China Decode: Why We’re Living in a Labubu Economy

In this episode of China Decode, hosts Alice Han and James Kynge explore whether China’s stock market rally marks the start of a true bull market—or just another round of state-driven froth. They then turn to Ethiopia’s $5 billion Grand Renaissance Dam, built with Chinese expertise and financing, and ask what it reveals about Beijing’s expanding influence in the Global South—and how tensions with Egypt could put that influence to the test. Finally, they look at the global rise of Labubu, the sharp-toothed plush toy embraced by celebrities from Rihanna to Naomi Osaka, and what this craze says about China’s growing role as a cultural exporter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Scott answers listener questions on what happens when women out-earn their partners, the real-world consequences of declining U.S. science funding, and how to stay motivated while living with depression – including what he does when he’s struggling with his mental health. Want to be featured in a future episode? Send a voice recording to [email protected], or drop your question in the r/ScottGalloway subreddit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Scott speaks with Barbara F. Walter, professor at UC San Diego and author of How Civil Wars Start, about what the Charlie Kirk assassination reveals about America’s political future. They discuss how leaders exploit crises, why the U.S. is at higher risk of civil unrest, and how social media and young men fit into the rise of political violence. Barbara also shares what can be done to strengthen democracy and reduce the risk of conflict. Follow Barbara F. Walter’s Substack, Here Be Dragons: Warning Signs from the Edges of Democracy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As read by George Hahn. https://www.profgalloway.com/own-goal/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Producer’s note: This episode was recorded prior to Charlie Kirk’s death. Scott answers listener questions on why working-class voters feel left behind in politics, how wealth shifts your approach to personal and online security, and how he decides where and when to give his money away. Want to be featured in a future episode? Send a voice recording to [email protected], or drop your question in the r/ScottGalloway subreddit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Scott speaks with Dr. Jessica Knurick, nutrition scientist and registered dietitian, about the rise of the Make America Healthy Again movement. They discuss why MAHA resonates with so many Americans, what it gets wrong about health and wellness, and how systems built for profit – from food to healthcare – are failing us. Jessica also explains the role of social media in spreading health misinformation, the promise of new science like mRNA technology, and why she believes “health is bipartisan.” Follow Jessica, @drjessicaknurick. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The GOP-led House Oversight Committee released Epstein’s “birthday book” in full… and it’s real gross. Scott and Jessica unpack the shocking revelations, and advise the Democrats on how to use this to win some elections. Plus — a surprising new poll shows that the young men and women of Gen Z might be really far apart, on lots of things. And, Scott and Jessica celebrate their work anniversary — it’s been a whole year of Raging Moderates in your podcast feeds. Thanks so much for listening! Check us out on YouTube at youtube.com/@ragingmoderates. Follow Jessica Tarlov, @JessicaTarlov.  Follow Prof G, @profgalloway. Follow Raging Moderates, @RagingModeratesPod. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Scott answers questions on choosing a career path under visa and family pressure, when to take a big creative swing on a first book, and how he thinks about balancing team chemistry with diversity in the workplace. Want to be featured in a future episode? Send a voice recording to [email protected], or drop your question in the r/ScottGalloway subreddit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ed speaks with Nathan Blecharczyk, Chief Strategy Officer and co-founder of Airbnb. They discuss the pros and cons of starting a business with your friends, the moment he realized the business would be a success, and how he learned to turn a crisis into an opportunity.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As read by George Hahn. https://www.profgalloway.com/lonely-fans/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices