Elfonomics - with Elf Lyons and Dr Gerard Lyons

Comedian Elf Lyons and the economist Dr Gerard Lyons explore the economics of newspapers and how the industry has been forced to transform in recent decades to try to secure its future. The ways we get news are changing and, in a world of TikTok, echo chambers, clickbait and AI generated headlines, the need for quality journalism has never been greater. Elf and Gerard discuss the history of Fleet Street, media trust and the important function that newspapers play in a democracy.

Are student loans really a tax? Are they fair? And are they putting people off going to university? Elf Lyons and economist Dr Gerard Lyons accrue your interest about the debt incurred by students to finance their courses (and potentially their socialising). We’ll discuss the current landscape of loans and tuition fees, examine how higher education was paid for in the past, look at different systems around the world and how things could be improved. Elf and Gerard have seven degrees between them and one of them is still paying for their education….

Why is your £5 crop top such a big deal? In this episode of Elfonomics, Elf Lyons and economist Dr Gerard Lyons unravel the tangled threads of fast fashion, from Zara’s tight turnarounds to Shein’s thousands of new designs in a week. How did fast fashion became a global juggernaut? What's its appeal to consumers? And what does it cost the planet (and the people who make our clothes)?

Fertility is falling, IVF is rising, and bringing up a child in the UK now costs more than buying a house! In this heartfelt and data-packed episode, comedian Elf Lyons and her economist father Dr Gerard Lyons unpack why so many people want kids but can’t afford them — and what it means for the economy, the planet, and our future.

Elf and Dr Gerard Lyons tease future episodes.

Elf and her dad dive into the economics behind theatre ticket prices. From production costs to audience demand, we explore why a night at the theatre can feel like a luxury—and whether it has to. Join us for a fascinating look at the hidden mechanics of the stage, via West End spectacles, regional productions and fringe gems.Here are links to articles referenced in the ep:https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/true-cost-west-end-ticket-in-depth-look-james-steel/https://www.thestage.co.uk/opinion/patrick-gracey-beyond-ticket-prices-the-battles-and-benefits-of-regional-theatre-the-stage-2024-uk-ticketing-survey#TheatreEconomics #PodcastEpisode #Elfonomics #TheatreTickets #BehindTheScenes #TheatreMagic #ArtsFunding #TheatreLovers #EconomicsExplained #WhySoExpensive #WestEnd #TheatreIndustry #PodcastersUnite #elfonomics #elflyons #drgerardlyons #edfringe #edinburghfestival

Wondering what money actually is? Dive into a humorous take on its evolution, from bartering to cryptocurrencies. Discover how a cashless future is becoming the norm and what that means for our lives. The hosts share quirky anecdotes about personal money experiences, highlighting the chaos of forgotten coins at airport security. With predictions on cash usage dwindling, they tackle the implications of digital payments and debate the essence of currency in today's society. Get ready for laughs and insights!

Peeling the banana that is savings, Elf and Gerard Lyons explore bank balance embarrassment via the economics of the comedy industry, personal investment strategy and a fruit-based explanation of how your savings bear fruit.

Hello! This podcast blurb was written by HUMAN INTELLIGENCE... Or was it? In this episode we dip our toe in the water of one of the most uncanny valley economic issues; AI and the technological revolution. Is ChatGPT our friend? Is AI your new therapist? Should you trust it as your new co-worker? How is it impacting us and what else may help? Gerard and Elf Lyons provide some insights alongside one of the worst comedy routines of all time....

Elf and Gerard Lyons discuss Premium Bonds. What are they? Are they a smart savings choice? How do they help the UK government raise revenue? Did the advent of the National Lottery trump their prize-winning appeal? Who is ERNIE? What on earth were the football pools? And could Premium Bonds help Elf pay for her wedding? All these big money questions and more in another episode of Elfonomics!