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
19 snips
Apr 24, 2025 • 46min
Popeonomics?
The conversation dives into whether there’s a concept of 'Catholic Economics' and how Pope Francis’s progressive views shape it. A comical tale unfolds with a Vespa incident in Rome, leading to an unexpected meeting with the Pope. The exploration of liberation theology and the roots of Franciscan banking reveals a unique intersection of faith and economics. Humorous anecdotes about family dynamics within the Church add a light touch, while discussions on usury and historical banking practices connect faith and financial responsibility in today's world.
30 snips
Apr 22, 2025 • 38min
The New Great Game?
The podcast starts with a heartfelt tribute to a remarkable nurse and adventurer. It then tackles the shifting alliances in global geopolitics, questioning whether American policies are pushing Europe closer to China. The discussion includes France's mounting debt and its potential reliance on Beijing. There's a historical parallel drawn with the Great Game, illuminating current tensions between the U.S., Russia, and China. The conversation wraps up with thoughts on how these dynamics could reshape financial markets and European strategies.
61 snips
Apr 17, 2025 • 36min
Paris, Power & Picking Sides: Europe’s Awakening in a MAGA World
Broadcasting from Paris, the hosts dive into the end of the transatlantic honeymoon. They discuss the evolving relationship between Europe and the U.S., with France leading the charge for sovereignty. The implications of shifts in the American bond market take center stage, revealing economic turbulence that affects global dynamics. They also explore the impact of language laws in France and the socio-political rift between urban and rural areas, all while sharing witty anecdotes and insights on a complex but fascinating global landscape.
6 snips
Apr 15, 2025 • 36min
The Molly Bloom Model: Why Economies Should Say Yes
Explore the transformative power of saying 'yes' in economies inspired by Molly Bloom’s character in Ulysses. Discover how this mindset can drive innovation, embrace change, and reshape societal norms. Delve into the historical roots of tariffs and the implications of nimbyism on development. Examine Ireland's economic challenges and the need for a cultural shift towards openness and progress. This discussion intertwines literary insights with economic theories, emphasizing the power of possibility and positive outlook.
10 snips
Apr 10, 2025 • 34min
The Nike Economy: Why Vietnam Is America’s Hidden Factory Floor
Explore the intricate web of global supply chains connecting Nike, Vietnam, and U.S. trade policies. Discover how tariffs impact economies and alliances, threatening to reshape relationships in Southeast Asia. Uncover Vietnam's rise as a manufacturing powerhouse and the potential fallout from current U.S. isolationist strategies. Delve into the implications for Africa's manufacturing future amidst evolving trade dynamics. This discussion navigates the complexities of globalization and its far-reaching effects on nations and economies.
12 snips
Apr 8, 2025 • 38min
Tariffs & Other Fantasies
Dig into the chaos of Trump's tariffs, which could have severely impacted Ireland. The discussion critiques wealthy individuals’ flawed economic strategies and the real costs of protectionism. Explore how these tariffs affect global trade dynamics and stifle innovation, particularly in tech. Delve into the political maneuvering behind tariffs and their implications for America's leadership style. Finally, look at how populist ideologies, like MAGA, could reshape both domestic and international policies.
10 snips
Apr 6, 2025 • 34min
The Economics of Employee Ownership
Alan Coleman, CEO of Wolfgang Digital and a pioneer in employee ownership, shares insights on a radical approach to capitalism. He explores how Employee Ownership Trusts empower workers, enhancing engagement and productivity. The discussion links historical corporate practices to contemporary challenges, advocating for a more democratic business model. Coleman highlights the benefits of profit-sharing and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset within organizations, presenting a hopeful vision for the future of work and ownership.
18 snips
Apr 3, 2025 • 51min
Jeffrey Goldberg Has Entered the Chat
Jeffrey Goldberg, Editor of The Atlantic, hilariously recounts his unintentional addition to a Signal group chat discussing U.S. airstrikes, revealing a chaotic political landscape where serious topics feel like casual banter. The conversation delves into the absurdities of American trade policy and the implications for Ireland and Europe. They also tackle reckless communication practices among military leaders, skepticism in political discourse, and the implications of Trump's nationalism on global alliances. A witty take on serious matters!
12 snips
Apr 1, 2025 • 39min
Did Ferris Bueller Predict the Trade War?
This discussion hilariously connects Ferris Bueller's Day Off to modern trade wars, revealing how cultural identity impacts economic policy. The hosts explore the implications of tariffs, often drawing parallels to historical events like the Smoot-Hawley Act. They dive into the chaotic dynamics of American-European relations, showcasing the absurdity of policies reimagined as cultural warfare. Packed with humor and economic insights, the conversation highlights the often-overlooked connections between pop culture and serious financial matters.
31 snips
Mar 27, 2025 • 40min
Why Do Good People Make Bad Decisions?
The discussion dives into Dublin's housing crisis and how well-meaning policies have stalled progress. It questions why modern infrastructure projects move so slowly compared to past achievements like Ardnanacrusha. Topics include the impact of over-regulation, NIMBYism, and the complexities of renewable energy development. The podcast also highlights the need for drastic political reform to enable swift progress, drawing comparisons with other countries' efficient systems. It's a call for a Second Irish Republic that can unleash potential.
