Capitalisn't
University of Chicago Podcast Network
Is capitalism the engine of destruction or the engine of prosperity? On this podcast we talk about the ways capitalism is—or more often isn’t—working in our world today. Hosted by Vanity Fair contributing editor, Bethany McLean and world renowned economics professor Luigi Zingales, we explain how capitalism can go wrong, and what we can do to fix it.
Cover photo attributions: https://www.chicagobooth.edu/research/stigler/about/capitalisnt.
If you would like to send us feedback, suggestions for guests we should bring on, or connect with Bethany and Luigi, please email: contact at capitalisnt dot com. If you like our show, we'd greatly appreciate you giving us a rating or a review. It helps other listeners find us too.
Cover photo attributions: https://www.chicagobooth.edu/research/stigler/about/capitalisnt.
If you would like to send us feedback, suggestions for guests we should bring on, or connect with Bethany and Luigi, please email: contact at capitalisnt dot com. If you like our show, we'd greatly appreciate you giving us a rating or a review. It helps other listeners find us too.
Episodes
Mentioned books
62 snips
Aug 21, 2025 • 54min
Trump's Great Private Equity Bailout, with Dan Rasmussen
In this discussion, Dan Rasmussen, founder of Verdad Advisors and author, dives deep into the landscape of private equity. He critiques the recent push to allow 401(k) investors access to alternative assets, raising concerns about the true performance of private equity compared to public markets. The conversation tackles whether private equity is a viable option for retirement funds or merely a risky venture. Rasmussen questions the sustainability of returns and highlights the potentially adverse effects on everyday investors.
39 snips
Aug 7, 2025 • 45min
Should Chatbots Teach Our Children? With Khan Academy CEO Sal Khan
Sal Khan, the founder of Khan Academy, discusses the integration of AI in education. He emphasizes that technology should complement teaching rather than replace traditional methods. Khan shares insights from his book on the potential of AI to personalize learning and democratize opportunities. Concerns about data ownership and the influence of tech companies are also explored. The conversation highlights the balance between individualized learning and the benefits of collaborative education, advocating for ethical practices in the evolving landscape of learning.
58 snips
Jul 24, 2025 • 58min
Can The Dollar Be Dethroned?, with Ken Rogoff
Joined by Ken Rogoff, a Harvard professor and former chief economist for the IMF, the conversation dives into the future of the U.S. dollar as global dominance wanes. Rogoff argues the dollar is in its 'middle age,' facing pressure from rivals like the euro and renminbi while grappling with rising federal debt and economic sanctions. He also explores the impact of cryptocurrencies on traditional finance and elaborates on geopolitical dynamics that threaten U.S. currency supremacy. The discussants illuminate why this shift matters to Americans and the world.
69 snips
Jul 10, 2025 • 49min
Revealing the Secret Architects of Capitalism, with Chris Hughes
Chris Hughes, co-founder of Facebook and PhD candidate at Wharton, dives into the intricate relationship between government and market structures. He explores the concept of 'marketcraft,' revealing how interventions have historically shaped economies. The discussion touches on pivotal events like the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, rethinking capitalism's regulations. Hughes highlights challenges of social media governance under Section 230 and critiques current market dynamics, prompting a reflection on ethical economic strategies.
51 snips
Jun 26, 2025 • 50min
How The Democrats Lost Labor And Found Capital, with David Sirota
David Sirota, founder of The Lever and former speechwriter for Bernie Sanders, dives deep into the Democratic Party's current challenges. He argues that the party has strayed from its working-class roots in favor of wealthy donors, leaving its economic populist messaging muddled. Sirota tackles the influence of money in politics, critiques Obama’s ties to Wall Street, and explores the complexities of tariffs and trade. He also discusses why reconnecting with disillusioned voters is crucial for the party's future.
69 snips
Jun 12, 2025 • 51min
Why Cliff Asness Believes Markets Are Getting Dumber
Cliff Asness, founder and CIO of AQR Capital Management, shares his candid insights on market efficiency and investment strategies. He argues that social media and low interest rates are making markets less efficient, causing asset prices to stray from their true values. Asness critiques the legacy of the efficient market hypothesis and discusses how technology is reshaping investment dynamics. He also dives into the complexities of integrating ESG principles into investments, emphasizing the need for transparency and a balance between insights and data in finance.
68 snips
May 29, 2025 • 44min
How Democrats Forgot To Be Normal, with Joan Williams
Joan Williams, a distinguished professor of law emerita at UC Law San Francisco and author of 'Outclassed', dives into the political disconnect between the Democrats and non-college educated voters. She discusses her viral essay explaining Trump’s appeal and introduces the concept of the 'diploma divide.' Williams argues that Democrats need to merge progressive values with economic messaging to reconnect with working-class voters, addressing the importance of class dynamics, shifting political coalitions, and battling identity politics.
58 snips
May 15, 2025 • 48min
Lina Khan's Vision of Capitalism
Lina Khan, a prominent law professor and former chair of the FTC known for her anti-monopoly stance, shares insights from her controversial term. She discusses the evolving landscape of antitrust law, particularly regarding Big Tech and market dominance. Khan reflects on the challenges of leadership in regulatory reform and the backlash faced from the business community. Her unique perspective emphasizes the need for updated regulations to address modern economic inequalities and the implications of monopolistic practices on everyday Americans.
94 snips
May 1, 2025 • 48min
The Economics of Law Firms’ Resistance to Trump, with John Morley
John Morley, Augustus E. Lines Professor of Law at Yale University and a legal economics expert, dives into the pressing challenges facing law firms in today's political climate. He discusses how some firms have capitulated to Trump's executive orders while others resist, revealing the financial motivations behind these decisions. Conversations explore the transformation of law firms into corporate structures and the implications for their independence and the rule of law. This moment may reshape the future of democracy and capitalism in the U.S.
20 snips
Apr 17, 2025 • 48min
Profit or Purpose? OpenAI's $300 Billion Question, with Rose Chan Loui
In this engaging discussion, Rose Chan Loui, a leading expert in philanthropy from UCLA Law, dives into the complexities of OpenAI's evolution from a nonprofit to a hybrid profit model. She explores the ethical dilemmas and corporate drama surrounding this transition, including Elon Musk's legal challenges. The conversation also touches on governance issues, the balance between profit and purpose, and the implications of AI development on society. Loui emphasizes the importance of nonprofit values in shaping a future that prioritizes humanity over mere profitability.
