Foiled plot: did Iran plan British base attack?
Sep 28, 2026 · 20m
Summary
This episode examines the suspected Iranian hybrid warfare attack on RAF Fairford, a US-used British base, and its implications for UK security. It also analyzes how the Iran conflict has boosted oil company profits to $91 billion, prompting increased investment and M&A activity despite energy transition goals. Finally, the show discusses a study revealing that male managers with daughters significantly increase female hiring and earnings at their firms, highlighting subtle biases in recruitment.
Topics discussed
Sponsors and show introduction
Episode overview: Iran conflict and gender pay gap
Explosives found near RAF Fairford air base
Witness accounts and police response at the base
Context: US military use of RAF Fairford
Iranian hybrid warfare patterns in the UK
Operative recruitment and cyber attack methods
Assessing the significance of the escalation
Oil industry profits surge due to Iran conflict
Why war boosts oil company margins
Corporate cash flow: debt repayment vs investment
Investment strategies: land rights and partnerships
Mergers and acquisitions in the oil sector
Impact on energy transition and renewables
Sponsor breaks: Wayfair and Perk
Gender pay gap: study on male managers' daughters
Study details: hiring bias and earnings impact
Analysis of hiring decisions and firm performance
Policy implications and closing remarks
Outro and final sponsor reads
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