Which podcasts give you more insight into global economic and political developments? Here are eight podcasts that are an important part of my media diet. From business and stock markets, to technology, China and Russia.

Enterprise

  • Acquired. The podcast I envy most and would love to make in the Netherlands. The two presenters take extensive time to dive into one company and then make an episode about it, often up to four hours long. They highlight all sorts of aspects: from the history, the stories and visions of the founders, the technical innovation they bring, the revenue model, the changing world. The first episode I listened to was about Hermès and while I have nothing to do with luxury brands, I've been hooked on Acquired ever since. Especially useful too if you want to know why tech companies are SO successful.
Listen to that Hermès episode here, or find all episodes here.

Energy

  • Catalyst. American venture investor Shyle Kann is eager to make money on the energy transition. But then you need to know what the big trends are and which new technologies will/won't stand a chance. That practical approach makes this a fine podcast. He doesn't talk to famous names, but to people who understand one particular topic. Also nice: you get more insight in for example the state of the American power grid and then think: oh, we don't even do that bad in the Netherlands.
Listen to an episode with guest Nat Bullard on trends for 2025 here , or find all episodes here

Technology

  • Tech Tonic. About twice a year, the Financial Times comes out with a podcast series that vets "the" topic of the moment on tech. From AI, to China's tech power, or (now) the relationship between the various "tech bros" and Trump. Here you notice the power of a good brand of journalism: keen eye for the trends of the moment, great reporting, knowledgeable journalists, beautiful editing.
Listen to an episode giving insight into China's tech power here, or find all episodes here

Economics

  • Odd Lots. As the name suggests, a bit of an odd collection of topics on economic subjects. But often topical, interesting and enlightening. Created by Bloomberg.
You can find the episodes here

Scholarships

  • The David Lin Report. My guilty pleasure. Unlike the previous suggestions, not all the guests on this investment podcast are to be taken equally seriously. But hey, it's the stock market: you never know beforehand who is going to be right; sometimes the craziest predictions turn out to come true. This is a nice way to get in touch with different economic views and get interpretation on what's going on in the economy and the stock market.
You can find the episodes here

Geopolitics

  • The Rachman Review. Another podcast from the FT, this time on the big issues . Journalist Gideon Rachman is respected and thus gets serious guests on his podcast, with whom he goes into depth in short order.
You can find the episodes here

Russia

  • In Moscow's Shadows. I've always had a fascination with Russia, perhaps because one of my ancestors was honorary emperor of the Russian Tsar 200 years ago (yes really...). Anyway: Mark Galeotti quietly points out what is happening in Russia, from the balance of power at the top, to, of course, how things should/are going between Russia and the rest of the world.
You can find the episodes here

China

  • ChinaTalk. One of the bigger questions of the moment is: how dominant is China going to become? Is it building an unbridgeable lead in artificial intelligence, manufacturing, and energy transition? Or is it a giant on mud feet, with an unhealthy economy, an overly powerful president, and a rapidly aging population? American Jordan Schneider's podcast (and newsletter) ChinaTalk is a bit chaotic, but provides interesting insights.
You can find the episodes here

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