

Peter St Onge Podcast
Peter St Onge, Ph.D
Peter St Onge, Ph.D economist explains news on the economy in plain English and why it matters.
Episodes
Mentioned books

7 snips
Oct 27, 2025 • 18min
Ep 144 Weekly Roundup: Biggest Budget Surplus in History
 Dive into a record-setting $198 billion budget surplus and the role of tariff revenues. Explore how GOP redistricting could shift up to 20 House seats in the midterms. Hear about the potential end of the government shutdown and strategies for Republicans. Discover how Trump's tariffs are affecting Jeep investments in Ontario. Unpack the alarming crash of regional bank stocks tied to loan fraud and the risks in commercial real estate. A whirlwind of economic insights awaits! 

7 snips
Oct 20, 2025 • 19min
Ep 143 Weekly Roundup: China Trade War Blows Up
 The trade war heats up as China imposes a rare earth export ban, prompting potential tariffs. Federal workers face uncertainty with the possibility of losing back pay. Silver's price skyrockets due to high demand from AI and solar industries. The podcast discusses creative funding strategies amid federal layoffs. Lastly, a look back at the 1990s reveals how fiscal restraint and the tech boom led to a balanced budget, offering lessons for today. 

7 snips
Oct 13, 2025 • 21min
Ep 142 Weekly Roundup: Shutdown Crushes Democrats
 This week dives into the political fallout of the government shutdown and how it shifts blame toward Democrats. An exploration of the permanent job cuts that could arise from the shutdown highlights its long-term implications. The discussion also critiques Obamacare's failure to control costs, affected by lobbying. Turning to Japan, populism emerges as a response to security concerns. Finally, a shocking statistic reveals that American incomes have stagnated for 25 years, raising urgent questions about potential solutions. 

11 snips
Oct 6, 2025 • 19min
Ep 141 Weekly Roundup: Government Shuts Down
 This week's discussion dives deep into the federal government shutdown and its ramifications. The mechanics of a shutdown are explained, highlighting which essential services could remain operational. Meanwhile, the podcast reveals China's economy is faltering amidst the ongoing trade war, with clever strategies like tariff evasion. As GDP growth impressively rises to 3.8%, the conversation turns to inflation concerns and potential policy reforms to ease financial pressures. It's a dynamic exploration of politics, economics, and their impact on everyday lives. 

7 snips
Sep 29, 2025 • 20min
Ep 140 Weekly Roundup: $100,000 fee on H1B's
 Dive into the latest economic discussions, including a shocking $100,000 fee on H-1B visas targeting low-wage visa mills. Discover how AI is shaking up traditional media by siphoning audiences towards independent news sources. Explore Mexico's recession fueled by tariffs and its implications on job losses. Unravel the replication crisis in science, revealing that up to 80% of published studies may be flawed. Learn why runaway inflation persists despite federal efforts to quash it. This roundup brings you critical insights into today's most pressing topics. 

8 snips
Sep 22, 2025 • 19min
Ep 139 Weekly Roundup: Inflation hits 5% Annualized
 Inflation has surged to an annualized 5%, raising alarms about housing costs and the retirement crisis affecting 40% of Americans. The possibility of the Federal Reserve pulling back on managing the national debt is explored, along with the implications of this for interest rates and asset prices. Rising populism in Europe emerges as a reaction to economic challenges, with shifting political dynamics across key nations. The conversation dives into the future of fiscal policy and the impact on everyday citizens. 

9 snips
Sep 15, 2025 • 19min
Ep 138 Weekly Roundup: What's Driving the Jobs Crash
 The podcast explores the troubling trends in the job market, revealing discrepancies between reported employment and underlying realities. It discusses how recent policy changes have impacted the U.S. postal system, including the decline in postal traffic. The shifting relationship between the dollar and gold is also highlighted, with central banks increasingly favoring gold as a hedge against inflation. Overall, the conversation sheds light on the complexity of economic indicators and their broader implications. 

Sep 8, 2025 • 20min
Ep 137 Weekly Roundup: Florida could Abolish Property Tax
 Roundup of the Week's Top Stories in Economics and FreedomFlorida could Abolish Property TaxWelders make $100k, College Grads make LattesCanada Enters RecessionWe've Lost Half a Million FarmsDoes Fed Independence *Raise* InflationRead the full article "Does Fed Independence *Raise* Inflation" at https://www.profstonge.com/Visit our Sponsor: Monetary MetalsEarn 5% to 12% interest on your physical gold and silver, paid in physical gold and silver.Visit our Sponsor: CoinKiteProtect your Bitcoin with an Ultra-Secure Hardware WalletDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show 

18 snips
Sep 1, 2025 • 20min
Ep 136 Weekly Roundup: Deficit Soars 20%
 The ongoing surge in the federal deficit by 20% raises questions about government spending and upcoming Federal Reserve decisions. Germany faces economic turmoil, with strict regulations and rising energy costs influencing political shifts. Social Security is under scrutiny, with fears of bankruptcy stirring debate over potential reforms. Meanwhile, soaring crime rates in America prompt discussions on Trump's law enforcement strategies and the historical factors at play, while exploring international approaches to crime reduction. 

8 snips
Aug 25, 2025 • 20min
Ep 135 Weekly Roundup: Fixing the H1-B Sweatshops
 This week dives into the exploitation of the H-1B visa program and its effects on American workers. The conversation shifts to the declining trust in universities and highlights the urgent need for revitalizing manufacturing in struggling areas. There's a critical look at the decreasing value of college degrees and a trend towards skills-based hiring. The podcast also unpacks the reliability of government employment and inflation statistics, revealing contradictions in job creation and economic policy as recession fears linger. 


