Tariffs Are a Tax on YOU (with Economist Dr. Michael Hicks)

Welcome to the inaugural episode of The Josh Lowry Podcast! If you know me from social media, you know I'm all about breaking down how politics impacts your life. And on this episode, we're diving deep into a national issue with very real local consequences: tariffs.

I'm joined by Dr. Michael Hicks, the foremost economist on Indiana's economy and a professor at Ball State University. Dr. Hicks brings the research and facts to dissect the truth about tariffs, drawing crucial parallels to historical blunders like the Smoot-Hawley tariffs that worsened the Great Depression. Fast forward a century, and we're seeing similar rhetoric, but what are the real consequences for American families and businesses?

In this episode, we tackle:

* Tariffs 101: What exactly is a tariff, who pays it, and how does it directly affect your wallet? (Hint: It's a tax on Americans, and companies will pass the cost to you!)

* Worse Than Inflation?: Discover why tariffs can be more detrimental to your purchasing power than traditional inflation, as your wages won't keep pace with rising costs.

* The Lag Effect: Why haven't we seen the full impact of past tariffs yet, and what does Dr. Hicks predict (a mild recession, even at current levels)?

* Who Really Gets Hurt? The painful truth about who bears the brunt of economic downturns caused by protectionist policies.

* The Automation Reality: We cut through the nostalgia to reveal how automation, not just trade, has fundamentally reshaped manufacturing employment. Learn why chasing "jobs of the past" ignores economic evolution.

* The Union Connection: A powerful discussion on how the decline of union power, rather than tariffs, truly impacted American workers' wages and benefits.

* Beyond the Bumper Sticker: I rant (a little!) about the pervasive issue of politicians lying to voters and the critical need for empathy in our political discourse. Why are we willing to sacrifice others' well-being for a promised (and often unfulfilled) personal gain?

This isn't about political talking points; it's about understanding the complex economic forces shaping your future. Dr. Hicks provides invaluable insights that expose the reality behind political promises. Tune in to arm yourself with the facts and challenge conventional wisdom!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit landiscomms.substack.com