#360 The Year Unwrapped – Venezuela, gold and Covid in culture

** This episode was recorded on Thursday morning, shortly before the resignation of the Bulgarian government **How is the euro fuelling unrest in Bulgaria? Has Syria changed, a year on from its revolution? And why are humans (mostly) monogamous? Olly Mann and The Week delve behind the headlines and debate what really matters from the past seven days. With Jamie Timson, Felicity Capon and Harriet MarsdenImage credit: NurPhoto / Getty Images

Why did Trump pardon a drug-trafficking president? Will drought fuel global violence? And are romantic comedies in terminal decline? Olly Mann and The Week delve behind the headlines and debate what really matters from the past seven days. With Harriet Marsden, Jamie Timson and Felicity CaponImage credit: Shwan Nawzad / AFP / Getty Images

What can we learn from Slovenia’s rejection of assisted dying? Can politicians admit their weaknesses? And have pedigree dogs had their day? Olly Mann and The Week delve behind the headlines and debate what really matters from the past seven days. With Felicity Capon, Jamie Timson and Arion McNicollImage credit: Jens Buttner/ AFP / Getty Images

What are the ethics of freezing your late partner? And will US Catholics rebel against the Pope? Olly Mann and The Week delve behind the headlines and debate what really matters from the past seven days. With Julia Macfarlane and Suchandrika ChakrabartiImage credit: Andreas Solaro / AFP/ Getty Images

Who were the “human hunters” of the Bosnian war? Why has a rap song become an anti-Putin anthem in Russia? And what should happen to captive penguins? With Jamie Timson, Harriet Marsden and Felicity Capon.Photo: Lorena Sopena/Europa Press via Getty Images

Can the Maldives quit smoking? Are British rappers the world’s best? And can whales lead us to immortality? Olly Mann and The Week delve behind the headlines and debate what really matters from the past seven days. With Harriet Marsden, Felicity Capon and Jamie TimsonImage credit: Simone Joyner / Getty Images.

Should we be eating less fat – or more? Who will benefit from a surprise election result? And how can art improve our health? Olly Mann and The Week delve behind the headlines and debate what really matters from the past seven days. With Felicity Capon, Jamie Timson and Harriet MarsdenImage credit: Bloomberg / Getty Image

Will nuclear fusion deliver us from climate change? Is humour the best way to take on Trump? And will Grace Wales Bonner change Hermès for the better? Olly Mann and The Week delve behind the headlines and debate what really matters from the past seven days. With Harriet Marsden, Arion McNicoll and Jamie Timson.Image credit: Dia Dipasupil / Getty Images

Are imported eggs undermining animal welfare? Who had the last laugh in Riyadh? And what can we do about AI deepfakes? Olly Mann and The Week delve behind the headlines and debate what really matters from the past seven days. With Harriet Marsden, Felicity Capon and Suchandrika ChakrabartiImage credit: Fayez Nureldine / AFP / Getty Images

Is Russia losing its influence campaign? What’s behind Tony Blair’s comeback? And will British filmmakers survive Trump’s tariffs? Olly Mann and The Week delve behind the headlines and debate what really matters from the past seven days. With Felicity Capon, Arion McNicoll and Harriet MarsdenImage credit: Daniel Milhailescu / AFP / Getty Images