Good on Paper

Anastasia Berg, a philosopher and co-author of "What Are Children For?", explores the growing ambivalence surrounding parenthood. She dives into the reasons behind declining birth rates among adults under 50, highlighting societal pressures and economic factors. The conversation challenges traditional views of motherhood and the complexities involved in deciding to have children. Berg also discusses the cultural narratives that shape our understanding of parenthood and the personal fears that influence these life-altering choices.

In this engaging discussion, researcher Andrea Matranga explores humanity's dramatic shift from nomadic hunter-gatherer lifestyles to settled agriculture. With over a decade of study, she reveals how climate change and famine drove this transition, while also challenging the idealization of nomadic life. Andrea highlights surprising nutritional drawbacks of farming and critiques conventional development metrics, advocating for a focus on survival. The conversation blends historical insights with personal anecdotes, making for a thought-provoking listen.

In this discussion, Tim Miller, a former Republican strategist and host of The Bulwark Podcast, offers keen insights into Kamala Harris's campaign fallout. He delves into the Democratic Party's messaging struggles and how they failed to connect with diverse voter demographics. The conversation highlights how voter behavior can contradict liberal views, especially regarding abortion rights. Miller also reflects on the need for moderation within the party and critiques outdated political strategies, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of political dynamics.

Rogé Karma, a staff writer at The Atlantic, dives into the economics of immigration and its surprising benefits. He debunks the myth that higher immigration lowers wages, pointing to studies like the Mariel boat lift, which show stability in native wages. The discussion also touches on the roots of anti-immigrant sentiment, linking it more to cultural anxieties than economic ones. Karma emphasizes that immigrants stimulate job growth and contribute positively to local economies, challenging restrictive policies that hinder economic opportunities.

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.