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
14 snips
Oct 26, 2023 • 42min
The Roots of the Israel-Palestinian Conflict pt3
Explore the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, from the dynamics of power imbalance to the failure of the Oslo Accord. Learn about the impact of 9/11 and the involvement of foreign powers. Discover the success of the European Union in contrast to imposed solutions in the Middle East. Discuss demographics, extremism, and the economic transformation of Israel. Delve into the roots of the conflict and criticize Benjamin Netanyahu's influence.
Oct 24, 2023 • 32min
The impending commercial property crash
The podcast discusses the potential crash in the commercial property market in Ireland due to rising interest rates, high vacancy rates, oversupply, and low demand. They also explore the decline in investment and its economic impact, as well as the potential benefits of falling commercial property prices for renters. Additionally, they touch on the stress and inefficiency of commuting.
18 snips
Oct 19, 2023 • 44min
The roots of the Israel-Palestinian Conflict pt2 (1967-1993)
This podcast provides an overview of the Israel-Palestinian conflict from 1967 to 1993. It covers topics such as the change in Israel's image, the emergence of Iran and fundamentalism, economic stagnation, Soviet Jewry emigration, the Palestinian Intifada, and chaos in Lebanon. The podcast offers insights into the roots of the conflict and the road to a short-lived peace.
Oct 17, 2023 • 29min
When Mantras Replace Hard Thinking: The Case of the Irish Budget
This podcast critically analyzes the Irish budget's approach to housing, highlighting its lack of economic logic. They discuss the need to bridge the housing deficit, explore the vacant homes tax and accelerating probate cases as potential solutions, and critique the housing initiatives in the budget. The hosts also touch on the appeal of camper vans in Ireland and the issue of identity theft.
16 snips
Oct 12, 2023 • 36min
The roots of the Israel-Palestinian Conflict pt1
This podcast explores the history and roots of the Israel-Palestinian Conflict, starting in Dublin in 1904 and leading up to the 6 Day War in 1967. It discusses the early stages of the conflict, the 1948 War and ethnic cleansing, the emergence of Nasser, and the second period of the conflict with displacement and occupation of Palestinians. Tune in for a unique perspective and historical insights.
15 snips
Oct 10, 2023 • 41min
US interest rates: What's driving them?
Exploring the US economy, the podcast discusses the resilience of the American labor market, the unpredictability of human behavior in macroeconomics, the impacts of macroeconomic growth on interest rates, and concerns about interest rates and banking regulation in Ireland.
Oct 5, 2023 • 42min
Brexit: the cost of reality
A discussion on the economic consequences of Brexit and the aftermath it has had on the UK, including reflections on the annual Conservative party conference and the concept of 'leveling up' to address economic disparities. The chapter also highlights the complexities and challenges of creating a UK version of structural funds after Brexit. Additionally, it discusses the influence of right-wing nationalists on Brexit and the impact of Brexit on the British plan of generating fiscal surpluses and distributing funds to different regions. The chapter draws parallels to Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, questioning if the government is tearing the country apart.
6 snips
Oct 3, 2023 • 31min
The September Rate Spike - Is it Time to Worry?
Long term interest rates spiked up in September, impacting mortgage rates everywhere. The podcast discusses the potential for a debt crunch and examines the delay between raising rates and their impact on the economy. They also explore the concept of a soft landing in economic terms and highlight predictions of imprisonment and the introduction of ad-free listening on Amazon Music.
Sep 28, 2023 • 36min
Argentina: An economic and now, political car crash. Its worse than you think
Exploring the deteriorating state of Argentina's economy and politics, the podcast serves as a cautionary tale for other nations. It discusses the cyclical exchange rate crisis, high inflation rate, and declining quality of the public sector. The chapter also delves into the rise of Millet and the anger among Argentinians due to economic struggles and poverty. The speakers express concerns for the country's uncertain future and discuss the parallel universe of politics, economics, and media, highlighting global frustration.
Sep 26, 2023 • 36min
Why Ireland should copy Vienna
The podcast discusses Vienna's successful housing initiatives and compares them to Ireland's. It explores the impact of housing on livability and social cohesion. The political landscape in Austria and its influence on the rise of right-wing parties is also examined. The relationship between housing security and political ideologies is explored, highlighting the importance of inclusivity.
