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 author and journalist Bethany McLean and world renowned economist 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
11 snips
Aug 29, 2024 • 51min
Raj Chetty's Surprising New Insights On How Children Succeed
Raj Chetty, a Harvard economist known for his pioneering work on social mobility, joins the discussion to reveal surprising insights from his latest research. He highlights how Black millennials are now outpacing previous generations in economic mobility, while low-income white individuals are lagging. Chetty delves into the importance of race and class, the costs of pursuing mobility, and how factors such as parenting and community dynamics play crucial roles. He also touches on policies needed to tackle systemic inequalities in the lead-up to the 2024 elections.
10 snips
Aug 15, 2024 • 51min
The End of Google As We Know It?
Dina Srinivasan, an expert in competition policy and a Yale University fellow, dives deep into Google's advertising monopoly. She discusses recent federal rulings against Google's monopolization tactics and their implications for consumers and the entire tech industry. Srinivasan unpacks the complexities of antitrust law, comparing Google's strategies to historical monopolies. The conversation also touches on the socio-economic effects of digital giants and the importance of maintaining true competition in the marketplace while navigating the challenges of consumer harm and media integrity.
6 snips
Aug 1, 2024 • 45min
Dani Rodrik on the New Economics of Industrial Policy
Dani Rodrik, a Harvard professor renowned for his insights on globalization and industrial policy, challenges the notion of hyperglobalization. He discusses how shifting views on globalization affect national identity and democracy, especially in light of recent crises. The conversation includes the evolving role of corporate America in prioritizing social goals alongside profits. Rodrik emphasizes the moral dimensions of industrial policy, noting that economic strategies often stem from defense needs rather than deliberate planning.
10 snips
Jul 18, 2024 • 49min
The Economic Costs of a Phone-Based Childhood, with Jonathan Haidt
Jonathan Haidt discusses the impact of smartphones and overprotective parenting on childhood mental illness. He proposes solutions to break social media's negative effects on children. The podcast explores the consequences of an anxious generation for the economy and the feasibility of Haidt's solutions.
9 snips
Jul 4, 2024 • 36min
Immigration in America: Data and Myths, Revisited With Leah Boustan
Leah Boustan from Princeton University discusses immigration and economics, debunking myths about immigrant assimilation and showcasing their economic success. The podcast explores the impact of immigration on jobs, wages, and housing, as well as the historical and global implications of immigration policies.
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.
