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
32 snips
Mar 6, 2025 • 50min
Trump’s War on Universities, with Nicholas Dirks
Nicholas Dirks, former Chancellor of UC Berkeley and author of "City of Intellect," delves into the current crises facing universities. He discusses soaring costs, declining enrollments, and the impact of Trump's policies on research funding. The conversation highlights the tension between donor influence and academic freedom, as well as the socioeconomic divides in elite education. Dirks also explores the necessity for universities to adapt to evolving demands, particularly regarding online learning and the enduring value of humanities education amid rising AI trends.
62 snips
Feb 20, 2025 • 45min
Did NIMBYs Kill the American Dream?, with Yoni Appelbaum
Yoni Appelbaum, Deputy Editor at The Atlantic and author of "Stuck," discusses the housing crisis that has turned the American Dream into an American nightmare. He argues the real issue is mobility, not affordability, revealing that many affordable homes are located in less desirable areas. Appelbaum delves into the implications of NIMBYism on housing development and civic engagement, suggesting that zoning laws hinder opportunities. He advocates for state-level solutions to combat resistance and argues for a balanced approach to housing policies to reinvigorate equitable opportunities.
78 snips
Feb 13, 2025 • 50min
Can AI Even Be Regulated?, with Sendhil Mullainathan
Sendhil Mullainathan, a Professor at MIT and a behavioral economics expert, shares his insights on the rapidly shifting AI landscape. He discusses the implications of Elon Musk's bid to control OpenAI and the emergence of competitors like DeepSeek AI. The conversation delves into the complexities of regulating AI, emphasizing accountability, ethical considerations, and the challenges of balancing profit with public welfare. Mullainathan also highlights the necessity for innovative governance and citizen participation in shaping AI regulations to protect societal interests.
58 snips
Jan 30, 2025 • 45min
Why This Nobel Economist Thinks Bitcoin Is Going to Zero, with Eugene Fama
Eugene Fama, Nobel Prize-winning economist and 'Father of Modern Finance,' shares his skeptical view on Bitcoin's future, predicting it will plummet to zero in a decade. He discusses the excessive electricity consumption of Bitcoin mining, questioning its sustainability. The conversation touches on the volatility of cryptocurrencies and their implications for banking and the economy. Fama also critiques the evolving perceptions of crypto among high-profile investors and highlights the need for regulation amidst growing distrust in traditional financial institutions.
25 snips
Jan 16, 2025 • 47min
Should Companies Have A Social Responsibility To Be “Great Businesses”?, with John Kay
In this discussion, John Kay, a British economist and author of "The Corporation in the 21st Century," challenges traditional views of corporations. He argues that today’s firms are more about capabilities and less about ownership of capital. Kay emphasizes a shift in understanding business success, encouraging a focus on stakeholder interests rather than just profit. He also explores how technology alters business relationships and the importance of principled practices over mechanical profit-driven approaches.
32 snips
Jan 2, 2025 • 50min
How Big Money Changed The Democratic Game, with Daniel Ziblatt
In this fascinating discussion, Daniel Ziblatt, a Harvard political scientist and co-author of bestselling books like *How Democracies Die*, examines how big money disrupts democratic processes. He highlights the alarming rise of corporate influence and its role in pushing voters toward extremes, undermining civil liberties and economic growth. Ziblatt questions whether democracy can truly thrive when undemocratic leaders are elected. He offers insights on how to realign governmental interests back to serving the people and confronting the decline of democracy globally.
12 snips
Dec 19, 2024 • 49min
America’s Addiction to Easy Money, with Ruchir Sharma
In a compelling discussion, Ruchir Sharma, a renowned columnist for the Financial Times and former head of emerging markets at Morgan Stanley, delves into America’s economic troubles. He compares government bailouts to the opioid crisis, arguing they worsen economic issues. Sharma highlights the growth of zombie firms, the role of easy money in driving housing prices up, and how regulatory overreach leads to inequality. He also stresses the need for a strong welfare system to counter corporate manipulation and advocates for a clearer diagnosis of capitalism's ailments.
15 snips
Dec 5, 2024 • 48min
The Argentinian DOGE
Federico Sturzenegger, an economist and former Argentine Minister of Deregulation and State Transformation, shares his insights on radical deregulation in Argentina. He discusses the ambitious plans of President Javier Milei to drastically reduce government size and oversight. Sturzenegger examines the potential lessons for the new U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), questioning whether slashing regulations truly spurs broad economic growth or merely benefits a select few. The conversation delves into the balance between necessary regulations and economic revitalization, providing a compelling perspective.
40 snips
Nov 21, 2024 • 46min
The Fertility Crisis: Capitalism's Next Challenge, with Sir Niall Ferguson
Sir Niall Ferguson, an acclaimed author and historian at Stanford and Harvard, delves into the startling shift from fears of overpopulation to underpopulation. He emphasizes the troubling decline in fertility rates, highlighting consequences for economies and societies. The discussion touches on how factors like climate change, immigration, and the balance between career and motherhood influence family planning. Ferguson urges a rethink of economic theories as demographic changes reshape geopolitics and future labor markets, raising the question: can we reverse these trends before it's too late?
35 snips
Nov 7, 2024 • 47min
Visa's Hidden Tax on Americans
Kathryn Judge, a leading authority on banking and finance from Columbia University, joins the discussion about Visa's monopolistic grip on debit transactions. She sheds light on the Justice Department's antitrust lawsuit against Visa, alleging it suppresses competition and exploits fees. The conversation reveals how Visa's dominance stifles innovative payment solutions like Apple Pay. Judge emphasizes the intricate relationships in the middleman economy, underlining the need for a fairer and more transparent payment system for consumers.
