The Economics Show

This conversation features Paul Krugman, a Nobel Prize-winning economist renowned for his insights on macroeconomics. He teams up with Martin Wolf to dissect the plight of American men in the workforce, addressing the decline linked to educational divides. They critique MAGA's promises of job restoration while evaluating the pragmatic policy approach of newly elected mayor Zohran Mamdani. The duo discusses innovative solutions for housing affordability and regional support, ending with a cautious optimism for progressive reform amidst reactionary politics.

In this engaging discussion, Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman shares insights on the future of the U.S. economy and democracy alongside Martin Wolf. They explore the impact of Trump's tariffs on consumers and the potential reasons behind the stagnant labor market. Krugman introduces the concept of a 'vibecession' affecting consumer sentiment and highlights how big tech and AI hype contribute to public distrust. Despite concerns, Krugman expresses a more optimistic outlook on the resilience of democracy amidst these challenges.

Join Paul Krugman, a Nobel laureate and economics guru from CUNY, as he teams up with Martin Wolf, chief economics commentator at the FT. They dissect the economic ramifications of Trump's second term, exploring how his policies have boosted China's image while undermining US global leadership. Krugman intriguingly suggests that US chaos might inadvertently yield benefits in the geopolitical landscape. With a fresh perspective and renewed energy, this conversation promises to deliver sharp insights on the current state of our economy and democracy.

Branko Milanović, a senior scholar specializing in socioeconomic inequality, dives into the complexities of today's global economy. He discusses how neoliberalism is in retreat and explores the implications of rising powers like China. Milanović explains the 'elephant chart' and its significance during the rise of populism. He also addresses the shifting economic divide and the emergence of new elites, alongside the potential backlash against them, while pondering the future of domestic policies in response to global changes.

Investors are spending billions of dollars on novel ways to extend human life through inventive treatments, therapies, and even manipulating our genes. And increasingly, it seems as though anti-ageing efforts have moved from the super rich to a mass market consumer industry. In this series, we’re covering the past, present and future of the longevity movement. We’ll be looking at where the fixation on longevity is coming from, and trying to understand the practical and ethical issues at the heart of this cutting-edge field of research. From Silicon Valley fantasies, to Singaporean health spas, to Colombian genetic clinics and beyond, the FT’s Hannah Kuchler and Michael Peel ask whether breakthroughs in science and technology can really help us live longer, and even stop us aging altogether.Free to read: US ‘wellness’ industry scents opportunity to go mainstreamThe quest to make young blood into a drugThis season of Tech Tonic was produced by Josh Gabert-Doyon. The senior producer is Edwin Lane. Flo Phillips is the executive producer. Sound design by Breen Turner and Samantha Giovinco. Fact checking by Simon Greaves, Lucy Baldwin and Tara Cromie. Original music by Metaphor Music. Manuela Saragosa is the FT’s acting co-head of audio.The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Agustín Carstens, former general manager of the Bank for International Settlements and ex-governor of the Bank of Mexico, shares insights on the challenges faced by central banks in maintaining trust amid political pressures. He discusses the limits of monetary policy post-2008 and the risks associated with multiple private money issuers. Carstens also critiques cryptocurrencies while highlighting the potential of central bank digital currencies. His thoughts on the necessity of modernization in central banking are both timely and thought-provoking, especially in our evolving financial landscape.

Richard Thaler, a Nobel Prize-winning behavioural economist and professor at the University of Chicago, challenges the traditional view of humans as rational decision-makers. He discusses why people often act against their best interests, highlighting concepts like sunk costs and the ultimatum game as examples of human irrationality. Thaler also explores the impact of nudging in pensions and critiques failed policies like presumed-consent organ donation. His insights reveal the complexities of human behaviour that traditional economics often overlooks.

Jennifer Hillman, a law professor at Georgetown University and former WTO judge, dives deep into the controversial legalities surrounding Trump’s tariffs. She analyzes the power struggle between Congress and the President over trade regulations, reveals the historical roots of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, and discusses how this case could reshape presidential authority. Hillman also warns about the risks of expanding national security claims, emphasizing how this could undermine global trade credibility.

Tim Leunig, a London School of Economics professor and former adviser, shares insightful strategies to revitalize the UK's sluggish economy. He highlights the historical and international contexts of the UK's performance, discusses the fiscal stance needed to restore market confidence, and advocates for easing planning restrictions to boost housing supply. Leunig also emphasizes the importance of smarter tax policies and eliminating cash transactions to recover significant lost revenue. His pragmatic approach to transport and local planning aims to balance development with environmental protections.

Laura Hughes dives into a hidden lead poisoning crisis in the UK, revealing how this invisible toxin can silently impact health. She discusses the subtle symptoms that can accumulate over time, making it hard to diagnose. A two-year investigation uncovers alarming levels of lead exposure across the country. The lasting damage from lead is profound, and finding remedies is a daunting challenge. Hughes also critiques the lack of routine child testing for lead and questions government accountability in protecting public health.