The Economy, Stupid

Dr Thomas Sigler, Associate Professor at University, joins the discussion on the economics of daylight saving. Topics include impacts on health and finance, market returns post clock switch, seasonal effects, and radical solutions for daylight saving time.

Tina Angelidis and Pia Piggott discuss the rising cost of cocoa beans and its impact on chocolate prices. They explore challenges faced by cocoa farmers, the use of futures contracts in managing costs, and ethical sourcing issues in the industry. The episode also touches on the significance of Easter for chocolate sales and the luxury aspect of chocolate amidst price increases.

The podcast discusses the lasting advantages of home ownership, focusing on the increasing need for family assistance in expensive markets. It explores the trend of young adults receiving help from family for property purchases and the complexities of converting loans to gifts. The interplay between property ownership and family support is emphasized, along with societal implications and disparities in homeownership.

Innovation sparks thoughts of tech giants, inventions and Silicon Valley. While those companies in Cupertino may be good at generating extreme wealth, they’re not so good at spreading it across the communities they benefit from.Other places do better, particularly Switzerland, Sweden and Austria. What can we learn from them?Guest:Neil Lee, Author, Innovation For The Masses: How To Share The Benefits Of The High-Tech Economy

Exploring the billion-dollar wage theft in Australia, the podcast delves into cases involving major companies like Coles and Commonwealth Bank. Guests discuss protecting vulnerable workers, criminalizing wage theft, and improving rights for temporary migrant workers.

The market concentration of the beer industry. 

This podcast explores the economic cost of illiteracy in Australia, discussing the decline in reading proficiency among students and the need for structured literacy approaches. It emphasizes investing in teachers, tailored interventions for struggling readers, and recommendations for improving literacy in schools. The episode also touches on the evolution of teacher training, the importance of subject matter expertise, and negotiations for boosting education funding and standards.

Exploring the critical role of materials in our daily lives, from healthcare to technology. Highlighting the importance of essential materials like sand, salt, iron, copper, oil, and lithium. Delving into the global economy's fragility due to these crucial links. Discussing the significance of fossil fuels in sustaining modern life and the transition to clean energy technologies. Unraveling the challenges of global supply chains and the complexities of reshoring

Explore how airlines have become financial institutions and data gathering businesses, evolving loyalty programs from simple rewards to complex fare structures. Compare Qantas and Velocity loyalty programs, with tips on maximizing point earning and redemption. Delve into double-dipping on loyalty programs, data collection by frequent flyer programs and data brokers. Discuss the potential risks of sharing personal information and its impact on job opportunities and insurance.

The rising cost of extreme weather events and climate change.