Debunking Economics - the podcast

Dive into the world of climate change challenges as the podcast tackles the influence of political leaders like Donald Trump. Explore the urgency of energy transition from fossil fuels to renewables and the complexities of energy storage solutions. The conversation highlights Europe’s need for cohesive energy policies and the potential role of nuclear energy in addressing these pressing issues. Uncover the disparities in global climate action and the balance between economic growth and environmental responsibility.

A potential global trade war looms as the U.S. considers imposing tariffs on every OECD country. Discussions center on the complexities of international supply chains and whether returning jobs to America is feasible or chaotic. The implications of automation on job creation are debated, questioning if current economic strategies can truly benefit domestic industries. The ripple effects of tariffs on businesses and consumers highlight the unpredictable nature of leadership in today's geopolitical landscape.

The debate over the U.S. dollar as the world's reserve currency heats up. Experts explore the vulnerabilities of a financial system tied to one dominant currency. They question whether the U.S. would benefit from relinquishing its reserve status and delve into the historical significance of alternatives like Keynes' Bancor. The dynamics of international trade and currency valuation are analyzed, alongside the financial clout the U.S. holds as a reserve currency. Emerging technologies and decentralized systems could reshape the future of global transactions.

Discover how banks create money through loans and how government deficits contribute to the economy. Unravel the connection between government spending and private sector benefits, and rethink the concept of government debt as a potential asset. Delve into the impact of Donald Trump's tax cuts and explore the world of cryptocurrencies and alternative currencies. The discussion also highlights the dynamics of interbank transactions and the cyclical nature of money, revealing how these factors influence loans, interest rates, and financial equity.

Discover the quirky banking world of Coinucopia, where coins ruled until banks began issuing loans. Explore the evolution to electronic banking and how it simplifies life more than you'd think. Dive into the humorous side of banking with tales of currency confusion and the intricacies of fractional reserve practices. With engaging anecdotes and relatable analogies, unravel the mysteries of loan creation and deposits. This journey reveals not only Coinucopia's unique system but also intriguing insights into our real-world banking dynamics.

Rachel Reeves faces scrutiny over her economic strategies as she struggles to balance growth with budget cuts. The conversation dives into the impact of increased business taxes on the UK's stagnating GDP. Modern monetary theory takes center stage, challenging traditional views of borrowing and fiscal responsibility. The podcast also critiques the disconnect between economic theories and real-world outcomes, particularly regarding market behavior and public sentiment. Insightful, engaging, and thought-provoking discussions unfold throughout.

With 8.2 billion people currently living on Earth, projections suggest a daunting rise to 9.7 billion by 2050. However, insights reveal that as nations grow wealthier, fertility rates fall, potentially leading to a natural population decline. The discussion also digs into the disparities in resource distribution, food security, and the impact of declining birth rates on rural areas. Additionally, the challenges of mass migration and the ethical implications of population control measures are thoughtfully examined, highlighting the intricate balance needed for sustainable growth.

Discover the economic trials of Coinucopia, an island grappling with limited gold coins leading to sluggish growth. As new banking policies emerge, including loans and bank notes, the debate on the relationship between money creation and inflation heats up. Challenging Milton Friedman's theories, the hosts explore how innovation impacts consumer demand and production. They delve into the complexities of banking practices, questioning traditional narratives about debt and money creation, and envision the future of banking on the island.

Step into the fictional island of Cornucopia, where gold coins are the only currency and banks are banned from lending. Discover how traditional economic theories struggle in this cash-only realm while bringing to light the challenges of inflation and resource depletion. Delve into the idea that money is more about trust than gold, and learn how investment can spark growth even in constrained environments. Plus, explore personal finance tips to tackle unwanted subscriptions, showing that even in a simplistic economy, complexity abounds.

Elon Musk has been moaning that he pays too much tax. He wants to keep more of the $14 billion or so that he earns each year. But has he got a point? Do we need to the opportunity to become incredibly wealthy to drive innovation. If we had more equal levels of income, would we actually suffer from lower growth, so everyone would end up worse off.? Phi puts the question to Steve Keen on this Christmas edition of the Debunking Economics podcast.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.