
Taking Stock
Taking Stock takes a global view of the big business stories and the trends affecting the world economy. Listen and subscribe to Taking Stock on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'
Latest episodes

Feb 14, 2025 • 44min
When Brands beat Personalities
This week on Taking Stock Emmet Oliver looks at Tesla's declining sales in some countries and asks how much an owner's personality can affect sales of their products when he talks to Gretchen Larsen, Professor in Marketing at Durham University Business School.Gold is going gang busters in the era of tariffs and Emmet talks to Russ Mould of AJ Bell about why Gold will never die. Plus, Emmet talks to Professor Steven Barnett of the University of Westminster about the BBC World Service and why it may be more important than ever.

Feb 7, 2025 • 45min
We ain't ever going back
This week on Taking Stock Emmet Oliver talks to Chris Kane author of 'Where's My Office' about Citibank's embrace of hybrid working and why the model is here to stay. Emmet also talks to Cliff Taylor of the Irish Times and Henry Foy of the Financial Times about all of President Trump's possible Tariffs and what they might mean for Ireland and Europe. Plus, Karl Waters of Folk VML talks to Emmet about the huge money that Superbowl Ads still command ahead of this Sunday's big game.

Jan 31, 2025 • 45min
Starbucks changes gear, Deepseek takes off and Global Golf struggles
This week on Taking Stock Emmet Oliver looks at the changing face of customer service and why Starbucks won’t let you in unless you’re a paying customer. Emmet gets the lowdown on ‘Deepseek’ from Ciara O’Brien of the Irish Times. Plus, has LIV Golf ruined golf’s popularity? Emmet is joined by Nathan Murphy of ‘Off the Ball’ and Sports Columnist Ian Mallon.

Jan 24, 2025 • 44min
From Davos to Alaska: the many ramifications of the Trump presidency
Among the Executive Orders that President Trump swiftly passed was the Global Tax Pact withdrawal; one which deals with global corporation tax. This week on Taking Stock Mandy Johnsont talks to Thomas Hubert of the Currency to find out what it means to Ireland. With Trump’s promise to ‘Drill Baby Drill’ Mandy talks to Jamie Smyth from the Financial Times to find out what exactly that means. Plus, what was it like at Davos this week? Mandy hears all from Leela De Kretser of Reuters.

Jan 17, 2025 • 45min
Fantasy Cabinet Bingo
This week we saw the publication of the long-awaited Programme for Government. Now, all eyes turn to the jockeying for position with Cabinet Ministers. This week on Taking Stock Mandy Johnston talks Kevin Doyle and Daniel McConnell about who is likely to get what.As we prepare for Trump 2.0 Mandy is joined by Adam Gabbatt of the Guardian to give us his assessment of what we know so far and what the world can expect from the second coming.Plus, over in the UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves is accused of refusing to 'face up to her own failures' amid market turmoil. Mandy talks to Lucy Fisher of the Financial Times.

Jan 10, 2025 • 50min
What really goes on when forming a new Government?
The Programme for Government talks are officially underway, and all eyes are on the horse-trading, backroom deals, and political machinations that come with it. This week on Taking Stock Mandy Johnston talks to two seasoned insiders: former Labour Party Leader Pat Rabbitte and journalist and author Stephen Collins.In a move that has sent shockwaves through the footballing world, Saudi Arabia has officially been announced as the host of the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Mandy is joined by Martin Lipton, one of football’s most insightful commentators, to delve into the implications of this historic decision. And finally, as Justin Trudeau steps down as Canada’s Prime Minister, we’ll take a closer look at his legacy with Marieke Walsh of the Globe and Mail.

Jan 3, 2025 • 46min
Happy 2nd Birthday ChatGPT?
This week on Taking Stock Emmet Oliver is in for Mandy and he talks to Economist Dan O’Brien about why there are reasons to be ‘hopeful’ about the economy in 2025. Mark Corcoran of Taxback talks to Emmet about changes to your pay packet in the year ahead. Plus, Emmet talks to Dr Alexandra Diening about her book ‘The Strategy for Human-AI Symbiosis’ which talks about how we can use AI for good by taking a human-centric approach.

Dec 20, 2024 • 44min
The Best Business and Politics Books of the Year
This week on a special Taking Stock Mandy Johnston talks to some of her favourite contributors to the show about a book they read this year that they are recommending as a stock-filler!

Dec 13, 2024 • 16min
Techscape on Taking Stock- Will the US ban TIK TOK?
In this month’s Tech Scape slot with thanks to PWC, Mandy asks could TikTok be banned in the US when she talks to Chris Stokel-Walker

Dec 13, 2024 • 47min
The Flashing Red Lights for Economy 2025
This week on Taking Stock, Mandy Johnston talks to Tom Standage the Deputy Editor of The Economist about what shocks and positives may lie in store for the Global economy next year. Ever wonder about the most expensive homes changing hands in Ireland? From a sprawling Cork estate to the childhood home of Garret FitzGerald, 2024 has seen over 1,200 sales topping €1 million. Alanna Gallagher from The Irish Times gives Mandy a tour of these prestigious properties. In this month’s Tech Scape slot, Mandy asks could TikTok be banned in the US when she talks to Chris Stokel-Walker.