Economics Explored
Hard-headed economic analysis applied to important economic, social, and environmental issues.
Show episodes
Industrial Policy vs Free Trade w/ Ian Fletcher, Coalition for a Prosperous America - EP271
Ian Fletcher, co-author of Industrial Policy for the United States, published by Cambridge University Press, joins the show to argue that free trade does not always serve national interests. Fletcher defines industrial policy as government intervention to support better industries, emphasizing that some industries are
How LBOs, Share Buybacks & Private Equity Revolutionized Corporate America: Don Chew’s Case for Transformation - EP270
Donald Chew discusses the evolution of corporate finance, emphasizing the shift from old-fashioned corporate finance, which focused on steady earnings growth, to modern corporate finance, which aims for high returns on capital. He highlights the decline of conglomerates in the 1970s and the rise of private equity. Desp
Jimmy Carter the Great Deregulator, AmFest, MAGA & Migration, and Why Competition? w/ Darren Brady Nelson - EP269
Gene Tunny and Darren Brady Nelson discuss the economic legacy of President Jimmy Carter, highlighting his deregulation efforts, particularly in aviation, which led to increased competition and significant cost savings. They also touch on Carter’s appointment of Paul Volcker as Federal Reserve Chairman, credited with f
US Debt Ceiling: Why Trump is Right to Call for its Abolition & Gene’s Experience with Aussie Debt Ceiling - EP268
Show host Gene Tunny discusses the ineffectiveness of the U.S. debt ceiling, citing its frequent increases and the political grandstanding it entails. He notes that since 1960, Congress has amended the debt limit 78 times. Tunny argues that the debt ceiling does not enforce fiscal discipline and highlights the need for
How Global Events are Affecting Coffee Prices w/ Raihaan Esat, International Coffee Traders - EP267
Coffee prices have surged dramatically over the past year, with green coffee increasing by 78%. In this episode, International Coffee Traders GM Raihaan Esat joins hosts Gene Tunny and Tim Hughes to explore the key drivers behind this spike, including harvest shortages, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical factor
Trump & Trade, France in Crisis, Global Capitalism’s Flaws & Job Losses from AI w/ Jean-Baptiste Wautier - EP266
This episode explores the economic implications of Trump’s re-election, France’s political deadlock under Macron, and the future of global capitalism. Jean-Baptiste Wautier, a private equity investor and World Economic Forum speaker, shares insights on trade wars and deficits. He argues that short-term profit motives u