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
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.
27 snips
Oct 30, 2025 • 33min
The Life Raft for Billionaires: Why Tech Titans Are Buying New Zealand
Explore why tech billionaires are flocking to New Zealand as their ultimate escape plan. From Peter Thiel's land acquisitions to a retreat from societal decay, the allure of this picturesque location grows stronger. Delve into the historical context of dislocation and utopian visions, along with the impact of reforms that shaped its economy. The debate unfolds on the irony of seeking safety while repeating colonial patterns, raising questions about the sustainability of these enclaves amidst broader societal tensions.
64 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.
