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
23 snips
Aug 15, 2024 • 43min
How to Destroy a Country: Venezuela with Noah Smith
In this discussion, Noah Smith, an expert commentator on economic policies, sheds light on Venezuela’s dramatic decline from wealth to poverty. He outlines how misguided economic strategies, including nationalization and price controls, paved the way for hyperinflation and a humanitarian crisis. The conversation draws parallels with leadership trends in Latin America and unveils the broader implications of Venezuela's plight on global economic policies. Listeners gain insights into the complexities of economic ideology and the stark realities of mismanagement.
7 snips
Aug 13, 2024 • 35min
Can Dublin Avoid the Donut Effect?
Dublin is facing the troubling 'donut effect,' where rising crime and exorbitant rents threaten to hollow out its city center. With increasing commercial vacancies and a dramatic decline in hospitality spending, the city's vibrant atmosphere is at risk. Drawing comparisons to the declines seen in cities like San Francisco, the discussion emphasizes the urgent need for strategic interventions. Suggestions for revitalization echo successful strategies from the past, showcasing the importance of urban planning and diverse entertainment options to reverse the decline.
13 snips
Aug 8, 2024 • 35min
The Downward Spiral of Upward Social Mobility
Explore the disconcerting trend in Ireland where today's youth may face declining prospects compared to their parents. Discover the historical shifts in social mobility and the lasting impact of the Celtic Tiger era. The conversation reveals intriguing concepts like "kitchen table capital," emphasizing the role of family in shaping success. Comparisons with the U.S. highlight a worrying pattern of stagnation, suggesting that diminished mobility could lead to increased societal tensions. Join in for a thoughtful analysis of the future landscape of social class and mobility.
27 snips
Aug 6, 2024 • 35min
Inside the Head of the FED
The podcast tackles the suspense surrounding the Federal Reserve's interest rate decisions and their ripple effects on commercial real estate and stock markets. A sharp decline in job numbers raises recession fears, while the impact on Ireland is highlighted, especially following Intel's significant stock drop. The conversation draws parallels between the Fed's decision-making and ancient stargazing, emphasizing the blend of data analysis and unpredictability in economic forecasting. Consumer confidence indicators and the tech sector dynamics further enrich the discussion.
Aug 1, 2024 • 34min
Inheritance Tax & The Curse of the Silver Spoon
Explore the hot-button issue of inheritance tax in Ireland amidst soaring house prices. Middle-class families face hefty tax bills, leading to discussions on possible reforms like raising tax-free thresholds. The podcast delves into historical influences on perceptions of inheritance and the clash of ideas between libertarianism and Marxism regarding wealth distribution. Can adjusting tax rates make a difference in economic fairness? The conversation challenges traditional views and examines inheritance's role in shaping society and addressing economic inequality.
6 snips
Jul 30, 2024 • 38min
The Napster of Finance: A Revolut-ion
Explore the revolutionary journey of Revolut as it disrupts traditional banking. This Lithuanian powerhouse shifts from a simple travel card to a major mortgage player, impacting 2.7 million Irish customers. The conversation dives into the evolution of money, banking complexities, and the challenges posed to established banks. Discover how modern financial technologies echo historical changes in banking practices, highlighting the future of a digital-first financial landscape. It's a fascinating look at how Revolut is redefining our monetary experience!
15 snips
Jul 25, 2024 • 33min
Kamala's Cash, Vance's Chance, and Biden's Big Exit
Gen X vibes and Gen Z energy exude from Kamala Harris as she breaks fundraising records, while J.D. Vance, embodying Elon Musk's innovation, stirs up the MAGA movement with anti-corporate views and controversial policies. The podcast dissects these political upheavals and their global economic implications, including Ireland's neutrality at risk with potential EU shifts and military expenditure concerns.
4 snips
Jul 23, 2024 • 37min
Ireland's Population Boom: Opportunity or Crisis?
Ireland faces the potential of a population surge to 7.5 million by 2057, largely due to immigration. The podcast explores the implications on the economy, society, and culture, emphasizing the need for strategic planning. It discusses boosting local industry productivity to match multinationals, creating a resilient economy for the future. Suggestions include job training, access to capital, and a sovereign wealth fund to navigate the growth effectively.
5 snips
Jul 18, 2024 • 44min
A Day In The Life Of Abed Salama with Nathan Thrall
Author Nathan Thrall discusses the true story of a Palestinian boy and the struggles of Palestinian people. Topics include a tragic bus accident, life under occupation, challenges of the two-state solution, and parallels in leadership. Emotional insights into the hardships faced by Palestinians.
6 snips
Jul 16, 2024 • 47min
Nazi Billionaires: The Dark History Of Germany’s Wealthiest Dynasties
Delving into the dark history of Germany's wealthiest business dynasties who profited from the Third Reich by exploiting slave labor and boosting weapons production. Uncovering their ties to iconic brands like BMW and Porsche, and the lack of accountability they faced. Exploring the Dutch-German relationship through football matches and the challenges of researching this dark past. Highlighting the expedient release of industrialists post-WWII and Germany's transition from chaos to economic power under American influence. Examining the challenges faced by journalists in uncovering this history and the need for Germany to step up as a leader in Europe.
