The David McWilliams Podcast

Join us for a live recording of the podcast! We dive into the fascinating rise of Gaelic Games live from Cuala in Dalkey - we delve into the incredible impact of free education in Ireland. Discover how the daughters of small farmers seized educational opportunities, sparking unexpected social mobility. We'll also give you a sneak peek into my upcoming book, "Money: A Story of Humanity," out September 12th, where we explore how money has shaped human history. Expect a mix of personal anecdotes, historical deep dives, and economic insights. Don't miss it! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we're diving deep into the rollercoaster world of global financial markets. From the wild highs of cannabis stocks crashing down to earth to the ECB's first interest rate cut in five years, we're unpacking it all. Ever wondered why 2% inflation became the magic number for central banks? Spoiler: it’s as arbitrary as it sounds. Joining us to make sense of the chaos is David Tilson, Head of Capital Markets for Cantor Fitzgerald, who’ll give us the lowdown on everything from US job growth and the curious case of immaculate disinflation to the surprising rise of India over China. Whether you're baffled by bonds or curious about why Germany’s economy is having an identity crisis, this episode is packed with insights. So, is it time to rethink everything we thought we knew about money? Tune in and find out! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

During the European recent elections, you might have heard lots of people defining Ireland as a "neoliberal" country, governed by the ideology of neoliberalism. Neoliberalism is a political and economic philosophy which emphasises free markets, deregulation, and reducing the role of the state. This episode dives into the myth that Ireland is a neoliberal state, a story often perpetuated but rarely challenged. By examining Ireland’s progressive tax system and vast social welfare network, we reveal a very different narrative. If Ireland isn't neoliberal, why does this myth persist, and what does it say about our understanding of politics and economics? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we're diving into the fascinating world of AI economics with the brilliant Professor Eli Noam from Columbia Business School. This episode is a special treat as we're kicking off a series of AI events at the Dalkey Book Festival next week. We're talking about how artificial intelligence is shaking up industries, transforming job markets, and reshaping the entire economy. There's a lot of fear out there about AI taking over jobs and the ethical headaches it brings, but it's not all doom and gloom. We'll explore how smart policies and clever strategies can turn AI into a force for good, sparking new opportunities and driving economic growth. Tune in for a deep dive into the future of AI and what it means for all of us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, while navigating a mid-life crisis and an intensive French course in the south of France, we've decided to reflect on the importance of Franco-German relations and what they mean for the future of Europe and the euro. We delve deep into how centuries of rivalry and reconciliation between France and Germany have shaped the continent, leading to the creation of the European Union. From the devastating conflicts of the World Wars to the visionary treaties that established economic and political integration, we explore the pivotal moments that have defined this partnership. So tune in as we examine the current state and future prospects of the euro, discussing its strengths, challenges, and the role it plays in maintaining European stability. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is Rishi Sunak's announcement of a snap UK election the answer or a political gamble? Joining us to unpack this is Robert Shrimsley of the Financial Times. Can the Tories pull this one out of the bag? And, away from the political drama, on the economic side, we examine the UK's persistent productivity issues, its triple inequalities and the lack of novel macro-economic or strategic model from the major parties. This election, the absence of one old friend is conspicuous - Brexit, no on wants to talk about it. The UK is a house divided, could this election offer the solutions the UK desperately needs, or will it deepen the existing fractures and uncertainties?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Irish government stands with the Palestinians, as does most of the country. A moral foreign policy is a sign of what the country believes in but where does it take us beyond that? Will Ireland sanction Israel ? Many doubt it given the more than 5 billion euros in trade between both economies. Both economies are tied together by the global multinational tech industry, umbilically linked by corporate America. We paint the likely end-game in the Middle East, and conclude there are two broad ways forward. The first is the South Africa model where a pariah Israel changes tack and Ireland's gets first mover advantage - moral and ahead of the game. The second is the Jihad/Settler dystopia, where an ongoing jihad/settler war mutates constantly with no peace and Palestine becomes a ward of Hamas. This scenario means Irish foreign policy gets bogged down with consequences way beyond our control. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we delve into the economics of climate change with acclaimed author Brett Christophers - who has previously illuminated the pervasive influence of investment funds in our daily lives through books like "Our Lives in Their Portfolios". This time, he turns his analytical lens to the urgent issue of climate change. We'll explore why economic incentives alone may not be the solution we envision. Christophers critically examines the low investibility of wind and solar industries, questioning why big companies would pivot to renewables if they aren't profitable. So what can be done? Tune in for a compelling conversation that challenges conventional wisdom and seeks alternative strategies for effective climate action. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The British are down on themselves, yet one thing they do well is repackage popular culture and the Premier League is a great example of this. Last year, its commercial revenues hit £4.4 billion, with TV rights increasing by 30%. Despite high revenues, 80% goes to player wages, highlighting a unique financial model where the 'workers' benefit most. This global phenomenon mirrors the 'Wimbledon model' where hosting top-tier events doesn't require domestic dominance. It underscores the UK's talent for repackaging and exporting culture as they have always done with entertainment. The UK economy could thrive by embracing globalisation, attracting global talent, and focusing on innovation and cultural export. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we dive into the harrowing impact of the opioid epidemic in North America, recounting firsthand observations of addiction's toll in cities like Ottawa, Quebec, and Vancouver. How did a nation like Canada, with its extensive welfare and health systems, become engulfed in such a crisis? We explore the roots of the crisis, attributing it to the aggressive marketing and misinformation by pharmaceutical companies like Purdue Pharma, driven by unchecked greed and profit motives. Poverty and homelessness exacerbate addiction, creating a sobering reflection on the complex interplay of corporate malfeasance, regulatory failures, and social vulnerabilities that fuel this devastating epidemic. Is Ireland next in line for an opioid epidemic? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As we delve into America in this pivotal election year, grappling with its geopolitical challenges, culture wars, and internal conflicts, Evan Solomon makes a crucial point: discussing America as a monolith is a common mistake—it's simply too vast and diverse. In today's infotainment era, narratives are no longer neatly collected but instead compete and diverge. This week, we're exploring the connections between nativism in the 1850s, the ongoing religious and cultural struggles, and the current display of nativism within the Republican Party. Tad Homer Dixon's definition of culture as a set of instructions passed from one generation to the next resonates strongly here. Once, those in power dictated cultural norms, but today, the power to shape discourse and culture is distributed among everyone. This dynamic shift is palpable in America, where we've moved from a uniform cultural landscape to one defined by diverse narratives. We're witnessing this shift firsthand with the rise of Christian Nationalism, which is being imported from Russia and fusing with nativism. The question now is whether this represents a new force in the US or merely a passing trend. Let's watch closely to see where this leads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why do wealthy people live in houses originally built for the less affluent? Despite vast improvements in living standards over the years — lower infant mortality rates, faster access to life-saving drugs, and increased life expectancy — today, even modest homes are un-affordable for many. Consequently, wealthy individuals find themselves competing for properties originally intended for lower-income families. This trend not only highlights the scarcity of suitable housing but also deepens social stratification, as the affluent outbid others, driving up prices and displacing those with fewer resources. Is there an easy fix? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

 The Tories are seeking revenge for Brexit by exploiting immigration policy. Having been out-foxed, out-thought and out-gunned by Dublin on Brexit negotiations, they are extracting a price- that price is the framing of the new Irish election. By encouraging the relocation of asylum seekers to Ireland, the Tories are effectively using Ireland as a bargaining chip to pressure France into accepting a deal on immigration, all while avoiding responsibility for asylum seekers themselves. They are playing Ireland like a pawn against the EU, as revenge for their humiliation during Brexit negotiations. In this complex game of politics, the Tories could emerge as the agenda-setters for the next Irish election. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last week, the football team I play with went on a trip to Italian organised by one of our lads Camilio Borza a member of the Irish Italian tribe. In the the vibrant tapestry of Irish history, few immigrants have left their mark like the "Eye-talians" with their chippers which have fed generations of Irish people. This week, the podcast explores the captivating journey of Italian immigrants to Ireland, tracing the roots of one of the country's earliest and most successful immigrant communities. Hailing predominantly from three small villages in Lazio, Italy, these immigrants brought with them a rich cultural heritage that has profoundly shaped Irish society. Join us as we uncover the untold tales of resilience, incredible hard work, integration, and the enduring bond between Ireland and Italy. And...most importantly our brilliant researcher on the pod is Eliza Notaro, another Dublin Italian!! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This podcast delves into the intricate interplay of politics and housing, a phenomenon not unique to Ireland but deeply emblematic there. It examines how the control, or lack thereof, of housing can shape political fortunes. From Ireland to Britain, Canada to Australia, the "politics of housing" is a pivotal and global issue, particularly for younger generations. While Eastern European countries, with reasonable house prices, see happier young populations, Ireland faces a crisis where housing benefits foreign investors over its own citizens. The failure to understand this has left the current political class out of touch and in a precarious position, highlighting the need for a reform. So it may be time to grab your pitchfork! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part two of our mini-series on Turkey, we delve deeper into the electrifying economic history of Istanbul, from the Byzantine to the Ottoman empires and up to today. We explore how these empires sent shockwaves through history, shaping the world as we know it. Without the Ottomans, Columbus might never have discovered America, there'd be possibly no Renaissance, no dominance of Europe, no humanism. And what about Attaturk? The most impressive leader of the 20th century? Hope you enjoy it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is the first of 2 podcasts on Turkey following a quick visit to Istanbul where the inflation rate is currently at 69% annually, and the currency, the Lira, is on a devaluation spiral, but might this financial crisis be the event to kickstart economic, political and regional change. Amidst rising tensions in the Middle East and with Hamas' chief in talks in Ankara with Erdogan, Turkey finds itself in a potentially influential position as a regional powerbroker. Could Turkey be on the brink of redemption? With its strategic location bridging Europe and Asia and its historical ties to the Middle East, Turkey could potentially play a pivotal role in resolving the ongoing conflict. As traditional alliances in the region shift, Turkey's assertive foreign policy and military capabilities position it as a key player in mediating disputes and fostering stability Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The majority of my tribe, economists have been getting it wrong for decades, if you go back and look at economic research from the seventies, nobody is talking about coming inequality. Yet inequality afflicts the West, dominating politics. This week, in a not-so-groundbreaking revelation, Ben Bernanke's report on the Bank of England's failures shows us how out-of-touch economists really are. Economists need to get out more, mix a bit, walkabout more! A blind faith in mathematical precision has clouded our judgment. Humans are messy and economics is about humans, so let's be messy.Pre-order Money:A Story of Humanity here: https://linktr.ee/moneydavidmcwilliams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Elon Musk is to 2024 what Howard Roark was to 1943. In Ayn Rand's book Fountainhead, her hero Roark was brilliant, single-minded and flawed. Musk is a modern day Roark and yet despite his remarkable entrepreneurial success, from SpaceX to Neuralink, Tesla is on the skids. 10% of its workforce has just been fired and it's share price has dropped 30% since January, and its market share is dwindling in China. Musk's investments in China have also led to wholesale intellectual property theft. Standing back, Tesla's tribulations could be a microcosm of broader geopolitical tensions of trade disputes and intellectual property wars. The world is looking at the Mid East, the China/America rivalry echoes previous clashes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode, we plunge headfirst into the contentious issue of Nimbyism – should property ownership grant individuals the power to stop developments? We don't think so! Particularly not when contrasted with the backdrop of the housing crises gripping the English-speaking world. Bound by the chains of common law but bereft of common sense, our societies find themselves stuck in a self-inflicted housing crisis. Join us as we dissect how our flawed society has bred Nimbyism, and been perpetuated by the contented classes who turn their backs on their communities. From London to Los Angeles, Dublin to Sydney, we confront Nimbyism and explore potential solutions to reclaim our cities from this self-destructive spiral.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are we truly living in a Plutocracy', where we are governed by the wealthy elites instead of those we voted for? As election season heats up around the globe, we tackle the age-old question: should we tax the rich more? While the wealthy typically oppose such measures, there's one dissenting, wealthy voice: Nick Hanauer, podcaster, venture capitalist, and rich lad himself who thinks that we either force the rich to pay more in taxes, or the streets will revolt, and the pitchforks will come. Hanauer, who famously warned of imminent social unrest should inequality persist unchecked, shares his insights on why taxing the rich is not just a matter of fairness, but a crucial step in preserving social stability. According to Hanauer, we need to reshape our economic policies, or the revolution will come! Listen to Nick here and come to see him and chat with him at Kilkenomics next November. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Palestine is one of the most, if not the most, tragic national stories of the 21st century. Divided, humiliated, abused, and abandoned by both West and East, the Palestinian nature has been strangled by Israeli occupation, asphyxiated by international indifference, and its children scattered all over the world. Bassem Youssef trained cardiologist turned comedian, talks to us about how the global conversation often reverts back to the less important matters surrounding the war - instead of what actually matters. Israelis may be winning the war but they are losing the battle - they are running out of options. Only the strong can make peace - in this case, that is up to Israel. Would that diminish the idea of the Jewish homeland? They only have four options left - lets delve into them in this episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Crypto entrepreneur Sam Bankman-Fried was sentenced Thursday to 25 years in prison for fraud on hundreds of thousands of customers that unraveled with the collapse of FTX, once one of the world's most popular platforms for exchanging digital currency. We chatted to Michael Lewis recently, who spent over a year with SBF, immersing himself in the universe of crypto-bros, and recently published his book 'Going Infinite' which tracks back the entire story of the crypto-hack that is SBF. We discuss his limited emotional intelligence, male over-confidence, and the Dunning-Kreuger effect. With every new technology, there will be speculation, bubbles, and, most importantly, white-collar crime - SBF was one of the first in the crypto world but won't be the last. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

 Inheritance is a tricky one. We all want to leave something to our kids if possible, yet inheritance for society makes inequality permanent, favouring the children of the rich. Millennials are about to become the wealthiest generation, which begs the question - should inheritors of wealth play a role in driving social change? What should they give back? A recent Bank of Italy paper reveals the rich stay rich. Tax records dating back to 1427 reveal that the top twenty wealthiest families in Florence remain almost identical to the top twenty richest families in 2008. However, 15th Century Florentines understood that altruistic measures such as building museums, orphanages, piazzas, roads, and more would be their insurance policy to ensure social stability - but today's rich don't quite care. They avoid all responsibility, dodging taxes worldwide. As inequality pisses people off, does this mean violent, catastrophic social change is inevitable, or will democracy do its job more gently? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

 How best to run an economy and a country, bottom up or top down? A trip to Switzerland got me thinking should we invert power, making the local more consequential than the nation, should we devolve government, introduce fiscal federalism and instead of our "spectator democracy" should we opt for "direct democracy" . Unlike Ireland, where accountability seems elusive, Switzerland's governance is marked by subsidiarity and active democracy. With their frequent referenda, the Swiss distribute responsibility locally, fostering an engaged political system. The influence of Calvinism further shaped Switzerland, cultivating a deeply democratic and pragmatic society. Is it time for us to embrace for 'Protestant Pragmatism', where power is delegated to the people? Could this also be a framework for future Irish reunification? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The US House of Representatives has just approved a bill with the potential to ban Tiktok from America. But this story is about much more than corporate America's jealousy over its Chinese rival's more profitable and addictive business? Its about the direction of social media and an increasingly docile, addicted citizen, out-foxed and out-thought by an algorithm. What we are witnessing is an internal power-play within the tech cartel. With its personalised algorithm, TikTok means human curiosity now takes a backseat to endless scrolling. Curiosity is no longer an active endeavour but a preordained path. In this episode, we dissect the shift in our inquisitive nature, as algorithms dictate the content we consume, rendering Google search a relics of the past. Curiosity has been commodified as we enter a digital algorithm world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The primary driver of economic growth is the innovative human mind. In this episode, we sit down with Ed Guiney, the visionary co-founder of Element Pictures, the powerhouse behind Oscar winners like 'Brooklyn', "Room" and 'Poor Things', and TV dramas such as 'Normal People'. We delve into the fascinating tale of Ireland's cinematic resurgence, driven by strategic tax incentives and our rich storytelling tradition. Join us as we uncover the secrets to Ireland's rise as a global film hub, from script to screen - it is nothing short of an enlightening discussion on innovation and the economics of filmmaking with one of the industry's leading minds. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

No one trusts them, the Irish government or Katie M's doctored photos. For them its part of the national theatre, for us its a national threat. How did the government misread the public and why does the public not believe them? Is Ireland progressive or reactionary? Despite a track record of successful progressive referenda, from gay marriage to abortion rights, there is now a palpable uncertainty regarding Ireland's liberal democratic identity. Is the tide shifting? We argue it is signals the onset of a new era. From the riots in November to this vote, the rumblings of restlessness are everywhere. We stand at the precipice of societal and political change, yet our elite seems oblivious. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bitcoin is being touted as a revolutionary asset, but in reality, it's often the wealthy transferring wealth to unsuspecting individuals, marketed as a stroke of financial liberation. This asset is not money - it lacks many characteristics traditionally associated with money. It functions scarcely as a medium of exchange, lacks stability in value, and operates without regulation. Instead, it predominantly serves as a speculative asset or digital commodity. Despite this, it garners headlines as big tech and the SEC embrace it, ironically contradicting its anti-establishment roots from the cyberpunk era. Currently, the global cryptocurrency market represents less than 2% of the bond market. While every movement of Bitcoin is amplified by its evangelists, other shifts in the bond market typically generate a muted response. Despite Bitcoin's recent surge to a new peak of $69,000, it still lacks intrinsic value, inviting speculation on who ultimately benefits from its volatility - and we're just waiting to see who the greatest fool is. EFTs are just a brilliant way of offloading from the rich to the poor punter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For International Women's Day, we're thrilled to welcome Alice Evans, who is currently immersed in writing a book on gender equality across different cultures. This week, we travel to southeast Asia with Alice, whose storytelling transports us to China - where we explain the rise of China through their love of money, their increasing emphasis on wealth and their Lunar New Year's celebration's focus on monetary gain. Join us as we navigate the fascinating interplay between money, gender dynamics, cultural norms, and societal evolution in Southeast Asia. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we delve into the concept of black swan events and explore how they resonate with contemporary art & culture. A black swan event, a term popularized by Nassim Taleb, describes an unpredictable event with severe consequences beyond normal expectations. Is the tiktokisation of culture that we are experiencing its own black swan event? Is social media to blame for the shift from authentic creation to derivative works driven by trends? As art becomes increasingly commodified and driven by algorithms, we risk losing the essence of human culture. We examine how art has transitioned from a form of expression and exploration to a tool for education and, more recently, a source of instant dopamine hits. This evolution has led to a proliferation of derivative content, threatening the fabric of creativity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we return to the theme of acceleration and confront a stark reality: much of Ireland is stuck in 1984. Despite boasting an economy that has expanded between 20 to 30 times since the mid 80s —earning us the title of one of the world's fastest-growing economies — our public infrastructure remains trapped in the past. We explore the paradox of aggregation becomes apparent: while the aggregate wealth has surged, the benefits have not been equally distributed, leaving our infrastructure lagging behind. The question looms: who is to blame for this stagnation? We travel across the country to Cork, Limerick, and Galway to understand how proper implementation of regional development could benefit these already vibrant cities. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Forty years since its inception, the DART and the lack of substantial progress in transport infrastructure reflects a systemic failure in Ireland's approach to development and progress. Instead of marking a milestone of achievement, the Dart's anniversary serves as a stark reminder of the political inertia and lack of commitment to meaningful change. Despite the economy expanding exponentially, with a growth of 20 to 30 times its size since 1984, the public transport system remains severely underdeveloped. This disparity underscores the urgent need for a paradigm shift, one that embraces accelerationism to propel Ireland forward into a future where development matches economic growth and fosters societal advancement - but what exactly is Accelerationism? This week, Will O'Brien, who's proposing we embrace a new idea known as 'Éire Accelerationism' - we delve into what Éire Accelerationism is, its origins, and why Ireland needs to embrace it. We consider its potential to address challenges, but also ask the question, could it really work? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we delve into the perennial question: Why do so few students depart school with a genuine love for mathematics? Is the way we teach maths the crux of the issue? Joining us is Colm O'Regan, host of his own Mathematics podcast, to show us the story behind the numbers. Maths, essential across various studies including economics, embodies the evolution of human thought, guiding us from guesswork to certainty - yet is widely loathed by students. It begs the question, does our approach to teaching often lack the engaging storytelling found in other subjects like history and English? Could this be what's hindering students' connections with maths? From the Ishango Bone to Pythagoras, the history of the subject is worth telling, so that's exactly what we're doing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Next week, the war in Ukraine enters its third year. and last week Putin's regime murdered its only real political opponent, Alexi Navalny. Putin has transitioned from electoral manipulation to murder. This week, we chat with Alexander Kabonovsky, the podcast's resident go-to for all things Russian. Together, we explore the impact of Navalny's murder, Putin's position, and the uncertain path ahead for the ongoing conflict. As the situation in Russia rapidly deteriorates, drawing unsettling parallels to the dark era of Stalinist terror, we assess what this means for Europe and geo-politics in general. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amidst the backdrop of the hottest January on record, surpassing pre-industrial averages by 1.6 degrees, join us this week as we embark on a gripping exploration of the economic history and pre-industrial climate change. From the medieval era to the tumultuous 17th century, we delve deep into its profound impacts on society, economy, and religion. We use the poignant saga of the Pont d’Avignon as our starting point. A 13th-century bridge succumbed to the fury of climate-induced mass flooding, while Europe reeled under the devastation of the 17th-century mini-ice age, that claimed over 500,000 lives in Ireland alone. The economy suffered as agricultural yields plummeted and food prices soared, leading to famine. Calamity bred religious fervor, with moralistic prohibitions and the rise of witch-hunts, while war ravaged the continent, targeting religious minorities, driving mass migrations. In the 17th century, climate change wasn't just a matter of inconvenience—it was a catalyst for chaos and conflict. History tells us we ignore climate change at our peril. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the election year in full swing, we're shining a spotlight on the resurgence of the Kennedys. Joining us to navigate the intriguing rise of independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy is the economic and political aficionado Pippa Malmgren. We ponder the origins of this surprising surge and its underreported nature amidst swirling allegations, anti-pharma sentiments, and vaccine skepticism. We contemplate whether RFK could embody a voice that resonates with the American people and discuss what awaits the land of opportunity on the road to November. With tensions escalating and Kennedy finding himself in some polls, polling similarly to Trump and Biden, the drama and anticipation of the 2024 Election will only intensify, prompting us to explore the allure of the underdog. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode, we delve deep into the dynamic forces shaping our global economy, from seismic demographic shifts to the transformative rise of artificial intelligence and the ascendance of Asia on the world stage. Once again, we welcome the esteemed Martin Wolf, whose unparalleled insights shed light on the intricate intersections of these pressing global challenges. Together, we attempt to navigate the evolving landscape of demography, examining its implications for societal structures and economic paradigms. Don't miss this episode as we confront the hidden forces driving our world economy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Almost eight years later, we shine a spotlight on Brexit and how it has come to the forefront of public discourse. We explore the destructive impact of populism on stable democracies, as evidenced by the Brexit saga. The discussion delves into the false premises that underpinned Brexit, examining how it damaged the UK's economic relationship and threatened domestic stability. We are joined by economist and Financial Times columnist, Martin Wolf, who offers us a new perspective on navigating UK politics in the aftermath. Don't miss this insightful episode as we explore the pressing issues that make the UK's post-Brexit journey a critical focal point. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the second installment in our Milei series, we delve into what's causing the political gender divergence within Gen Z. We are joined this week by John Burn-Murdoch, who shares his insights on what has caused the split. Young men are swinging Conservative and you women are moved Liberal. Across the globe, from the US to South Korea, a profound split has emerged, shaping political affiliations, and societal norms, and even influencing electoral outcomes. We discuss the consequences of this divide, examining its impact on issues ranging from gender equality to immigration. Join us as we navigate the complexities of Gen Z's ideological landscape, shedding light on a trend that could have lasting implications for the future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we explore the intersection between inflation, public sector pay and productivity, or value for money to the taxpayers who pay the public sector salaries. First, we need a good public service, second workers should be well paid, but third, is there any way of linking public sector wage increases to productivity? If not, then let's be honest with society and say so. We look at Baumol's theory of costs, a bit of old-fashioned insider/outsider dynamics, and the role of multinationals in dragging up public sector wage demands, even though there may be a productivity mismatch. Have our services improved at the same rate as overall wages in the public sector? This episode is a national-scale exploration that's sure to leave you thinking. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dublin, like many cities, needs to make a decision to reinvent itself for the 21st century. It's a battle between the past and the future. There is no urban planning manual anywhere in the world that argues for more cars in towns and cities. In urban transport, cities future is fewer cars, not more.Dun Laoighaire - my hometown - is a microcosm of every modern town in Western society, and its plans for pedestrianisation could change the town dramatically. Returning the emphasis from the car to the pedestrian is the answer to creating a more vibrant community, but how do we go about it? Can adopting a road pricing mechanism, inspired by innovations like Uber's surge pricing, motivate behavioral shifts and propel Ireland into a forward-thinking future? Cities and towns are sensitive ecosystems, they need to breathe; they can't be choked. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last week at Davos, Javier Milei, delivered a fiery speech that spared no one, from Keynesians to Globalists. Despite some controversy, Milei's libertarian ideas are gaining traction both in Argentina and beyond. As people grapple with economic and geopolitical challenges, they are increasingly drawn to solutions that Milei proposes.In this episode, we explore Milei's speech, which delves into the history of economic growth where he attributes much of it to the principles of free-market capitalism. Regardless of whether one agrees with Milei's thesis, the importance lies in fostering a dialogue around these ideas. Join us as we kick off a series where we dive deeper into the factors contributing to the global explosion in growth, using Milei's speech as a thought-provoking starting point. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland wasn't ready for the economic success we have experienced over the past 40 years. However, with success comes more social responsibility that the Irish government hasn't been able to meet. We weren't ready for the combination of a population boom, multinational investment, income to rise, and housing demand to increase as a result. We are now at an inflection point. We have no choice but to reframe our society and how we look at housing, the other option is social chaos. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Houthis - who are they? And why are the US and UK bombing them? What has it got to do with your world? America is keeping shipping routes open and that's exactly what the Houthis seek to destroy. The Houthis occupy one of the maritime world's most sensitive trading chokepoints, and they understand this. 90% of the world's traded goods are shipped by sea: stop shipping and you stop the global economy. This week we talk about all this and the impact on Europe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us as we explore the connection between culture, language, and economic growth. We are joined by John Burn-Murdoch and his data-driven expertise as we discuss how the West could be 'talking itself into decline.' The shift in culture and language that began around the 16th century has become increasingly relevant as books have become digitized - particularly tracking words related to progress and positivity could be another way to explain economic growth trends and cultural shifts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

January if often the time for looking ahead, but all too often, we don’t look far enough. Today’s episode is about looking at the end of a 40 year cycle and the start of a new longterm economic reality! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2024 is going to be a monumental year - 50% of the planet that is eligible to vote is going to vote! But the real power lies in the media: who tells the stories, who controls the medium and the message. This will be the year of a full on war between micromedia, like podcasts etc, and macromedia, like TV. In this battle there is only one winner. It's called economic and technological disruption. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We start today by breaking down the mathematical formula to economic growth before moving to my best reads of 2023… and a sneak peek of a book coming out in 2024! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What a year it’s been! On the last episode of the year we take a look back at the incredible year (sometimes good, sometimes bad) that 2023 has been across the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.