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
4 snips
Jun 20, 2024 • 49min
Joseph Stiglitz's Vision of a New Progressive Capitalism
Former chief economist of the World Bank and Nobel Prize winner Joseph Stiglitz discusses his book attacking neoliberalism and advocating for progressive capitalism. Topics include market inefficiencies from misinformation, regulatory importance, neoliberalism's impact on populism, and the link between economic and political freedom.
21 snips
Jun 6, 2024 • 48min
Capitalism-Was: What Happened to the American Dream? With David Leonhardt
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist David Leonhardt discusses the evolution of American capitalism, shifts in manufacturing, and the tension between immigration and wages. He explores the impact of globalization, the weakening of unions, and the moral implications of the current capitalist system, offering pathways for prosperity and upward mobility.
5 snips
May 23, 2024 • 48min
The Money Behind Ultra-Processed Foods, with Marion Nestle
Marion Nestle, a leading public health advocate, explores the impact of ultra-processed food industry on public health. Topics include food companies designing addictive products, manipulating consumers through marketing, and the need for public policy changes. Nestle discusses the ethical dilemmas faced by individuals in the industry and the importance of prioritizing public health over corporate interests.
7 snips
May 9, 2024 • 35min
The Economics of Student Protests
Exploring the economics of student protests in universities, focusing on divestment from controversial investments. Discussing the ethical dilemmas and decision-making processes universities face. Highlighting the importance of transparency in governance and involving stakeholders in impactful decisions.
24 snips
Apr 25, 2024 • 49min
Is Private Credit In The Public Interest? with Jim Grant
Financial expert Jim Grant joins the hosts to discuss the rise of private credit post-2008 crisis, its $1.7 trillion industry size, and lack of traceability. They analyze risks in unregulated lending, potential spillover effects, and the public interest implications. The conversation emphasizes the need for transparency, regulation, and honesty in private credit markets to protect investors and the financial system.
5 snips
Apr 11, 2024 • 49min
Ralph Nader's Capitalism
Ralph Nader, a longtime consumer advocate and former presidential candidate, discusses ethically profitable business, political disillusionment, and reclaiming democratic control of capitalism in his new book with the hosts.
Mar 28, 2024 • 50min
The New Business Of News, with Ben Smith
Longtime journalist Ben Smith discusses the future of journalism in the digital era with a focus on financial viability, social media's influence, and the role of investigative journalism. They explore the challenges and opportunities facing the news industry, emphasizing the importance of quality news in informing and holding power to account.
Mar 14, 2024 • 48min
Poverty in America: Terrible Scourge or a Measurement Error?
Debates on poverty in America persist due to conflicting perspectives: is it a terrible scourge or a measurement error? Former Senator argues poverty is overstated, while sociologist claims no progress. Podcast delves into nuanced debate on poverty, income inequality, and government assistance policies.
Feb 29, 2024 • 50min
When a Few Financial Institutions Control Everything, with John Coates
The podcast delves into the dangers of financial consolidation, focusing on the power of the 'Big Four' index funds and private equity firms. They discuss the lack of transparency, challenges of concentrated financial power, and potential solutions for a more equitable economic system.
Feb 15, 2024 • 50min
Is Short Selling Dead? With Jim Chanos
Legendary short seller Jim Chanos sat down with Luigi and Bethany to discuss the relationship between short sellers and our information environment, the fallout from the 'meme stock' craze, the effects of the Federal Reserve's interest rate policies, and how short selling can contribute to market efficiency and resilience.
