The Economy, Stupid

Exploring the debate between lab-grown and mined diamonds, guests discuss shifting market trends, consumer perceptions, and the rise of lab-grown diamonds. They analyze the impact of living costs on consumer choices, pricing trends, and the emotional connection people have with diamonds. The podcast highlights the importance of authenticity and real products in the diamond industry.

Shane Oliver and Richard Holden dive into Australia's budget, analyzing cost-of-living relief, government spending on green tech, and the historical context of industry support. They question the sustainability of sector investments and explore the impact on productivity, fiscal management, and investments in green hydrogen and critical minerals processing.

Australians have a sleeping problem. The most conservative estimates show one in 10 have a sleep disorder, which is having an impact on their safety, wellbeing and productivity.This ends up costing almost a $1 billion a week. And that’s not all. The total cost of inadequate sleep is thought to be as high as $75 billion a year.We’re not alone either. International research shows places like the US, the UK and Europe are facing similar problems, with similar costs.Guests:Shanthakumar Rajaratnam, Chair of the Sleep Health FoundationProfessor Ron Grunstein, The Woolcock Institute Wendy Troxel, The Rand CorporationZafina Ademi, Professor of Health Economics, Monash University

Daniel Susskind, Research Professor in Economics at King's, discusses the tension between benefits and consequences of economic growth. Topics include rethinking economic growth metrics, updating intellectual property laws for innovation, R&D investment for progress, and exploring optimism amidst global growth perspectives.

Experts discuss the economic and health impacts of loneliness, comparing it to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Data shows a shift in loneliness from older to younger Australians. Technology is examined as a factor contributing to increased loneliness, especially among Gen Z. Policy challenges and investments in services are explored to address the loneliness epidemic.

Nick Espinosa and Dr. Jay Jeong discuss the rising cyber-crime challenges facing Australian businesses, with ransomware costing $3 billion. They highlight the government's actions, the importance of cyber insurance, and the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures in the private sector.

New research suggests that the increase in vaping across Australia will cost the health system an extra $180 million each year and that’s a conservative figure.Vaping has been framed as a way to stop smoking tobacco, however it can also be a gateway to taking it up. It’s estimated that 13 per cent of people who vape transition to cigarettes.The Australian government has called vapes a public health menace and introduced restrictive anti-vaping policies. But are these policies intended to drive positive change giving rise to a dangerous black-market?Guests:Professor Louisa Collins, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research InstituteDr James Martin, Senior Lecturer in Criminology, Deakin UniversityBecky Freeman, Associate Professor of Public Health, Sydney University

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.