Best Microeconomics Podcasts (2024)

1
Is Private Credit In The Public Interest? with Jim Grant 48:59

1d ago48:59

48:59

The meteoric rise of private credit over the last decade has raised concerns among banks about unfair competition and among regulators about risks to financial stability. Historically, regulated banks have provided most of the credit that finances businesses in the United States. However, since the 2008 financial crisis, banks have restricted their…

1
Do US states have different recoveries from economic shocks? 24:18

1d ago24:18

24:18

In the mid-20th century, U.S. states experienced recessions very differently from one another, which resulted in many workers migrating between states in search of work. But a newly developed dataset shows that economic recoveries have begun to look very similar across states in recent decades. On this episode, Senior Fellow Louise Sheiner talks wi…

1
Philosophical razors and related models for strategic thinking like a modern day Sun Tzu in entrepreneurship and life. 32:25

2d ago32:25

32:25

In this audio essay episode, the speaker discusses the value of philosophical razors, strategic thinking tools originally conceived by philosophers, in modern life and entrepreneurship. Philosophical razors such as Occam's Razor, which promotes simplicity and eschews unnecessary assumptions, and Hanlon's Razor, which suggests miscommunication rathe…

1
Philosophical perspectives on the nature of the soul: Current religions views on the human soul vs. what will differentiate man from artificial intelligence 33:03

9d ago33:03

33:03

In this audio essay episode, we examine the concept of the human soul across various religious traditions and its intriguing relationship with the advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). The soul, revered across cultures as a spiritual essence, is perceived differently by each religious framework; Hinduism describes it as the eternal Atman, B…

1
Ralph Nader's Capitalism 48:51

15d ago48:51

48:51

"The only true aging is the erosion of one's ideals," says Ralph Nader, the former third-party presidential candidate who just turned 90 after more than 60 years of consumer advocacy and fighting for small business in America. From influencing the transformative passage of car safety legislation to advancing numerous environmental protection and pu…

1
How did Jamaica halve its debt in 10 years? 29:10

16d ago29:10

29:10

Many countries have faced harrowing debt burdens, and reducing the national debt is usually a lasting challenge. But in just five years, the Jamaica reduced its debt-to-GDP ratio by 40 percentage points, something only a handful of other countries have done in that time frame. On this episode of the BPEA podcast, Peter Blair Henry of Stanford and U…

1
Creativity with and without A.I. , Artificial Intelligence as an extension of human creativity or the end of human creativity? 33:07

16d ago33:07

33:07

In this audio essay episode, the relationship between human creativity and artificial intelligence (AI) is intensely scrutinized. The episode starts by posing the question of whether AI is merely a tool that serves to enhance human creativity or if it signals the beginning of the end for the uniqueness of human inventiveness. It debates whether cre…

1
Heart coherence along with intentionally felt positive emotions: how to live a more vibrant and healthy life with the wisdom of the heart and modern insights from science to spirituality. 30:41

23d ago30:41

30:41

In this audio essay, we cover how heart coherence represents a physiological state reflecting the heart's rhythmic balance, which correlates with emotional well-being, resilience, and overall health. This state is facilitated through positive emotional states like gratitude, love, and joy, which can enhance communication between the heart and brain…

1
The New Business Of News, with Ben Smith 49:54

29d ago49:54

49:54

Given the recent mass layoffs, acceleration of media consolidation, continued decline of local journalism, and rapid uptake of generative AI, the news industry—fundamental to institutional accountability in capitalist democracies—appears to be in deep crisis. Joining Bethany and Luigi to make the case that journalism can not only survive but thrive…

1
The wisdom of microeconomics and behavioral economics for the everyday individual to the abundance seeking entrepreneur 32:24

1M ago32:24

32:24

This audio essay covers how microeconomic principles, such as supply and demand, opportunity cost, comparative advantage, marginal thinking, elasticity, and the recognition of the sunk cost fallacy, are pivotal for personal financial growth and decision-making. By applying these concepts, individuals can make more calculated decisions that align wi…

1
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Stoicism: Insights and Other Tools for a More Resilient Life 31:16

1M ago31:16

31:16

This audio essay episode covers the pursuit of personal growth and resilience, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Stoicism emerge as pivotal philosophies for inner strength and composure. The audio essay begins with the core concept of CBT—cognitive distortions—which are inaccurate thought patterns that can lead to a pessimistic worldview, exem…

1
Poverty in America: Terrible Scourge or a Measurement Error? 48:17

1M ago48:17

48:17

Perhaps the biggest evidence that capitalism in America doesn’t work, at least not for everyone, is growing income inequality and the persistence of poverty. But what is the current state of poverty and inequality in the United States? Why do debates still persist about whether poverty has been eradicated? What do the numbers and official statistic…

1
Importance of placement of attention and intention and the skill of reading for skill acquisition and habit formation self-improvement 31:10

1M ago31:10

31:10

This audio essay explores the critical importance of attention and intention as vital components for self-improvement and personal mastery. Comparing these elements to the oars of a rowboat, they are described as necessary for navigating the journey of skill acquisition and habit formation. Attention is emphasized as a critical resource, likened to…

1
From blueberries to mct oil: the foods that might improve our cognitive function and the creativity frameworks to best use with our healthy brains to tackle life's challenges. 31:38

2M ago31:38

31:38

This audio essay explores nutritional neuroscience and its impact on cognitive functions, highlighting the direct correlation between what we eat and our brain's performance. Berries, particularly blueberries rich in anthocyanins, are emphasized for their role in protecting brain cells and promoting the birth of new neurons. The essay further discu…

1
When a Few Financial Institutions Control Everything, with John Coates 49:30

2M ago49:30

49:30

In his recent book, "The Problem of Twelve: When a Few Financial Institutions Control Everything," Harvard law professor John Coates sheds light on the secrecy, lack of public accountability, concentrated power, and the disproportionate influence of a select few institutions in our financial system. Coates joins Bethany and Luigi to dissect the pot…

1
Learning to learn: Mastering our ability to learn new things, from mnemonics and memory tips to nutrition and insights from science & psychology 31:03

2M ago31:03

31:03

In this audio essay, the narrator elucidates various strategies and concepts for enhancing learning and cognitive performance. The central idea emphasizes the human mind's complexity and the need to unlock its full potential using a combination of effective learning techniques. The narrator discusses Spaced Repetition, leveraging the forgetting cur…

1
Big ideas from Social Psychology and Sociology for more effective navigation of society and interpersonal relationships 34:05

2M ago34:05

34:05

In this audio essay we examine how the societal maze of relationships and social expectations requires a grasp on various psychological insights and sociological theories to navigate with purpose and poise. Social Identity Theory emphasizes the role of group affiliations in shaping our perceptions and interactions, advising reflection on in-groups,…

1
Is Short Selling Dead? With Jim Chanos 50:05

2M ago50:05

50:05

The Wall Street Journal wrote that “Wall Street's best-known bear is going into hibernation" after the legendary short seller Jim Chanos announced he would close his main hedge funds late last year, in part due to diminishing interest in stock picking. Short selling, which bets on drops in asset prices, wins when companies and governments fail and …

1
From Aristotle and Epictetus to Abraham Maslow and Robert Cialdini: Ancient and modern teachings that have influenced our understanding of thinking and psychology. 28:26

2M ago28:26

28:26

This audio essay explores the lasting influence of philosophers Aristotle and Epictetus on the understanding of human thought and psychology. Aristotle's establishment of formal logic, specifically the syllogism, laid the groundwork for structured reasoning that is still essential today in a variety of disciplines. Aristotelian logic consists of pr…

1
The power of feedback loops: reinforcing feedback loops vs. balancing feedback loops (and other mental models for dealing with complexity) 29:51

3M ago29:51

29:51

In this audio essay we cover the intricate dance of cause and effect within various systems, reinforcing feedback loops serve as the architects of either exponential growth or rapid decline. The summary emphasizes the stages involved in understanding and leveraging these loops for desired outcomes: identifying the loop through observation, mapping …

1
The Stoicism of Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius for stress management and wisdom framework based living 29:23

3M ago29:23

29:23

In this audio essay, the enduring relevance of Stoicism is explored as a means of navigating the stresses of contemporary life. Stoicism, which emphasizes discerning what is within our control and what is not, allows for a more focused and tranquil approach to challenges. Epictetus, a prominent Stoic philosopher, laid out a simple framework by iden…

1
Manufacturing Influence, with Emily Hund 43:36

3M ago43:36

43:36

According to the latest industry statistics, the global influencer economy grew from $1.7 billion in 2016 to $21.1 billion in 2023 — and it's only expected to grow exponentially from here with advances in artificial intelligence. In 1988, Noam Chomsky and Edward S. Herman investigated how mass media sways audiences to conform to social norms withou…

1
Generating and maintaining motivation - tips, tricks, and thoughts on getting results towards goals 32:55

3M ago32:55

32:55

In this audio essay we discuss how Motivation is a multifaceted and dynamic force essential for progress, innovation, and personal fulfillment. Exploring various theoretical frameworks, like Self-Determination Theory, highlights the importance of autonomy, competence, and relatedness in sustaining motivation. Practical strategies for maintaining mo…

1
Disruptive strategies, altered states and self-discipline tactics interact with achievement of objectives 30:48

3M ago30:48

30:48

In this audio essay, the narrative centers around the philosophy of progress as achieved through disruptive innovation and personal development. The concept of 'disruptive innovation' by Clayton Christensen is used to illustrate how new entities can revolutionize industries by altering fundamental rules, as seen with digital streaming and ride-shar…

1
The Capitalisn't of Banking, with Anat Admati 38:45

3M ago38:45

38:45

It's been nearly 16 years since the federal government bailed out Wall Street to the tune of $700 billion in response to the financial crisis that precipitated the Great Recession. The idea that the public must guarantee critical financial institutions that are “too big to fail” was controversial then, but does it still remain an issue? Stanford fi…

1
Unanticipated plans, universal laws together with productivity systems couple with increased productivity 45:42

3M ago45:42

45:42

This audio essay explores how life's unpredictability can serve as a catalyst for growth, rather than just being a disruption. It discusses the Law of Adaptation as a principle that can measure resilience. Moreover, the balance of chaos and order is noted to aid creative problem-solving and adaptability. Productivity systems like Getting Things Don…

1
Samurai Mindset: Mastering Focus and Self-Discipline 43:02

4M ago43:02

43:02

In this audio essay we cover the idea of how to Focus like a Samurai, harness meditative flow for goals and self-improvement objectives and personal growth. The ancient Samurai of Japan were esteemed not only for their martial prowess but for their strict adherence to the code of Bushido, which integrated principles of honor, courage, and self-disc…

1
Ask Luigi Zingales Anything 1:04:07

4M ago1:04:07

1:04:07

After two seasons and 163 episodes, Capitalisn’t hosted its first-ever live event late last year. As part of the University of Chicago Podcast Festival, co-host Luigi Zingales fielded questions from three UChicago undergraduate students — Surya Gowda, Mete Bakircioglu, and Giuseppe Di Cera —and an in-person audience in an “Ask Me Anything.” From th…

1
The power of relaxation, harnessing meditation and brain states for performance, self-improvement, and goals for growth. 46:03

4M ago46:03

46:03

This audio essay on the power of relaxation emphasizes the importance of relaxation and meditation as strategic tools for achieving peak performance in various fields. It discusses how mastering these practices can enhance cognitive functions such as learning, memory, creativity, and problem-solving. By entering lower-frequency brainwave states thr…

1
Wisdom of King Solomon: Proverbial wisdom combined with personal finance mastery, strategic habit formation, and intelligent goal setting for success. 44:45

4M ago44:45

44:45

In this audio essay we delve into the wisdom of King Solomon and his written proverbs. Solomon's wisdom is explored in the context of personal finance mastery. We also explore the concept of strategic habit formation and intelligent goal setting as it relates to his Biblical wisdom while sprinkling in knowledge from other ancient and modern sources…

1
Who Controls AI? With Sendhil Mullainathan 52:00

4M ago52:00

52:00

The firing, and subsequent rehiring, of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman raises fundamental questions about whose interests are relevant to the development of artificial intelligence and how these interests should be weighed if they hinder innovation. How should we govern innovation, or should we just not govern it at all? Did capitalism "win" in the OpenAI s…

1
What do we miss in standard supply chain measures? 36:38

4M ago36:38

36:38

The COVID-19 pandemic shone a spotlight on supply chains, with shortages in everything from baby formula to microchips. This spurred an on-going policy debate on the need for the U.S. to shore up its supply chains, in some cases literally moving production back to the U.S. or allied nations. However, new analysis published in the Brookings Papers o…

1
Decision frameworks: mental models for financial success, personal finance, investing, and career advancement even in difficult economic times 43:43

4M ago43:43

43:43

This audio essay explores the importance of mental models in achieving financial wisdom and navigating the complexities of economic environments. It highlights key concepts such as opportunity cost, which requires considering the benefits of unchosen alternatives; margin of safety, which involves creating a buffer to protect against uncertainties; …

1
Unique methods, the book: The Kybalion, and strategic thinking have an impact on personal wellbeing 37:33

5M ago37:33

37:33

In this audio essay, the ancient Hermetic teachings of "The Kybalion" are examined as a profound guide for personal transformation and wellbeing. The text, attributed to the elusive Three Initiates, offers seven principles that provide insight into the workings of the universe and the individual's place within it. These principles serve as more tha…

1
Raghuram Rajan’s Vision Of An Indian Path To Development 48:17

5M ago48:17

48:17

After discussing the trajectory of China's economy earlier this year, Luigi and Bethany turn their attention to the future of another global economic behemoth: India. Joining them is renowned Indian economist Raghuram Rajan, who has a brand-new book out this week, "Breaking the Mould: Reimagining India's Economic Future" (co-authored with Rohit Lam…

1
How worried should we be about wage-price spirals? 31:31

5M ago31:31

31:31

Economists have long debated the potential for rising wages and prices to push each other increasingly higher, driving inflation out of control—the so-called “wage-price spiral.” Concern about such a spiral has been high in the post-pandemic era, with inflation still running notably higher than the Federal Reserve’s 2% target. On this episode of th…

1
Unexpected patterns: Gratitude journaling together with self-directed learning 41:59

5M ago41:59

41:59

In this audio essay, we explore the intricate connection between gratitude journaling and self-directed learning, two practices that may initially seem unrelated but that intertwine to significantly enhance personal growth and academic achievement. Gratitude journaling, often linked to improved well-being, proves to be a potent complement to self-d…

1
How Big Law Firms Shape Capitalism, With David Enrich 56:18

5M ago56:18

56:18

After previously exploring the worlds of 'consultants for sale' and 'scientists for sale,' Luigi and Bethany turn their attention to another broken system of 'enablers' - the world of lawyers for sale. With award-winning investigative journalist David Enrich, they discuss David's latest book, "Servants of the Damned: Giant Law Firms, Donald Trump, …

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