Kofinas Answers Audience Questions in First-Ever “Ask Me Anything” Episode

Aug 16, 2021

The host dives into listener questions about the art of podcasting, guest selection, and the intricacies of engaging conversations. They reflect on transformative dialogues that reshape viewpoints on economics and politics. A fascinating exploration of historical eras reveals personal preferences for cultural moments, while discussions on consumer capitalism trace its evolution. The conversation also shifts to career transitions and the challenges of live television, all infused with optimism about future explorations and adventures.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Books

Transcript

Episode notes

INSIGHT

China's Distinct Model

Demetri Kofinas's view on China changed significantly after interviewing Anne Stevenson-Yang.
He realized China's model differs drastically from the neoliberal view.

ANECDOTE

Guests Changing Perspectives

Multiple guests altered Demetri Kofinas's strongly held beliefs during episodes.
These include Charlie Grant on Tesla, Bill Janeway on government's role in innovation, and Rowan Gray on stablecoins.

ANECDOTE

Impact of Bill Janeway

Bill Janeway's book "Doing Capitalism in the Innovation Economy" significantly impacted Demetri Kofinas.
It revealed the positive role of government spending and regulation in driving innovation.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

Fall of the House of Dixie

Bruce Levine

In 'The Fall of the House of Dixie', Bruce Levine provides a comprehensive history of the Civil War, highlighting its impact on the institution of slavery and the transformation of Southern society. The book explores how the war became a crusade against slavery and how it led to a 'second American Revolution', fundamentally changing American society. Levine draws on a wide range of historical sources, including diaries and government documents, to illustrate the complex social dynamics at play during this pivotal period.

Top of the morning

Brian Stelter

In 'Top of the Morning', Brian Stelter delves into the intense rivalry between 'Today' and 'Good Morning America', highlighting key events such as Ann Curry's departure from 'Today' and the rise of 'Good Morning America' to the top spot. The book provides a detailed exploration of the cutthroat world of morning television, where ratings and revenue are paramount.

Land of Desire

Merchants, Power, and the Rise of a New American Culture

W. Leach

Class Wars

Michael Lind

Doing capitalism in the innovation economy

William H. Janeway

Empire of the Summer Moon

Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches, the Most Powerful Indian Tribe in American History

S.C. Gwynne

This book spans two astonishing stories. The first traces the rise and fall of the Comanches, who were the most powerful Indian tribe in American history, known for their exceptional horsemanship and warfare skills. The second story follows the remarkable narrative of Cynthia Ann Parker, a pioneer woman kidnapped by the Comanches in 1836, and her mixed-blood son Quanah, who became the last and greatest chief of the Comanches. The book covers a sweeping narrative that includes Spanish colonialism, the Civil War, the destruction of the buffalo herds, and the arrival of the railroads, providing a historical feast for anyone interested in the development of the United States.

The Information

A History, a Theory, a Flood

James Gleick

In 'The Information: A History, a Theory, a Flood', James Gleick delves into the history of information technologies, from the invention of written alphabets and African talking drums to the modern era of digital communication. The book profiles key figures such as Charles Babbage, Ada Lovelace, Samuel Morse, and Claude Shannon, and explores how our understanding of information has transformed human consciousness. Gleick discusses the mechanical and meaningful aspects of communication, including the development of telegraphy, telephony, and the internet, and examines the implications of information theory on various fields such as physics, genetics, and sociology.

The man who knew

The Life and Times of Alan Greenspan

Sebastian Mallaby

This biography, written by Sebastian Mallaby, provides a nuanced and deeply researched account of Alan Greenspan's life and career. It covers Greenspan's early life, his rise to prominence as a financial advisor and later as the Chairman of the Federal Reserve, and his role in shaping modern finance. The book challenges conventional wisdom about Greenspan's views on regulation and his actions during the 2008 financial crisis, offering a balanced and insightful look at his contributions and controversies.