Checks and Balance from The Economist - Podcast Rankings and reviews

It’s just that good. Provides insights into American politics one would otherwise miss. The trio of John, Charlotte and Idrees (haven’t forgotten about dear Jon Fasman) is a winning combination of intelligence, wit, and that “je ne sais quoi” of podcasting. I look forward to it every Friday. I only hope that Idrees understands the compliment of The West Wing:)

The subscription is a no-brainer even if only for this pod, let alone for all the high quality Economist shows. We’re in a thick soup of hot takes and derivative content - we need objective curation helping us see through to what matters, and we need context, both historical and global. This has both when it comes to U.S. policy and politics. Charlotte is fantastic.

I am a 30-something midwestern conservative (in the Burkean 'protect the wisdom of civilization' school of thought, not the populism of today) and I find the Economist, in this case Checks and Balance, a helpful counter balance to my own points of view. Very well produced, pleasant to listen to. Paced well. John, Charlotte, & Idrees represent a thoughtful journalism that, while acknowledging their own point of view, interrogates the politics of the left and right without falling victim to the tribalism that so plagues our system. In other words; here is journalism.

Really enjoyed the EV road-trip podcast. Was wondering if you would ever consider including the environmental/sociological negative implications in your episodes. Cobalt in batteries is mined on the back of Congolese slave labor and is ravaging their ecology with toxins. Also, the carbon output it will take to build the grid required to support these supposed “carbon-neutral” vehicles. Parts are assembled in China which is a coal-powered country, etc. Also, the charging stations in the US which oftentimes are powered using non-renewable energies. Not as green as we think they are.

Long-time listener who's enjoyed downloading the podcasts pretty regularly. I often disagree with the hosts, but it's sometimes interesting to hear their opinions. Had to unsubscribe this week bc it's moving to subscription only, and I certainly don't plan on paying money to overhear a conversation lol. Good luck with that, though.

It’s been good knowing you and a joy to listen to such excellent podcasts each week. It’s sad to know that John & Charlotte & Idrees will be continuing their discussions in muffled tones behind a wall from next month on. Maybe I would’ve taken out a subscription if it had been for less. In fairness it’s vital that good journalism be in reach of all, not just those who can afford it. Also ironic, by the way, that this new subscription plan be announced during a podcast concerning the ‘working class.’