New Books in Economics

Marshall Poe

Episodes

Mentioned books

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Oct 22, 2025 • 34min

Teresa M. Mares and Laura-Anne Minkoff-Zern, "Will Work for Food: Labor Across the Food Chain" (U California Press, 2025)

Laura-Anne Minkoff-Zern, an associate professor at Syracuse University, and Teresa Mares, an anthropology professor at the University of Vermont, delve into the hidden labor aspects of our food system in their new book. They address crucial issues like farmworker food insecurity and the impact of immigration on labor vulnerability. The conversation also covers the changing dynamics in food processing, retail, and the often-overlooked value of domestic food work. Their insights illuminate the critical need for labor justice and solidarity among food workers.
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Oct 20, 2025 • 46min

Deborah Gordon, "No Standard Oil: Managing Abundant Petroleum in a Warming World" (Oxford UP, 2021)

Deborah Gordon, a senior principal at RMI and author of "No Standard Oil," dives into the complexities of oil and gas emissions. She debunks the myth of oil scarcity, highlighting the unique climate impacts of different fuels. Gordon introduces the innovative Oil Climate Index Plus Gas model and discusses how refining processes and government policies can significantly influence emissions. She shares actionable strategies for individuals and businesses while emphasizing the importance of informed decision-making for a sustainable energy future.
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Oct 17, 2025 • 37min

Lily Hsueh, "Corporations at Climate Crossroads: Multilevel Governance, Public Policy, and Global Climate Action" (MIT Press, 2025)

Lily Hsueh, an Associate Professor at Arizona State University, explores the intricate dynamics of corporate environmentalism and governance. She shares insights from her research on proactive corporate actions such as renewables and emissions targets. Hsueh discusses the Carbon Disclosure Project, its significance for investors, and the tension between regulatory rollbacks and corporate commitments. She also highlights the importance of local and global policies in driving climate action, emphasizing the role of businesses in mitigating emissions across supply chains.
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Oct 17, 2025 • 53min

Christopher F. Jones, "The Invention of Infinite Growth: How Economists Forgot About the Natural World" (Simon and Schuster, 2025)

Christopher F. Jones, an environmental historian and author of The Invention of Infinite Growth, dives into how the relentless pursuit of economic growth has overshadowed environmental concerns. He explores the historical neglect of material limits in economic thought and critiques modern GDP measurement's impact on policy. Jones highlights the dangerous illusion that wealth equates to environmental health, calling for interdisciplinary approaches to redefine prosperity. His compelling insights challenge listeners to rethink growth and advocate for sustainability and human welfare.
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Oct 16, 2025 • 1h 6min

Joe Wiggins, "The Intelligent Fund Investor: Practical Steps for Better Results in Active and Passive Funds" (Harriman House, 2022)

Joe Wiggins, a portfolio manager and behavioral finance expert, shares insights from his book, focusing on the complexities of fund investing. He warns against the allure of past performance and the pitfalls of investing with star managers. Wiggins discusses the importance of understanding market structures and the risks of thematic funds. He highlights the need for a long-term perspective and provides practical steps for improving investment decisions, including evaluating manager processes and avoiding overly complex strategies.
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Oct 10, 2025 • 1h 3min

Allen B. Downey, "Probably Overthinking It: How to Use Data to Answer Questions, Avoid Statistical Traps, and Make Better Decisions" (U Chicago Press, 2023)

Allen B. Downey, a principal data scientist and author, delves into the importance of statistical thinking and its real-world applications. He uncovers the friendship paradox, highlighting how we often perceive ourselves as having fewer friends than our peers. Downey addresses sampling bias with concerning examples, such as inflated recidivism rates. He also critiques the 10,000-hour rule for expertise and explains how misinterpreting data has led to misleading policies. Overall, he emphasizes the need for better data literacy in society.
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Oct 7, 2025 • 1h 2min

Michael Glass, "Cracked Foundations: Debt and Inequality in Suburban America" (U Pennsylvania Press, 2025)

Michael Glass, an assistant professor of history at Boston College, explores the hidden complexities of suburban America in his latest work. He discusses how debt and speculation shaped the post-war suburban dream, revealing that homeownership and education weren't just privileges but commodities tied to financial strains and racial segregation. Glass shares personal narratives that highlight these systemic failures and how Black homeowners faced predatory practices. His insights redefine our understanding of suburban prosperity and emphasize the need for policy reform.
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Oct 6, 2025 • 55min

Richard Duncan, "The Money Revolution: How to Finance the Next American Century" (John Wiley & Sons, 2022)

Richard Duncan, an economist and author with a robust background in investment strategy and global finance, presents his vision for America's economic future. He discusses the importance of massive government investment in technology to foster a new revolution that enhances U.S. wealth and geopolitical standing. Duncan also explores the creation and role of the Federal Reserve, the factors behind the 2021 inflation surge, and offers insights on the dollar standard's resilience amid trade deficits. His pragmatic approach to economic policy challenges conventional dogma.
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Oct 5, 2025 • 37min

Angela Jones and Barbara G. Brents, "Sex Work Today: Erotic Labor in the Twenty-First Century" (NYU Press, 2024)

Join sociologists Bernadette C. Barton, Barbara G. Brents, and Angela N. Jones as they dive into the complexities of modern sex work. They discuss how the internet has revolutionized erotic labor, from camming to AI sex dolls. The conversation highlights the diverse experiences of sex workers, addressing pressing issues like empowerment versus exploitation. They also emphasize the importance of intersectionality in understanding race, gender, and class dynamics within the industry, advocating for labor-focused rights and policies.
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Sep 26, 2025 • 35min

John L. Campbell, "Pay Up!: Conservative Myths about Tax Cuts for the Rich" (Cambridge UP, 2025)

John L. Campbell, a retired sociology professor and author of "Pay Up!: Conservative Myths About Tax Cuts for the Rich," explores critical misconceptions about taxation. He debunks conservative claims that high taxes harm the economy, illustrating through cross-national comparisons that higher taxes can actually boost public investment and social equity. Campbell also challenges narratives about government waste and unfairness, arguing that tax revenues support essential services. His insights highlight the real benefits of taxation in promoting societal welfare and economic growth.

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