Michael Geruso

In this discussion, Michael Geruso, an economics professor specializing in healthcare policy, and Tim Layton, a healthcare economics expert from UVA, delve into the chaos of recent federal government changes, highlighting Musk's controversial tactics. They unpack the inefficiencies in healthcare spending, particularly within Medicare Advantage, and the staggering amounts lost to waste and fraud. The guests emphasize the dire need for a reconstruction of federal aid programs, particularly in health care, while critically assessing the ethical implications of current practices.

Dean Spears and Michael Geruso, both professors of economics and demography at UT Austin, share thought-provoking insights on the potential dangers of depopulation. They discuss the troubling decline in birth rates and its societal implications, contrasting them with historical fears of overpopulation. Anecdotes about parenting illustrate the urgency of changing perspectives on family size. The conversation also touches on ethical dilemmas in modern technology and the impact of coercive reproductive policies, making a compelling case for understanding demographic shifts.

Dean Spears, an economist and demographer specializing in population dynamics, and Michael Geruso, an economist focused on population and innovation, share their insights on the paradox of population growth. They discuss how a larger populace can drive innovation and enhance living standards, debunking the myth that fewer people equates to better environmental health. The conversation also highlights the challenges posed by an aging population and the need for collaborative solutions to avoid the pitfalls of depopulation.