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David McWilliams

Journalist, writer, and economist known for accessible commentary on macroeconomics and author of The History of Money: A Story of Humanity; featured guest discussing the history and societal role of money.

Top 10 podcasts with David McWilliams

Ranked by the Snipd community
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106 snips
Nov 11, 2025 • 38min

Is the US an emerging market?

Joining the discussion are David McWilliams, an economist known for his insights on the Irish economy, and Mark Blyth, a political economist specializing in macroeconomics. They explore whether the US is starting to mirror emerging markets. The conversation dives into the role of the dollar in maintaining US dominance, the risks posed by financialization, and the precarious valuations of tech companies. They also reflect on the potential consequences of a financial shock and analyze the UK's emerging market vulnerabilities, concluding with strategic investment picks.
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29 snips
Jan 5, 2026 • 49min

How Ozempic and Similar Weight Loss Drugs Really Work & The Story of Money

Aimee Donnellan, a columnist and author focusing on Ozempic, delves into how GLP-1 weight-loss drugs work, their potential risks, and the significant impact on obesity treatment. She reveals the drug's biological effects on hunger and cravings and discusses the implications of discontinuation. Meanwhile, David McWilliams, a former central bank economist, explores the fascinating history of money as a social technology, its role in civilization, and the psychological influences it has on our lives. Both guests provide deep insights into contemporary issues affecting health and wealth.
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29 snips
Dec 22, 2025 • 54min

David McWilliams on The Story of Money—and Why It Matters for Markets | #610

David McWilliams, an economist and author known for his work with the Central Bank of Ireland, explores the fascinating evolution of money over 5,000 years. He discusses how money serves as a foundational social technology, enabling large-scale cooperation and human progress. Delving into historical anecdotes, he highlights the transformative impact of innovations like coinage and Gutenberg's printing press. McWilliams emphasizes the urgent need for better financial education and the role of trust in economic systems, making ancient concepts relevant to modern markets.
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24 snips
Jan 14, 2026 • 1h 35min

David McWilliams (on the history of money)

David McWilliams, a journalist and economist known for his accessible insights, shares his fascinating view on the history and role of money. He discusses how his upbringing influenced his understanding of economics and critiques the idea that anyone truly controls the economy. David compares money to fire as a transformative technology, explaining its alternatives to violence and its function in fostering trust and specialization in complex societies. He also explores the historical dynamics of credit and its significant implications on civilizations.
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15 snips
Sep 12, 2024 • 22min

How Ireland got too much money

David McWilliams, a renowned Irish economist and the founder of Kilconomics Festival, dives into Ireland's remarkable economic transformation. Once facing emigration, the country now thrives as a corporate tax haven for giants like Apple and Google, boasting an €8bn surplus. McWilliams discusses how to effectively manage this financial windfall while addressing the struggles of small businesses overshadowed by multinationals. The conversation also touches on the historical ties between humanity and money, setting the stage for Ireland's future financial strategies.
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6 snips
Jul 27, 2025 • 32min

The hidden ways money has shaped human civilisation

David McWilliams, an economist and author of 'Money: A Story of Humanity', dives into the transformative role of money in shaping civilization. He discusses money as a social technology that transcends mere physical value, emphasizing its evolution from barter systems to digital currencies. McWilliams highlights the psychological trust behind money's worth and its influence on societal change, innovation, and our collective human journey. He calls for a deeper understanding of economics through the lens of evolutionary processes.
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Oct 8, 2024 • 34min

EP 30: Money – A Story of Humanity (with David McWilliams)

David McWilliams, an economist and co-founder of Kilkenomics, shares his provocative insights on money from his book, 1oney: A Story of Humanity. He explores how money has evolved throughout history, connecting it to societal structures and even democratic movements. McWilliams argues against traditional economic models, advocating for a more human-centered, biological approach. The discussion highlights the transformative power of currency, and the interplay between art, entrepreneurship, and economic evolution in driving innovation.
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Oct 25, 2024 • 34min

Why Everything You Think You Know About Money Is Wrong

David McWilliams, an author and economist renowned for his insightful works on currency, joins the discussion on the captivating evolution of money. He traces history from ancient coins to Bitcoin, illuminating how financial systems have shaped societies. The conversation dives into the impact of quantitative easing on inequality and political unrest, linking ancient economic behaviors with modern market emotions. McWilliams also unravels the misconceptions surrounding cryptocurrencies and the revolutionary potential of mobile banking in less-developed regions.
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Oct 1, 2024 • 1h 45min

The History of Money with David McWilliams

David McWilliams, an accomplished economist and author of 'Money: A Story of Humanity,' shares captivating insights into the history and significance of money. He recounts personal struggles with traditional economics education and how storytelling can transform understanding. The conversation dives into money's evolution, from ancient civilizations to digital currencies, highlighting key historical events and cultural impacts. With humor and reflection, McWilliams emphasizes the profound role money plays in shaping human civilization, sparking intriguing thoughts on its future.
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Nov 29, 2024 • 1h 15min

Saturday Extra

Guests include Alison Scott, a Noongar woman and advocate for domestic violence reform, who discusses the urgent need for community engagement in Indigenous violence issues. Eleanor Gordon offers insights into the complexities of global peace efforts, while Alan Beam analyzes international relations. David McWilliams examines the dual role of money as a facilitator and source of conflict. Martin Green celebrates 50 years of solar technology advancements, and Ingrid Hedgecock leads efforts to honor the legacy of Margaret Olley through art.

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