadlier (6:32). And celebrating Francisco Lopera, who dedicated his life to researching Alzheimer’s disease (13:36). Listen to what matters most, from global politics…

1
Fed-letter day: at last, a rate cut 25:31

1h ago25:31

25:31

The first reduction in interest rates for four years shows America’s Federal Reserve thinks inflation is now in check. But does the central bank’s decision suggest it is now concerned about the labour market? Ukraine wants its allies to provide long-range missiles (9:50). Our correspondent explains what difference these would make to the war. And h…

1
Pager turn: the Israel-Hizbullah conflict escalates 21:45

1h ago21:45

21:45

The explosion of thousands of pagers across Lebanon and Syria was an attack on Hizbullah, a Shia militant group which had been trying to evade Israeli surveillance by using these low-tech devices. What will such an escalated attack mean for the region? Why Americans’ obsession with big cars makes the country’s roads so deadly (9:25). And the thrill…

251
Playing the fuel: reforming Nigeria’s subsidies 22:36

2d ago22:36

22:36

Large fuel subsidies in Nigeria are popular but ruinous to other public services. Our correspondents report from Lagos on how home-grown oil refining could help wean people off this popular premium. Texas was once a haven for crypto-mining; now many people are souring on it (11:06). And the terrifying rise of Indonesian horror films (17.05). Listen…

1
Foiled again: a second attempt on Trump 23:12

24m ago23:12

23:12

With less than eight weeks to go to the presidential election, tension is running high after a second probable assassination attempt on Donald Trump. Has political violence become routine in America? Virtual replicas of racing cars, plane engines, even bodies, may change how we diagnose problems (9:08). And celebrating Sergio Mendes, the king of Bo…

1
Come on out, the vacuum’s fine: SpaceX 27:23

1h ago27:23

27:23

Capsule that can withstand vacuum? Check. Low-pressure spacesuit? Check. Space-friendly Doritos? Check. The first spacewalk by private citizens showcases SpaceX’s prowess, the viability of privately funded exploration—and extraplanetary product placement. Gene editing has revolutionised the treatment for certain conditions, but can the staggering p…

1
Chip wreck: Intel is on the rocks 24:21

22h ago24:21

24:21

One of America’s stalwart tech giants is on the ropes, having first missed the move to mobile and then the one to AI. We ask what fate awaits it. Our correspondent meets with Vadym Sukharevsky, head of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces—the world’s first drone commander (9:05). And what is behind Donald Trump’s outlandish claim of immigrants eating …

1
Don wan: Harris keeps Trump tame 23:14

2d ago23:14

23:14

The vice-president turned in a confident if imperfect performance, leaving Donald Trump flustered. But will it change anything? A global shortfall of blood plasma is hampering the development of new medicines; we argue for some simple market forces that could plug the gap (11:40). And how Nigerians are slimming their legendarily lavish weddings ami…

51
Mario druthers: Draghi’s plan for Europe 24:20

8d ago24:20

24:20

The EU’s unofficial chief technocrat issued a doorstop of a report outlining how the bloc can boost growth and keep up in a changing world. Is it all too ambitious? Mexico’s lame-duck president has one last project in mind: undermining the judiciary (10:44). And as the film “Fight Club” turns 25 our correspondent finds many of its disturbing messag…

1
Plainly reigns but on a plane to Spain: Venezuela’s leader 24:14

5d ago24:14

24:14

Nicolás Maduro has stolen an election, again—but this time the rightful winner felt so threatened that he has fled to Spain. We ask what happens next. A valedictory dispatch from our global business columnist asks why the forces of “creative destruction” seem to have faded (10:27). And the youth clubs that stitched together the fabric of young Brit…

1
Grand Barnier: France’s new prime minister 25:05

14d ago25:05

25:05

Two months ago, French politics was thrown into crisis after a snap election left no party with a clear majority. Michel Barnier, the new prime minister, has a huge task ahead. Donald Trump’s campaign took time to adjust to the nomination of Kamala Harris. Now he’s on the attack again (9:40). And celebrating the life of stonemason, Simon Verity (17…

1
Current affairs: how batteries will green the grid 23:42

8d ago23:42

23:42

Though we use more renewable energy than ever before, electricity grids need ways to cope with intermittent wind or solar power. Innovations that make batteries to store that energy bigger, cheaper and more efficient can help. Why tourists are flocking to Asia (9:41). And a listener asks how we should talk to our children about AI (16:59). Listen t…

1
Beyond the bullets: we go to Ukraine 27:30

16d ago27:30

27:30

We take a look at the grim conditions in and prospects for the frontlines in the country’s east and north. But not all of the fighting is military in nature. We examine a far wider cultural revival going on (10:59), in music and fashion and long-forgotten ingredients and methods of Ukrainian cuisine (19:13). “Oh, the Red Viburnum in the Meadow” sun…

1
The sound of fury: pressure builds within Israel 25:34

17d ago25:34

25:34

The recovery of six hostages from Gaza has provoked mass demonstrations on the streets of Israel and a general strike. But Israel’s government refuses to bow to pressure and a ceasefire deal remains elusive. Why are women less likely to use AI than men (10:27)? And how to make Mars more habitable (18:10). Listen to what matters most, from global po…

1
Extremes come true: Germany’s far-right triumph 23:07

18d ago23:07

23:07

The hard right has taken Germany into uncharted territory, winning one state election and racking up a large share in another. The far left is on the march too. Is Germany dividing into East and West again? Motorbike taxis are transforming Africa’s cities (11:10). And how farmers in Spain are delivering truffles to your dinner plate (18:11). Listen…

1
For whom the well tolls: Why we must price water 24:14

21d ago24:14

24:14

Water scarcity is growing even in parts of the world that used to be drought-free. Since most countries waste vast quantities of water, charging for it would help. Our correspondent travelled to America’s northern border to report on illegal crossings from Canada (8:57). And the life of biological anthropologist Helen Fisher, who studied the scienc…

1
Nvincible? What could curb Nvidia’s supremacy 26:11

22d ago26:11

26:11

The American chip designer has become one of the world’s most valuable companies on the back of the AI revolution. But there are some contradictions in Nvidia’s plans for the future. California’s iconic Highway 1 is under threat (10:46). And why Europeans are spurning nudity (20:41). Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to…

1
Cryptic message: why arrest Telegram’s founder? 24:07

23d ago24:07

24:07

As Pavel Durov sits in a French cell waiting to find out if he will be charged, our correspondent probes the links between Telegram and Russia. What central bankers and monetary policy specialists have been talking about at their annual jamboree at Jackson Hole (9:16). And we answer another listener question: how might Artificial Intelligence help …

1
Block busters: how Russia flouts sanctions 23:37

24d ago23:37

23:37

Since the invasion of Ukraine, the West has deployed massive economic restrictions on Russian trade. So why is Russia’s economy growing? A survivor’s story from the forgotten conflict in Sudan (10:47). And Turkey tries to rid its streets of stray dogs (17:56). Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—…

1
The chips are down: will diet drugs devour junk food? 22:30

25d ago22:30

22:30

Snack-food companies have long shown their adaptability to changing diets. How could the rise of appetite-suppressing drugs and fears about ultra-processed foods change the food we consume? How hearing aids and other lifestyle choices can reduce your risk of dementia (11:00). And why it’s time to revive the siesta (17:11). Listen to what matters mo…

1
The Weekend Intelligence: The war the world ignores 57:00

27d ago57:00

57:00

In this episode of The Weekend Intelligence, Africa correspondent Tom Gardner tells the story of 21st century Sudan. A story bookended by war. Darfur, a state which captured the world’s attention in the early 2000s has once again become an epicentre of violence, disease and famine. Over 25 million people are starving. A fifth of the population has …

1
KamaChameleon: What does Harris stand for? 26:34

28d ago26:34

26:34

After an electric week at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Kamala Harris now faces the real test in her bid to be president. Can she convince American voters? In the third part of our series on dating apps, we visit Brazil, China and Pakistan (10:24). And our obituaries editor celebrates the life of Wally Amos, the American king of co…

1
Electric eye: AI is helping fight terrorists 26:19

29d ago26:19

26:19

Predicting political violence is a painstaking job. Now AI is helping analysts look for clues and throwing up fascinating insights into the shifts that may indicate a strike is coming. Why Cuba could be heading towards economic and social collapse (11:01). And our correspondent visits Odessa where Ukrainians are rediscovering the beach (18:54). Lis…

1
The human strain: can mpox be contained? 25:18

1M ago25:18

25:18

Mpox is spreading fast across Africa, yet public information campaigns are scant and vaccines in short supply. Is a new pandemic in the offing? Strategists are pondering a new potential threat from Russia: the possibility that it could detonate a nuclear weapon in space (09:42). And an Economist correspondent answers another of your questions about…

1
Byte by byte: Iran and Israel’s escalating cyberwar 22:26

1M ago22:26

22:26

While many people fear the risk of a wider war breaking out in the Middle East, a parallel battle is already ongoing – in the digital sphere. Can China challenge a long-standing duopoly in the airline industry (10:16)? And the latest Carrie Bradshaw index tells us where Americans can afford a solo apartment. Just don’t set your heart on New York… (…

1
Hail Harris: the Democratic convention begins 23:21

1M ago23:21

23:21

As Democrats convene in Chicago, polls suggest Kamala Harris is ahead by a whisker in the US presidential race. Can the party sustain the momentum? In hospital, your recovery may depend not just on diagnostic technology or the drugs you take, but whether your doctor is a woman (10:11). And new research into elephant communication suggests the creat…

1
Landing padded: the global-recession risk 26:33

1M ago26:33

26:33

Inflation, interest rates and jobless numbers are on healthy trends; markets are gaining back ground. As the spectre of global recession fades we ask why fear has persisted. In the second instalment of our series on dating we look at what singles are doing beyond the apps (10:23). And a tribute to Joss Naylor, Britain’s legend of fell running (18:5…

1
One peace at a time: Gaza, Israel and Iran 23:52

1M ago23:52

23:52

Peace talks in Doha have a chance at progress even in Hamas’s absence. The outcome could determine the scope of Iran’s promised retaliations against Israel. New research suggests Mars may have an ocean’s worth of water deep in its crust (10:30). And Colombia’s bid to sate the global hunger for more sources of vanilla (18:14). Get a world of insight…

1
Bait the hook! Fishing in the global talent pool 25:25

1M ago25:25

25:25

Skilled immigrants bring more than just their expertise to job markets. But governments miss opportunities to attract them—or make them feel entirely unwelcome. In America it seems like the standard tip fraction just keeps going up and up (11:36). Where will it end? And as part of our “schools briefs” primer on AI, we answer your questions, startin…

1
AIOU: what if the AI boom busts? 24:02

1M ago24:02

24:02

Corporate investment in artificial-intelligence infrastructure reaches $1.4trn by some estimates. We ask what might threaten the expected windfalls that justify the spending. A Japanese mine’s bid to be listed by UNESCO was made harder because it ignores South Korean wartime forced labour (10:49). And why a nicotine pouch has so many fans on Americ…

1
The boot is on the other foot: Ukraine’s surprise incursion 25:18

1M ago25:18

25:18

Part of Russia is under foreign control for the first time since the second world war. We ask about the strategy behind the surprise raid—which may not be the last. The Paris Olympics were, all told, a tremendous success, with some lessons for future games (11:47). And the 3-D holographic displays coming to a car dashboard near you (20:35). Get a w…

1
Expelling mistake: the costs of hardline immigration policy 25:06

1M ago25:06

25:06

The rich world is experiencing record migrant flows—and the attendant social upheaval. Finding immigration policies that are not economically ruinous is damnably hard. Our three-part series starts to unpack why people are so fed up with the big dating apps (11:10). And the head-spinning history of how break(danc)ing became an Olympic sport (18:44).…

1
Arrivals haul: anti-tourism’s folly 21:28

1M ago21:28

21:28

Tourists are getting decidedly less-warm welcomes in popular spots, but blunt anti-tourism policies are self-defeating. We look at how to maintain benefits for both the visitors and the visited. As Russia tries to avoid another military draft, a slick recruitment drive seems to be bringing in new troops (09:22). And fatigue with smartphones is lead…

1
Walz onto the stage: Kamala Harris’s VP pick 26:17

1M ago26:17

26:17

Tim Walz, a folksy Midwesterner who came late to politics, is on the Democratic ticket. We ask how he got there and whether he was the best tactical pick. A visit to Lebanon reveals a sense of foreboding, as a sharper war between Israel and Hizbullah seems inevitable (11:04). And the executives who just don’t know when to quit (19:53). Get a world …

1
More than Sheikh could stick at: Bangladesh’s PM resigns 24:16

2M ago24:16

24:16

Sheikh Hasina, who led the country for 20 of the past 28 years with an increasingly authoritarian grip, was ultimately undone by student protests that would not be quelled. China may be world-leading in autonomous taxis—but our ride in one is not without complications (9:00). And remembering Thomas Neff, who rid the world of a third of its nukes (1…

1
Enter staged right: misinformation feeds Britain’s riots 22:37

2M ago22:37

22:37

Unrest across the country has been driven in part by the provably false claims of right-wing provocateurs. We examine the real concerns underlying the violence, and how to end it swiftly. Japanese politics had until recently been anachronistically tame; not so now that the social-media populists have arrived (10:18). And the notable parallels betwe…

1
Tense exchange: Russia’s prisoner swap 27:40

2M ago27:40

27:40

The biggest exchange of prisoners between Russia and the West since the Cold War included opposition leaders, journalists and prisoners of conscience. Our correspondent accompanies America’s defence secretary on a tour of Asia designed to bolster military alliances (12:17). And why King Charles counts his swans every year (21:15). Listen to what ma…

1
Yuan direction: Chinese firms head south 24:04

2M ago24:04

24:04

As domestic demand in China slows, and the West puts up trade and political barriers, Chinese firms are shifting their focus to poorer parts of the world. After Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure intensify, our correspondent visits a wrecked power plant (9:10). And how the doner kebab became a cultural touchstone (17:00). Listen to …

1
Struck out: A Hamas leader is assassinated 22:51

2M ago22:51

22:51

After the killing of Hamas’s political leader Ismail Haniyeh, what are the prospects for ceasefire talks in the region? In Venezuela Nicolas Maduro has declared victory in presidential elections, but the opposition says the vote was rigged and protests have erupted on the streets (9:41). And why cooking may not be as healthy as you think (18:03). L…

1
Down to the wires: Africa’s digital lag 21:22

2M ago21:22

21:22

The dearth of fixed-line infrastructure that allowed the continent to leapfrog into the mobile-phone age now holds it back. We ask how to ensure the even spread of AI’s dividends. A stinking Seine has delayed the Olympic triathlon, but the river could one day help clean up Paris (7:09). And how “The Blair Witch Project” changed horror films (14:33)…

1
Warpath: Israel vows revenge on Hizbullah 26:08

2M ago26:08

26:08

After an airstrike killed 12 children in Israel-controlled territory at the weekend, retaliation in Lebanon seems inevitable. The end result could be a war on multiple fronts. British prisons are in crisis, so what should the new Labour government do (10:07)? And for the past 50 years, the Kronos quartet in America has brought together musical trad…

1
Field of streams: sports viewing changes 24:11

2M ago24:11

24:11

As the Olympics begin, more people than ever will be watching via streaming services. We examine the changing viewing habits transforming sport’s role in the broadcast business. The sentencing of Evan Gershkovich, an American journalist, reveals the empty, performative nature of justice in Russia today (11:10). And the internet has dubbed Kamala Ha…

1
Bibi talk: a speech light on detail 23:45

2M ago23:45

23:45

Anyone hoping to glean hints of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s plans for the Gaza war and its aftermath will have been disappointed: it was a political speech aimed at Israelis. Nigerians spend more than anyone on food, as a fraction of income. We look at the factors making the squeeze even tighter (11:44). And Starbucks franchises as communit…

1
Destruction instruction: Western armies learn from Gaza 25:34

2M ago25:34

25:34

From tunnels to tanks to drones, Gaza’s horrors provide object lessons in urban warfare. We ask what Western forces will be learning about their own future conflicts. Silicon Valley types may relish the prospect of J. D. Vance, a former tech investor, becoming America’s vice-president—but it should in fact worry them (10:15). And the superstitious …

1
Keep Kamala and carry on: Harris’s smooth route 22:17

2M ago22:17

22:17

A day is a long time in American politics: Kamala Harris has reportedly already secured the votes to become Democrats’ presidential nominee, a pile of campaign cash and the Trump campaign’s attention. For insight into how China treats its startup scene, we count the dwindling number of newly born unicorns (10:03). And why Britain’s twee beach huts …

1
Joe of good faith: Biden bows out 24:37

2M ago24:37

24:37

Joe Biden has at last succumbed to the pressure to step aside and has endorsed his vice-president, Kamala Harris. We ask how things should progress from this extraordinary moment. India could be better run if power were devolved from the national government. The solution? Create lots of new states (10:03). And remembering Dr Ruth, who taught Americ…

1
Dicky birds: the next pandemic? 24:09

2M ago24:09

24:09

The scars of the covid pandemic are still raw, but now a virus spreading among farm animals could leap to humans. Could bird flu become the next pandemic? White women are sometimes absolved of blame in the crime of slavery in America (9:50). Research suggests they may have been culpable too. And meet the creator of Dateline, the Economist’s history…

1
Veep show: America meets J.D. Vance 25:45

2M ago25:45

25:45

J.D. Vance was largely unknown in American politics until Donald Trump picked him as his running-mate for vice-president. Last night he gave his first speech to the Republican National Convention. Why is trade so sluggish within Latin America (11:34)? And forget management books: literature offers the best lessons in leadership (20:14). Listen to w…

1
Food for thought: raising the world’s IQ 22:48

2M ago22:48

22:48

If you don’t have enough food in the first 1,000 days of your life, your brain may never reach its full potential. Our correspondent discusses what better nutrition would mean for the world. Undersea cables are the arteries of our telecommunications system, but that also makes them vulnerable (9:13). And a new powder may help make periods less of a…

1
Lost in stagnation? Japan’s economic paradox 21:56

2M ago21:56

21:56

After decades of torpor, is Japan recovering its dynamism? Our correspondent turns to an ancient bento box merchant to test Japan’s economic future. A new study shows how few therapies tested on animals end up being applied to humans (10:02). And if you don’t know a pickle fork from a fish fork, it could be time to take an etiquette class (16:28). …

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Spain Current Affairs Podcasts

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