Why is the middle class shrinking, and what does that mean for the future of the economy?
In this episode, host Erika Barker unpacks the hidden forces driving wealth concentration, economic stagnation, and rising inequality, using data science, historical trends, and financial metrics to explain what’s really happening.
One key indicator is flashing a red warning light: the velocity of money, a measure of how quickly cash moves through the economy. Since 1997, it has dropped by 38%, signaling a shift in how wealth is distributed. But why is money pooling at the top? And what does this mean for inflation, wages, financial stability, and democracy itself?
Key Topics Covered: • The Velocity of Money: what it means and why it matters more than GDP. • How data science and economic modeling reveal deeper financial trends. • The middle-class decline, why wages aren’t keeping up with wealth accumulation. • The role of AI and automation in shaping the future of jobs and labor markets. • Historical parallels: What happened when wealth concentrated in Ancient Rome, the Gilded Age, and pre-revolutionary France, and how those lessons apply today.
What happens when the economy slows down, not just in GDP, but in the movement of money itself? The answer holds major implications for society, government, and financial stability.
🎧 Listen now on Podbean, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify! Subscribe to The Grey Files for more deep dives into technology, economics, and the future of civilization.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Are You A Charlotte?
In 1997, actress Kristin Davis’ life was forever changed when she took on the role of Charlotte York in Sex and the City. As we watched Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte navigate relationships in NYC, the show helped push once unacceptable conversation topics out of the shadows and altered the narrative around women and sex. We all saw ourselves in them as they searched for fulfillment in life, sex and friendships. Now, Kristin Davis wants to connect with you, the fans, and share untold stories and all the behind the scenes. Together, with Kristin and special guests, what will begin with Sex and the City will evolve into talks about themes that are still so relevant today. "Are you a Charlotte?" is much more than just rewatching this beloved show, it brings the past and the present together as we talk with heart, humor and of course some optimism.