The David McWilliams Podcast
David McWilliams & John Davis
The aim of this weekly podcast is to make economics easy, uncomplicated and accessible. With the world at a political, technological and financial tipping point, economics has never been so important to all of us and yet, it’s made inaccessible and complicated by so many.I’ve always thought what is complicated is rarely important and what is important is rarely complicated.That will be our motto.Every week we are going to tease out some big economic or political issue facing us, not just here in Ireland but in Europe and further afield. Globalisation has brought us all together. We all face similar challenges whether you live in Dublin, London, Minnesota or Milan.If you would like to enjoy all of our content ad-free and have early access to episodes, subscribe to DMCW+ on Apple Podcast.If you would like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron at www.patreon.com/DavidMcWilliams. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
56 snips
Oct 28, 2025 • 43min
The AI Bubble: Boom, Bust & Baked in Nimbin
Dive into the whirlwind of AI spending, which has skyrocketed to nearly $400 billion this year, sparking debates about its sustainability. Explore the notion of technological bubbles as catalysts for innovation, while considering the perishable nature of GPUs and high energy demands. Delve into how private equity is reshaping investment strategies, and ponder the implications of a potential financial crash on everyday lives. With a blend of anecdotes and analyses, the importance of regulatory frameworks and the political stakes of an AI downturn are unpacked.
18 snips
Oct 23, 2025 • 39min
The Lost Sailors: From Aboriginals to Schumpeter
Dive into the intriguing mystery of Aboriginal Australians, the first to sail across open seas 60,000 years ago, and yet later generations forgot these skills. Discover how European diseases devastated their population and the fascinating concept of the collective brain, which highlights the role of cultural connection in innovation. Explore Tasmania's cultural loss as a case study, and examine how societal attitudes can stifle progress, as seen in Ireland's economic history. Finally, consider the ecological consequences of invasive species that disrupted Australia's ecosystems.
15 snips
Oct 21, 2025 • 42min
The Land of Opportunity Down Under: Australia
Explore the marvel of Australia's economy, which has remarkably avoided recession for nearly half a century. Discover how immigration, vast natural resources, and smart fiscal policies contribute to this success. Learn about Brisbane's vibrant cycling culture and its contrast with Sydney and Melbourne. Delve into the fascinating balancing act of navigating ties with both the US and China. Amid record house prices and soaring costs, Australians embody a unique cultural dynamism driven by their immigrant roots.
29 snips
Oct 16, 2025 • 55min
Saudi the Kingmaker: Gaza, Trump & a New Middle East with Andrew Maxwell
Andrew Maxwell, an Irish comedian with a wealth of experience in the Middle East, shares his insights after performing at the Riyadh Comedy Festival. He highlights the vibrant social changes in Saudi Arabia, from increased female workforce participation to a youthful and mixed audience culture. The conversation dives into Saudi geopolitical influence, particularly its potential normalization with Israel and partnerships with Egypt and Pakistan. Maxwell also discusses the GCC's evolving landscape and the role of comedy as a tool for cultural diplomacy.
25 snips
Oct 14, 2025 • 37min
The Behavioural Budget: How Tax Shapes Us
Explore the intriguing concept that taxation could be more about influencing behavior than merely raising revenue. Discover how Ireland might leverage its unique financial position to use taxes as tools for tackling issues like derelict properties and carbon emissions. The conversation draws on past budget crises and the lessons from them, questioning whether borrowing could be a sustainable alternative. Plus, ponder the potential for new political dynamics in the wake of economic changes. It's a thought-provoking discussion on economics and societal behavior.
Oct 9, 2025 • 43min
The Art of Creation with The Edge - Part Two
In this conversation, The Edge (Dave Evans), the legendary U2 guitarist, dives deep into the parallels between artists and entrepreneurs. He shares how creativity is intertwined with risk-taking and the lessons learned from failure. The Edge reflects on his journey of reinventing U2's sound and revisiting classic songs. The discussion also explores the future of music in the age of AI, questioning whether algorithms can truly spark innovation. He asserts that, despite the rise of technology, human imagination will always hold unique value.
11 snips
Oct 7, 2025 • 44min
The Art of Creation with The Edge
The Edge, the lead guitarist of U2 and chair of Endeavor in Ireland, discusses the intersection of creativity and entrepreneurship. He shares insights on the importance of mentorship, the shared mentality of rock bands and startups, and the need for Ireland to foster a vibrant homegrown startup ecosystem. The conversation touches on how cultural attitudes, like begrudgery, can stifle success and the significance of embracing failure and curiosity. With anecdotes from U2's journey, The Edge emphasizes continuous learning and the potential for Ireland to become a decentralized tech hub.
50 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 46min
What is Radical Politics?
John Burn-Murdoch, a data journalist at the Financial Times, delves into the intriguing intersection of culture and politics. He reveals that while traditional economic views align between the public and politicians, a significant cultural gap persists, particularly on immigration issues. John presents startling statistics showcasing that a vast majority of the public supports assimilation, contrasting sharply with politicians’ stances. The discussion extends to Denmark's authentic political engagement and how misalignment could fuel populism, reshaping the landscape of radical politics.
38 snips
Sep 30, 2025 • 37min
Culture Wars in the West, Alliances in the East
As the West becomes engulfed in culture wars, the East is quietly forging a formidable alliance between China, Russia, and India. This shift towards geo-economics highlights how economic power dynamics are evolving, with significant implications for global politics. The hosts delve into how Ukraine briefly unified Western alliances, while ongoing Israel-Gaza tensions strain them further. They also explore the demographic challenges along the Russia-China border and the shifting global balance from Pax Americana to an Asia-centered regime.
Sep 25, 2025 • 38min
Who Owns the Flag? From the American Revolution to Charlie Kirk
In a lively conversation, the team tackles America’s culture war as the 250th anniversary of the Revolution approaches. They explore competing narratives from liberals and MAGA supporters vying for ownership of the American flag and history. Insights from Ken Burns’ latest series reveal surprising roles in the Revolution, including the significant contributions of Black soldiers. The discussion also examines the politicization of recent events and draws historical parallels to past political upheavals, questioning whether the upcoming World Cup could shift the cultural landscape.
