

Garys Economics
Gary Stevenson
Gary Stevenson – inequality economist, former trader and author of The Trading Game – explains how real world economics work.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 24, 2025 • 16min
Why our obsession with money is keeping us poor (and why changing interests rates won't make us richer)
This discussion critiques our obsession with monetary metrics, highlighting how this focus blinds us to real economic resources. It dives into historical events like the 2008 crisis and the pandemic, showing how reliance on monetary policy exacerbates inequality. The hosts emphasize the need to distinguish between money and actual resources, arguing that current policies often favor the wealthy while neglecting equitable distribution. Ultimately, they advocate for prioritizing resource management over monetary obsession to drive meaningful economic change.

14 snips
Aug 17, 2025 • 38min
Is the economy destroying our mental health?
Exploring the chilling connection between economic decline and mental health, this discussion reveals how rising poverty impacts emotional well-being. It critiques the myth of individual effort in a collapsing economy, emphasizing the need for collective action against systemic inequality. Personal stories highlight the toll of financial strain, while an urgent call for ethical advocacy resonates throughout. Listeners are reminded that mental health challenges are symptoms of larger societal issues, compelling us to rethink our approaches to economic and emotional support.

13 snips
Aug 10, 2025 • 29min
How to convince your friends, family and networks to support wealth taxes. A step-by-step guide
Discover how to engage your friends and family in conversations about wealth taxes. Learn the importance of compassionate dialogue and education in addressing economic inequality. Explore the impact of wealth concentration on society and the misconceptions surrounding taxing the ultra-rich versus the middle class. Tackle common objections with effective strategies, and unite people around a message of reform to combat rising poverty and empower younger generations.

Aug 3, 2025 • 17min
They're about to tax you more. Why western governments will soon hammer you with tax rises
The UK government is set to raise taxes, particularly targeting the middle class, potentially altering the financial landscape. This decision could signal similar moves by other Western nations facing economic strain. The discussion explores the implications of taxing the affluent versus the middle class, emphasizing the struggle of everyday citizens. There’s a call for unity among the middle and working classes to challenge the rich elite, underlining the importance of equitable taxation in ensuring financial stability.

Jul 27, 2025 • 50min
How to take over your country using social media
Explore the power of social media in reshaping political landscapes. Discover how alt-right movements have effectively mobilized on platforms like YouTube. Learn about the challenges of addressing economic inequality and the importance of clear, focused communication. Delve into the role of influencers in advocating for wealth redistribution and the significance of grassroots movements in promoting public discourse. Finally, understand how elite institutions resist change while ordinary citizens push for reform in the face of growing wealth disparities.

40 snips
Jul 20, 2025 • 28min
How do we fix the housing crisis?
Explore the global housing crisis and why urban areas struggle with affordability. Dive into the idea that housing has become an asset, influenced heavily by wealth inequality. Learn how the rich drive up prices, often overshadowing the needs of everyday people. Discover why simply building more homes might not be a viable solution. The conversation critically examines the urban divide and the urgent need for systemic economic reforms to make housing accessible for all.

8 snips
Jul 13, 2025 • 25min
This is how we stop the UK from falling apart
The podcast delves into the UK's gritty economic reality, highlighting alarming wealth inequality and mass impoverishment. A wealth tax emerges as a crucial solution that could steer society away from collapse by 2025. The discussion emphasizes the dangers of extreme political movements if the issue remains unaddressed. Harnessing social media's power for political change is also examined, along with a call for unity among workers and the elite to confront wealth disparity and advocate for meaningful reforms.

20 snips
Apr 20, 2025 • 33min
How close are we to winning higher taxes on the rich?
The discussion kicks off with a deep dive into the push for higher taxes on the rich and its implications for economic justice. The speaker reflects on the rollercoaster ride of recent political events, from feelings of doubt to a renewed sense of hope. There's a compelling case made for the slogan 'tax wealth not work,' highlighting the need for strategic messaging. Personal achievements like book sales are contrasted with the pressures of public life. Grassroots movements and community collaboration are championed as essential for creating lasting change.

31 snips
Apr 13, 2025 • 54min
The week Trump nearly crashed the world economy
Chaos reigns as tariffs reshape global trade dynamics. The conversation dives into the unintended consequences of these policies, particularly on low-income populations. Political decisions send financial markets into a tailspin, illustrating the unpredictable nature of economics. Amid rising inflation and government debt, traders navigate a precarious landscape fueled by social media. The podcast emphasizes the need for calm amidst economic turmoil while urging a more informed public discourse on these critical issues.

18 snips
Apr 6, 2025 • 50min
They're teaching economics wrong – full interview with Ha-Joon Chang
Ha-Joon Chang, a bestselling author and professor at SOAS, shares his insights on the flaws of capitalism and economic education. He reflects on his experiences growing up in South Korea and critiques the gap between economic growth and inequality. Chang advocates for a broader curriculum in economics that includes diverse perspectives and real-world issues. He discusses the influence of wealth on power dynamics and emphasizes the need for equitable taxation. Ultimately, he balances realism with hope, envisioning a collective approach to tackle economic challenges.