Best National Retail Solutions Podcasts (2025)

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Direct Effect: Training the Next Generation of Marketers 28:53

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1h ago28:53

28:53

In this episode of Mailin’ It!, hosts Karla Kirby and Jeff Marino explore how the next generation of marketers is discovering the impact of direct mail through the USPS Direct Effect program. They are joined by Carl Boettner, Postal Service Program Manager for Direct Effect, and Izzie Gerber, a student from UMass Amherst who recently completed the …

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Dying Is Easy. Retail Is Hard. (Update) 1:02:17

4d ago1:02:17

1:02:17

Macy’s wants to recapture its glorious past. The author of the Wimpy Kid books wants to rebuild his dilapidated hometown. We just want to listen in. (Part two of a two-part series, first published in 2024) SOURCES: Mark Cohen, former professor and director of retail studies at Columbia Business School. Will Coss, vice president and executive produc…

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Tax Matters: Autumn Budget 2025 – a stealthy smorgasbord? 21:36

5d ago21:36

21:36

The UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, has delivered the Autumn Budget 2025. In her much-anticipated second Budget, the Chancellor announced a broad spectrum of tax measures which she said were designed both to secure public finances and make the UK tax system fairer. After much press speculation, rumours and reported U-turns, there is …

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Is Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade Its Most Valuable Asset? (Update) 52:31

6d ago52:31

52:31

The iconic department store calls the parade its “gift to the nation.” With 30 million TV viewers, it’s also a big moneymaker — at least we think it is: when it comes to parade economics, Macy’s is famously tight-lipped. In this 2024 episode, we try to loosen them up. (Part one of a two-part series.) SOURCES: John Cheney, carpenter at Macy’s Studio…

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654. Is the Public Ready for Private Equity? 1:03:11

11d ago1:03:11

1:03:11

A Trump executive order is giving retail investors more access to private markets. Is that a golden opportunity — or fool’s gold? SOURCES: Elisabeth de Fontenay, professor of law at Duke University. Steven Kaplan, professor of entrepreneurship and finance at the University of Chicago. RESOURCES: "Democratizing Access to Alternative Assets for 401(k…

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653. Does Horse Racing Have a Future? 1:01:36

18d ago1:01:36

1:01:36

Thoroughbred auction prices keep setting records. But tracks are closing, gambling revenues are falling, and the sport is increasingly reliant on subsidies. Is that the kind of long shot anybody wants? (Part three of a series, “The Horse Is Us.”) SOURCES: Anne Archer Hinkle, owner and director of Hinkle Farms. Cormac Breathnach, senior director of …

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What Happens When You Turn 20 1:02:38

17d ago1:02:38

1:02:38

The world has changed a good bit since Freakonomics was first published. In this live anniversary episode, Stephen Dubner tells Geoff Bennett of PBS NewsHour everything he has learned since then. Happy birthday, Freakonomics. SOURCES: Geoff Bennett, co-anchor and co-managing editor of PBS News Hour. RESOURCES: Freakonomics Twentieth Anniversary Edi…

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652. Inside the Horse-Industrial Complex 1:00:52

25d ago1:00:52

1:00:52

How does Kentucky keep itself atop the thoroughbred industry? Is a champion stallion really worth $200,000 per date? And how many hands can one jockey have? (Part two of a series, “The Horse Is Us.”) SOURCES: Emily Plant, thoroughbred researcher and statistician. Jill Stowe, professor of economics at the University of Kentucky. Mark Taylor, preside…

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No Worse Off #18: Innovative Capital Solutions Tools in the Italian Market 18:33

29d ago18:33

18:33

In our latest episode of “No Worse Off,” our cross-jurisdictional restructuring and capital solutions team, Nick Fortune, Francesco Lombardo and Valentina Armaroli dive into the innovative capital solutions and restructuring tools reshaping the Italian market. Italy is quickly emerging as a key market, offering a wealth of opportunities for global …

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651. The Ultimate Dance Partner 1:08:07

1M ago1:08:07

1:08:07

For most of human history, horsepower made the world go. Then came the machines. So why are there still seven million horses in America? (Part one of a series, “The Horse Is Us.”) SOURCES: Ann N. Greene, historian of 19th century America, retired professor at the University of Pennsylvania. Constance Hunter, chief economist at the Economist Intelli…

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Are Two C.E.O.s Better Than One? (Update) 47:34

1M ago47:34

47:34

Spotify, Oracle, and Comcast have each recently announced they’re going with co-C.E.O.s. In this 2023 episode, we dig into the research and hear firsthand stories of triumph and disaster. Also: lessons from computer programmers, Simon and Garfunkel, and bears versus alligators. SOURCES: Jim Balsillie, retired chairman and co-C.E.O. of Research In M…

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Evolving eCommerce Shipping Solutions 22:08

1M ago22:08

22:08

In this episode of Mailin’ It!, hosts Karla Kirby and Jeff Marino jump into the fast-paced world of e-commerce shipping with guest Heather Maday, Senior Director of Sales Enablement at the US Postal Service. Heather shares how USPS has transformed its operations to support today’s eCommerce economy, where shoppers expect speed, visibility, and valu…

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650. The Doctor Won’t See You Now 51:33

1M ago51:33

51:33

The U.S. has a physician shortage, created in part by a century-old reform that shut down bad medical schools. But why haven’t we filled the gap? Why are some physicians so unhappy? And which is worse: a bad doctor or no doctor at all? SOURCES: Karen Clay, professor of economics and public policy at Carnegie Mellon University. Rochelle Walensky, ph…

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A Question-Asker Becomes a Question-Answerer 1:14:22

2M ago1:14:22

1:14:22

For the 20th anniversary of Freakonomics, Debbie Millman of Design Matters interviews Stephen Dubner about his upbringing, his writing career, and why it's important to “swing your swing.” Plus: a sneak peek at a new project. SOURCES: Debbie Millman, writer and host of Design Matters with Debbie Millman. RESOURCES: "Stephen J. Dubner," by Design Ma…

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How Can We Break Our Addiction to Contempt? (Update) 40:23

2M ago40:23

40:23

Arthur Brooks, an economist and former head of the American Enterprise Institute, believes that there is only one remedy for our political polarization: love. In this 2021 episode, we ask if Brooks is a fool for thinking this — and if perhaps you are his kind of fool? SOURCES: Arthur Brooks, professor of public and nonprofit leadership at Harvard U…

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Human-Centered Innovation – A conversation with Stephanie Toney, CBO at Diatiro Health 24:52

2M ago24:52

24:52

In this episode of the MedTech Podcast, partner Vinita Kailasanath speaks with Stephanie Toney, Chief Business Officer at Diatiro Health, about the company’s mission to transform kidney transplantation. They explore the importance of equity and patient access in MedTech. Stephanie also shares her perspective on emerging trends such as AI, digital h…

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649. Should Ohio State (and Michigan, and Clemson) Join the N.F.L.? 55:21

2M ago55:21

55:21

Soccer leagues around the world use a promotion-and-relegation system to reward the best teams and punish the worst. We ask whether American sports fans would enjoy a similar system. (Part two of a two-part series.) SOURCES: Domonique Foxworth, sports analyst and former N.F.L. player. Stefan Szymanski, professor of sport management at the Universit…

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648. The Merger You Never Knew You Wanted 1:06:02

2M ago1:06:02

1:06:02

The N.F.L. is a powerful cartel with imperial desires. College football is about to undergo a financial reckoning. So maybe they should team up? (Part one of a two-part series.) SOURCES: DeMaurice Smith, former executive director of the National Football League Players Association. Domonique Foxworth, sports analyst and former N.F.L. player. Jeffre…

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A Conversation with New Postmaster General David Steiner 32:12

2M ago32:12

32:12

The Postal Service is entering a new chapter under 76th Postmaster General David Steiner. In this conversation, he joins Mailin’ It! to talk about what lies ahead. Steiner discusses his background and path to becoming Postmaster General, the challenges and opportunities facing USPS, and why employee engagement and operational excellence will be key…

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Is the U.S. Really Less Corrupt Than China? (Update) 57:34

2M ago57:34

57:34

In this episode we first published in 2021, the political scientist Yuen Yuen Ang argues that different forms of government create different styles of corruption — and that the U.S. and China have more in common than we’d like to admit. SOURCES: Yuen Yuen Ang, professor of political science at Johns Hopkins University. RESOURCES: "China’s Anti-Graf…

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Well-Caffeinated: Private Capital Goes Retail: the Global Push to Democratize Access to Private Capital Investments 21:52

2M ago21:52

21:52

As retail investor access to Private Credit gains global momentum, stay informed with our latest podcast. Tim Clark, Mary Lavelle (Global Co-Chairs, Private Funds and Secondaries) and Ivet Bell (Private Funds and Secondaries partner) delve into key market and regulatory shifts, including potential US regulatory changes that will facilitate "retail …

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DeepDive Episode 5: Inside the ACCEO Playbook 17:23

2M ago17:23

17:23

In this episode we unpack ACCEO’s practical retail ebook and turn it into three moves you can use today. Learn how unified inventory and pricing stop oversells and confusion across channels, how flexible fulfillment (BOPIS, BORIS, endless aisle, ship-from-store) increases conversions, and which five reports actually drive decisions without guesswor…

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647. China Is Run by Engineers. America Is Run by Lawyers. 1:01:50

2M ago1:01:50

1:01:50

In his new book “Breakneck,” Dan Wang argues that the U.S. has a lot to learn from China. He also says that “no two peoples are more alike.” We have questions. SOURCES: Dan Wang, research fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University, author of Breakneck: China's Quest to Engineer the Future. RESOURCES: Breakneck: China's Quest to Enginee…

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Is the World Ready for a Guaranteed Basic Income? (Update) 36:02

3M ago36:02

36:02

A lot of jobs in the modern economy don’t pay a living wage, and some of those jobs may be wiped out by new technologies. So what’s to be done? We revisit an episode from 2016 for a potential solution. SOURCES: Erik Brynjolfsson, professor of economics at Stanford University. Evelyn Forget, professor of economics and community health sciences at th…

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646. An Air Traffic Controller Walks Into a Radio Studio ... 1:01:10

3M ago1:01:10

1:01:10

What does it take to “play 3D chess at 250 miles an hour”? And how far will $12.5 billion of “Big, Beautiful” funding go toward modernizing the F.A.A.? (Part two of a two-part series.) SOURCES: David Strayer, professor of cognition and neural science at the University of Utah. Dorothy Robyn, senior fellow at I.T.I.F. Ed Bastian, C.E.O. of Delta Air…

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The Innovation Behind Safe Mail Delivery 28:47

3M ago28:47

28:47

Every day, millions of letters and packages move safely across the country. But what does it take to keep America’s mail secure? In this episode, our hosts are joined by Buck Buckley, Special Assistant for Strategic Initiatives with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Bob Dixon, USPS Sr. Director of Delivery & Retail Modernization. Together, th…

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645. Is the Air Traffic Control System Broken? 1:02:37

3M ago1:02:37

1:02:37

Flying in the U.S. is still exceptionally safe, but the system relies on outdated tech and is under tremendous strain. Six experts tell us how it got this way and how it can (maybe) be fixed. (Part one of a two-part series.) SOURCES: Dorothy Robyn, senior fellow at I.T.I.F. Ed Bastian, C.E.O. of Delta Airlines. John Strong, professor of finance and…

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No Worse Off #17: Distressed disposals and LMEs – Hunkemöller and Selecta 23:55

3M ago23:55

23:55

In the latest episode of “No Worse Off,” the Freshfields restructuring team—Emma Gateaud, Nick Fortune, Madlyn Primoff, and Jamie Murray-Jones—delve into the legal, strategic and market implications of cutting-edge restructuring tactics. From up-tiering strategies to intercreditor agreement debt release mechanics, the episode features insights draw…

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644. Has America Lost Its Appetite for the Common Good? 1:16:42

3M ago1:16:42

1:16:42

Patrick Deneen, a political philosopher at Notre Dame, says yes. He was a Democrat for years, and has now come to be seen as an “ideological guru” of the Trump administration. But that only tells half the story ... SOURCES: Patrick Deneen, professor of political science at the University of Notre Dame. RESOURCES: "The Ideological Gurus Battling for…

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Extra: A Modern Whaler Speaks Up (Update) 26:47

3M ago26:47

26:47

Bjørn Andersen has killed hundreds of minke whales. He tells us how he does it, why he does it, and what he thinks would happen if whale-hunting ever stopped. (This bonus episode is a follow-up to our series “Everything You Never Knew About Whaling.”) SOURCES: Bjørn Andersen, Norwegian whaler. RESOURCES: "Digestive physiology of minke whales," by S…

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What Can Whales Teach Us About Clean Energy, Workplace Harmony, and Living the Good Life? (Update) 48:08

3M ago48:08

48:08

In the final episode of our whale series, we learn about fecal plumes, shipping noise, and why Moby-Dick is still worth reading. (Part 3 of "Everything You Never Knew About Whaling.") SOURCES: Michele Baggio, professor of economics at the University of Connecticut. Mary K. Bercaw-Edwards, professor of maritime English at the University of Connectic…

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Exposing a $6 Million Mail Order Allergy Testing Scam – A USPIS True Crime Story 31:14

4M ago31:14

31:14

Uncover the true story behind a $6 million mail-order scam with hosts Karla Kirby and Jeff Marino, joined by Inspector Greg Ghiozzi of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Together, they reveal how a fake allergy testing company duped tens of thousands of people into mailing in locks of hair—while running a multimillion-dollar scheme behind the scen…

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Why Do People Still Hunt Whales? (Update) 37:32

4M ago37:32

37:32

For years, whale oil was used as lighting fuel, industrial lubricant, and the main ingredient in (yum!) margarine. Whale meat was also on a few menus. But today, demand for whale products is at a historic low. And yet some countries still have a whaling industry. We find out why. (Part 2 of “Everything You Never Knew About Whaling.”) SOURCES: Jay A…

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DeepDive Episode 4: Driving Retail Sustainability with ACCEO Smart Vendor 11:20

4M ago11:20

11:20

In Episode 4 of DeepDive, Lightning Layne explores how ACCEO Smart Vendor helps retailers embrace sustainability. From paperless receipts and smarter inventory control to omnichannel integration and reduced service-call emissions, learn how small tech-driven changes can cut waste, boost efficiency, and attract eco-conscious customers.…

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The First Great American Industry (Update) 45:02

4M ago45:02

45:02

Whaling was, in the words of one scholar, “early capitalism unleashed on the high seas.” How did the U.S. come to dominate the whale market? Why did whale hunting die out here — and continue to grow elsewhere? And is that whale vomit in your perfume? (Part 1 of “Everything You Never Knew About Whaling.”) SOURCES: Eric Hilt, professor of economics a…

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The Arbitration Act 2025 is now in force. What are the key things you need to know? 12:30

4M ago12:30

12:30

The English Arbitration Act 2025 came into force on 1 August, introducing welcome and long-awaited reforms to the English Arbitration Act 1996. In this bite-size podcast, the head of Freshfields’ London arbitration team Oliver Marsden, counsel Ashley Jones and associate Rebecca Zard highlight the key reforms — including provisions on summary dismis…

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Why Does Tipping Still Exist? (Update) 47:25

4M ago47:25

47:25

It’s a haphazard way of paying workers, and yet it keeps expanding. With federal tax policy shifting in a pro-tip direction, we revisit an episode from 2019 to find out why. SOURCES: John List, economist at the University of Chicago. Michael Lynn, professor of consumer behavior and marketing at Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration. U…

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Transforming the Retail Experience 28:18

4M ago28:18

28:18

Director of Retail Operations, Tracy Raymond, and Senior Director of Delivery and Retail Technology, Bob Dixon, join us to discuss the Postal Service's plans to modernize hundreds of its retail locations and Post Offices across the country. Tune in to hear how USPS is streamlining operations and upgrading the retail experience to better serve today…

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643. Why Do Candles Still Exist? 47:22

4M ago47:22

47:22

They should have died out when the lightbulb was invented. Instead they’re a $10 billion industry. What does it mean that we still want tiny fires inside our homes? SOURCES: Tim Cooper, professor emeritus of sustainable design and consumption at Nottingham Trent University. Gökçe Günel, professor of anthropology at Rice University. Steve Horenzi…

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642. How to Wage Peace, According to Tony Blinken 1:06:28

4M ago1:06:28

1:06:28

The former secretary of state isn’t a flamethrower, but he certainly has strong opinions. In this wide-ranging conversation with Stephen Dubner, he gives them all: on Israel, Gaza, China, Iran, Russia, Biden, Trump — and the rest of the world. SOURCES: Antony Blinken, former Secretary of State. RESOURCES: "Evaluating the impact of two decades of US…

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Why Does One Tiny State Set the Rules for Everyone? (Update) 47:02

4M ago47:02

47:02

Until recently, Delaware was almost universally agreed to be the best place for companies to incorporate. Now, with Elon Musk leading a corporate stampede out of the First State, we revisit an episode from 2023 that asked if Delaware’s “franchise” is wildly corrupt, wildly efficient … or both? SOURCES: John Cassara, retired Special Agent detailee t…

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USPS 250 Years of Collecting Mail 33:44

4M ago33:44

33:44

To kickoff celebrating the Postal Service’s 250th anniversary, Karla Kirby and Jeff Marino are joined by Jim Bruns, expert in postal history and former Director of the National Postal Museum. Together they explore the Postal Service’s founding during the American Revolution, the rise of letter collection, the introduction of stamps, home delivery, …

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No Worse Off #16: Petrofac in the Court of Appeal 24:35

4M ago24:35

24:35

The Court of Appeal’s decision to overturn the sanction of Petrofac’s restructuring plans marked a pivotal moment in restructuring law, with significant implications for how future restructurings will be approached in practice. In the latest episode of our "No Worse Off" podcast series, restructuring team members Lindsay Hingston, Craig Montgomery …

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641. What Does It Cost to Lead a Creative Life? 46:22

5M ago46:22

46:22

For years, the playwright David Adjmi was considered “polarizing and difficult.” But creating Stereophonic seems to have healed him. Stephen Dubner gets the story — and sorts out what Adjmi has in common with Richard Wagner. SOURCES: David Adjmi, author and playwright. RESOURCES: "The West End is enjoying a theatre revival. Can Broadway keep up?" b…

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640. Why Governments Are Betting Big on Sports 50:12

5M ago50:12

50:12

The Gulf States and China are spending billions to build stadiums and buy up teams — but what are they really buying? And can an entrepreneur from Cincinnati make his own billions by bringing baseball to Dubai? SOURCES: Simon Chadwick, professor of afroeurasian sport at Emlyon Business School. Derek Fisher, high school basketball coach, former N.B.…

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Reward(ing) Half Hour - Episode 5 Navigating Employment Claims: Share Plans, Bonuses and Beyond 29:09

5M ago29:09

29:09

Keeping you up to date on executive compensation matters. In this podcast series, the Freshfields People & Reward team discusses key topics in the executive reward space for publicly listed and private companies in 2025, including transatlantic considerations, ways to structure executive incentives and the developing trend for democratising equity …

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How to Make Your Own Luck (Update) 58:07

5M ago58:07

58:07

Before she decided to become a poker pro, Maria Konnikova didn’t know how many cards are in a deck. But she did have a Ph.D. in psychology, a brilliant coach, and a burning desire to know whether life is driven more by skill or chance. She found some answers in poker — and she’s willing to tell us everything she learned. SOURCES: Maria Konnikova, a…

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639. “This Country Kicks My Ass All the Time” 53:46

5M ago53:46

53:46

Cory Booker on the politics of fear, the politics of hope, and how to split the difference. SOURCES: Cory Booker, senior United States Senator from New Jersey. RESOURCES: "'When Are More Americans Going to Speak Up?'" by The New Yorker Radio Hour (2025). "Cory Booker’s Marathon Floor Speech," (2025). "Facebook Knows Instagram Is Toxic for Teen Girl…

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No Worse Off #15: UK restructuring plan turns five 24:43

5M ago24:43

24:43

In our latest podcast episode of "No Worse Off," Freshfields partners Lindsay Hingston, Ken Baird, and Emma Gateaud, along with senior associate Emilio Salice, come together for an in-depth discussion as the Restructuring Plan (RP) turns five. Drawing on their extensive experience, our speakers share valuable insights into the dynamic landscape of …

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638. Are You Ready for the Elder Swell? 54:53

5M ago54:53

54:53

In the U.S., there will soon be more people over 65 than there are under 18 — and it’s not just lifespan that’s improving, it’s “healthspan” too. Unfortunately, the American approach to aging is stuck in the 20th century. In less than an hour, we try to unstick it. (Part three of a three-part series, “Cradle to Grave.”) SOURCES: James Chappel, prof…