Everything is Everything

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

We’ve reached episode 100 — HURRAY! — and it’s time for another session of Ask Me Anything. Amit and Ajay take questions from gentle readers about a variety of subjects, from Ajay’s love of suffering to Amit’s (dubious) haircare. (The two are not related.) Mad fun, watch!TABLE OF CONTENTS: 00:00 Packaging00:13 Intro: Under the Banyan Tree03:38 The Questions Begin!1:40:10 NOT the Last BowFor full show notes, please ⁠click here⁠.

Regulation always has the potential to go wrong. But in India, it’s been worse than in much of the world. It has become a tool of oppression of the worst kind. Welcome to Episode 99 of Everything is Everything, a weekly podcast hosted by Amit Varma and Ajay Shah.In this episode, Amit talks about the theory of regulation in general — and Ajay delivers a masterclass on how the Indian state turned it into a horror film. Despite that, the episode begins and ends with good news!TABLE OF CONTENTS: 00:00 Packaging00:13 Intro: Good News!05:45 Chapter 1: The Theory and History of Regulation22:16 Chapter 2: Getting the Terms Right27:03 Chapter 3: Why Set Up a Regulator?36:14 Chapter 4: Where India Went Wrong46:36 Chapter 5: What is Wrong with the Regulatory State?47:52 Chapter 6: How Can We Fix This?53:52 Chapter 7: The Wonder That Was FSLRC1:01:56 Chapter 8: The Ecosystem of Ideas (and Ideas People)1:18:37 Chapter 9: RecommendationsFor full show notes, please ⁠click here⁠.