

Everything is Everything
Amit Varma and Ajay Shah
A weekly show hosted by Amit Varma and Ajay Shah, in which the hosts bring frames from across disciplines to examine our world.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 6, 2025 • 59min
Ep 110: How Much Wealth Do You Need to Retire?
Explore the complexities of retirement planning and why simply calculating a target number might be misguided. Discover the importance of diversification, a probabilistic approach to finances, and how technology is reshaping economic growth. Delve into the unique financial challenges women face and the need for financial independence. Emphasizing global diversification, the hosts advocate for engaging with finances throughout life rather than withdrawing from them in retirement, all served with a dose of humor and insightful analysis.

Aug 6, 2025 • 1h 18min
Ep 109: Economics in One Lesson
For almost 80 years, one book has been the go-to book for understanding economics — and the world. Henry Hazlitt wrote that book.Welcome to Episode 109 of Everything is Everything, a weekly podcast hosted by Amit Varma and Ajay Shah.In this episode, Amit and Ajay discuss Economics in One Lesson by Henry Hazlitt — a book you must read if you want to understand the subject!TABLE OF CONTENTS: 00:00 Packaging00:13 Intro: The Economist Who Puked on a Forest02:27 Chapter 1: Economics in One Lesson10:58 Chapter 2: The Key Lesson13:20 Chapter 3: The Parable of the Broken Window19:46 Chapter 4: Public Works27:24 Chapter 5: Taxes and Incentives33:08 Chapter 6: The Folly of Credit by the State35:43 Chapter 7: The Fear of New Technology49:45 Chapter 8: Jute ka Jhoot53:57 Chapter 9: The Blunder of Rent Control1:08:09 Chapter 10: Three Broad Lessons1:11:34 Chapter 11: The ToolkitFor the full show notes, please click here.

Jul 26, 2025 • 1h 34min
Ep 108: Accidental Politicians
Discover the fascinating world of accidental politicians who never set out for political power. From Mark Carney's shift from central banking to the Prime Minister's office, to Jawaharlal Nehru's contrasting leadership style, the discussion is rich with insights. Explore Václav Havel's remarkable journey from playwright to political figure, and Volodymyr Zelensky's rise amidst chaos in Ukraine. The episode also examines the unique advantages these outsiders bring to governance, shedding light on authenticity, language, and the complexities of leadership.

Jul 11, 2025 • 1h 43min
Ep 107: What These Labels Mean
Dive into the maze of political labels like liberal, conservative, and socialist, as two hosts unravel their meanings and historical roots. Discover how terms have evolved and become distorted, fueling confusion in political discussions. Explore the foundations of ideologies like Marxism and libertarianism, and the implications of nationalism versus patriotism. With thought-provoking critiques and essential readings, this conversation aims for a clearer understanding of today’s political landscape.

16 snips
Jul 6, 2025 • 1h 55min
Ep 106: The World in 2050
The hosts dive into fun predictions for 2050, exploring how AI might create our entertainment and reshape our emotional lives. They discuss the possibilities of gene editing becoming mainstream and lab-grown meat revolutionizing our diets. The conversation touches on the rise of autonomous warfare and the ethics surrounding it. They envision a future where transport systems are automated and relationships are remapped by technology. With a mix of humor and seriousness, they tackle the profound impacts of these changes on society.

Jun 30, 2025 • 57min
Ep 105: Is Manufacturing the Answer?
The hosts dive into a passionate critique of manufacturing, questioning its role in economic growth amidst calls for state intervention. They explore Bombay's aspirations to be a financial hub, uncovering historical challenges and the need for regulatory reform. The discussion shifts to the vital role of agriculture, highlighting innovative successes like the Netherlands. Unexpectedly, they connect sports to economic development, urging a rethink of industrial policies and the importance of entrepreneurship. It's a captivating blend of economics, history, and societal insights!

Jun 23, 2025 • 1h 12min
Ep 104: What Ails Indian Manufacturing?
The podcast dives into the challenges plaguing India's manufacturing sector, linking historical missteps to the current stagnation. It contrasts the struggling manufacturing industry with the booming service sector, revealing crucial regulatory and operational inefficiencies. Listeners learn about the negative impact of outdated labor laws on competitiveness and employment opportunities. The conversation emphasizes the urgent need for reforms and innovative frameworks to revitalize manufacturing and ensure sustainable growth in the global market.

Jun 15, 2025 • 1h 23min
Ep 103: You Should Start a Business -- Part 2
This discussion dives deep into the journey of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the shift from passion to profit. The hosts explore the importance of being generalists and adopting a long-term vision. They also highlight the significance of choosing the right partners and cultivating a mission-driven approach. Simplicity in design is celebrated alongside the need for professional pride in one’s work. Finally, they encourage aligning personal values with business goals, focusing on fulfillment over societal success.

36 snips
Jun 6, 2025 • 51min
Ep 102: You Should Start a Business
This podcast dives into the exhilarating world of entrepreneurship, highlighting the myriad reasons to start a business. The hosts emphasize the importance of maintaining passion and commitment while ignoring naysayers. They discuss the power of focusing on high-impact ideas and taking decisive action, encouraging listeners to embrace risks for growth. An engaging segment quizzes listeners on iconic song lyrics, blending entertainment with valuable insights. The overarching message? Start your business journey now—success is waiting!

Jun 6, 2025 • 44min
Ep 101: Metrics for Intervention
When we think about state intervention, the first principle we consider is whether it is necessary. But we should also think about whether it is possible — and how easy or hard it is. How do we figure this out?Welcome to Episode 101 of Everything is Everything, a weekly podcast hosted by Amit Varma and Ajay Shah.In this episode, Ajay lays out the metrics by which we can judge the difficulty of a proposed state intervention. Monetary policy is easy. Financial regulation is hard. Let’s understand why!TABLE OF CONTENTS: 00:00 Packaging00:13 Intro: The Light Has Gone out of Our Lives03:52 Chapter 1: Is This Easy or Is This Hard?06:51 Chapter 2: Metrics for Intervention15:49 Chapter 3: Some Concrete Examples28:52 Chapter 4: The Hacking Mindset32:02 Chapter 5: The Important Things are the Hard Ones40:32 Chapter 6: RecommendationsFor the full show notes, please click here.