More than 300 Nigerian schoolgirls have been abducted in a night-time attack in Zamfara state, in the latest mass abduction targeting schools.Morocco's largest parliamentary party drops its opposition to legalising cannabis after the UN removed the plant from its ‘most tightly controlled narcotic drugs’ list.And the Resident Presidents look forward to going to a galaxy far, far away.

More than 300 Nigerian schoolgirls have been abducted in a night-time attack in Zamfara state, in the latest mass abduction targeting schools. Morocco's largest parliamentary party drops its opposition to legalising cannabis after the UN removed the plant from its ‘most tightly controlled narcotic drugs’ list. And the Resident Presidents look forward to going to a galaxy far, far away.

Nigerian schoolgirls taken in mass abduction

Tanzania’s Professor Hulda Swai wins the latest African Union Kwame Nkrumah Continental Award for Scientific Excellence.Survivors of separatist violence in English-speaking Cameroon tell their stories.Why the death of the a Kenyan doctor sparked outrage across the country.

Tanzania’s Professor Hulda Swai wins the latest African Union Kwame Nkrumah Continental Award for Scientific Excellence. Survivors of separatist violence in English-speaking Cameroon tell their stories. Why the death of the a Kenyan doctor sparked outrage across the country.

Tanzanian scientist wins AU prize

Militants have killed at least 10 people in Nigeria's northern city Maiduguri in Borno state, by using rocket-propelled grenades, which local officials described as a "new trend".Plus Ghana becomes the first country to receive a shipment of Covid-19 vaccines under the sharing scheme, Covax.And we meet the South African women who have launched a successful punch needling business, with the help of the power of social media.

Militants have killed at least 10 people in Nigeria's northern city Maiduguri in Borno state, by using rocket-propelled grenades, which local officials described as a "new trend". Plus Ghana becomes the first country to receive a shipment of Covid-19 vaccines under the sharing scheme, Covax. And we meet the South African women who have launched a successful punch needling business, with the help of the power of social media.

Nigerian militants launch rocket attack on Maiduguri

Rates of COVID-19 infection could be much higher in Nigeria than official figures have previously suggested. That's according to a new survey by the National Centre for Disease Control suggesting that four million people in Lagos state alone have had the virus Also in COVID-related news: Senegal begins its vaccination campaign today with ambitious targets set by the governmentwe take a look at how soaring unemployment figures in South Africa are likely to pose a huge challenge for the finance minister who tomorrow is due to present a new economic budget for the countryAnd we bring you an interview with the newly appointed managing director of the private branch of the World Bank, the International Finance Corporation, Mr. Makhtar Diop.

Rates of COVID-19 infection could be much higher in Nigeria than official figures have previously suggested. That's according to a new survey by the National Centre for Disease Control suggesting that four million people in Lagos state alone have had the virus Also in COVID-related news: Senegal begins its vaccination campaign today with ambitious targets set by the government we take a look at how soaring unemployment figures in South Africa are likely to pose a huge challenge for the finance minister who tomorrow is due to present a new economic budget for the country And we bring you an interview with the newly appointed managing director of the private branch of the World Bank, the International Finance Corporation, Mr. Makhtar Diop.

Nigeria COVID infection rate may be the highest on the continent

Italy's ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Luca Attanasio, was killed, along with an Italian officer and a Congolese driver, in an attack on a UN convoy north of Goma.Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine tells us why he has decided to drop his court case challenging the results of last month's presidential electionHow countries previously hit by Ebola are learning to act quickly as new outbreaks of the deadly virus are declared in Guinea and the DRCSeven members of the electoral commission in Niger were killed on Sunday as the country went ahead with presidential electionsWhy, a year after the announcement of a praised national unity government in South Sudan, the UN is now warning against an escalation of violence in the country.

Italy's ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Luca Attanasio, was killed, along with an Italian officer and a Congolese driver, in an attack on a UN convoy north of Goma. Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine tells us why he has decided to drop his court case challenging the results of last month's presidential election How countries previously hit by Ebola are learning to act quickly as new outbreaks of the deadly virus are declared in Guinea and the DRC Seven members of the electoral commission in Niger were killed on Sunday as the country went ahead with presidential elections Why, a year after the announcement of a praised national unity government in South Sudan, the UN is now warning against an escalation of violence in the country.

DR Congo attack kills Italian Ambassador

There has been heavy gunfire in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, as opposition leaders defied a ban on public gatherings to protest about delayed elections.Plus Niger gears up for a run-off in the presidential election.And when is thief not a thief? That’s the question troubling the Resident Presidents.

There has been heavy gunfire in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, as opposition leaders defied a ban on public gatherings to protest about delayed elections. Plus Niger gears up for a run-off in the presidential election. And when is thief not a thief? That’s the question troubling the Resident Presidents.

Gunfire in Somali capital amid election protests

Zanzibar’s prominent opposition leader and vice-president Maalim Seif Sharif Hamad has been buried on the island of Pemba after passing away yesterday.South Africa starts a delayed Covid-19 vaccination campaign.Ghana’s M3NSA tells us why he’s releasing an album independently.

Zanzibar’s prominent opposition leader and vice-president Maalim Seif Sharif Hamad has been buried on the island of Pemba after passing away yesterday. South Africa starts a delayed Covid-19 vaccination campaign. Ghana’s M3NSA tells us why he’s releasing an album independently.

Zanzibar vice-president laid to rest

Armed bandits have killed a school pupil and abducted 27 other children in a night-time raid on their boarding school in north-central Nigeria.Plus, Paul Rusesabagina, whose story inspired the film Hotel Rwanda, appears in court for terrorism trial.And we hear how demand for ‘luxury seafood’ in Asia is threatening the livelihoods of Africa’s fishing communities.

Armed bandits have killed a school pupil and abducted 27 other children in a night-time raid on their boarding school in north-central Nigeria. Plus, Paul Rusesabagina, whose story inspired the film Hotel Rwanda, appears in court for terrorism trial. And we hear how demand for ‘luxury seafood’ in Asia is threatening the livelihoods of Africa’s fishing communities.

Gunmen abduct pupils in Niger state

The former head of the Central African Republic (CAR) football federation, Patrice-Edouard Ngaïssona, together with Alfred Yekatom, are accused of co-ordinating attacks against the country's Muslim population in 2013-14. Both men have rejected the charges. Plus the director of a Nigerian film that could be up for an Oscar, on why he chose to tell the story of the victims of insurgency.And the African Continental Free Trade Area presents a new opportunity for the continent, but will informal women traders also reap the benefits.

The former head of the Central African Republic (CAR) football federation, Patrice-Edouard Ngaïssona, together with Alfred Yekatom, are accused of co-ordinating attacks against the country's Muslim population in 2013-14. Both men have rejected the charges. Plus the director of a Nigerian film that could be up for an Oscar, on why he chose to tell the story of the victims of insurgency. And the African Continental Free Trade Area presents a new opportunity for the continent, but will informal women traders also reap the benefits.

CAR ex-militia leaders on trial for war crimes

The former Nigerian finance minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has become the first woman and the first African to be appointed as director-general of the World Trade Organization.Plus, Guinea has declared that it is dealing with an Ebola epidemic after the deaths of at least three people from the illness.And Cape Verde’s rising star, singer Soraia Ramos, on the importance of her cultural roots in bringing out the best in her music.

The former Nigerian finance minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has become the first woman and the first African to be appointed as director-general of the World Trade Organization. Plus, Guinea has declared that it is dealing with an Ebola epidemic after the deaths of at least three people from the illness. And Cape Verde’s rising star, singer Soraia Ramos, on the importance of her cultural roots in bringing out the best in her music.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala: WTO gets its first African boss

News and analysis from the BBC's Focus on Africa. The Africa Today podcast is published from Monday to Friday. It contains the day's top African stories.

Sue Shell

Nigeria’s Ogale and Bille communities near the Niger Delta are given the green light by the UK Supreme Court to sue oil giant Shell for compensation over pollution, in Britain. We’ll hear from the traditional ruler of the Ogale, who says his community is “very happy”.Plus, Air Namibia is grounded after 75 years of operations, due to financial losses. And the Resident Presidents are in a somewhat morbid mood, as they mull over the different funeral rites and traditions from around the world.

Nigeria’s Ogale and Bille communities near the Niger Delta are given the green light by the UK Supreme Court to sue oil giant Shell for compensation over pollution, in Britain. We’ll hear from the traditional ruler of the Ogale, who says his community is “very happy”. Plus, Air Namibia is grounded after 75 years of operations, due to financial losses. And the Resident Presidents are in a somewhat morbid mood, as they mull over the different funeral rites and traditions from around the world.

Nigerian communities 'can sue Shell in UK'

Tanzania’s chief government spokesperson has given a rare interview to the BBC, asserting that Covid-19 is under control in the country. Human Rights Watch says that heavy shelling in Ethiopia’s Tigray region violated the laws of war. Angolan activists welcome the materialisation of a law decriminalising same sex relationships.

Tanzania’s chief government spokesperson has given a rare interview to the BBC, asserting that Covid-19 is under control in the country. Human Rights Watch says that heavy shelling in Ethiopia’s Tigray region violated the laws of war. Angolan activists welcome the materialisation of a law decriminalising same sex relationships.

Tanzania: Government claims Covid-19 is under control

There is continued insecurity in northern Nigeria as armed gangs kill as least 23 people in a series of attacks in Kaduna state. The internet is back on in Uganda, a month after it was shut down ahead of the elections in January.And Ghana suspends parliament sessions for three weeks following a spike in Coronavirus cases among MPs and staff.

There is continued insecurity in northern Nigeria as armed gangs kill as least 23 people in a series of attacks in Kaduna state. The internet is back on in Uganda, a month after it was shut down ahead of the elections in January. And Ghana suspends parliament sessions for three weeks following a spike in Coronavirus cases among MPs and staff.

'Bandits' kill 23 in volatile northern Nigerian state

Ethiopian government announces the closure of two camps housing hundreds of thousands of Eritrean refugees. Our correspondent Kalkidan Yibeltal tells us the reasons behind the move and why thousands of refugees are still missing.Nigeria's Centre for Disease Control shuts down a test centre in Abuja, reportedly caught handing out fake Covid-19 certificatesHow despite the numerous travel restrictions in place, Zanzibar is still cashing in on tourism.

Ethiopian government announces the closure of two camps housing hundreds of thousands of Eritrean refugees. Our correspondent Kalkidan Yibeltal tells us the reasons behind the move and why thousands of refugees are still missing. Nigeria's Centre for Disease Control shuts down a test centre in Abuja, reportedly caught handing out fake Covid-19 certificates How despite the numerous travel restrictions in place, Zanzibar is still cashing in on tourism.

Ethiopia to shut refugee camps in Tigray

Hopes for a speedy recovery from COVID-19 in South Africa have been damped somewhat after health minister Zweli Mkhize said that it would suspend the AstraZeneca formula of the vaccine. The sudden U-turn comes after disappointing data showed the jab provided minimal protection against some cases of the South African variant of the Coronavirus. We hear from Professor Mosa Moshabela, Dean of the School of Nursing and Public Health at the University of KwaZulu Natal, who says that although other alternatives to the AstraZeneca jab are available, there may still be applications for it in South Africa.We bring you harrowing accounts of women in northwest Cameroon who are refusing to work in their farms for fear of getting caught between the compounded threats of rebels from the English-speaking region and Fulani herders.Music star Fema Kuti and his son Made Kuti, both descendants of Nigerian music legend Fela Kuti, have released a new album. They have a very straightforward message for the government: treat your people better.

Hopes for a speedy recovery from COVID-19 in South Africa have been damped somewhat after health minister Zweli Mkhize said that it would suspend the AstraZeneca formula of the vaccine. The sudden U-turn comes after disappointing data showed the jab provided minimal protection against some cases of the South African variant of the Coronavirus. We hear from Professor Mosa Moshabela, Dean of the School of Nursing and Public Health at the University of KwaZulu Natal, who says that although other alternatives to the AstraZeneca jab are available, there may still be applications for it in South Africa. We bring you harrowing accounts of women in northwest Cameroon who are refusing to work in their farms for fear of getting caught between the compounded threats of rebels from the English-speaking region and Fulani herders. Music star Fema Kuti and his son Made Kuti, both descendants of Nigerian music legend Fela Kuti, have released a new album. They have a very straightforward message for the government: treat your people better.

South Africa stops AstraZeneca vaccine roll-out

The new transitional prime minister and three-member presidency council will govern Libya until the December election.Plus could it be the smallest reptile on earth? Scientists discover a small lizard in Madagascar, no bigger than the tip of your finger.And the Resident Presidents have a row about the progress of the Covid-19 vaccine rollout across Africa.

The new transitional prime minister and three-member presidency council will govern Libya until the December election. Plus could it be the smallest reptile on earth? Scientists discover a small lizard in Madagascar, no bigger than the tip of your finger. And the Resident Presidents have a row about the progress of the Covid-19 vaccine rollout across Africa.

Libya has new interim government

The International Criminal Court has found former LRA commander Dominic Ongwen guilty of war crimes and crimes against humanity.Sierra Leone’s Fatima Maada Bio has denied allegations that billions of Leones have been illegally used to furnish the Office of the First Lady.Ghana’s Phronesis on his new EP, 'Evergreen'.

The International Criminal Court has found former LRA commander Dominic Ongwen guilty of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Sierra Leone’s Fatima Maada Bio has denied allegations that billions of Leones have been illegally used to furnish the Office of the First Lady. Ghana’s Phronesis on his new EP, 'Evergreen'.

Uganda: ICC finds former LRA commander guilty of war crimes

Angola faces widespread condemnation after more than 10  people are reported to have died after police clashed with protesters in the town of Cafunfo, in the north east of the country.The Vatican's top diplomat visits Cameroon and leaves with a call for peace.And Britain’s Victoria and Albert Museum makes a plea to the public to help it stage a unique exhibition of contemporary African fashion.

Angola faces widespread condemnation after more than 10 people are reported to have died after police clashed with protesters in the town of Cafunfo, in the north east of the country. The Vatican's top diplomat visits Cameroon and leaves with a call for peace. And Britain’s Victoria and Albert Museum makes a plea to the public to help it stage a unique exhibition of contemporary African fashion.

Anger over Angola’s crackdown on protests

[Due to a production error on the previous version of this edition of Africa Today, we are re-publishing this as a correction. This edition of Africa Today is of 2nd February 2020]The government of Ethiopia is slowly opening routes to facilitate aid missions by UNHCR and other aid agencies tasked with assisting people caught up in the fighting between warring factions in the Tigray region.Tanzania’s Health Minister reiterated her government and President John Magufuli’s stance that she had no plans to import Covid-19 vaccines. This comes as the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention added the country to those with the highest-risk level for Covid-19. This, despite Tanzania having stopped publishing data regarding COVID cases in April last year. Our Health Correspondent Rhoda Odhiambo discusses the relevance of these latest developments.In 2014 Nigeria’s Supreme Court ruled that females were equally entitled as their male siblings to inherit their father's estate. However, the law is still unevenly applied around the country. Journalist Olivia Ndubuisi visits a town in south-eastern Anambra State where old customs and traditions around inheritance are hard to change

[Due to a production error on the previous version of this edition of Africa Today, we are re-publishing this as a correction. This edition of Africa Today is of 2nd February 2020] The government of Ethiopia is slowly opening routes to facilitate aid missions by UNHCR and other aid agencies tasked with assisting people caught up in the fighting between warring factions in the Tigray region. Tanzania’s Health Minister reiterated her government and President John Magufuli’s stance that she had no plans to import Covid-19 vaccines. This comes as the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention added the country to those with the highest-risk level for Covid-19. This, despite Tanzania having stopped publishing data regarding COVID cases in April last year. Our Health Correspondent Rhoda Odhiambo discusses the relevance of these latest developments. In 2014 Nigeria’s Supreme Court ruled that females were equally entitled as their male siblings to inherit their father's estate. However, the law is still unevenly applied around the country. Journalist Olivia Ndubuisi visits a town in south-eastern Anambra State where old customs and traditions around inheritance are hard to change

Ethiopia's Tigray: Humanitarian aid access starts trickling in

Start-up companies in Kenya, South Africa, Egypt and Nigeria appear to be high up on the list of venture capitalists who in 2020 have invested an eye-watering 700 million dollars across the continent, according to a recent report from Disrupt Africa. What is enticing all this money to these four countries in particular? We speak with Researcher at Kinyungu Ventures, Tayo AkinyemiWe bring you the latest - as well as a personal account of a father of one of the victims - from a Hotel attack in Mogadishu in which at least nine people have lost their livesAs South Africa is reported to waste twelve million tonnes of food each year, we take a look at a local initiative trying to rescue edible food for children who need feeding

Start-up companies in Kenya, South Africa, Egypt and Nigeria appear to be high up on the list of venture capitalists who in 2020 have invested an eye-watering 700 million dollars across the continent, according to a recent report from Disrupt Africa. What is enticing all this money to these four countries in particular? We speak with Researcher at Kinyungu Ventures, Tayo Akinyemi We bring you the latest - as well as a personal account of a father of one of the victims - from a Hotel attack in Mogadishu in which at least nine people have lost their lives As South Africa is reported to waste twelve million tonnes of food each year, we take a look at a local initiative trying to rescue edible food for children who need feeding

Record-breaking investment pours into African start-ups

I listen nightly to the podcast. It part of my bedtime regimen. Keep it up BBC

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Africa Today

UN warns billions could starve as extreme weather changes poison food crops. 1000s of Zimbabweans march  in support of Robert Mugabe to thwart party infighting.

Wednesday, 25th May 2016

After nine hours of talks, European Union leaders agree a deal of sorts on migration; Ghana's electoral commission boss, Charlotte Osei, sacked, the information minister tells us why; Gambia's Adama Barrow's major reshuffle; and the Resident Presidents on the merits or not of a lie detector.

EU Leaders Agree Deal on Migration

Israel gives African migrants three months to leave the country voluntarily or face forcible repatriation or indefinite jail terms. The daily life of a female Zambian UN peacekeeper in the Central African Republic. The Grand Mufti of Egypt proscribes the crypto currency, bitcoin. And exciting new music coming out of Africa in 2018 with DJ Rita Ray.

African Migrants Told To Leave Israel

Is New Delhi playing catch-up with Beijing? Zimbabwean women standing in landmark elections; will Eritrea's political landscape change now that the war with Ethiopia is truly over?

India to Open 18 New Embassies Accross Africa

Europe's two leaders on multi-country Africa tours as evermore big world players woo the continent... we ask about the opportunities and risks for Africa; Germany hands back skulls of Namibians massacred more than a century ago; and an uproar over a TV condom advert in Kenya - what's so offensive about socks?

Europe's Leaders on a Charm Offensive in Africa

A world wide push to raise the alarm over climate change. And African children are actively involved in the demonstrations

Climate Change Strikes in Africa

Thousands of frustrated Nigerians try to beat the voter registration deadline, but the electoral commission refuses any extension; first, Theresa May and now, the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel visits Nigeria... what's on her agenda?  Equality under the law for women married under Muslim rites in South Africa.

Voter Registration Day in Nigeria

Thousands left homeless after fire in Lang'ata suburb in Nairobi.Also in the programme:  The UK High Court to sit in Sierra Leone to hear allegations of human rights abuses by a mining company; and antibiotic-resistant germs, could onions be the answer?

Thousands left homeless after fire in Lang'ata suburb in Nairobi. Also in the programme: The UK High Court to sit in Sierra Leone to hear allegations of human rights abuses by a mining company; and antibiotic-resistant germs, could onions be the answer?

Fire Rages in Nairobi Suburb

Britain's top diplomat to Nigeria on the three-year long search for the Chibok girls; More than ninety migrants feared drowned after their boat sank off the coast of Libya; Eighty thousand teenagers in danger of missing out on school in Burundi.

Chibok Girls: Three years after

Cameroon's defence minister and army chief escape an attack by Anglophone insurgents; after five years of civil war, the UN imposes an arms embargo on South Sudan, the same day women march for peace in Juba; and Sierra Leone:  100 days of President Bio - the pluses and minuses.

Military Chiefs Escape Attack in Cameroon

Why has Ghana slapped a ban on all imports of tilapia?  The Ebola outbreak in the DRC could be over but the WHO remains cautious; families continuing to try and find missing relatives after a deadly fire in Nairobi; and LGBTQ Pride celebrations in Swaziland.

Ghana Imposes Ban on Tilapia Fish Imports

Ahead of tomorrow's elections Zambian civil society groups call for a free and fair vote. Burkina Faso bans donkey meat and skin exports following huge demand from China.

Wednesday, 10th August 2016

A day of mourning in Ethiopia following the Ethiopian Airlines crash.

Ethiopia Airways crash latest.

Two of Europe's most powerful leaders continue setting out their stalls in separate African visits - Kenya and Ghana state their wants; Nigeria's defence minister on his country's security crisis; Soweto in South Africa after the latest anti-immigrant attacks; and the fishermen staying safe at sea with the help of condoms.

European Leaders Continue Charm Offensive in Africa

Willy Mutunga

In the last of our special podcast series about Kenya's elections this year, Dickens Olewe covers the twists and turns of the process in a rare interview with former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga. He explained his view that a new political party is needed to take the place of the current political elite, and why he would like to chair a commission of inquiry into alleged police brutality.

Kenya Election Watch: Former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga

The South Africa government has outlined a stimulus package to aid the country's recovery from the effects of coronavirusThe South African-Ghanaian entrepreneur helping light up Sierra LeoneEast Africa face the combined threat of coronavirus and a second wave of locust swarms thought be 20 times bigger that the one which began last year

The South Africa government has outlined a stimulus package to aid the country's recovery from the effects of coronavirus The South African-Ghanaian entrepreneur helping light up Sierra Leone East Africa face the combined threat of coronavirus and a second wave of locust swarms thought be 20 times bigger that the one which began last year

South Africa government outlines plan for COVID19 recovery

Kenyans wondering why twenty lawmakers went to Russia during the World Cup on the taxpayers' dime; a new study shows just how long a shadow Ebola cast on those who survived it; the multicultural roots of the ZCC; The Gambia's healthcare crisis.

Kenyan Lawmakers' Taxpayer-Funded Visit to Russia

HIV infections are still the leading killer of African children. And old attitudes to the virus still prevail; the AU postpones elections for a new chairman, so what happens next? And Africa's first Spelling Bee competition.

Monday, 18th July 2016

Health experts warn of serious levels of under-nutrition linked to obesity. In South Africa, Reeva Steenkamp's father says her killer, Oscar Pistorius, must pay for his crime

Tuesday 14th June

The new South Sudanese Vice President addresses key issues in the country and what political alliances will emerge in South Africa after recent municipal elections?

Wednesday, 17th August 2016

The best podcast episodes on Startups. For anyone working in a startup, or anyone interested in the incredible stories behind how people built companies like Instagram, and Facebook. Offering both practical advice and insights, as well as the stories for how many of the biggest startups got to where they are today. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Mel Liu

On this episode of the Knowledge Project Podcast, I chat with Patrick Collison, co-founder and CEO of the leading online payment processing company, Stripe. If you’ve purchased anything online recently, there’s a good chance that Stripe facilitated the transaction. What is now an organization with over a thousand employees and handling tens of billions of dollars of online purchases every year, began as a small side experiment while Patrick and his brother John were going to college.   During our conversation, Patrick shares the details of their unlikely journey and some of the hard-earned wisdom he picked up along the way. I hope you have something handy to write with because the nuggets per minute in this episode are off the charts. Patrick was so open and generous with his responses that I’m really excited for you to hear what he has to say. Here are just a few of the things we cover:  The biggest (and most valuable) mistakes Patrick made in the early days of Stripe and how they helped him get better The characteristics that Patrick looks for in a new hire to fit and contribute to the Stripe company culture What compelled he and his brother to move forward with the early concept of Stripe, even though on paper it was doomed to fail from the start The gaps Patrick saw in the market that dozens of other processing companies were missing — and how he capitalized on them The lessons Patrick learned from scaling Stripe from two employees (he and his brother) to nearly 1,000 today How he evaluates the upsides and potential dangers of speculative positions within the company How his Irish upbringing influenced his ability to argue and disagree without taking offense (and how we can all be a little more “Irish”) The power of finding the right peer group in your social and professional circles and how impactful and influential it can be in determining where you end up. The 4 ways Patrick has modified his decision making process over the last 5 years and how it’s helped him develop as a person and as a business leader (this part alone is worth the listen) Patrick’s unique approach to books and how he chooses what he’s going to spend his time reading  ...life in Silicon Valley, Baumol’s cost disease, and so, so much more. Patrick truly is one of the warmest, humblest and down to earth people I’ve had the pleasure to speak with and I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation together. I hope you will too! GO PREMIUM: Support the podcast, get ad-free episodes, transcripts, and so much more: https://fs.blog/knowledge-project-premium/

The Knowledge Project with Shane Parrish

On this episode of the Knowledge Project Podcast, I chat with Patrick Collison, co-founder and CEO of the leading online payment processing company, <a href="https://stripe.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stripe.</a> If you’ve purchased anything online recently, there’s a good chance that Stripe facilitated the transaction. What is now an organization with over a thousand employees and handling tens of billions of dollars of online purchases every year, began as a small side experiment while Patrick and his brother John were going to college.   During our conversation, Patrick shares the details of their unlikely journey and some of the hard-earned wisdom he picked up along the way. I hope you have something handy to write with because the nuggets per minute in this episode are off the charts. Patrick was so open and generous with his responses that I’m really excited for you to hear what he has to say. Here are just a few of the things we cover: <ul> <li>The biggest (and most valuable) mistakes Patrick made in the early days of Stripe and how they helped him get better</li> <li>The characteristics that Patrick looks for in a new hire to fit and contribute to the Stripe company culture</li> <li>What compelled he and his brother to move forward with the early concept of Stripe, even though on paper it was doomed to fail from the start</li> <li>The gaps Patrick saw in the market that dozens of other processing companies were missing — and how he capitalized on them</li> <li>The lessons Patrick learned from scaling Stripe from two employees (he and his brother) to nearly 1,000 today</li> <li>How he evaluates the upsides and potential dangers of speculative positions within the company</li> <li>How his Irish upbringing influenced his ability to argue and disagree without taking offense (and how we can all be a little more “Irish”)</li> <li>The power of finding the right peer group in your social and professional circles and how impactful and influential it can be in determining where you end up.</li> <li>The 4 ways Patrick has modified his decision making process over the last 5 years and how it’s helped him develop as a person and as a business leader (this part alone is worth the listen)</li> <li>Patrick’s unique approach to books and how he chooses what he’s going to spend his time reading</li> </ul> ...life in Silicon Valley, Baumol’s cost disease, and so, so much more. Patrick truly is one of the warmest, humblest and down to earth people I’ve had the pleasure to speak with and I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation together. I hope you will too! GO PREMIUM: Support the podcast, get ad-free episodes, transcripts, and so much more: https://fs.blog/knowledge-project-premium/

#32 Patrick Collison: Earning Your Stripes

If you want your company to truly scale, you first have to do things that don't scale. Handcraft the core experience. Get your hands dirty. Serve your customers one-by-one. And don't stop until you know exactly what they want. That's what Brian Chesky did. As CEO of Airbnb, Brian’s early work was more akin to a traveling salesman. He takes us back to his lean years – when he went door-to-door, meeting Airbnb hosts in person – and shares the imaginative route to crafting what he calls an "11-star experience.”Read Paul Graham: "In order to scale, you have to do things that don't scale."Read a transcript of this interview at: https://mastersofscale.com/brian-chesky-handcrafted/Subscribe to the Masters of Scale weekly newsletter at http://eepurl.com/dlirtX

Masters of Scale with Reid Hoffman

If you want your company to truly scale, you first have to do things that don't scale. Handcraft the core experience. Get your hands dirty. Serve your customers one-by-one. And don't stop until you know exactly what they want. That's what Brian Chesky did. As CEO of Airbnb, Brian’s early work was more akin to a traveling salesman. He takes us back to his lean years – when he went door-to-door, meeting Airbnb hosts in person – and shares the imaginative route to crafting what he calls an "11-star experience.”Read Paul Graham: "In order to scale, you have to do <a href="http://paulgraham.com/ds.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">things that don't scale</a>."Read a transcript of this interview at: <a href="https://mastersofscale.com/brian-chesky-handcrafted/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://mastersofscale.com/brian-chesky-handcrafted/</a>Subscribe to the Masters of Scale weekly newsletter at <a href="http://eepurl.com/dlirtX" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://eepurl.com/dlirtX</a>

1. Airbnb's Brian Chesky in Handcrafted

OwlTail

Best Startups Podcasts

The best philosophy podcast episodes. Asking questions about how to live a better life, what it means to be and do good, to the idea of God. This topic includes episodes that bring about important questions that everyone should be asking themselves. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Michael Sandel explores the philosophical justifications made for national borders. Using a pioneering state-of-the-art studio at the Harvard Business School, Professor Sandel is joined by 60 participants from over 30 countries in a truly global digital space. Is there any moral distinction between a political refugee and an economic migrant? If people have the right to exit a country, why not a right to enter? Do nations have the right to protect the affluence of their citizens? And is there such a thing as a 'national identity'? These are just some of the questions addressed by Professor Sandel in this first edition of The Global Philosopher.Audience producer: Louise ColettaProducer: David EdmondsEditor: Richard Knight(Image taken by Rose Lincoln)

The Public Philosopher

Michael Sandel explores the philosophical justifications made for national borders. Using a pioneering state-of-the-art studio at the Harvard Business School, Professor Sandel is joined by 60 participants from over 30 countries in a truly global digital space. Is there any moral distinction between a political refugee and an economic migrant? If people have the right to exit a country, why not a right to enter? Do nations have the right to protect the affluence of their citizens? And is there such a thing as a 'national identity'? These are just some of the questions addressed by Professor Sandel in this first edition of The Global Philosopher. Audience producer: Louise Coletta Producer: David Edmonds Editor: Richard Knight (Image taken by Rose Lincoln)

The Global Philosopher: Should Borders Matter?

In this episode of the Making Sense podcast, Sam Harris speaks with Yuval Noah Harari about his new book “21 Lessons for the 21st Century.” They discuss the importance of meditation for his intellectual life, the primacy of stories, the need to revise our fundamental assumptions about human civilization, the threats to liberal democracy, a world without work, universal basic income, the virtues of nationalism, the implications of AI and automation, and other topics. SUBSCRIBE to continue listening and gain access to all content on samharris.org/subscribe.

Making Sense with Sam Harris

In this episode of the Making Sense podcast, Sam Harris speaks with Yuval Noah Harari about his new book “21 Lessons for the 21st Century.” They discuss the importance of meditation for his intellectual life, the primacy of stories, the need to revise our fundamental assumptions about human civilization, the threats to liberal democracy, a world without work, universal basic income, the virtues of nationalism, the implications of AI and automation, and other topics. SUBSCRIBE to continue listening and gain access to all content on <a href="https://samharris.org/subscribe/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">samharris.org/subscribe</a>.

Africa Today

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