Ernie Tedeschi, Director of Economics at Yale Budget Lab and former chief economist at the White House, dives deep into the complexities of inflation. He challenges the idea that corporate greed is the main culprit, exploring how COVID-19 reshaped supply and demand. The discussion reveals the significant surge in grocery profits, especially from store-brand products, while analyzing consumer perceptions of pricing fairness. Tedeschi emphasizes the need to view inflation through a broad economic lens rather than oversimplifying it to just greed-driven factors.

Hans Noel, a political scientist from Georgetown University and author of "Political Ideologies and Political Parties in America," dissected the evolution of party ideologies. He explores the historical shifts in Black voting patterns and the impact of the Civil Rights Movement. Listeners learn about the realignment of the Democratic and Republican parties over the past century. Noel emphasizes the role of ideas in shaping political beliefs, especially regarding racial justice, and how these factors influence contemporary voter behavior.

Scott Lincicome, Vice President of General Economics at the Cato Institute, dives into the complexities of tariffs and trade policy. He critiques the political rhetoric from figures like Trump and Harris, arguing that tariffs often burden consumers more than intended. The conversation highlights the CHIPS and Science Act's aims to boost U.S. manufacturing while pointing out the inefficacy of broad tariffs that stifle innovation. Lincicome also explores how tariffs intertwine with immigration policies, emphasizing the importance of immigrant workers for economic growth.

Oliver Kim, a researcher known for challenging conventional beliefs about economic development, dives into Taiwan's impressive transformation from poverty to prosperity. He explores the complexities of land reform, arguing it’s not just about redistribution but also about fostering productivity. Kim discusses how industrial policy shaped Taiwan and South Korea’s economies, while also emphasizing the vital role of export discipline. With insights on the interplay between political systems and economic success, he redefines what drives a nation’s rise.

Dylan Matthews is a Vox contributor who made headlines by donating his kidney to a stranger. In this engaging discussion, he weighs the ethical dilemmas of compensating kidney donors, proposing the idea of a $50,000 incentive amid a critical organ shortage. He delves into the personal and financial challenges faced by living donors, while exploring societal perceptions and policy inconsistencies. The conversation also debates the moral implications of financial incentives and critiques traditional altruism in organ donation.

Ezra Karger, an economist who investigates crime patterns linked to school schedules, sheds light on a surprising phenomenon: juvenile crime rates spike when school starts. He discusses the complexities of crime behavior among teens, the impact of school environments on delinquency, and intriguing seasonal crime trends. Karger emphasizes the need for further research to understand these dynamics, while also contemplating how factors like bullying and curfews influence students’ experiences and could shape effective crime prevention strategies.

Yamil Velez, a political scientist from Columbia University studying belief change, shares intriguing insights on shifting deeply held views. He discusses when fact-checks are effective and when they backfire, particularly if delivered rudely. The conversation reveals the delicate balance between persuasion and incivility, emphasizing the complex nature of belief dynamics. Yamil also explores the intersection of AI and argumentation, illustrating how tailored responses can engage individuals more effectively than generic approaches.

In this insightful discussion, John Rappaport, a law professor at the University of Chicago, dives into the intriguing topic of police labor mobility. He reveals how policies often trap officers in stagnant positions, complicating accountability and fostering a concerning trend of 'wandering officers'—those who move between departments despite past misconduct. Rappaport discusses the impact on community safety, the role of police unions, and presents the idea of a national database to enhance transparency. This conversation sheds light on the urgent need for reform in law enforcement practices.

Yoni Appelbaum, deputy executive editor at Atlantic, joins host Jerusalem Demsas to unravel the hidden drivers of America’s housing crisis. They discuss how local governments, despite a favorable public image, are exacerbating issues like rising rents and economic stagnation. Appelbaum highlights the disconnect between local voters and decision-makers, and how zoning policies stifle mobility and exacerbate the affordable housing shortage. The conversation also touches on the role of activist groups challenging these entrenched local policies.

Dylan C. Penningroth, a UC Berkeley professor, shines a light on the often-overlooked history of Black people's interactions with the legal system. He reveals how enslaved individuals utilized contracts, property rights, and marriage laws to assert their humanity and agency. The discussion challenges the victim-centric narratives of the Jim Crow era, highlighting resilient Black institutions and community dynamics. Penningroth also critiques the portrayal of legal knowledge among Black southerners by civil rights organizations, emphasizing the complexities of civil rights narratives and the ongoing impact of law on Black lives.