John Simon, former Head of Economic Research at the Reserve Bank and now an Adjunct Professor at Macquarie University, shares insights on the Reserve Bank's performance amid rising interest rates. He discusses the ongoing tensions between the government and the RBA, the challenges in assessing its effectiveness beyond inflation rates, and the importance of transparency in economic forecasting. Additionally, he reflects on the role of trust in expert advice and the need for improved governance. The conversation also touches on evolving trends in financial literacy and children's pocket money.