

The Pie: An Economics Podcast
Becker Friedman Institute at UChicago
Economists are always talking about The Pie – how it grows and shrinks, how it’s sliced, and who gets the biggest shares. Join host Tess Vigeland as she talks with leading economists from the University of Chicago about their cutting-edge research and key events of the day. Hear how the economic pie is at the heart of issues like the aftermath of a global pandemic, jobs, energy policy, and more.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 5, 2025 • 30min
Pay Isn’t Everything: How Economists Put a Price on Job Perks
Evan Rose, an Associate Professor at the University of Chicago, specializes in labor markets and job perks. In this discussion, he reveals that job satisfaction extends beyond salaries, spotlighting the significance of flexible hours and workplace culture. By analyzing insights from over 20,000 Danish workers, Rose uncovers how hidden benefits play a crucial role in employee retention. The conversation also touches on the disparities in job value perceptions between the US and Denmark, and concludes with a light-hearted segment on creative pie-making.

Jul 22, 2025 • 27min
Decoding Educational Content: A Computational Comparison Between Public and Religious School Textbooks
Textbooks don't just teach facts, they shape how children understand the world and their place in it. In this episode, UChicago economist Anjali Adukia discusses her study of textbooks across public schools, religious private schools, and homeschools. Using advanced AI tools to analyze tens of thousands of pages, she uncovers both unexpected similarities between politically divergent states and meaningful differences in how religious and secular curricula present topics from evolution to gender representation.

Jul 8, 2025 • 23min
When Religion Meets the Marketplace: Faith, Farming, and Trade-Offs
In this discussion, Eduardo Montero, an Assistant Professor at the Harris School of Public Policy, dives into the economic consequences of religious prohibitions, particularly within the Seventh-day Adventist community. He reveals how restrictions on farming certain crops impact local economies in Sub-Saharan Africa, creating intriguing trade-offs for believers. Montero also explores the adaptability of religious tenets amid economic pressure, emphasizing how communal bonds transform in the face of shared sacrifices while pondering the interplay of faith and market dynamics.

Jun 24, 2025 • 27min
Green Bubble Stigma: Texting, Status, and Market Power
A text bubble might seem trivial, until it shapes market dynamics, personal identity, and federal lawsuits. In this episode, UChicago economist Leo Bursztyn discusses how Apple’s green bubble design creates a powerful lock-in effect that reinforces Apple’s market dominance.

10 snips
Jun 11, 2025 • 25min
AI, the Economy, and Public Policy
Anders Humlum is an Assistant Professor of Economics at Chicago Booth, while Sanjog Misra is a Professor of Marketing and Faculty Director of the Center for Applied AI at the same institution. They dive into how AI is reshaping the economy and influencing public policy. The discussion touches on AI's role in workplace automation, balancing human creativity with technology, and unexpected gender disparities in tech adoption. They also explore university initiatives that promote economic inclusion through innovative tools and the future of AI across diverse sectors.

6 snips
May 27, 2025 • 41min
Tariffs, Trade, and a Misused Model
Brent Neiman, the Edward Eagle Brown Professor of Economics at the University of Chicago and former Deputy Undersecretary of Treasury for International Finance, shares his insights on the Trump administration's tariff policies. He explains how his original research was misused to justify these tariffs, leading to significant economic miscalculations. The discussion delves into the implications of tariffs on U.S.-China trade dynamics, highlighting the uncertainty they create and questioning their effectiveness as tools for policy enforcement. Neiman also shares book recommendations and indulges in a lighthearted conversation about barbecue and savory pies.

May 13, 2025 • 29min
Between a Chip and a Hard Place: The Economics of Security and Sovereignty in Taiwan
Economist Chang-Tai Hsieh from the University of Chicago delves into Taiwan's complex political history and its crucial economic ties to China. He discusses the critical role of the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) and its international implications. Listeners learn about Taiwan's delicate balance between sovereignty and security amidst rising geopolitical tensions. Hsieh also examines the effects of U.S. policies on Taiwan's economy and the broader semiconductor landscape, shedding light on innovation and industry dynamics.

8 snips
May 1, 2025 • 49min
An Extra Slice of the Pie: Choosing with Uncertainty
Lars Peter Hansen, a Nobel Prize-winning economist and expert in uncertainty, dives into the complexities of decision-making amidst unpredictability. He discusses how policymakers can navigate uncertainty and the implications of declining public trust in scientific authority. The conversation explores the balance required in climate change decisions, weighing immediate action against the need for more information. Hansen also reflects on the importance of transparent communication in science to enhance public confidence and improve decision-making in challenging contexts.

Apr 29, 2025 • 27min
Tariffs, Trust, and the Twilight of Norms: U.S.–China Relations in the Trump Era
In this engaging conversation, economist Chang-Tai Hsieh from the University of Chicago explores the breakdown of trust in U.S.-China economic norms during the Trump administration. He discusses the struggles of China's post-COVID recovery and how U.S. tariffs have unexpectedly lessened their impact. Hsieh even suggests that Canada might face economic aggression instead of China. The dialogue highlights the implications of political rhetoric on economic relationships, raising concerns about global stability in an increasingly transactional world.

Apr 15, 2025 • 25min
War Economies: How Ukraine and Russia Are Adapting in Year Three
In a deep dive with Konstantin Sonin, a John Dewey Distinguished Service Professor at the University of Chicago, listeners gain insight into the stark economic realities reshaping Ukraine and Russia post-invasion. Sonin discusses Ukraine's resilience and innovative defense production amid war, while reflecting on shifting attitudes towards U.S. support. He also examines how Russia's economy withstands sanctions and the geopolitical implications of its energy sales to India and China, hinting at what the future might hold for both nations.