Michael Weber, a Chicago Booth researcher focusing on consumer behavior and tariffs, discusses the intriguing impacts of Trumponomics. He reveals how consumer expectations of rising prices are reshaping shopping habits and driving inflation. The conversation touches on the parallels between tariffs and sales taxes, leading to misconceptions that prompt stockpiling. Weber also highlights the tension between the Trump administration and the Federal Reserve, as they navigate the delicate balance between domestic job growth and inflation control.

Lisa Stefanik, an expert in interpersonal dynamics at Chicago Booth, shares valuable insights on the often uncomfortable subject of layoffs. She discusses how to communicate layoffs more humanely and consider the emotional impacts on both affected employees and remaining staff. Stefanik emphasizes the importance of compassionate messaging, strategies for managing these conversations with empathy, and utilizing professional networks post-layoff. She also highlights how to embrace layoffs as potential opportunities for growth.

Thomas Talhelm, a Chicago Booth researcher, dives into how different cultural practices around rice and wheat farming shape our understanding of happiness. He discusses the social dynamics of these communities, revealing that wealth doesn't always equate to joy. The intrigue continues as Talhelm unpacks how social comparison, particularly in the age of social media, impacts our well-being. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on personal growth over societal pressures, offering valuable insights into the happiness paradox.

Luigi Zingales, a Chicago Booth professor and expert on corporate governance, joins Amir Sufi, who studies financial crises and inequality. They explore the enduring factors behind Trump's appeal, highlighting the parallels between past and present electoral dynamics. Discussing economic anxieties, they reveal how inflation and globalization fears shaped voter sentiment. The rise of the far-right globally is also scrutinized, illustrating how systemic inequality and political disenchantment have fueled support for extreme movements, echoing earlier trends.

Stacey Kole, a Chicago Booth economist and expert in workplace management, dives into the often dreaded world of performance reviews. She challenges the traditional approach, advocating for continuous feedback over awkward periodic assessments. Kole discusses how meaningful evaluations can clarify corporate objectives and enhance teamwork. She stresses the importance of linking individual tasks to the company's mission, especially in remote settings, and highlights innovative practices that can improve communication and employee engagement.

James Janega, former journalist turned Managing Partner at Growth Innovation Strategy Group, shares insights on advocating for organizational change through storytelling. He emphasizes the importance of emotional and behavioral dynamics, using the 'do, feel, believe, act' framework. Janega discusses intrapreneurship, explaining how innovators can navigate resistance and foster innovation within established organizations. He highlights the significance of adaptable storytelling, urging listeners to tailor their narratives to engage various audiences and drive acceptance of new ideas.

Ayelet Fishbach, a motivation expert and author, teams up with Katy Milkman, a behavioral change authority from Wharton, to dive into achieving goals for 2025. They unpack practical strategies for staying motivated and overcoming obstacles, discussing a four-step framework for managing overwhelming goals. The duo also navigates the balance between personal ambitions and parenting duties, tackling 'mommy guilt.' With insights on social norms and self-reflection, they offer a roadmap for transforming aspirations into reality.

Eric Budish, a Professor at Chicago Booth known for his market design expertise, delves into the vulnerabilities of Bitcoin's decentralized structure. He argues that while blockchain offers innovative data integrity, its open nature invites sabotage. The discussion highlights the high cost of securing Bitcoin at scale, limiting its potential to replace traditional currencies. Budish also weighs his critical stance amidst a crypto-celebrating landscape, exploring the economic flaws and security challenges that underpin the cryptocurrency ecosystem.

James Janiger, Managing Partner at Growth Innovation Strategy Group and former journalist, shares his insights on crafting a winning startup pitch. He emphasizes the vital role of storytelling in engaging investors and effectively presenting complex information. Janiger highlights how to center the narrative on consumer problems and balance emotional appeals with strategic data. He offers tips on tailoring pitches to the audience while avoiding common pitfalls, ensuring that entrepreneurs come across as relatable and trustworthy.

In recent decades, stock markets have increasingly been speeding up, with large numbers of high-frequency traders executing trades at speeds up to billionths of a second. Does that reward the most powerful computers at the expense of retail investors? Chicago Booth’s Eric Budish, who argues that the incentives for high-speed trading stem from the flaws in the way financial markets are designed. At the same time, it’s become cumbersome and complicated for institutional investors to execute trades as they would like to. With both challenges in mind, Budish outlines two simple ideas from his research that could transform stock markets for the better.