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 18, 2025 • 34min
The End of the Affair - Europe and America's Nasty Divorce
The global landscape is shifting dramatically as the old order crumbles. Europe's complacency leaves it exposed, while Ukraine faces abandonment. The rise of Russia and changing American policies put traditional alliances at risk. Historical events, like the Flight of the Earls, resonate with today's geopolitical realities. Ireland may need to chart its own course amid new dynamics. As the rules of the game change, questions arise about who truly holds power and how nations will adapt in this unsettling new world.
13 snips
Feb 13, 2025 • 43min
The Economics of the Merchant of Venice: Lessons from an Empire of Trade
Explore the fascinating rise of Venice as a trading powerhouse with no natural resources. Discover their pioneering financial innovations, including double-entry bookkeeping and the creation of a reserve currency. Delve into the city's unique political landscape and the social dynamics that shaped its economy. Learn how Venice's history parallels modern economies, like Ireland's, and uncover the lessons of diplomacy and resilience that still resonate today. Join a journey through time as we unravel the enigmatic ties between trade, culture, and survival.
20 snips
Feb 11, 2025 • 39min
Hard Liquor, Soft Power: The Death of Proportionality
Evan Solomon, a Canadian political and economic correspondent for GZERO Media, joins the discussion on America's shifting global role. They analyze Trump's transactional foreign policy and its potential to erode U.S. soft power. From tariffs straining Canada-U.S. relations to surreal proposals like a 'Gaza Riviera,' the conversation dives into how isolationism and trust dynamics could signal a power vacuum. With the closure of USAID, the duo examines the implications for global influence, raising questions about the future of international cooperation.
24 snips
Feb 6, 2025 • 39min
Trump, Tariffs & the Gold Rush: The McKinley Playbook
Uncover the surprising parallels between Donald Trump and William McKinley, America's 'Napoleon of Tariffs.' Dive into how McKinley’s protective policies and alliances with big business forged America's economic power. Learn about the pivotal moments of McKinley’s presidency, like the Spanish-American War and the Klondike Gold Rush, and their impact on trade and society. Discover how these historical events resonate with today's political landscape and what they reveal about current trade dynamics.
Feb 4, 2025 • 41min
The Population Paradox: Growth, Crisis, and the Global Economy
Is rapid population growth a sign of strength or a crisis trigger? The discussion dives into how shifting demographics are reshaping global economies, highlighting issues like housing shortages and overwhelmed public services. Exploring the political dynamics influencing these changes, the talk emphasizes the balance needed between immigration and sustainable growth. Lessons from history are used to illustrate the risks of neglecting planning for demographic changes. Urgency for mature conversations and proactive strategies becomes central to navigating these challenges.
35 snips
Jan 30, 2025 • 41min
DeepSeek, Deep State or Deep Pockets? Karen Hao on China’s AI Power Play
Karen Hao, an award-winning journalist specializing in AI, discusses China's groundbreaking AI company DeepSeek. She reveals how DeepSeek is outpacing OpenAI at a fraction of the cost, fundamentally altering the tech landscape. The conversation dives into the geopolitical ramifications of this shift, questioning if the U.S. is inadvertently strengthening its competitor. Hao emphasizes how innovation thrives under constraints, challenging traditional notions of funding and success in tech. This exploration showcases a riveting battle for AI supremacy on the global stage.
33 snips
Jan 28, 2025 • 37min
From Fartcoin to Trumpcoin: How Memes and Tokens Are Redefining Power and Wealth
Dive into the wild world of meme-driven cryptocurrencies like Fartcoin and Trumpcoin, where narratives shape wealth overnight. Explore the clash of power, finance, and attention as social media reshapes our economy. Uncover the tactics behind America's financial innovation and cultural dominance. Discuss the implications of these digital currencies on our understanding of wealth and their potential impact on global trade. Is the attention economy the future, or just a fleeting bubble? Tune in for a thought-provoking ride!
48 snips
Jan 23, 2025 • 44min
The Coming IMF Bailout of Britain!
In this discussion, young Irish economist Philip Pilkington dives into the cracks emerging in Britain's economy. He highlights the alarming rise of bond yields and the weakening pound, drawing parallels with historical currency crises. The conversation addresses the UK’s overreliance on financial services, the risks of an IMF bailout, and the implications for the Labour government. Pilkington warns that without urgent reforms, Britain might face political and economic upheaval reminiscent of troubled nations like Argentina.
25 snips
Jan 21, 2025 • 40min
The MAGA Era: Irish America’s New Identity
Niall Ferguson, a historian renowned for his insights into the Trump administration, joins the discussion to unveil the evolving identity of Irish America. They delve into how Trump’s rise has reshaped cultural dynamics, transitioning from Kennedy-esque ideals to the MAGA movement. Ferguson critiques the backlash against woke culture and emphasizes the need for Ireland to reassess its ties with its diaspora. The conversation also touches on the influence of figures like Dana White and the implications of these shifts in the political landscape.
38 snips
Jan 16, 2025 • 34min
King Trump and the Bubble Economy
Dive into the exuberance of America’s tech giants and the lurking risks of the current market. Explore the dangers of the Magnificent Seven, where major players like Apple and Tesla dominate. Reflect on the psychological aspects behind economic bubbles and how history warns us against misplaced optimism. Discussion on the interplay between innovation and speculation reveals the complexities of modern investments. With Trump’s influence looming, the episode tackles the fragility behind seemingly invincible tech companies.
