Carolin Pflueger, an Associate Professor at the Harris School of Public Policy, dives into the intricate relationship between public perception and monetary policy. She reveals how the Federal Reserve's rapid interest rate hikes in response to COVID-era inflation hinge on how the public interprets these decisions. The discussion probes market reactions, the importance of effective communication from central banks, and the dynamics of inflation expectations. Plus, a light-hearted lightning round brings some humor to academic life.