Plain English with Derek Thompson

The SVB Debacle: The Biggest Myths, the Out-of-Control Blame Game, and the Worst Takes

Mar 15, 2023

Michael Batnick and Ben Carlson, co-hosts of the Animal Spirits podcast, dissect the unraveling of Silicon Valley Bank and the narratives that followed its collapse. They delve into the blame game directed at the Fed and venture capitalists, while emphasizing systemic issues over individual fault. Their discussion includes parallels with historical banking crises, the influence of small banks on financial stability, and the evolving trust in the economic landscape amid rising inflation and potential recession.

44:29

Episode guests

Ben Carlson

Michael Batnick

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Intro

4min

The Collapse of Silicon Valley Bank

13min

Banking Crises: Historical Parallels and Modern Implications

11min

The Impact of Small Banks on Financial Stability and Policy

5min

Navigating Financial Turmoil: Trust, Predictions, and Market Reactions

7min

Derek welcomes back the economic roundtable of Michael Batnick and Ben Carlson, cohosts of the 'Animal Spirits' podcast, to debate who killed Silicon Valley Bank, how much we should blame the Fed, how much we should blame Silicon Valley venture capital firms, whether this will change the direction of monetary policy, and whether the U.S. has too many banks in the first place.

If you have questions, observations, or ideas for future episodes, email us at PlainEnglish@Spotify.com. You can find us on TikTok at www.tiktok.com/@plainenglish_

Host: Derek Thompson

Guest: Michael Batnick and Ben Carlson

Producer: Devon Manze

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