The prospect of podcast riches led to aggressive investments in celebrity deals and original programming for what appeared to be a sky's-the-limit media frontier. But has it paid off? Anne Steele and Sarah Krouse reflect on Spotify's bid to become a major player in the podcasting world and its implications for the industry's future. Read by Sharon McCune.

The Wall Street Journal

Spotify’s $1 billion podcast bet turns into a serial drama

Firms are piling into the hottest thing in finance. They are hoping for juicy profits from wealth management—but the shift is good for clients, too. The Economist reveals the potential benefits of fintech-driven wealth management and warns of its potential risks.

The Economist

Wall Street is racing to manage your wealth. That is a good thing

Decades in the making, the close bond between Russia and China has always been a cause for great concern for the United States. As Russia's war in Ukraine tightens their alliance. Bonny Lin analyses how this partnership could shape "the global landscape and the future of humanity." 
Narrated by Sharon McCune.

Foreign Policy

The China-Russia axis takes shape

Walter Isaacson - the bestselling author known for his biographies of Benjamin Franklin, Henry Kissinger, and Steve Jobs - sits down for lunch with Gillian Tett to discuss his new book about the unpredictable Elon Musk.

After spending two years with 'total access' to the tech tycoon, he recounts everything he learned about him, and why he thinks "Twitter was never a good fit for Musk." Narrated by Sharon Bott.

Financial Times

‘He is driven by demons’: biographer Walter Isaacson on Elon Musk

France, Italy, Austria, Spain, and now Germany - all of these countries have seen a concerning rise in far-right populism in recent years, making many experts wonder what's in store for European politics. The Economist explains why "Europe is not about to be overrun by fascists... but the new right-wing wave presents a big challenge".

A fresh wave of hard-right populism is stalking Europe

Zoe Williams explores how the media landscape of the noughties rewarded behaviour that is now seen as unacceptable, with examples of comedians like Russel Brand making jokes about sexual violence and the rise of lad culture. Here, she reflects on why the era's effects are still being felt. Read by Emma Powell.

The Guardian

The nasty noughties: Russell Brand and the era of sadistic tabloid misogyny

Our daily selection of the global stories that really matter, is presented by our host Manish Verma.

In today's episode...

It's confirmed: this summer was hotter for almost everyone on the planet. After a series of record-breaking heatwaves, The Washington Post break down a new study from Climate Central, which confirms that most of the world's population experienced higher temperatures in 2023 due to climate change.

Has the U.S. learned how to cope with extreme heat? As scientists predict another year of even more scorching temperatures, The Guardian explores how the country must address its heat protocols to safeguard schoolchildren, protect workers and save lives.

Informed

2023: The year of extreme heat

Our daily selection of the global stories that really matter, is presented by our host Manish Verma.

In today's episode...

Huawei’s reveal of a phone utilizing technology the U.S. has sought to keep away from China has set off alarm bells in Washington over the effectiveness of its sanctions and export controls. Bloomberg Businessweek reports on the American concerns surrounding the unveiling of the Mate 60 Pro smartphone.

Then, the Chinese government has informally instructed state employees to stop using Apple iPhones due to concerns about security risks and as part of a broader pushback against the U.S. tech giant. The Financial Times reflects on how this situation highlights China's desire for greater control over information flow and its preference for domestic technology brands over foreign ones; the issue could have broader implications for U.S.-China relations in the tech sector.

How smartphones are stoking U.S. and China tensions

Apple's new iPhone is expected to include a big change. Why? Ask someone from the EU's smallest country. 

Ben Cohen explores the story of Alex Agius Saliba, a Maltese politician who pushed Apple to switch iPhone ports from Lightning to USB-C. His story shows how the EU shapes global markets and simplifies tech for users, in line with Apple's philosophy since Steve Jobs. Read by Michael Satow.

He took on the world’s most valuable company—and won

As wild rumours circled the globe of a humanitarian disaster at the Nevada event, Rasha Elass enjoyed the festivities under the stars. Here, she reflects on her experience at Burning Man 2023. Read by Emily Woo Zeller.

New Lines Magazine

An eyewitness to the Burning Man catastrophe that wasn’t

Our daily selection of the global stories that really matter, is presented by our host Manish Verma.

In today's episode...

Mexican senators conducted their first official hearing on extraterrestrial life, where they received testimony and were shown alleged remains of "non-human" mummies. Two shrivelled bodies with shrunken heads were displayed during the hearing, along with video footage of unexplained phenomena. The Guardian examines how the event aimed to encourage transparency and international cooperation regarding extraterrestrial phenomena.

Then, a panel of scientific experts commissioned by NASA to study "unidentified anomalous phenomena," more widely known as UFOs, said that it found no evidence that any of the reported objects were extraterrestrial in origin. The Washington Post investigates these claims.

UFOs: should we believe?

A new perspective is emerging in a world that often preaches the gospel of hard work and maximum effort. Rachel Feintzeig reflects on the power of aiming for 85% effort in various aspects of life, including exercise, work, and personal goals. Read by Betsy Foldes Meiman.

Try hard, but not that hard. 85% is the magic number for productivity

Our daily selection of the global stories that really matter, is presented by our host Manish Verma.

In today's episode...

Japan has recently become the fourth new country to embark on a moon mission in 2023. These countries are also bringing the potential for new technologies that could benefit space exploration and civilian applications. Bloomberg argues that despite concerns about rivalry, the collaboration in these moonshot programs makes global cooperation essential and noteworthy.

Then, a new space race centred on lunar exploration has arisen, with China emerging as the primary rival to the United States. The Wall Street Journal explores how the U.S. and China are recruiting allies in this race. China's space program continues to progress independently, envisioning a lunar base jointly built by multiple countries.

To the moon and back: the latest global space race

The world effectively allowed social media companies to regulate themselves, with predictable consequences. Will it make the same mistake with AI, a far more powerful technology? Cristina Criddle, Javier Espinoza and Qianer Liu reflect on why the widely diverging ideas and approaches on how to regulate the AI models across the world risk tying the AI industry up in red tape. Read by Gary Furlong.

The global race to set the rules for AI

Big government is back. Countries are spending heavily on defence, welfare and the green transition. But with debt levels already high, how will we pay for it all? Emma Agyemang and Chris Giles investigate. Read by Malk Williams.

Big government is back. How will we pay for it?

Twice re-elected and comfortable in her political skin, the Democratic congresswoman makes clear that Biden can't take progressives for granted. David Smith interviews Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez; they discuss her views on the 2024 Presidential election, the climate crisis, and the challenges of navigating progressive ideals within the Democratic Party. Read by Gary Furlong.

‘There’s a very real danger here’: AOC on 2024, the climate crisis and ‘selling out’

Our daily selection of the global stories that really matter, is presented by our host Manish Verma.

In today's episode...

Morocco is grappling with the aftermath of its most powerful earthquake in a century. 

Thousands of ordinary citizens are travelling from all over the country to aid earthquake survivors. The Guardian reflects on the criticism directed at the official response to the disaster and the grassroots efforts of the Moroccans who have taken it upon themselves to provide aid.

Then, while Marrakech's tourist hub has suffered damage, the country's diverse attractions and the government's credit quality may provide some economic resilience. Nevertheless, the earthquake is likely to severely impact local economies, especially in villages dependent on tourism. Bloomberg reports.

The aftermath of Morocco's earthquake

Mitt Romney is critical of both Trump and Biden and says most Republicans are drawn to a "populist demagogue message." His decision not to seek reelection will likely end the 2012 GOP presidential nominee's political career. In this interview with Dan Balz, he reflects on his reasonings for standing down, his life in politics and other big American political topics. Read by Sean Crisden.

The Washington Post

Mitt Romney says he will not seek a second term in the Senate

Take time out with our hand-picked stories to help you thrive.

Every Saturday, host Ali Jones presents a selection of inspiring and thought-provoking articles that focus on you. Whether you're forming new habits or seeking inner transformation, Recharged will give you a fresh perspective on life.

In today's episode…

Coaches and leaders at Amazon, Google, and JPMorgan Chase have a wealth of knowledge regarding improving your life. Fast Company reveals the essential principles for transforming your life in just one year, with advice from coaches and leaders at Amazon, Google, and JPMorgan Chase.

Then, The Atlantic explores how the contentment of being true to yourself comes through doing good work and doing it with love.


Recharged

How to change your life for the better

Dennis Austin, the principal developer of PowerPoint who led the development of the presentation software until he retired in 1996, died on September 1st 2023, aged 76. Michael S. Rosenwald pays tribute to the man who revolutionized the way information is presented, simplifying the creation of slides and making them accessible to anyone with a computer. Read by Karl Miller.

Trending