Explaining Brazil

Explaining Brazil

Author: The Brazilian Report Language: English Episodes: 100
Explaining Brazil is a weekly conversation that cuts through the noise of headlines to provide clear, grounded context on the country's most pressing issues. Produced by the team at The Brazilian Report, this podcast leverages their on-the-ground presence and independent editorial stance to offer analysis that feels both immediate and deeply informed. Each episode focuses on a single topic-whether a sudden political shift, a complex economic policy, or a defining cultural moment-and unpacks its history, its key players, and its likely consequences. You'll hear discussions that connect the dots between Brasília's corridors of power, the trading floors of São Paulo, and the realities of daily life across the nation. The goal isn't just to tell you what's happening, but to explain why it matters and how it fits into the larger Brazilian story. For anyone doing business in the region, studying its dynamics, or simply trying to understand one of the world's most captivating countries, Explaining Brazil provides essential listening. It’s a direct line to nuanced perspectives that are often missing from international coverage, making each episode a valuable briefing on the forces shaping Brazil's present and future.
Episodes
Social security scandals, Brazil's emissions beef and a papal funeral [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:54
A major social security scandal causes a government headache. Brazil’s beef sector needs major changes to hit emissions goals. And Lula is off to Rome for the pope’s funeral, but who’s going with him? Send us your feedba…
COP 30: are locals ready to shape policies? (Preview) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:45
In this Explaining Brazil Plus episode, Lise Tupiassu of the Federal University of Pará gives us her on-the-ground perspective on what should be in the spotlight regarding COP30 in the Amazon Send us your feedback Suppor…
Penal populism, agro jobs and Bolsonaro under the knife [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:46
Rio’s mayor looks to El Salvador for inspiration on public security. Brazil’s agro jobs are less and less done on farms. And Bolsonaro goes under the knife again in a 12-hour surgery. Send us your feedback Support the sh…
Trump’s decline, Embraer’s rise, and Lula in a gun fight [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:21
Trump and the US become less popular in Brazil. Embraer wades into the aerial arms race. And the pro-gun caucus wants to take firearms away from Lula’s security team Send us your feedback Support the show
Brazil braces for Trump's tariffs (Preview) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:00
US President Donald Trump promises a significant tariff announcement on April 2. We gathered a team of experts to discuss how the looming threats of tariffs from the Trump administration may affect Brazil and reshape rel…
Bolsonaro charged, egg exports rise, Brazil rethinks defense ties [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:28
The Supreme Court decides that Jair Bolsonaro will face trial over coup-plotting allegations. Brazilian producers are exporting eggs to the bird flu-hit US. And Brazil wants to chart its own course in purchasing defense…
Tax exemptions, rate hikes and voluntary exile [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:45
Lula announces major income tax exemptions. The Central Bank hikes interest rates once more. And one of Bolsonaro’s sons flees to the US. This episode refers to the newsletters: 🎰 Lula goes all in (Mar. 19)📈 Different in…
Inflation, digital transformation and trade war frustration [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:42
Inflation data shows little in the way of good news for Brazil. The country’s planned digital currency moves through testing phases. And Trump’s metal tariffs kick in — how is Brazil going to respond? This episode refers…
How Brazil can navigate the Trump trade storm (Preview) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:11
We’re launching Explaining Brazil Plus — a premium service bringing you exclusive content every month. As a subscriber, you’ll get access to special episodes and expert interviews, offering deeper insights into Brazil’s…
Oscar wins, fake coffee and fiscal fiascos [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:34
Brazil bags its Carnival Oscar glory with “I’m Still Here.” Consumers get rattled as “fake coffee” makes its way onto supermarket shelves. And a court precedent could spell trouble for Big Four auditors in Brazil. Send u…