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
23 snips
Feb 1, 2024 • 44min
Manufacturing Influence, with Emily Hund
Emily Hund, author of 'The Influencer Industry: The Quest for Authenticity on Social Media,' joins the hosts to discuss the rise of social media influencers and their impact on the media landscape and capitalism. They explore hidden incentives driving influencer messaging and the control and impact of platforms on the industry. The podcast also delves into the selling of worldviews, the clash between personal branding and research in the fashion industry, and the importance of professionalism and standards in journalism.
11 snips
Jan 18, 2024 • 39min
The Capitalisn't of Banking, with Anat Admati
Anat Admati, a Stanford finance professor, discusses the issues of guaranteeing financial institutions that are too big to fail. She dissects new financial developments, such as the failure of Silicon Valley Bank and the crypto industry. Admati also explores how the current financial system is rigged for the few and offers suggestions on building a fairer and more accountable system. The podcast covers topics including the current state of banking, academic myths in the industry, views on banks holding more equity, challenging global banking behemoths, and the importance of highly leveraged banks in the financial system.
Jan 4, 2024 • 1h 4min
Ask Luigi Zingales Anything
Luigi Zingales answers questions on competition policy, the impact of green energy on prices, regulating the shadow economy, and his struggles with his favorite soccer team. The podcast also explores dangers and benefits of direct democracy, SEC actions, the informal economy, and an alternate approach to addressing the influence of big tech firms.
16 snips
Dec 21, 2023 • 52min
Who Controls AI? With Sendhil Mullainathan
Prof. Sendhil Mullainathan discusses the firing and rehiring of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, governance of AI and innovation, regulating AI in comparison to the nuclear industry, profit vs. non-profit strategies in AI, citizen governance in various sectors, expressing viewpoints and regulating competition in the AI field, AI as a winner-takes-all business, and Larry Summers' stance on technology and AI.
Dec 8, 2023 • 48min
Raghuram Rajan’s Vision Of An Indian Path To Development
Renowned Indian economist Raghuram Rajan discusses why India should focus on services-based development, dealing with economic inequality, engaging with Western business, and the critical role of democracy in India's economic success.
6 snips
Nov 30, 2023 • 56min
How Big Law Firms Shape Capitalism, With David Enrich
Investigative journalist David Enrich joins Luigi and Bethany to discuss his latest book on how big law firms have corrupted the justice system. They explore the ethical dilemmas faced by lawyers, the manipulation of the justice system by big companies like Walmart, and the need for transparency and accountability in law firms. The lack of transparency in settlements and prosecutions is also highlighted.
Nov 16, 2023 • 53min
The Capitalisn't of Crypto: SBF and Beyond, with Zeke Faux
Zeke Faux, Bloomberg News investigative reporter, discusses the rise and fall of cryptocurrency, its relationship with capitalism, and the conviction of crypto entrepreneur SBF. They explore the challenges of Bitcoin as a replacement for central authority, the fraud surrounding FTX, criticism of stereotypical investments, the limitations of Bitcoin as a medium of exchange, and contrasting views on money.
18 snips
Nov 2, 2023 • 47min
When Capitalism Becomes Tyranny, with Sohrab Ahmari
Author Sohrab Ahmari discusses his book 'Tyranny Inc.' which explores the concentration of economic power and its impact on personal freedoms. The conversation touches on neoliberalism, the neglect of power in neoclassical economics, the exploitation of bankruptcy laws, and the struggle with compromise in American society.
Oct 19, 2023 • 42min
The Capitalisn't Of The U.S. COVID Response, With Bethany McLean
Renowned for her incisive reporting, Bethany McLean dissects the policies, decisions, and systemic structures that exacerbated the pandemic's fallout. They analyze the failures of experts, media, and leaders in handling the pandemic, and discuss Trump's response. They explore excessive marketization and the failures of capitalism, using Rush Hospital as a case study.
10 snips
Oct 5, 2023 • 54min
Science for Sale, with David Michaels
David Michaels, a leading public health expert and former Clinton/Obama administration official, discusses the manipulation of science by corporate interests to protect profits. Case studies on Big Tobacco, Volkswagen, American football, and baby powder reveal the disinformation playbook used to sow doubt. The podcast explores the ethics of scientists working for consulting firms and the need for independent experts. It also discusses the role of litigation, clear disclosure on mortgages, challenges for journalists, and the importance of an independent body to verify studies.
