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All right on the night: AfD’s victory

Sep 7, 2026 · 24m

Summary

The episode opens with a report on the Alternative for Germany’s shock 44% victory in Saxony-Anhalt, which threatens to install the country’s first far-right state premier since WWII and signals a major setback for Chancellor Merz’s CDU. Next, planetary affairs editor Oliver Morton discusses Operation Blue Skies, a North Atlantic trial testing how air traffic control can reduce climate-warming contrails by adjusting flight altitudes. Finally, the show explores the surge in young South Koreans embracing Buddhism through modern adaptations like raves, AI chatbots, and matchmaking retreats, as…

Topics discussed

Sponsor: Capital One Bank Sponsor: NEA Back to School Show Introduction and Episode Overview Context: AfD Victory in Saxony-Anhalt Interview: Election Night Atmosphere and Results Analysis: CDU Collapse and Coalition Prospects The Role of the BSW Party in Government Formation Potential Stalemate and Future Scenarios Implications for Germany and European Politics Sponsor: Bill Finance Platform Sponsor: Capital One Bank Topic: The Climate Impact of Airplane Contrails Science: How Contrails Warm the Planet Operation Blue Skies: Avoiding Contrail Formation Testing the Solution and Cost Implications Airlines' Perspective and Implementation Challenges Topic: The Rise of Buddhism Among Young Koreans Buddhist Expos and Traditional Practices Modern Twists: AI Monks and Mindfulness Trends Conclusion: Commercialization vs. Tradition Show Outro Sponsor: Capital One Bank Sponsor: Liquid IV Hydration
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