Economics In Ten

Interested in Karl Marx? Want to know what Marxism might be? Ever wondered what the impact of 'The Communist Manifesto' and 'Das Kapital' have been on the world? And have you ever considered that Dolly Parton may have been a closet Marxist? Then listen to this episode and find out more about the man who was far more influential after death than in his own lifetime and still provokes strong feelings. Along the way you'll also find out about "the most beautiful girl in Trier", his best mate Engels and how, according to Pete and Gav, your friendly neighbourhood economists, they were the original Justice League! As always with technical support from Nic and music from Jukedeck - create your own at Jukedeck.com.  This is the last in our first series (barring another sneaky special) so please do send us any feedback and ideas for future episodes to economicsinten@gmail.com Thank you for your company over our first series - we will back with some other great economists later in the year. 

This week we are once again moving away from our coverage of economic titans and sharing with you another of our topical "specials".  So...   Climate change…it’s a hot topic but what light if any can conventional economics shed on it? In this environmental special, your friendly neighbourhood economists Pete and Gav look at various different theories that try to address how economics can solve the existential problem of environmental destruction! So if you want to know what steady-state economics is or have wondered what the ‘tragedy of the commons’ means, then have a listen. And who knows, by the end, you might have more inclination to become vegan (or at least cut down on your meat consumption). vowed to use public transport more and be itching to find out what your carbon footprint is. As always with technical support from Nic and music from Jukedeck - create your own at Jukedeck.com. 

Globalisation…it’s a hot topic in economics but why do so many economists emphasise the importance of trade? Many would argue that this began with David Ricardo and his Theory of Comparative Advantage, leading to the interdependence between countries that we see today. Who was Ricardo and how did he develop his ideas?  What would he have made of today's global economy? And what is his very tenuous connection to fish and chips? Listen to this episode to find out more about this famous economist and his impact on the world today, whilst being entertained and informed by Pete and Gav throughout. Technical support comes from Nic and music from Jukedeck – create your own at jukedeck.com

Want to know who Friedrich Hayek was?  Batman had the Joker. Holmes had Moriarty. Emu had Grotbags. And in the world of Economics, Keynes had Hayek. But who was this man? How did he contribute to the world of economics?  And how did he arguably become the most important economist of the 20th Century?  Listen to this episode to find out more and decide which side of the debate you are on. Hopefully Pete and Gav will keep you entertained and informed throughout, whilst you make up your mind. Technical support comes from Nic and music from Jukedeck – create your own at jukedeck.com. 

This week we are departing temporarily from our coverage of great economists for the first of our "Economics in Ten Specials" with a look at the growing field of Happiness Economics.  Are you a student and worried that you won’t be able to buy a house before you retire? Are you unhappy because you are not losing weight fast enough? Want to know what music to put on to make you happier? In this special episode of the Economics in Ten podcast, Pete and Gav, your friendly neighbourhood economists, take you on a journey through economics and show you how the ‘dismal science’ can improve your happiness, boost your well-being and definitely save you from boredom. With technical support from Nic and music from Jukedeck – create your own at jukedeck.com.

Want to know who John Maynard Keynes was? How he contributed to the world of economics? And more importantly what was he chowing down on at his secret society? Listen to this episode to learn more. Keynes once said ‘in the long run we are all dead’ and after this extended episode you might have sympathy with his thoughts but hopefully Pete and Gav will keep you entertained and informed throughout. Technical support comes from Nic and music from Jukedeck – create your own at jukedeck.com

Want to know who Adam Smith was? How he contributed to the world of economics? And, more importantly, what would his walk on music be if he was a professional boxer?  Listen to this episode to learn more about the father of modern economics (or, as the kids might say, the original G) from Pete and Gav, your friendly neighbourhood economists. With technical support from Nic and music from Jukedeck - create your own at jukedeck.com