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Deals change the world, and season 3 of The Closer brings you the inside story of those deals, as told by the people who know how it all went down. Each episode features the story of one deal, as host Aimee Keane talks to guests who bring insight into how and why the deal was done, and its broader impact. The Closer is a Project Brazen production. Subscribe to Brazen+ on Apple Podcasts or at brazen.fm/plus and get exclusive bonus episodes for The Closer and all our shows, as well as ad-free listening and early access to new podcasts. For more fearless storytelling visit brazen.fm, home to all our podcasts, documentaries and newsletters. At Brazen, we show you how the world really works – from espionage and corruption to deal-making and organised crime, we'll take you inside stories from hidden worlds.
We're sharing another episode of a podcast we think you might like. It's called The Closer and it's hosted by executive producer of The New Bazaar, Aimee Keane. In each episode, Aimee speaks to dealmakers and insiders about landmark financial deals that have changed our lives in some way. In this episode, Aimee speaks to writer Abraham Josephine Riesman about Vince McMahon's influential dealmaking career. McMahon took over his father's regional wrestling business in the 1980s, and made it into an international media and entertainment juggernaut valued at billions of dollars. This is the story of how McMahon cleverly bulldozed competitors, acquired rivals and capitalized on the public's hatred of his tactics. Find The Closer here or by searching for the show on your podcast app of choice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
I have another special episode of the Code Story podcast today, where I'm sharing another great podcast I've just been made aware of. It's called The Closer, from the team at Project Brazen, hosted by financial journalist Aimee Keane. The show focuses on pulling out the high octane emotion and exponential stakes that underscore todays biggest acquisition or investment headlines.In the episode I'm sharing today, the host takes you inside the final days of Toys R Us with Lauren Hirsch, the reporter who first revealed the iconic company's impending bankruptcy. You can expect to hear juicy tidbits around what drove the company out of business.Check out The Closer, and subscribe today, on your favorite podcast catcher.And thanks again for listening.LinksApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-closer/id1668774101Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7jQPWgY7Yk6J13dN3day4H?si=fa80c4d6c2644dc5Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/code-story/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
We're sharing a special episode of a podcast we think you might like. It's called The Closer and it's hosted by executive producer of The New Bazaar, Aimee Keane. In each episode, Aimee speaks to dealmakers and insiders about landmark financial deals that have changed our lives in some way.In this episode, Aimee speaks to an executive at the center of Whatsapp's $19 billion sale to Facebook, Neeraj Arora. He explains how the deal finally came together, the dispiriting conflict that roiled the companies after the deal closed, and how the deal affected the way he thinks about our privacy online. Search for The Closer on your podcast app of choice or go to TheCloser.fm. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The inside story of the deals that changed the world, as told by the people who know how it all went down. The Closer, out now. Landmark deals can change everything. They can transform how we live. They can alter the course of the economy. The Closer asks: Who made these deals, and why? Hosted by Aimee Keane, an award-winning financial journalist, each episode features a deal that made an impact on our lives, and hears from the people who know the inside story of those deals. This show has a thesis: deals are not only the emotional center of the business world, but the building blocks of the world around us. Behind every one of them are tales of failure, betrayal, high stakes, risks - and especially, big personalities. Basically, everything you'd want in a good drama. The Closer is a Project Brazen production. Subscribe to Brazen+ on Apple Podcasts or at brazen.fm/plus and get exclusive bonus episodes for The Closer and all our shows, as well as ad-free listening and early access to new podcasts. For more fearless storytelling visit brazen.fm, home to all our podcasts, documentaries and newsletters. At Brazen, we show you how the world really works – from espionage and corruption to deal-making and organised crime, we'll take you inside stories from hidden worlds.
To wrap up 2021, The New Bazaar answers questions sent in by listeners. The episode also features, for the first time in front of the mic, executive producer Aimee Keane! Aimee and Cardiff take questions about pricing strategies, how they choose topics and guests for the show, the tricky tension between wonky and accessible, the Canadian vs the US economy, why the US economic growth has been weak since the 1970s, and more. Thanks so much to everyone for listening to us this year! We are taking a short break, and we will be back with the next episode on Thursday, January 12th. Happy New Year!Links: "Some NYC Restaurants Tire of Forking Over Delivery-App Fees" (WSJ) "Pricing of Digital Products" (Deloitte) "A deluge of data is giving rise to a new economy" (The Economist)"Is It Fair to Tax Capital Gains at Lower Rates Than Earned Income?" (WSJ)"Life after quitting: What happened next to the workers who left their jobs" (WaPo)"Why it's not really a labor shortage" (Insider) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
The explosive TV interview the Duke and Duchess of Sussex gave this week raised major questions about the future of the monarchy, as well as tricky issues for Downing Street on how to handle the accusations of racism. We explore the constitutional relationship and how politics are divided. Plus, we look ahead to the Integrated Review next week into the UK's foreign and defence policy and what it will say about global Britain. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Robert Shrimsley, Jasmine Cameron-Chileshe, George Parker and special guest Catherine Haddon from the Institute for Government think-tank. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Josh de la Mare. The sound engineer was Breen Turner and the editor Aimee Keane.Review clips: CBS/Harpo Productions, BBC News, Downing Street Read more:-From fairy tale to culture war: Britain gripped by royal race row-Royal rift marks a tragic missed opportunity-Like all firms, the royal family must learn to listen on diversity-The ‘invisible’ pact binding the UK royals and their tabloid tormentors-Royals nearly drove me to suicide, Meghan Markle tells Oprah Winfrey-Britain’s royal family must downsize if it wants to survive-Johnson set to unnerve allies with ‘Global Britain’ defence review-UK’s policy towards China is riddled with contradictions-Boris Johnson takes passage to India to support ‘Indo-Pacific tilt’-Squandering trust is no route to a ‘Global Britain’-EU capitals weigh tougher response to UK’s Brexit ‘provocations’-Read the latest on UK politics-Follow @Seb Payne and @George Parker See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Could a piece of high-tech cloth keep Covid-19 patients out of hospital and allow them to be monitored at home? The FT’s pharma and biotech correspondent, Hannah Kuchler, reports on the wearable technology changing healthcare during the pandemic, and examines what it means for the future of patient care.Hosted by John Thornhill, innovation editor at the Financial Times. Produced by Liam Nolan. Sound Design by Breen Turner and Louise Burton. Aimee Keane is the editor and the executive producer is Cheryl Brumley. Original music by Metaphor Music. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak presented his second Budget this week, tearing up Conservative economic orthodoxy with billions of pounds of spending and tax rises. What state are the UK's public finances in? And will he actually go ahead with planned spending cuts? Plus, we examine the 'levelling up' pledges and whether they go far enough to help rebalance the needs of the economy with those of the north of England. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Chris Giles, Andy Bounds and special guest Diane Coyle. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Josh de la Mare. The sound engineer was Breen Turner and the editor Aimee Keane. Review clips: Parliament TV, Institute for Fiscal Studies.Read more on FT.com:-Relocating UK’s civil service is crucial to Johnson’s levelling-up agenda-Johnson under pressure to publish ‘levelling-up’ fund criteria-Rishi Sunak prepares the ground for Tory election strategy-Rishi Sunak’s un-Tory Budget confounds assumptions once again-The Budget, your money and how to prepare for what comes next-Sunak’s tax freezes are not as harmless as they seem-The UK’s ‘new Tory’ economics are different but insufficient-Read the latest on UK politics-Follow @Seb Payne and @George Parker See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Our lives are increasingly moving from the offline to the online world, leaving a long trail of data in our wake. These data can be used to wield economic and political power, and to define us as communities and as individuals. What are the opportunities and risks?Hosted by John Thornhill, innovation editor at the Financial Times. Produced by Liam Nolan. Sound Design by Breen Turner and Louise Burton, with additional production by Oluwakemi Aladesuyi. The editor is Aimee Keane, and the executive producer is Cheryl Brumley. Original music was composed by Metaphor Music. Review clips: NASA, Reuters, Computer History Museum, BBC, Thames TV/Freemantle, CBS. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Rishi Sunak will deliver his second Budget next week, where the chancellor will set out a mission to put the UK's public finances on a sounder footing. Will he reveal rises in spending, tax or both? Plus, we discuss Alex Salmond's select committee appearance on Friday and whether the former Scottish first minister's testimony is a threat to his successor Nicola Sturgeon. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Mure Dickie, Robert Shrimsley and special guest Gemma Tetlow. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Josh de la Mare. The sound engineer was Breen Turner and the editor Aimee Keane.Review clips: Parliament TV, Scottish Parliament-After the pandemic: Sunak signals the UK’s return to fiscal conservatism-Levelling up tests Johnson’s ‘Heineken’ credentials-Salmond accuses Sturgeon of presiding over ‘failures of leadership’-SNP feud threatens its Scottish independence hopes-Read the latest on UK politics-Follow @Seb Payne and @George Parker See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Hotel quarantine will finally be introduced to the UK next week, but can the logistics work? Will it stop new variants of the virus spreading - and are enough countries going to be included? Plus, we discuss whether Sir Keir Starmer is stalling as Labour leader and whether he is critical enough of the government's coronavirus policies. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Jim Pickard, Alice Hancock, Robert Shrimsley and special guest Sienna Rodgers, editor of LabourList. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Josh de la Mare. The sound engineer was Louise Burton and the editor Aimee Keane.Review clips: BBC Radio 4, Parliament TV, PA Media, Novara MediaFurther reading:-UK Covid border measures under increasing strain ahead of rollout-Travel bosses fear summer season at risk after UK warns on holidays-Britain wakes up to the power of border controls-Should Britons abandon hope of a summer holiday?-Labour’s Starmer has no quick fix; Johnson stole his story-Labour party looks to Biden for inspiration-Labour attacks £1bn cuts to flagship green homes scheme See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
UK prime minister Boris Johnson put England into its third lockdown this week, as the new strain of coronavirus risked the health service being overwhelmed. How long will it last and why does everything now rely on vaccine roll out? Plus, we discuss Mr Johnson's political struggles with the latest restrictions, the chaos around schools reopening and closing again and whether the local elections in May will become a Covid referendum. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Sarah Neville, Clive Cookson, George Parker and Robert Shrimsley. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Josh de la Mare. The sound engineer was Breen Turner and editor Aimee Keane. Review clips: Downing Street, Parliament, Sky News.Further reading:-Covid reached UK in three waves from southern Europe, study shows-MPs back England’s third coronavirus lockdown-Rightwing sceptics helped deepen the UK’s Covid crisis-Teacher assessments to replace GCSEs and A-levels in England-Boris Johnson’s abrupt lockdown shift driven by bleak Covid data-Read the latest on UK politics-Follow @Seb Payne and @George Parker See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
The UK has fully left the EU, ending 47 years of membership. In this Brexit special, we examine the last-minute trade deal that Prime Minister Boris Johnson brokered last week, the new checks and red tape that have been introduced, how Britain will use its regulatory freedoms and why the future of the United Kingdom will dominate politics in 2021. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Peter Foster and special guest Allie Renison of the Institute of Directors. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Josh de la Mare. The sound engineer was Breen Turner and the editor Aimee Keane. Review clips: Sky News, Parliament.Further reading:-How will Boris Johnson use Britain’s hard won ‘freedom’ from Brussels?-UK and EU agree one-year grace period on rules of origin forms-With Brexit ‘done’, Britain must rebuild trust in Europe-Ministers fear port disruption in January as formal ties with EU end-Exit from single market closes a chapter UK did so much to write-Read the latest on UK politics-Follow @Seb Payne and @George Parker See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Britain became the first country to approve a coronavirus vaccine this week. The first doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech jab will arrive soon, but is the UK ready to distribute it? Which groups will get it first and what impact will it have on the Covid-19 restrictions? Plus, we speak to Douglas Ross, leader of the Scottish Conservatives, about his plans to save the United Kingdom, how he intends to take on Nicola Sturgeon and whether he finds Boris Johnson embarrassing. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Sarah Neville and Clive Cookson plus special guest Douglas Ross. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Josh de la Mare. The sound engineer was Breen Turner and the editor Aimee Keane. Review clips: Parliament, Downing Street, LBC Further reading:-Vaccine approval brings a ray of economic hope-UK set for Covid vaccinations ‘next week’ after regulatory approval-UK regulator defends rapid approval of vaccine after Fauci criticism-Sturgeon tells SNP conference Scots have right to determine their future-Scottish Tory leader issues ‘wake-up call’ to Westminster over union-France issues veto warning as Brexit trade deal talks drag on-Read the latest on UK politics-Follow @Seb Payne and @George Parker See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Keir Starmer made the dramatic move to suspend Jeremy Corbyn from the Labour party this week, following an investigation into anti-Semitism. Is a new and bitter rift about to start within the opposition party? Plus, we speak to Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham about his battles with Boris Johnson, why mayors need more powers and whether he will ever return to Westminster. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Jim Pickard and special guests Andy Burnham and Sienna Rogers. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Liam Nolan. Sound engineer was Breen Turner and the editor Aimee Keane. Original music by Metaphor Music. Review clips: BBC, 10 Downing Street. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
The prime minister found himself at odds with northern leaders this week, as disputes grew over localised coronavirus restrictions. Is Boris Johnson facing a governing crisis with mayors and devolved leaders? Plus, we discuss yet another economic stimulus package from Rishi Sunak to save jobs and whether the Treasury has given up on going for growth this year. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Robert Shrimsley, Chris Giles and special guest Gemma Tetlow. Produced by Anna Dedlar and Liam Nolan. The sound engineer was Breen Turner and the editor, Aimee Keane.Original music by Metaphor Music. Clips: BBC Newsnight, Sky News, Parliament TV See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Boris Johnson found himself in another parliamentary stand-off over Brexit legislation this week, and eventually found a compromise with rebellious Conservative MPs. Why is the prime minister struggling with his party and is he becoming a diminished figure in Westminster? Plus, with the takeover by US chipmaker Nvidia of British-based chip designer Arm, and Hitachi's decision to withdraw from a major nuclear power project in Wales, does the UK have a coherent industrial policy?Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Robert Shrimsley, Jim Pickard and Peggy Hollinger. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Josh de la Mare. The sound engineer is Breen Turner. The editors were Liam Nolan and Aimee Keane. Music by Metaphor Music.Review clips: US government, UK Parliament, Sky News See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Paul Volcker, who died at the weekend, was one of the most influential monetary policy makers of the 20th century. The FT’s Gillian Tett spoke to the former central banker at his home in New York last year about his views on good government, regulating finance and US China relations. In this podcast, she shares some excerpts from the conversation.Contributors: Katie Martin, markets editor, and Gillian Tett, chair of the FT editorial board (US). Producers: Fiona Symon and Aimee Keane See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Patrick Jenkins and guests discuss Google's move towards banking that could see it team up with Citigroup, why Australia's big four are facing difficult times and what's in the report on TSB's software failure last year. With special guest Masha Cilliers, Specialist Payments Partner at Be.Contributors: Patrick Jenkins, financial editor, Tim Bradshaw, global tech correspondent, Robert Armstrong, chief editorial writer, Jamie Smyth, Australia correspondent and Nicholas Megaw, retail banking correspondent. Producers: Persis Love and Aimee Keane. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
A few trophy sales made headlines last week at the New York art auctions, including paintings from Edward Hopper and David Hockney that each sold for more than $90m. In total, Christie’s, Phillips and Sotheby’s sold close to $2bn worth of art during the week. But some marquee works also went unsold. So what do the sales signal about the mood among art collectors and investors? The FT’s Eric Platt reports on the auctions and the state of the art market.Read Eric’s reporting here.Contributors: Eric Platt, U.S. mergers & acquisitions correspondent. Producers: Jennifer Sigl and Aimee Keane. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
The ecommerce giant plans to put big new offices in Long Island City, in New York, and Arlington, Virginia, ending the 14-month long search for a second headquarters. So why these two cities? The FT’s Shannon Bond explains Amazon’s decision and what these new headquarters tell us about the future direction of its business.Read Shannon’s latest reporting here.Contributors: Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, US business editor and Shannon Bond, San Francisco correspondent. Producers: Jennifer Sigl and Aimee Keane. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
US voters will head to the polls on Tuesday for the highly-anticipated midterm elections. In one Kansas district, some moderate Republicans plan to cast protest votes for a Democratic newcomer. Their reason for doing so? President Trump. The FT’s Brooke Fox shares her reporting from one suburban district that mirrors a handful of others across the country.Read Brooke’s story here.Contributors: Brooke Fox, data journalist, Ellen Porter and Steve Rose. Producers: Jennifer Sigl and Aimee Keane. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
The escalating trade dispute between the US and China has clouded the global economic outlook, with no signs of ending soon. This year, the US has slapped tariffs on $250bn worth of Chinese goods, while the Chinese have retaliated with tariffs on $110bn of US goods. The FT's Gillian Tett recently sat down with Kevin Rudd, former prime minister of Australia and current president of the Asia Society Policy Institute, to discuss the state of the trade disagreement and what it might take for the two countries to reach a truce. Contributors: Gillian Tett, US managing editor, Kevin Rudd, president of the Asia Society Policy Institute. Producers: Jennifer Sigl and Aimee Keane. Music by David Sappa. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
The FT is following five people over the course of a year as they change career in the middle of their working lives. In this fifth of five episodes, Aimee Keane meets Anthony Rondinone, a musician turned software developer. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Alphachat is going on a brief hiatus. When we come back in a few weeks we're going to have some great new interviews. But before we take this short break, we wanted to share a new FT podcast called Behind The Money. Each week host (and Alphachat producer) Aimee Keane will take you inside the big business and financial stories of the moment, with the help of other FT reporters. You can subscribe to Behind The Money on all of the usual podcast platforms. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Urban studies theorist Richard Florida joins Aimee Keane to discuss his latest book, "The New Urban Crisis". See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
What is motivating Bernie Sanders to stay in an already decided primary race? How did Hillary clinch the Democratic nomination, eight years after conceding to Barack Obama? The FT's Courtney Weaver and Aimee Keane discuss this and more. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Hillary Clinton, the Democratic front runner in the race for the White House, pledged this week to crack down on the growing cost of prescription drugs and out of pocket medical expenses in the United States after Turing Pharmaceuticals announced that it was hiking the price of the drug Daraprim from $13.50 to $750 a pill. Aimee Keane asks David Crow about the sharp falls in biotech stocks that followed and whether plans such as Mrs Clinton's will end price-gouging. Music: "Starday" by Podington Bear. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
The Silicon Valley company's plan to spin off its $24bn stake in Alibaba suffered a second major setback this week when the IRS, the US tax authority, said it had serious concerns about deals similar to the one proposed by Yahoo. Aimee Keane speaks with San Francisco correspondent Hannah Kuchler about the authority's statement and what effect it could have on the potential spin-off. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
United Continental Holdings announced on Tuesday that the US airline's chief executive Jeff Smisek would resign in connection with a federal investigation linked to a key ally of New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, who is running for the White House. Aimee Keane speaks with Ed Crooks to find out how the carrier found itself entangled in the probe. Read the full story by Ed Crooks and Gina Chon here. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.