Lucien leads a DEEPDIVE into the Vision 2030 report for 2024, released this week. Over the past year, several Vision 2030 targets have been reached ahead of schedule. Others have been exceeded entirely. Progress includes achievements in tourism, employment, and PIF’s gains, but the report also addresses areas needing improvement like FDI.
Jun 1
Riyadh Air Is Coming (and the Year of 'Championship Hanaa')
Lucien (recording from Riyadh, mid-apartment move) and Hanna (in London, riding out an unlikely heat wave) open Episode 70 (!) catching up with each other. Between Arsenal's recent win of the Premier League title for the first time in 22 years, and the Seattle Seahawks winning th ... Show More
37m 54s
May 18
An inflection point in the region + a conversation on education, learning, and training in the AI age
Hanaa and Lucien are BACK. The hosts catch up with each other, with Lucien discussing a recent long-haul trip back to the United States from Saudi Arabia (with 3 children in tow!). The hosts take some time to discuss their show’s recent deliberate break since the start of Ramadan ... Show More
49m 54s
Dec 2024
2024 in Review and the Challenges Ahead | The Development Podcast
As the world approaches the quarter way point of the 21st century, we take stock of the last year in development and the challenges ahead. And we return to the work of the International Development Association (IDA), in verse. Join us as we hear from Ayhan Kose, Deputy Chief Econ ... Show More
25m 1s
Nov 2024
Analysis: Saudi Arabia's Economic Plans Stumble
One pillar of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 development plan is NEOM, a land development, tourism, and model city project that is projected to cost at least a half a trillion dollars. Last week, NEOM’s CEO left suddenly. Asher Grant-Sasson speaks with Jon Alterman, directo ... Show More
4m 15s
Sep 2023
These Times - How Worried Should We Be About Saudi Arabia?
In this episode, Tom and Helen explore Saudi Arabia - a place at once futuristic and authoritarian. From Aramco Oil to Cristiano Ronaldo, we discuss the ways in which the Kingdom in the Middle East is trying to take over the world, and how worried we should be. <hr><p style= ... Show More
58m 53s
Sep 2023
Secret paper trail reveals hidden Adani investors
<p>Global growth is set to slow next year after outperforming economists’ expectations so far in 2023, American mothers are re-entering the workforce at high rates, and the Hollywood strikes are starting to bite into California’s economy. Plus, the FT’s Dan McCrum unpacks his lat ... Show More
9m 37s
Jul 2025
OUR TOP PODCAST MOMENTS SO FAR
On this special episode of The Media Odyssey Podcast, hosts Marion Ranchet and Evan Shapiro discuss their favorite moments from Season 1. Evan and Marion select standout clips that capture the biggest themes, surprises, and insights from across the year. It’s a thoughtful, high-e ... Show More
30m 49s