Best Tower Gang Podcasts (2026)

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Nicolás caged: what next for Venezuela? 24:48

Play Pause

12h ago24:48

24:48

America’s National Security Strategy, released a month ago, suggested the administration’s focus was on dominance of the western hemisphere. But no one expected its first move would be a special-forces raid to depose President Nicolás Maduro. What is next comes with grave risks. And the video-games business wants to escape its rut by finding whole …

1
State of the art: Chinese market flounders 21:41

3d ago21:41

21:41

Property wealth in China turbo-charged investment in art. Now house prices have crashed, art sales may follow. Are Britons really leaving the country in droves? And our obituaries editor on the death of the American cent coin. Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ F…

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What in the world: predictions for 2026 19:37

4d ago19:37

19:37

The editor of our annual “World Ahead” publication predicts the themes and events that will dominate the headlines in 2026, from geopolitics to tech. He also admits what we got wrong last year. And The Economist launched its first podcast 20 years ago. We chart the evolution of audio, from a basement broom cupboard to today’s bountiful offerings. L…

1
It's the Amigos Retro Gaming Network 2025 Awards - Boat, THE BRENT, & Amigo Aaron LIVE in Studio! 46:38

6d ago46:38

46:38

Join John "Boatofcar" Shawler, Amigo Aaron and THE BRENT for the 2025 END OF THE YEAR AWARDS SHOW! We'll pick the best, and the worst, of games featured in 2025 on Amigos, ARG Presents, Our Sinclair, The CoCo Show, and the Atari Unlimited Show! We'll also see what game YOU, the listener thought were the big winners and BAD losers! Kick back, relax,…

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Years ending: notable lives lost in 2025 22:26

6d ago22:26

22:26

Today’s show is a tribute to those whose lives we remembered this year. From Pope Francis, the most open-minded pontiff for decades, and controversial vice-president Dick Cheney, to champ of the chimpanzees Jane Goodall, bubblegum pop star Brian Wilson and Alice Tan Ridley, a New York subway busker who became a superstar. Listen to what matters mos…

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Boom with a view: our economy of the year 21:33

6d ago21:33

21:33

Announcing the return of The Economist’s annual ranking for best performing economy. Are you ready for the big reveal? Dalit cuisine is barely visible, in India or beyond. And why London’s river boats are making a comeback. Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, p…

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Generals’ selection: Myanmar’s sham poll 21:25

7d ago21:25

21:25

Five years after seizing power in a coup, the military junta in Myanmar is holding an election. Yet all credible opposition has been banned. And war has inspired so many films over the past century. Our correspondents battle it out to pick the best one. Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—Subscri…

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Battle of the texts: which books changed the world? 40:56

10d ago40:56

40:56

So many books are published each year; few stand the test of time. Today we devote our whole show to asking which works have shaped the way we behave and how we think. Picks include “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley, “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen, “A Suitable Boy” by Vikram Seth and “Lord of the Rings” by JRR Tolkien. Full list of books mention…

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So this is quizmas: our inaugural holiday face-off 28:07

12d ago28:07

28:07

Join our editors and correspondents in a gripping test of recall and reflexes. There are questions on business and politics of course—but also news noises to identify, one saucy limerick and quotes from “The Real Housewives” franchise that frankly no one expected. Which team will take the trophy? Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist …

1
Magic: The Gathering (1993) 1:11:06

1d ago1:11:06

1:11:06

Tonight on GeekNights, we review a card game called Magic: The Gathering. It's 32 years old, so you may not have heard of it. In the news, gamers don't like generative AI and The Game Awards happened. Rym posted his [video editing process](https://community.frontrowcrew.com/t/the-geeknights-lecture-video-process/3683 for producing GeekNights panel …

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Growing pains: a recession in recessions 21:15

14d ago21:15

21:15

Recessions are, in their way, bad news. But so, paradoxically, is a lasting dearth of them. We explain the dangers that lie beneath the current run of continuous growth. Our correspondent looks into the hidden economics of online reviews, and whether to trust them. And a turkey-industry exposé that you’ll just gobble up. Get a world of insights by …

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Slop stars: why AI-generated content could help creators 20:46

15d ago20:46

20:46

In a world of infinite content, who wins and who loses? Our correspondent explains what the proliferation of AI-generated art means for human artists. What the prevalence of male-female friendships tell us about a society. And why you should propose with a yellow-gold ring. Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science a…

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Country of the year: The Economist’s pick for 2025 23:42

17d ago23:42

23:42

Each year, The Economist tries to identify which country has improved the most, whether economically, politically or in other ways. In a turbulent year, the choice was tricky. We unveil the result. And The Economist Educational Foundation helps kids worldwide be more news-savvy. We invite you to donate and support its work: https://economistfoundat…

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Weight boss? Competition for Novo Nordisk 21:10

18d ago21:10

21:10

Since Novo Nordisk launched Wegovy in 2021, it has dominated the fast-growing market for slimming drugs. Now a new jab is eating into the Danish firm’s success. Why a slang expert thinks the first word humans ever uttered may have been a profane one. And why British sheep have got happier. Listen to what matters most, from global politics and busin…

1
Emissions possible: EU petrol ban quashed 20:02

20d ago20:02

20:02

The European Union had promised to ban the sale of new diesel and petrol vehicles by 2035, as part of its environmental ambitions. Yesterday it watered down that commitment. Our correspondent explains the implications. Will Donald Trump’s choice of Federal Reserve chair politicise the institution? And The Economist announces its word of the year. L…

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After Bondi: how to tackle extremism 20:01

21d ago20:01

20:01

As the Australian authorities continue their investigation into Sunday’s deadly attack on a Hannukah party in Sydney, investigators have uncovered a possible link with Islamic State. Our journalists recommend their favourite books of 2025. And why there is now an Advent calendar for everything. Listen to what matters most, from global politics and …

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Judgment day: Jimmy Lai convicted 21:06

21d ago21:06

21:06

Today Hong Kong’s most prominent media mogul was convicted of flouting national security legislation. Our correspondent explains the consequences for the territory. Why the policies of Britain’s Labour government are damaging London. And our correspondent offers sober advice on how (not) to cure a hangover. Listen to what matters most, from global …

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Right, here, waiting: Europe’s populists on the rise 27:51

24d ago27:51

27:51

In Britain, Germany and France, populist-right leaders and parties are making hay. What unites their movements, and how do their respective political environments shape their future prospects? And our obituaries editor reflects on the life of Frank Gehry, perhaps the world’s most innovative architect. Get a world of insights by subscribing to Econo…

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Ven and the art of hemispheric maintenance: America’s national-security posture 17:21

26d ago17:21

17:21

America’s seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker fits with the stated goals in its new national-security strategy: untrammelled hemispheric dominance. How much of the document is polemic and how much will become policy? The long-run costs of the work-from-home revolution are becoming apparent in many American cities. And the one region where Pepsi is t…

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Digital stimulation: AI and porn 20:02

27d ago20:02

20:02

At every technological revolution, the industry of indecency is close at hand. We look at how sex workers and porn-peddlers are making use of AI. The sites of Syria’s most brutal civil-war deeds are just the latest destination for “dark tourists”; we explore the draw of atrocities. And to the many divisions in America, add one about a lawn-care imp…

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It's a SCARY ZX holiday with Zombo's Christmas Capers on OUR SINCLAIR 128! 35:21

16d ago35:21

35:21

Merry SPECTRUM Christmas! We're back with another holiday offering on the ZX Spectrum. Join Amigo Aaron and THE BRENT as we scoot around as a zombie on the loose at Christmas time this week on Our Sinclair 128!Download Zombo's Christmas Capers For FREE for ZX and PC HERE: https://malcolmkirk.blogspot.com/2016/12/the-unofficial-zombos-christmas-cape…

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Initial Thoughts on Dispatch and Metroid Prime 4 56:51

25d ago56:51

56:51

Tonight on GeekNights, we share our early thoughts on Dispatch and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. In the news, Frankfurt's Christmas market is lit, and the Netflix x Warner Brothers Discovery situation is even more dangerous than the baseline danger of capitalist consolidation of media. Related Links Forum Thread Initial Thoughts on Dispatch and Metroid …

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“You’re…fired?” A momentous Supreme Court case 23:18

28d ago23:18

23:18

Of all the sackings at federal level President Donald Trump has carried out—and that the Supreme Court has upheld—the one now under consideration has the greatest implications for presidential power. Now that satellites are going up by the thousands, earthly astronomers are struggling for clear views. And how one firm is bucking the downward trend …

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Transitional injustice: Syria one year after Assad 24:46

29d ago24:46

24:46

A year after ousting its despot, things are not as bad as many had feared. But old sectarian divides threaten the peace. Forced labour, sex tourism and human-trafficking: ever more sophisticated drug gangs are behind a wave of exploitation across Latin America. And the rocketing price of gold drives a new generation of prospectors to California. Ge…

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The Weekend Intelligence: Operation Midas 43:53

1M ago43:53

43:53

Ukraine has been hit by a corruption scandal. One that strikes at the core of the political establishment in a way never before seen—and this in a country with a long and turbulent history of corruption. It has toppled President Zelensky’s right-hand man. It could mean the President himself won’t survive re-election when the war is over. And the ti…

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Keir in the headlights: interviewing Britain’s PM 22:37

1M ago22:37

22:37

The Economist’s editor-in-chief Zanny Minton Beddoes met Sir Keir Starmer for “The Insider”, our new video offering. We bring you the analysis. Why executions in America are surging, despite declining support for the death penalty. And Tom Stoppard, one of Britain’s most challenging playwrights, is remembered by his Russian translator. Listen to wh…

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Delhi-novela: Putin and Modi rekindle bromance 20:28

1M ago20:28

20:28

As Vladimir Putin begins a two-day visit to India, our correspondent explains why Donald Trump’s policies have pushed India and Russia closer together. How AI models could learn to take shortcuts––and accidentally become evil. And the curious case of the newly-Malaysian footballers. Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to …

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Stars and strikes: was America’s ship-bomb illegal? 25:28

1M ago25:28

25:28

America’s attacks on possible drug boats in the Caribbean is already controversial. Now critics are questioning the legality of one particular strike in September. What does this mean for the US secretary of war, Pete Hegseth? Why American firms are raising funding to explore gene-editing babies. And women in Japan face a long fight to play the nat…

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The great wheel: China’s Robotaxi revolution 18:46

1M ago18:46

18:46

Once derided as a copycat nation, China is now leading the world in innovation, from driverless cars to pharmaceuticals. Our correspondent explains what others can learn from it. Britain looks abroad for policy ideas, but which country is most like it? And why the capybara is a creature of comfort for our troubled age. Listen to what matters most, …

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Deal them back in? What we heard in Iran 26:23

1M ago26:23

26:23

Our correspondents get a feel for today’s Tehran: no morality police but still much fear of speaking out. And the foreign minister indicates a desire to return to nuclear dealmaking. Who has bought into whom in AI makes the whole industry look pretty circular; we ask what that means for competition. And the first European country to scrap letter de…

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The Weekend Intelligence: Mise en masse 46:11

1M ago46:11

46:11

Chef Gary Thomas has a lot on his plate. That’s because he’s in the business of feeding thousands of people a day on a ship in the middle of the ocean. Not just any ship – the Star of the Seas, the largest cruise ship in the world. The Weekend Intelligence’s senior producer Barclay Bram braved a trip to the Bahamas to try to figure out the secret b…

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Fire, then fury: Hong Kong’s deadly blaze 28:39

1M ago28:39

28:39

The dead are still being found; the displaced huddle in public spaces. Who or what will be blamed, and what policies will change after the tragedy? We visit Georgia, where protests have now lasted a year, probing the differences between popular uprisings that succeed and those that fail. And remembering He Yanxin, last natural inheritor of China’s …

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Growth negligence: Britain’s budget 22:46

1M ago22:46

22:46

The tax-and-spend plan was fine-tuned to avoid immediate political jeopardy. But it will do little to help Britain’s chronic growth problem, and is likely to erode further the political centre. We meet with Yogi Adityanath, the leader of India’s most populous state and a harbinger of the country’s possible political future. And readers’ best—or mos…

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Party likes it 1959: Cuba in crisis 23:15

1M ago23:15

23:15

The country’s Communist Party leadership continues to cling to old ideals amid on-again, off-again diplomacy with America—and the people’s suffering only deepens. Britain is making the most of its advantages in the burgeoning industry of quantum technology. And why conservationists’ concern about a wood beloved of classical musicians may be misplac…

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Trailer: Drum Tower 2:00

1M ago2:00

2:00

Gain a deeper understanding of China with Jeremy Page and Sarah Wu. The Economist’s China correspondents report from across the country and the places it influences beyond its borders. Jiehao Chen joins the discussion from London. This award-winning podcast takes on everything from the CCP to EVs and from ageing to AI. Published every Tuesday. Host…

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23 Knives 1:01:33

29d ago1:01:33

1:01:33

Tonight on GeekNights we review the historical and topical 23 Knives (2025). It's worth playing, and Rym is probably going to buy it. In the news, PAX Unplugged 2025 was smooth as butter, Doodle Puzzle is a good idea that's hard to make work, Gingham is more vicious than it appears, and Scott surprisingly is enjoying Octopath Traveler. Related Link…

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Wage against the machine: the distortions of minimum pay 22:16

1M ago22:16

22:16

For decades governments have found minimum-wage rises a politically expedient means of redistribution. But the onward economic distortions have at last become clear. Of course AI can write a faster cover letter — perhaps even a better one. But there are knock-on costs when everyone is doing it. And a look at Florida’s bold experiment in the free ch…

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Emission creep: a contentious COP closes 25:51

1M ago25:51

25:51

It is telling and troubling that the annual climate talking-shop’s outcome did not even mention fossil fuels. We ask whether the COP process is still fit for purpose. Cryptocurrencies could be heading for an almighty fall: what would they take down with them? And the revealing vowels and diphthongs of whale communications. (Hear much more on animal…

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Flee country: Britain seeks to slash migration 23:22

2M ago23:22

23:22

Britain’s home secretary Shabana Mahmood proposed a big shift in immigration policy this week. Our correspondent explains Labour’s reforms – and the reasoning behind them. Why military spy balloons are making a comeback. And celebrating historian Gillian Tindall, who illuminated ordinary lives to bring the past to life. Listen to what matters most,…

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War graft: scandal engulfs Ukraine 25:24

2M ago25:24

25:24

Pentagon officials are meeting President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv to discuss a Russia-US peace proposal Ukraine had no part in writing. That merely adds pressure as a giant corruption crisis is already embroiling top officials. Fifty years on from the death of Franco, our correspondent assesses how much Spain has changed. And should you date your…

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Crown prince arming: Trump sells jets to MBS 21:55

2M ago21:55

21:55

Muhammad bin Salman’s first visit to the White House in seven years earned the Saudi crown prince new weapons, giant tech deals and a burnished reputation. Our correspondent explains Trump’s warm welcome. Why gay rights in Hong Kong are going backwards. And how snail farms help Britons dodge tax. Listen to what matters most, from global politics an…

1
After Sheikh: what next for Bangladesh? 19:22

2M ago19:22

19:22

Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh’s former prime minister, has been sentenced to death for crimes against humanity. The country is at a pivotal moment as it heads towards parliamentary elections next year. Donald Trump hopes tariffs will return furniture making to America. And why English speakers use their alphabet so oddly. Listen to what matters most, f…

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Gang-buster: Can Sheinbaum beat Mexico crime? 25:00

2M ago25:00

25:00

This weekend, thousands of people protested in Mexico City about violent crime. But our correspondent notes that the government has had some success in confronting drug gangs and cutting homicides. Three years ago Japan’s former prime minister Abe Shinzo was assassinated. Now his killer is on trial. And celebrating the life of the bomb-disposal mas…

1
Toil and rubble: who will rebuild Gaza? 23:57

2M ago23:57

23:57

After two years of war, over 80% of the buildings in Gaza have been destroyed. Our correspondent assesses various plans for reconstruction. Do large lay-offs in American firms mean AI is coming for white-collar jobs? And remembering James Watson, the controversial scientist who discovered the structure of DNA. Listen to what matters most, from glob…

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Opening punch: Shutdown ends, now more Epstein emails 23:14

2M ago23:14

23:14

Last night Donald Trump finally managed to end the longest federal government shutdown in history. But, amid a new release of emails relating to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, the political storm continues. Why Airbnb is searching for new beds in new markets. And the amazing role of lead poisoning in humanity’s success. Listen to what matter…

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The little green look: China’s energy revolution 22:27

2M ago22:27

22:27

America has boycotted this week’s COP climate talks, but China has sent a giant delegation. The world’s biggest polluter is increasingly pivotal to tackling global warming. Why young protesters around the world brandish a pirate flag. And since sports leagues cannot stamp out pirate broadcasters, they are monetising their viewers. Listen to what ma…

1
Home alone: the relationship recession 24:34

2M ago24:34

24:34

People are spurning marriage and any other kind of romantic relationship in record numbers. Our correspondents explore the non-dating market. The rise of AI companions could also have profound implications for society. And why tobacco companies are thriving. Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—Su…

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British Broadcasting Capitulation: BBC bosses fall 24:33

2M ago24:33

24:33

The BBC’s director-general and head of news have resigned amid accusations of institutional bias. Can the broadcaster recover its reputation? Ukrainian prisoners-of-war speak of torture and beatings in Russian detention. And celebrating the life of Kanchha Sherpa, the last surviving member of the first Everest ascent. Listen to what matters most, f…

1
Heir Jordan: the rising star of France’s populist right 25:59

2M ago25:59

25:59

Jordan Bardella, the leader of the National Rally party, has a stonking lead in voting-intention polls. His plans, our correspondent says, would put France on a collision course with the rest of Europe. We examine a new conservation-finance mechanism being trialled in the Democratic Republic of Congo. And reflecting on the life of Dick Cheney, a re…