Money & Macro Talks

Jens Ludwig, a prominent professor of public policy and director of the Chicago Crime Lab, engages in a compelling discussion about American gun violence. He outlines how societal fears and the impact of gun accessibility contribute to homicide rates. Ludwig critiques harsh incarceration methods and emphasizes data-driven interventions that have proven effective in reducing violence. He suggests that everyday arguments are often the root of shootings and highlights innovative prevention strategies, including cognitive training programs that can significantly lower recidivism.

In this episode, I talk to Dr. Tobias Gherke senior fellow on the European Council on Foreign relations about the Geo-Economics of critical minerals.We discuss what critical minerals are important, how China became so dominant, who the other major players are, and how the West can respond to China's dominance.

Thomas Bollen, an investigative financial journalist and author, dives deep into the mechanics of money creation and the need for monetary reform. He reveals how private banks create money and the impact this has on housing and the economy. Bollen discusses the risks linked to private equity and stablecoins, warning about the potential for systemic issues. He advocates for separating safe banking from risky investments and explores innovative solutions like Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) while emphasizing the need for reform in the face of strong banking lobby influences.

Jan Eeckhout, a research professor at the Barcelona School of Economics and author of The Profit Paradox, discusses the alarming trend of rising monopolies and their impact on the economy. He explains the profit paradox, where a few firms accumulate immense profits while many struggle. Jan highlights evidence of growing market power, driven by digital technology and lackluster antitrust enforcement. He advocates for policies like interoperability to promote competition and examines the negative effects on wages and innovation, urging for more equitable market practices.

To join the village fundraiser, help send life changing cash and support research like this, visit https://www.givedirectly.org/macro/ Interview with Oxford prof Dennis Egger about his Econometrica paper: General Equilibrium Effects of Cash Transfers: Experimental Evidence From Kenya, with  Johannes Haushofer, Edward Miguel, Paul Niehaus, Michael Walker

Interview with Philip Lane about the past & future of inflation & interest rates in the Eurozone.

Martin Galstyan, Governor of the Central Bank of Armenia, and Armen Nurbekyan, Deputy Governor, dive into Armenia's unique monetary policy. They explain how Armenia’s turbulent history shaped a systematic and scenario-based approach to monetary policy. The governors discuss the challenges they face with geopolitical tensions from Europe to Russia and the impact on their economy. They emphasize the importance of transparency and communication in managing inflation and navigating economic uncertainty, showcasing how innovative strategies can bolster financial stability.

Stephanie Kelton, Professor discussing the relevance of Modern Monetary Theory (MMT) and the role of government in controlling inflation. They cover topics such as the impact of government spending on inflation, the role of central banks, the Deficit Myth in the COVID era, involvement in political administrations, understanding inflation and fiscal policy, government budgeting during COVID, and the role of government and central banks in fighting inflation.

I talked to FT CEO John Ridding about how the FT transitioned from a British oriented physical newspaper to a globally oriented digital one. We also discuss who reads the FT, what it's business model is, the role of A.I. in journalism, and how the FT strives to combine quality journalism with a viable business.

In this episode I talked to Evelien Witlox, who is the Digital Euro program director at the European Central bank, about why we need a digital Euro. How will it work? How will it impact the financial system? We also discussed concerns around privacy, programmable money, and the continued availability of cash.