The Lede

On the podcast this week, Financial Times columnist Simon Kuper, author of “World Cup Fever” and co-author of “Soccernomics,” joins Faisal Al Yafai on the podcast to discuss the politics of the 2026 World Cup, why he says America "isn't just Trump," and how soccer became a vehicle for money and power.

Produced by Finbar Anderson

On the podcast this week, journalist Patrick Gathara and public health expert Tolbert Nyenswah join Kwangu Liwewe Agyei on Global Insights to discuss Kenya's decision to host an Ebola quarantine facility, the geopolitics of disease, and the deadly outbreak spreading across the DRC.

Produced by Finbar Anderson

On the podcast this week, journalist Negar Mortazavi and New Lines’ Danny Postel join Faisal Al Yafai to discuss the chances that the Iran peace deal will hold, the unresolved fault lines from Hormuz to Lebanon and how the conflict leaves Donald Trump exposed.

Produced by Finbar Anderson

On this week's episode of the podcast, journalist Hannah Lucinda Smith joins Faisal Al Yafai to discuss the rival geopolitical blocs reshaping the world, how Europe's margins — from Transnistria to the Balkans — became the front line of a conflict the West refuses to see, and her new book, “Hinterlands: Journeys Through Europe’s Unfinished Frontiers.”

Produced by Finbar Anderson

On this week's episode of the podcast, journalist Yeganeh Torbati joins Faisal Al Yafai to discuss the multiple revolutions stolen from the Iranian people by their rulers, why the Islamic Republic has thrived under sanctions and survived war, how the United States has failed to understand its opponents in Tehran, and her new book, "Stolen Revolution: Betrayal and Hope in Modern Iran."

Produced by Finbar Anderson