Pragmat Podcast

In this episode, Omar Sultanli explores how today's athletes are not just excelling in sports but also in the business world. From Michael Jordan's Air Jordan empire to LeBron James's diverse investments, athletes are leveraging their brands and influence to build business ventures that extend far beyond the game. We discuss key strategies like brand building, diversification, and the...

In this episode, Rhea Joshipura explores the growing tension between the United States and China over silicon semiconductor chips, the essential components powering modern technology. As the U.S. tightens export restrictions to protect national security and limit China's advancements, China retaliates by restricting key raw materials. We examine the economic and political implications of this...

This week, while the Democratic National Convention dominated headlines, the Republican campaign found itself battling for media attention. From J.D. Vance's awkward encounters on the campaign trail to Donald Trump's social media commentary and rally retorts, we explore how the GOP is attempting to divert focus from the DNC's 28.9 million viewers. We also cover Robert F. Kennedy's...

In this episode, Ivan Ampiah explores the surprising coalition of Republicans rallying behind Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential race. From former Trump supporters to prominent Never-Trumpers, a new group called "Republicans for Harris" has emerged, aiming to sway undecided voters and moderate conservatives. We dive into the key speeches from the Democratic National Convention, inclu...

Christopher Lorde breaks down the highlights of the 2024 Democratic National Convention, from surprise performances to powerful speeches. Kamala Harris steps into the spotlight as the Democratic nominee, with a focus on unity and progress. We dive into the key moments, including emotional stories, endorsements from across the political spectrum, and the challenges of balancing diverse party concer...

In this episode, Joe Stankard explores the turbulent political landscape in France following the euphoria of the 2024 Paris Olympics. Despite the unity and celebration brought by the games, President Emmanuel Macron now faces a fractured parliament, rising far-right momentum, and a nation on the brink of political crisis. We delve into the challenges Macron must overcome to rebuild trust in French...

In this episode, Omar Sultanli explores the transformative rise of the gig economy and its impact on traditional employment. From platforms like Uber and Deliveroo to freelance work across various industries, the gig economy offers flexibility and independence but raises critical questions about job security, worker rights, and economic inequality. Omar examines the benefits and challenges of this...

In this episode, Sophie Chee explores NATO's evolving role in international relations, from its origins during the Cold War to its current involvement in the Russian invasion of Ukraine. We discuss how this military alliance, built on the principles of collective security, has shaped global geopolitics and Western democracy. From controversial interventions in the Balkans to the ongoing suppor...

In this episode, Emma Yusuf explores the often-overlooked world of female domestic workers (FDWs) in Southeast Asia, examining how their labor fuels economic growth in countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and Brunei. While their contributions to the economy are undeniable, FDWs often face exploitation and abuse due to the lack of legal protections and societal undervaluation of their work. We dive...

In this episode, Ivan Ampiah unpacks the week's major interviews that have set the stage for the 2025 election. From Joe Biden’s reflections on his presidency and Kamala Harris's rising campaign to Donald Trump’s controversial appearance with Elon Musk, we explore how these media moments shape the political landscape. With the Democratic National Convention around the corner and both parti...

In this episode, we explore Donald Trump’s historic bid for a second term in 2025, despite facing multiple criminal cases and convictions. Ivan Ampiah delves into the Republican Party’s new strategy of challenging mail-in voting laws in battleground states like Nevada. We break down how this approach could shape the upcoming election and analyse the broader implications for U.S. electoral politics...

In this episode, Mariana Garduno delves into the world of Foreign Policy Analysis (FPA), a field that challenges traditional International Relations by focusing on the human factors behind state decisions. We explore how FPA integrates insights from psychology, sociology, and history to understand the role of individual decision-makers in shaping the global order. From cognitive processes to cultu...

Join Kiran Thomas as we explore the complex world of carbon markets, examining how the UK and China are using cap-and-trade systems to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. From the intricacies of compliance and voluntary markets to the challenges of balancing economic growth with environmental protection, this episode breaks down how these systems work and what they mean for the future of climate acti...

In this episode, Christopher Lorde explores the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 and its potential to reshape America’s civil service. We dive into the project's controversial training videos, which outline plans to dismantle federal agencies and replace non-partisan employees with loyalists. Despite Trump's attempts to distance himself from the initiative, his campaign and policies are...

Join us as Ted Harvey dissects Britain’s broken planning system, using the staggering 79,000-page application for a 3.1-mile railway extension as a striking example. We explore how NIMBYism and red tape have derailed crucial infrastructure projects like HS2, costing billions and slowing progress. With international comparisons showing the UK falling behind, this episode delves into why streamlinin...

In this episode, we unpack the tragic events surrounding the Southport murders and the disturbing far-right insurgencies that followed. We explore how misinformation, amplified on social media, has fueled violence across the UK, targeting asylum-seekers, Muslims, and the British police. With political figures like Nigel Farage and Elon Musk shifting blame and fanning division, we delve into Labour...

In this episode, Yasmine Kelkouli dives into the escalating conflict between Israel and the Houthis in Yemen, following a shocking missile strike on Tel Aviv and Israel's retaliatory airstrikes on Hodeidah. We explore the implications of this new front in the Yemen war, the role of Iranian support, and the potential for broader regional instability. Tune in to understand the rising stakes in t...