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
Feb 23, 2023 • 50min
In defence of Democracy
On the eve of the invasion of Ukraine, we examine how fragile this idea of liberal democracy, where the individual is valued and protected, has become. Yes it has its problems and yes, on a number of fronts, it has not delivered for all, but would you change the combination of liberal democracy and capitalism? There are alternatives out there, I'm not sure I'd like to live in any. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 21, 2023 • 32min
The housing fix might be here - if we hold strong
It’s finally happening, the government is going to tax vacant land! Or at least, they’re thinking about it. As a listener to the podcast, you'll be aware that taxing land to bring it into use has been a cornerstone of what is necessary to bring about a more efficient use of land. Not surprisingly, those with most to lose - major landowners/speculators are pushing back. This fight is the future of housing in Ireland (and everywhere). The State must hold the line and win. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
8 snips
Feb 16, 2023 • 40min
The great China/USA breakup
This week's Chinese balloons are only the latest sign of tension between the two superpowers. The relationship between China and the US has deteriorated drastically in the last decade - what happened? Today we explore how China transformed itself from a simple producer to a high-tech producer, how that impacts their relationships on the global stage and why microchips are the epicentre of a trade and technology war that will define the coming decades. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 14, 2023 • 39min
Immigration Part 2: Is immigration a class issue?
On last week’s episode we discussed the fact that immigration is good for the economy in the aggregate, but is it good for everyone? As with most things, poorer people and richer people experience life and its challenges differently. Poorer people compete with new immigrants in the housing and jobs market, as well as for public services. This creates tensions. We examine these social tensions, and look for some solutions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 10, 2023 • 26min
Bonus episode: Why prices fluctuate - the impact of interest rates on our lives
This bonus episode is brought to you by Done Deal Motors.Price and value don't exist in isolation - everything is relative. Join us for this bonus episode as we look at our social lens on value and the profound impact of interest rates on our lives Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 9, 2023 • 45min
Why are some countries more successful than others?
Economic growth is not distributed evenly. Why are some societies richer than others? What is the impact of economic growth? let's look at the very essence of economics today and explain how successful economic growth has a profound impact on our daily lives. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 7, 2023 • 37min
The case for immigration
Immigrants are used to having it hard, both in life an in the public eye where they are often vilified. This lambasting though is based on nothing more than lies - the truth is that immigrants helps society grow and prosper. It’s time to set the record straight. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 2, 2023 • 30min
Creating a new Currency
Argentina and Brazil are currently undertaking the herculean task of creating a new currency based on the Euro model. Let’s discuss why they’re attempting this and how the Euro, the model they are following, came to be. The currency is the most important price in most economics, so getting this right is hugely important. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
5 snips
Jan 31, 2023 • 28min
In Praise of Cathedral Thinking
Explore the concept of 'cathedral thinking' as a blueprint for building sustainable cities focused on future generations. Discover how historical figures like John Gray revolutionized urban planning in 19th-century Dublin amid public health crises. Learn about the contrast between long-term vision and short-term gains in housing policies. Delve into the intergenerational rights in urban planning, emphasizing the need for equitable solutions that benefit not just current residents but also those yet to come.
Jan 26, 2023 • 46min
Things Learnt Half way up the Alps
Davos’s World Economic Forum, although often maligned for it’s ultra-wealthy attendees - and understandably so - is still an event that outlines, and in some cases, shapes the economic priorities of the world for the year ahead. Today we go right to the source to understand what is on the mind of this year’s speakers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
