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
12 snips
Jan 2, 2025 • 31min
Runways to Reality: How Airports Reflect the World Around Us
Discover how airports serve as the most democratic spaces, connecting everyone from business tycoons to adventurers. Explore Dublin Airport's unique role in showcasing Ireland's global connectivity and diversity. Delve into the importance of varied economies versus monoculturalism, with historical references like the Irish famine. Unpack the impact of aviation on tourism and commerce, alongside the challenges of balancing economic growth and environmental concerns. Airports aren't just transit points; they're reflections of societal dynamics and economic resilience.
6 snips
Dec 31, 2024 • 36min
Swiftonomics and Centrist Dads: 2024 in Review
Happy New Year! Dive into 2024’s economic highlights, where Swiftonomics takes center stage with Taylor Swift's unexpected GDP boost. Discover the intriguing rise of the Centrist Dad Economy and how corporate tax quirks shaped Ireland's identity. There's a deep look into the housing market's struggles amidst soaring prices and a cultural backdrop of concert-goers belting tunes. Also, explore Ireland's unique growth path compared to Europe and its sometimes controversial neutrality in an increasingly tense geopolitical landscape.
13 snips
Dec 26, 2024 • 35min
Putin’s Empire, the West’s Game: Revisiting Bill Browder’s Insight on Russia
Bill Browder, an American-born British financier and fierce critic of Putin, dives deep into the tangled web of power underpinning Russia's current regime. He outlines Putin's rise to power and his uneasy relationship with oligarchs, revealing the corruption that fuels this dynamic. Browder discusses the Western response to the Ukraine conflict and challenges the effectiveness of sanctions, questioning the real objectives behind the prolonged warfare. He emphasizes the complex geopolitical chess game, where financial control often outweighs ideology.
11 snips
Dec 24, 2024 • 30min
AI, Feudal Overlords, and the Fight for the Future: A Conversation with Martin Wolf
Martin Wolf, the Chief Economics Correspondent for the Financial Times, shares his expert insight on the massive changes driven by AI and technology. He explores the potential dismantling of the middle class, demographic shifts, and the looming specter of a new feudal system ruled by tech elites. Wolf raises critical questions about socializing production to protect democracy and examines the historical parallels between ancient societies and today’s challenges in harnessing technology for equitable benefit. A thought-provoking conversation for our modern era!
23 snips
Dec 19, 2024 • 34min
The Bro-tocracy Rises: Top 10 World-Changing Events of 2024
2024 marks a turning point with profound shifts in global dynamics. Trump’s return amplifies America’s 'bro-tocracy' while Italy rises under Meloni’s leadership. The collapse of the Assad regime shakes Middle Eastern power, and China’s deflation raises alarms worldwide. Ireland emerges as a surprising winner amidst chaos. As Ukraine's future hangs in the balance, the evolving geopolitical landscape challenges nations to adapt, especially as isolationist policies gain traction. This year is set to redefine our political and cultural fabric.
27 snips
Dec 17, 2024 • 35min
The Prosperity Paradox: Ireland’s Boom, Europe’s Bust, and the Price of Success
Ireland's booming economy hides a troubling gap between living standards and quality of life. Families are delaying childbirth longer than anywhere else in Europe, raising questions about societal priorities. The podcast dives into Ireland's unique economic position compared to a stagnating Europe, exploring how American innovations impact its growth. From urban vacancy issues to demographic shifts, it discusses the ramifications of prosperity and the challenges ahead if leadership fails to address deeper societal needs.
12 snips
Dec 12, 2024 • 35min
What's Next for Syria?
The fall of Assad's regime has triggered a seismic shift in Middle Eastern politics. This discussion dives into the historical ties between Syria and global powers like Russia and Iran, while revealing the chaotic aftermath of regime changes. With millions displaced, the geopolitical impacts extend to Europe, where migration patterns are fueling far-right movements. The podcast intricately connects the dots between history, politics, and the struggles of displaced individuals, painting a vivid picture of a region in turmoil.
Dec 10, 2024 • 35min
The Economics of the Miracle on 34th Street
Dive into the enchanting spirit of New York City as the hosts reflect on festive traditions. Explore the complex relationship between faith and currency, debating Bitcoin’s evolution from rebellion to mainstream asset. Discover the historical significance of wampum and its transformation alongside immigrant influences. Consider the impact of political dynamics on the dollar's supremacy and how nativism echoes through time. Join a riveting discussion on trust in currencies, where belief fuels both festive cheer and financial revolutions.
30 snips
Dec 5, 2024 • 37min
National Capitalism: A New Era of Economic Survival?
In this enlightening discussion, economist Russell Napier introduces the revolutionary concept of National Capitalism, emphasizing how governments might allocate domestic savings for national priorities. He delves into the implications of dwindling global capital flows amid fierce geopolitical tensions and the fragility of the U.S. debt system. The conversation explores how the shift in economic power could impact generational wealth and national strategies, and whether such a paradigm shift could empower young people to reclaim financial stability.
34 snips
Dec 3, 2024 • 34min
Syrian Warnings,Irish Limitations, Japanese Solutions
In this engaging discussion, John, a keen contributor with a rich background in socio-economic issues, joins David McWilliams to tackle Ireland's housing crisis. They propose innovative solutions by studying Tokyo's successful urban density strategies. The conversation reveals why Anglophone nations lag in housing developments compared to their European peers. John emphasizes the need to rethink outdated housing norms, shift cultural attitudes toward homeownership, and advocate for legislative reforms, all while fostering a strong sense of national identity.
