New Books in Economics

Marshall Poe

Episodes

Mentioned books

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Jan 6, 2026 • 1h 14min

Extraction: The Frontiers of Green Capitalism with Thea Riofrancos

Thea Riofrancos, an Associate Professor of Political Science and a leading voice on resource extraction, delves into the complex world of lithium mining in her latest book, focusing on the environmental costs of green capitalism. She highlights the ethical dilemma we face: can we achieve decarbonization without harming our planet? Thea also discusses the geopolitical implications of lithium supply chains, the rising role of China, and the transformative potential of reshoring in the U.S. as we navigate the future of clean energy.
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12 snips
Jan 5, 2026 • 60min

David Morris, "Stealing The Future: Sam Bankman-Fried, Elite Fraud, and the Cult of Techno-Utopia" (Watkins Media, 2025)

David Z. Morris, a journalist and author focused on cryptocurrency and fraud, delves into the notorious case of Sam Bankman-Fried. He explores the intertwining ideas of effective altruism and rationalism, revealing how they can justify immoral actions. The conversation highlights the influence of speculative culture in crypto and the dangers of short-term hype. Morris also shares red flags for spotting future frauds, emphasizing the importance of intuition alongside rational thinking. It's a thought-provoking insight into the world of tech elites and their perilous ideologies.
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16 snips
Jan 3, 2026 • 52min

Judd B. Kessler, "Lucky by Design: The Hidden Economics of Getting More of What You Want" (Little, Brown Spark, 2025)

Judd B. Kessler is the Howard Marks Endowed Professor at the Wharton School and an expert in market design. He reveals how hidden markets impact key life outcomes—from restaurant reservations to organ donations. Kessler discusses the concept of 'settle for silver' strategies for better choices in competitive situations like college applications. He also explains the criteria for good market design, emphasizing equity, efficiency, and ease, and delves into the role of lotteries in enhancing winning odds. It's a fascinating exploration of how to navigate life's hidden economies!
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9 snips
Dec 25, 2025 • 1h 1min

Sven Beckert, "Capitalism: A Global History" (Allen Lane, 2025)

Sven Beckert, Laird Bell Professor of History at Harvard, offers a sweeping view of capitalism's evolution in his latest work. He challenges conventional Eurocentric narratives, arguing that capitalism was born global, emerging through diverse merchant communities. Beckert discusses the critical roles of labor, state-merchant coalitions, and how colonial practices propelled capitalism's expansion. He highlights the intertwined fates of technology and economics, all while advocating for a broader understanding that includes nonmarket domains like family and welfare.
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Dec 22, 2025 • 56min

Matthew Scobie and Anna Sturman, "The Economic Possibilities of Decolonisation" (Bridget Williams Books, 2024)

In an enlightening discussion, Matthew Scobie, a Māori political economy researcher, and Anna Sturman, a political economist and geographer, dive into the economic possibilities of decolonisation. They explore how pre-colonial Māori economies can reshape Aotearoa's political landscape. The duo discusses the impact of land dispossession, ongoing Māori economic practices, and the importance of mutual aid. They also present concrete legal and policy recommendations to honor the Treaty and advocate for a transformative future rooted in indigenous perspectives.
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6 snips
Nov 29, 2025 • 55min

Isabelle Guérin et. al., "The Indebted Woman: Kinship, Sexuality, and Capitalism" (Stanford UP, 2023)

Isabelle Guérin, a Senior Research Fellow focused on gender and debt, explores the intersection of kinship, sexuality, and capitalism in her recent work. She discusses the gendered nature of debt, particularly how Dalit women in Tamil Nadu navigate a biased credit market. The podcast delves into the moral pressures surrounding debt repayment that affect women's identities and agency. Guérin reveals how women's bodies become viewed as collateral and highlights their active roles in sustaining families amidst economic constraints. This deep ethnographic study sheds light on the broader implications of women's debt in capitalist society.
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Nov 24, 2025 • 55min

Richard S. Ruback and Royce Yudkoff, "HBR Guide to Buying a Small Business: Think Big, Buy Small, Own Your Own Company" (HBR Press, 2017)

Royce Yudkoff, a Harvard management expert and former private equity co-founder, joins Richard S. Ruback, a corporate finance specialist. They explore the appeal of buying small businesses as a safer alternative to startups, emphasizing practical steps for success. Learn about the traits needed for entrepreneurial success, how to find businesses for sale, and the importance of thorough due diligence. They share insights on valuation norms and managing a newly acquired business, offering listeners a well-rounded guide to taking charge of their entrepreneurial journey.
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4 snips
Nov 24, 2025 • 1h 22min

Verena Halsmayer on Managing Growth in Miniature: Solow’s Model as an Artifact

Verena Halsmayer, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Vienna and a historian of economics, dives deep into the Solow growth model in her award-winning book. She discusses how economists transitioned post-WWII, emphasizing the importance of technology in growth. Halsmayer explores models as artifacts shaping policy and teaching, and the ambiguous nature that allows diverse political interpretations. The conversation highlights the intertwined histories of economics and science, along with her ongoing work on alternative participatory planning.
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Nov 20, 2025 • 51min

Ivan Franceschini et al., "Scam: Inside Southeast Asia's Cybercrime Compounds" (Verso Books, 2025)

Ling Li, a PhD researcher focused on modern slavery, and Ivan Franceschini, a lecturer in Chinese Studies, share insights into Southeast Asia's alarming online scam industry. They discuss the chilling realities of scam compounds, where victims are coerced into criminal roles, revealing complex victim profiles and the psychological burdens they face. Their research highlights the concept of 'compound capitalism' and the ethical challenges in victim support. They propose an ASEAN-wide victim identification protocol and call for societal changes to prevent exploitation.
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Nov 19, 2025 • 54min

Carl Benedikt Frey, "How Progress Ends: Technology, Innovation, and the Fate of Nations" (Princeton UP, 2025)

Carl Benedikt Frey, Dieter Schwarz Associate Professor at the Oxford Internet Institute, challenges the idea of inevitable progress in his new book. He delves into how history has shown technological advancement can lead to stagnation and failure. Frey discusses why some nations, like the Soviet Union, collapsed despite earlier successes. He emphasizes the interplay between decentralization, bureaucracy, and innovation. Moreover, he warns that both the U.S. and China risk stagnation unless diverse approaches to AI and competitiveness are maintained.

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