Rebecca Spang, an economic history professor at Indiana University, and Jacob Goldstein, a former host and author, dive into the origins of money. They explore the unique stone currency of Yap and how collective belief shapes value. Their discussion then shifts to John Law, a Scottish gambler who revolutionized France's monetary system with paper money, only to face a dramatic collapse. Listeners are invited to reflect on how these historical events inform modern economic practices.

Jacob Goldstein, host of Pushkin's What's Your Problem?, and Laurie Santos, a Yale psychologist known for The Happiness Lab, dive into the science of giving and happiness. They reveal that spending money on others boosts personal happiness more than spending it on oneself. Listeners learn about impactful charities and how poker players view generosity. With practical tips, they explore how acts of kindness can transform both individuals and communities, highlighting the joy found in altruism.

Jacob Goldstein, host of 'What's Your Problem?' and author of 'Money: The True Story of a Made-Up Thing,' joins Tim Harford to dive into the roots of the 2008 financial crisis and the concept of shadow banking. They explore the societal implications of AI on job security and creativity, discussing how human innovation stands against machine-generated art. The conversation also touches on the lessons learned from past financial missteps and the NIMBY vs. YIMBY debates impacting housing policies.

Jacob Goldstein, the witty host of "What's Your Problem?" and author of "Money: The True Story of a Made-Up Thing," joins Tim Harford for a captivating discussion. They explore whether winning the lottery truly brings happiness and delve into the economic implications of Bitcoin. The duo also tackles the future of work amid growing automation, considering Universal Basic Income as a possible solution. Plus, they reflect on the age-old conundrum of correlation versus causation, making complex topics both engaging and accessible.

Jacob Goldstein, an NPR journalist known for his insights on economics, dives into the world of productivity and its evolution. He examines how technological advancements, like the shift from candles to electric light, have shaped our economy and personal lives. Discover how innovations have made tasks easier yet raised questions about work hours. Goldstein also critiques capitalist notions of endless growth and discusses sustainability, automation, and the need for adaptability in our fast-paced world.