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
9 snips
Dec 4, 2025 • 37min
Petty Lines in the Sand
Explore the intriguing economics of borders, tracing their creation from historical conflicts to modern politics. Discover the legacy of William Petty, whose mapping of Ireland transformed land into tradable assets. Delve into the controversies surrounding Herzog Park and examine the complex ties between Ireland and early Israeli figures. The discussion spans from the Sykes-Picot agreement to Cromwell’s impact on Irish history, revealing how precise maps fueled colonialism and shaped global finance.
22 snips
Dec 2, 2025 • 50min
China Explained with Dan Wang
In this engaging discussion, technology analyst Dan Wang, author of *Breakneck*, explores why infrastructure projects like the Dublin Metro stall due to powerful litigators. He contrasts China’s rapid engineering prowess with the lawyer-dominated Anglosphere. Dan shares insights on China’s national ambition, its staggering infrastructure buildout, and the social costs involved. He cautions that while common-law systems slow progress, a world of builders versus barristers might reshape our future. Europe's declining competitiveness also takes center stage, highlighting a looming crisis.
23 snips
Nov 27, 2025 • 39min
Is Central Asia the Next Front Line of Global Power? with Peter Frankopan
Peter Frankopan, an esteemed historian and author of The Silk Roads, delves into the rising significance of Central Asia in global geopolitics. He highlights the region's abundant resources, youthful population, and strategic positioning amidst major powers like China and Russia. Frankopan examines how Central Asian states adeptly navigate alliances, tackle domestic challenges, and face environmental risks. He raises concerns about regional fragility and cyber threats, while discussing how these elements shape the future of global power dynamics.
13 snips
Nov 25, 2025 • 39min
Why Can’t the West Build Anymore?
The discussion reveals why Western countries struggle to build infrastructure, contrasting with China's rapid construction capabilities. It dives into the impact of a lawyer-dominated governance model in the US and Ireland, leading to inefficiency. The podcast explores the historical significance of New York's engineering legacy and highlights the importance of empowering engineers over talkers in politics. By analyzing the cultural bias in electoral systems, it suggests that a shift toward doers could revitalize infrastructure and economic growth.
14 snips
Nov 20, 2025 • 32min
Is $4,000 Gold the First Crack in the Fiat Era?
Dive into the shimmering world of gold as it approaches $4,000 an ounce! Explore how California's gold rush reshaped the economy and the demographic landscape of America in 1849. Hear tales of pioneers like Johann Sutter and the remarkable shifts in mining technology across continents. Discover why central banks are hoarding gold again—could it signal a new era for fiat currencies? From the mudslides of Malibu to the storied vaults of Fort Knox, this discussion connects gold's glittering past with its uncertain future.
Nov 18, 2025 • 48min
Hollywood, Soft Power & Ireland’s Anti-American Left?
From the bustling streets of West Hollywood, the podcast dives into the imagination-driven economy of L.A. and its role in shaping American stories. It explores Ireland's deep ties to the U.S., highlighting dependence on American investment that supports public services. The discussion probes into the perplexing anti-American sentiment among some Irish leftists, linking it to broader ideological narratives and moral superiority claims. Ultimately, the conversation warns of the risks posed by persistent anti-Americanism to the strong bilateral relationship.
28 snips
Nov 13, 2025 • 38min
Vibecession, AI Mania & The New Casino Economy with Kyla Scanlon
Kyla Scanlon, an Irish author and economics communicator, dives into the intersection of money and mood. She introduces her concept of 'vibecession,' where emotions can sway consumer behavior more than hard data. Discussing the U.S. as a 'casino economy,' she highlights the dominance of unprofitable companies and risky market behaviors. Kyla also critiques how social media shapes youth identity and economic choices, connecting these trends to broader electoral impacts and affordability issues affecting her generation.
12 snips
Nov 11, 2025 • 39min
The Tech Crash, The Demographic Time Bomb, and Ireland’s Future 40
The discussion reveals the fragility of the tech bubble, emphasizing how a few AI companies have skewed the American economy. Ireland faces a demographic crisis, with a Future 40 report highlighting economic stagnation and rising age-related costs. There’s a call for increased immigration, yet without sufficient housing, this could exacerbate the crisis. Young people may be forced to emigrate, setting the stage for an unprecedented generational clash in politics. Ultimately, it's a compelling exploration of how tech mania intersects with stark demographic realities.
18 snips
Nov 6, 2025 • 38min
The Pope’s Children at 20: How Ireland Grew Up
Reflecting on two decades since a cultural milestone, the discussion dives into how suburbia shaped Ireland's identity over the years. Unique characters like Decklanders and Breakfast Roll Man illustrate societal shifts amid the Celtic Tiger's rise and fall. The conversation explores how overseas property investments fueled this boom and introduces the Hype Bourgeoisie, a new taste class blending local and global influences. Generational lessons are highlighted, revealing how various age groups experienced economic tides differently.
18 snips
Nov 4, 2025 • 41min
Australia, Argentina & Ireland: A Tale of Three Economies
Explore the contrasting journeys of Australia and Argentina, two nations that began with similar potential but took divergent paths. Discover how Australia's pragmatic policies shaped its prosperity, while Argentina's populism led to economic turmoil. The discussion reveals lessons for Ireland, delving into the risks of government spending and growing bureaucracy. With a nod to political shifts and global influences, the episode raises critical questions about the future of these economies and the potential pitfalls for Ireland.
