Economics Explained

Economics Explained

On Economics Explained, we take a look at interesting countries, policies, and decisions from the point of view of an economist. The world is an interesting place and we hope to uncover some of this intrigue in our short, informative podcasts.

Episodes

March 17, 2026 33 mins
Europe and the United States share the largest trade relationship in the world, worth nearly 2 trillion dollars each year, but that partnership is starting to fracture. Beneath the surface, this relationship is built on deeply interconnected supply chains, financial systems, and mutual dependencies that extend far beyond simple trade numbers. While headlines focus on tariffs and political tension, the deeper issue is structural dep...
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China’s position as the world’s factory is shifting. Growth is slowing to approximately 4-5%, wages are rising, the workforce is shrinking due to an aging population, the property crisis is weighing on GDP, and Western tariffs are restricting exports. For decades, China produced goods at low cost, but a significant supply chain gap is now emerging. India is emerging as a leading contender, with a 6.4% growth forecast, production-li...
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Home ownership is now unattainable in every major city worldwide. For the first time, none of the 95 cities tracked by Demographia are considered affordable. In cities such as Hong Kong (14.4 times income), Sydney (13.8 times), Vancouver, London, and San Francisco, housing prices range from 9 to 30 times the average household income. Essential workers, including teachers and nurses, as well as young families, are being priced out o...
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The world’s pension promise is unraveling. In the 1950s, sixteen workers supported each retiree; today, that number has shrunk to just 2.7. This dramatic shift is straining pay-as-you-go pension systems to the breaking point. By 2050, one in six people will be over 65, yet politicians are hesitant to implement tough reforms that would require individuals to work longer, contribute more, or accept smaller benefits. Could Denmark’s a...
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Discover what drives lasting prosperity. This year, the Nobel Prize in Economics was awarded to Mokyr, Aghion, and Howitt for demonstrating how technological innovation drove the surge in wealth during the Industrial Revolution. From steam engines to AI, learn why a lack of understanding once held back progress and why creative destruction is so important today. With AI now threatening jobs and monopolies limiting new ideas, could ...
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October 11, 2025 14 mins
Unveil the stunning secret of New Zealand—a paradise losing its young talent! 🌄 With just 5.3 million people, this remote gem boasts top-notch living, education, and healthcare, yet faces a brain drain to Australia (over 10% of Kiwis live there!). Why are skilled workers fleeing? Dive into the quirks of its agriculture-driven economy, sky-high housing costs, and the Aussie influx. Can this picturesque land turn the tide? Watch now...
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September 30, 2025 15 mins
Stagflation has returned—and it’s a nightmare! Rising unemployment, slow economic growth, and persistent inflation are hurting economies, especially the US. Why is this combination so dangerous, and why are experts worried now? Explore how the Fed’s dual mandate is failing, uncover hidden flaws in job and inflation data, and understand why the USD’s reserve status might not protect us. Additionally, learn about the sacrifices requi...
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Imagine a world where AI outsmarts you at work—scary, right? From the Philippines to the US, AI is changing the economic landscape, increasing the GDP of rich nations (5.4% in the US) while putting millions of jobs at risk in developing countries. Will machines leave you behind, or can you fight back? Dive into this wild ride of job threats, global gaps, and the race to adapt—spoiler: the future’s already here! Learn more about y...
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Ever wondered why energy drives economies—and why global warming is an economic nightmare? From the shale boom’s $74B boost to Iceland’s geothermal advantage, cheap and reliable energy fuels growth. But with prices tripling since 2000 and climate damages projected to reach 23% of GDP by 2100, can we balance abundance, security, and net zero? Explore the trade-offs, from carbon pricing to nuclear debates, and see if saving the plane...
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August 11, 2025 15 mins
A century ago, economist John Maynard Keynes confidently predicted that by 2030, we would only be working 15 hours a week. Yet, here we are—working harder than ever! While technology has dramatically boosted productivity, our work hours remain largely unchanged, and the prevalence of “bullshit jobs” is alarming. It’s time to consider whether a four-day workweek could finally break this exhausting cycle or if we are stuck in our way...
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August 5, 2025 18 mins
Almost every nation relies on a central bank, but the US is buzzing with talk of scrapping the Fed—the globe’s mightiest financial force! From its 1694 origins to battling today’s debt and inequality crises, we break down why central banks are crucial and what chaos could unfold if the Fed disappears. Will this rock the global economy, or is it just political hot air? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adcho...
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July 21, 2025 16 mins
Iran boasts vast oil reserves, a strategic trading position, and a skilled workforce; however, sanctions and internal issues hinder its progress. From black-market oil to power outages, discover why this energy giant struggles to thrive. Can it break free from its economic troubles? Tune in to find out! What do you think? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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July 7, 2025 49 mins
Germany, Italy, and France—once the powerhouses driving Europe’s economy—are now grappling with some tough problems. We’ve put together this collection of videos to give a broader picture of Europe’s economic struggles. From Germany’s industrial slowdown to Italy’s stalling economy and France’s balancing act, these videos show how these old powers are really finding it hard to keep up with the changing global scene. Learn more ab...
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From state-owned enterprises to real estate issues - how does China’s economy operate under different rules? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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June 23, 2025 20 mins
How does tiny, cold Denmark defy the odds to become one of the richest nations? Despite sky-high taxes and a lack of oil wealth, it boasts free education, universal healthcare, and global giants like Novo Nordisk. Unpack the Nordic model, flexicurity, and explore why high taxes haven’t crushed growth. Is Denmark’s dream sustainable? Watch to find out! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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June 13, 2025 21 mins
Does foreign aid work, or does it merely trap countries in poverty? Each year, billions are spent, yet 692 million people still live in extreme poverty. From success stories like South Korea to struggles in Sub-Saharan Africa, we explore why aid often fails to stimulate economic growth, the hidden pitfalls of dependency, and what occurs when the funding ceases. Curious about the truth behind foreign aid? Watch now and join the deba...
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Why is Gen Z stuck in a world drowning in wealth? Homes, families, and financial freedom—milestones older generations nailed, but young folks are falling behind! Are boomers hogging the riches, or is inequality the sneaky villain? From crushing student debt to tech-creating billionaire gaps, we uncover the shocking truth! Could Gen Z still become the richest and poorest generation? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone....
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Ever wondered how a small nation like Malaysia transformed from a colonial commodity hub into a Southeast Asian economic powerhouse? Nestled in the heart of global trade routes, Malaysia’s rise is a masterclass in leveraging geography, smart policies, and foreign expertise. But can it maintain the momentum to rival giants like Japan or China? From the bustling Strait of Malacca to cutting-edge semiconductor hubs, we unpack the sec...
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The world faces a staggering $315 trillion debt crisis—three times global GDP! Are we on the verge of economic collapse with 10% of production going to interest payments? From meme coins exceeding major car manufacturers' values to escalating trade threats and actual wars, could a recession be the wake-up call we need? Or will it harm workers and small businesses while the wealthy exploit the situation? We examine why we avoid econ...
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California’s economy is a global powerhouse, but is it crumbling? We dive into why the Golden State keeps growing despite sky-high housing, taxes, and trade war threats, from Silicon Valley's tech giants to Hollywood studios. Unpack the real story behind migration, wildfires, and overhyped headlines. Watch to see if California still got it or if it’s on the edge! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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