In this podcast episode, the hosts discuss the stickiness of inflation in much of the world, with core inflation remaining high even as headline rates have dropped. They explore the difficult choices that central banks face in addressing inflation, as bringing it down could have costly consequences such as higher interest rates and potential recessions. The hosts also touch on the ongoing war in Ukraine and the country's efforts to rebuild its economy, address corruption, and ensure security, with the ultimate goal of joining the European Union and NATO. In addition, they discuss the recent success of Modelo Especial, a Mexican beer that has overtaken Bud Light as the top-selling beer in the US, thanks to Constellation Brands' successful marketing and distribution strategies. The hosts delve into the reasons behind Modelo Especial's success, including its appeal to the growing Latino consumer market in the US, effective advertising, and storytelling. They also suggest that the success of Modelo Especial suggests that the cultural divide between the US and Mexico is narrowing.

A selection of three essential articles read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. This week, the trouble with sticky inflation, the challenge of building Ukraine 2.0 (10:30) and why Modelo Especial is the new king of beers (18:45). 

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