Pitchfork Economics with Nick Hanauer

Heather McGhee, a prominent policy expert and advocate for economic and racial justice, joins the discussion to argue that morality should be central to economics. She critiques traditional models for ignoring ethical dimensions and emphasizes that cooperation leads to prosperity. The conversation dives into how systemic racism undermines collective action and the importance of reframing economic narratives for inclusivity. McGhee stresses that addressing inequities benefits all, challenging the orthodoxy of exploitation in economic decision-making.

W. Brian Arthur, a complexity theorist renowned for his insights on innovation, joins Cesar Hidalgo, a physicist focused on the economic implications of knowledge. They challenge traditional notions of economic growth, arguing that innovation drives prosperity rather than being a mere byproduct. The discussion emphasizes the collaborative nature of technology and the critical role of knowledge distribution. They propose redefining economic success beyond GDP, advocating for policies that support a diverse and knowledgeable workforce to foster sustainable growth.

Eric Beinhocker, Executive Director at Oxford's Institute for New Economic Thinking, and James Kwak, a law professor and author, delve into the shortcomings of traditional economic teachings. They argue that Econ 101 oversimplifies complex realities and perpetuates inequality. The discussion highlights the need for policies that encourage cooperation over self-interest and critiques outdated economic models that mislead public discourse. They advocate for a reevaluation of economics to better reflect human behavior and address pressing societal issues.

Ever puzzled over terms like monopsony or neoclassical economics? This lively discussion simplifies complex economic jargon. It critiques the flawed assumptions behind traditional wage models and explores the rise of neoliberalism, advocating for a more human-centered approach. The dark realities of agribusiness and the impact of stock buybacks are unveiled, illustrating real-world consequences. Join the conversation for a clearer understanding of how these concepts shape our economy and what they mean for everyone.

Ganesh Sitaraman, a law professor and constitutional law expert, teams up with historian Walter Scheidel, known for his insights on inequality and civilization's turmoil. They dive into the warning behind 'Pitchfork Economics', discussing how rising economic inequality fuels social unrest. Sitaraman shares alarming data on wealth concentration, while Scheidel links historical upheavals to economic disparities. They propose innovative solutions for reforming policies to ensure a stable middle class, highlighting lessons from the Gilded Age to prevent future crises.

Rogé Karma, a staff writer at The Atlantic who covers economics and policy, joins the conversation to debunk myths surrounding immigration and the labor market. He argues that immigrants actually help grow the economy rather than steal jobs, challenging the traditional Econ 101 narrative. The discussion also highlights the socioeconomic disparities fueled by these misconceptions and addresses the urgent need for a fairer immigration system that recognizes the valuable contributions of immigrant workers.

With inequality rising, housing out of reach, and young Americans falling further behind, some argue the American Dream is dead. But NYU professor Scott Galloway has a different take: America hasn’t fallen—it’s adrift. Originally recorded in late 2022, this episode features a candid conversation about what’s really hollowed out the middle class: generational wealth hoarding, runaway corporate consolidation, and a political system rigged for the rich. As billionaires push for yet another round of tax cuts and working families continue to struggle, Galloway’s message is more relevant than ever: America can still right the ship—but only if we change course. Scott Galloway is a clinical professor of marketing at NYU’s Stern School of Business, a bestselling author, and a tech entrepreneur. He’s the host of the Prof G Show and co-host of Pivot. Galloway is a leading voice on the need to rein in corporate power and rebuild the middle class. ⁠This episode originally aired December 6, 2022. ⁠ Social Media: ⁠@profgalloway.com⁠ ⁠@profgalloway⁠ Further reading:  ⁠Adrift: America in 100 Charts⁠ Website: ⁠http://pitchforkeconomics.com⁠ Instagram: ⁠@pitchforkeconomics⁠ Threads: ⁠pitchforkeconomics⁠ Bluesky: ⁠@pitchforkeconomics.bsky.social⁠ Twitter: ⁠@PitchforkEcon⁠, ⁠@NickHanauer⁠, ⁠@civicaction⁠ YouTube: ⁠@pitchforkeconomics⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠Pitchfork Economics⁠ Substack: ⁠The Pitch⁠

As Republicans work at break-neck speed to push another round of massive tax cuts for the wealthy, we thought it would be a good idea to revisit our 2019 conversation with Bruce Bartlett, a Reagan policy adviser and key architect of the 1981 tax cuts. Bartlett explains how the trickle-down logic he once championed turned out to be economic snake oil, because tax breaks for the wealthy don’t grow the economy—they just grow inequality. Bruce Bartlett is an American historian and former economic adviser who helped draft the 1981 Reagan tax cuts. He served in senior roles under Presidents Reagan and George H.W. Bush, including at the Treasury Department and the Joint Economic Committee of Congress. Once a champion of supply-side economics, Bartlett is now a leading critic of trickle-down tax policy. This episode originally aired January 29, 2019. Social Media: @bartlettb.bsky.social @BruceBartlett Further reading:  Trump tax bill will add $2.4 trillion to the deficit and leave 10.9 million more uninsured, CBO says The secret saga of Trump’s tax cuts Website: http://pitchforkeconomics.com Instagram: @pitchforkeconomics Threads: pitchforkeconomics Bluesky: @pitchforkeconomics.bsky.social Twitter: @PitchforkEcon, @NickHanauer, @civicaction YouTube: @pitchforkeconomics LinkedIn: Pitchfork Economics Substack: The Pitch

The GOP’s new tax bill isn’t just a massive giveaway to the rich—it’s an all-out assault on SNAP, one of the most effective anti-poverty programs in the U.S. That’s because SNAP is more than just a program designed to end hunger. It’s also a powerful economic engine, stabilizing local economies as well as supporting retailers and farmers. Lily Roberts from the Center for American Progress joins us to break down how these proposed cuts will deepen poverty, weaken economic resilience, and hurt millions—especially in the very communities whose lawmakers are pushing them. Lily Roberts is the managing director for Inclusive Growth at American Progress. Her work focuses on raising wages, combating economic inequality linked to race, gender, and geography, and building wealth and stability for American families. Social Media: ⁠@lilyroberts.bsky.social⁠ Further reading:  ⁠SNAP Cuts Are Likely To Harm More Than 27,000 Retailers Nationwide⁠ ⁠SNAP Mythbusters Report⁠ Website: ⁠http://pitchforkeconomics.com⁠ Instagram: ⁠@pitchforkeconomics⁠ Threads: ⁠pitchforkeconomics⁠ Bluesky: ⁠@pitchforkeconomics.bsky.social⁠ Twitter: ⁠@PitchforkEcon⁠, ⁠@NickHanauer⁠, ⁠@civicaction⁠ YouTube: ⁠@pitchforkeconomics⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠Pitchfork Economics⁠ Substack: ⁠The Pitch⁠

Lenore Palladino, an assistant professor of economics and public policy, critiques shareholder primacy to reveal how it has stifled innovation and exacerbated inequality. She argues for a corporate paradigm that prioritizes workers and communities over wealthy shareholders. The conversation dives into the implications of stock buybacks, the historical evolution of companies like General Electric, and the need for inclusive corporate governance. Palladino presents a bold vision for reshaping economic policy to serve the public good.