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
22 snips
Jan 14, 2025 • 36min
Monsignor Joe Rogan and the Tech Bro Confessions: Risk, Bubbles, and MAGA Tailwinds
This week covers intriguing insights into the fragile world of tech giants like Apple and Tesla, questioning their unshakeable status amidst potential financial bubbles. Explore how California's insurance market is grappling with wildfires and the impact of concentrated risk. The absurdity of tech bros seeking absolution from Father Joe Rogan adds a humorous twist, while the psychology of market behavior and survival strategies through diversification take center stage. Join the crew for a wild ride through economics and entertainment!
61 snips
Jan 9, 2025 • 34min
The Epiphany: What Joyce, the Dead, Musk and Twitter Teach Us About Economic Power
Dive into the connections between James Joyce’s 'The Dead' and today's digital age, exploring how historical insights mirror our current societal shifts. Discover the transformation of media from advertising to an arena for ideas shaped by modern gatekeepers like Musk and Zuckerberg. Unpack generational divides in understanding social issues and the evolution of consumer culture influenced by powerful figures. Reflect on the uncertainty of change and what it means for our future as we navigate this chaotic landscape.
16 snips
Jan 7, 2025 • 33min
America’s $30 Trillion Gamble: How Debt Could Rewrite the Global Economy
America's staggering $30 trillion debt poses unique challenges to its financial dominance. The conversation delves into the historical parallels with Britain's economic decline, revealing the risks of relying on foreign creditors. The role of billionaires in amplifying vulnerabilities is also scrutinized, highlighting how wealth influences policy. Furthermore, disparities in financial responsibility and governance are examined, particularly how the poor bear the brunt of economic instability. Ultimately, the podcast warns of potential upheaval from America's precarious fiscal future.
12 snips
Jan 2, 2025 • 31min
Runways to Reality: How Airports Reflect the World Around Us
Discover how airports serve as the most democratic spaces, connecting everyone from business tycoons to adventurers. Explore Dublin Airport's unique role in showcasing Ireland's global connectivity and diversity. Delve into the importance of varied economies versus monoculturalism, with historical references like the Irish famine. Unpack the impact of aviation on tourism and commerce, alongside the challenges of balancing economic growth and environmental concerns. Airports aren't just transit points; they're reflections of societal dynamics and economic resilience.
6 snips
Dec 31, 2024 • 36min
Swiftonomics and Centrist Dads: 2024 in Review
Happy New Year! Dive into 2024’s economic highlights, where Swiftonomics takes center stage with Taylor Swift's unexpected GDP boost. Discover the intriguing rise of the Centrist Dad Economy and how corporate tax quirks shaped Ireland's identity. There's a deep look into the housing market's struggles amidst soaring prices and a cultural backdrop of concert-goers belting tunes. Also, explore Ireland's unique growth path compared to Europe and its sometimes controversial neutrality in an increasingly tense geopolitical landscape.
13 snips
Dec 26, 2024 • 35min
Putin’s Empire, the West’s Game: Revisiting Bill Browder’s Insight on Russia
Bill Browder, an American-born British financier and fierce critic of Putin, dives deep into the tangled web of power underpinning Russia's current regime. He outlines Putin's rise to power and his uneasy relationship with oligarchs, revealing the corruption that fuels this dynamic. Browder discusses the Western response to the Ukraine conflict and challenges the effectiveness of sanctions, questioning the real objectives behind the prolonged warfare. He emphasizes the complex geopolitical chess game, where financial control often outweighs ideology.
11 snips
Dec 24, 2024 • 30min
AI, Feudal Overlords, and the Fight for the Future: A Conversation with Martin Wolf
Martin Wolf, the Chief Economics Correspondent for the Financial Times, shares his expert insight on the massive changes driven by AI and technology. He explores the potential dismantling of the middle class, demographic shifts, and the looming specter of a new feudal system ruled by tech elites. Wolf raises critical questions about socializing production to protect democracy and examines the historical parallels between ancient societies and today’s challenges in harnessing technology for equitable benefit. A thought-provoking conversation for our modern era!
23 snips
Dec 19, 2024 • 34min
The Bro-tocracy Rises: Top 10 World-Changing Events of 2024
2024 marks a turning point with profound shifts in global dynamics. Trump’s return amplifies America’s 'bro-tocracy' while Italy rises under Meloni’s leadership. The collapse of the Assad regime shakes Middle Eastern power, and China’s deflation raises alarms worldwide. Ireland emerges as a surprising winner amidst chaos. As Ukraine's future hangs in the balance, the evolving geopolitical landscape challenges nations to adapt, especially as isolationist policies gain traction. This year is set to redefine our political and cultural fabric.
27 snips
Dec 17, 2024 • 35min
The Prosperity Paradox: Ireland’s Boom, Europe’s Bust, and the Price of Success
Ireland's booming economy hides a troubling gap between living standards and quality of life. Families are delaying childbirth longer than anywhere else in Europe, raising questions about societal priorities. The podcast dives into Ireland's unique economic position compared to a stagnating Europe, exploring how American innovations impact its growth. From urban vacancy issues to demographic shifts, it discusses the ramifications of prosperity and the challenges ahead if leadership fails to address deeper societal needs.
12 snips
Dec 12, 2024 • 35min
What's Next for Syria?
The fall of Assad's regime has triggered a seismic shift in Middle Eastern politics. This discussion dives into the historical ties between Syria and global powers like Russia and Iran, while revealing the chaotic aftermath of regime changes. With millions displaced, the geopolitical impacts extend to Europe, where migration patterns are fueling far-right movements. The podcast intricately connects the dots between history, politics, and the struggles of displaced individuals, painting a vivid picture of a region in turmoil.
