Episode 9: Lessons From Economics on Communicating Crime Data with Paul Krugman

In this episode of the Jeff-alytics Podcast, Paul Krugman discusses his extensive background in economics, the challenges of communicating economic realities, and the discrepancies between public perception and actual data. He emphasizes the role of media in shaping these perceptions and the impact of social media on public trust in data. Krugman also reflects on the importance of success stories in economics and crime reporting, the changing media landscape, and shares his experiences with the Nobel Prize. He concludes by expressing his current focus on his Substack and the balance between work and enjoying life. 

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Paul Krugman’s long history in economics, starting from academic research to public writing
• How public perception of the economy often diverges from actual economic data
• The truth that stands between people's personal experiences and accurate reflection of the overall economy
• The role the media contributes to shaping perceptions of crime and the economy
• The impact of social media on the overall trust in data
• How success stories in economics are often underreported in the media
• Why the changing media landscape offers both challenges and opportunities for communication
• The process and impact of the Nobel Prize experience 
• The importance of communicating complex economic realities effectively

Guest Bio:

Paul Krugman is a research professor at the City University of New York’s Graduate Center, a core faculty member at the Stone Center on Socio-Economic Inequality, and a LIS senior scholar. He previously taught at MIT, Stanford, and Princeton. He is the author or co-author of many academic papers and numerous books aimed at both professional and general audiences, including Market Structure and Foreign Trade, Geography and Trade, The Return of Depression Economics, and Arguing with Zombies: Economics, Politics, and the Fight for a Better Future.

In recognition of his work on international trade and economic geography, Krugman received the John Bates Clark award of the American Economic Association in 1991, the Prince of Asturias award for social sciences in 2004, and the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences in 2008. For nearly 25 years, he was an op-ed columnist and commentator for The New York Times. In December 2024, he reintroduced his Substack newsletter.

Link & Resources:

• Learn more about Paul Krugman on the CUNY Graduate Center website.
• Follow Paul’s Substack for economic insights and more.

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