The David McWilliams Podcast - podcast cover

The David McWilliams Podcast

David McWilliams & John Daviswww.davidmcwilliams.ie

The aim of this weekly podcast is to make economics easy, uncomplicated and accessible. With the world at a political, technological and financial tipping point, economics has never been so important to all of us and yet, it’s made inaccessible and complicated by so many.

I’ve always thought what is complicated is rarely important and what is important is rarely complicated.


That will be our motto.


Every week we are going to tease out some big economic or political issue facing us, not just here in Ireland but in Europe and further afield. Globalisation has brought us all together. We all face similar challenges whether you live in Dublin, London, Minnesota or Milan.


If you would like to enjoy all of our content ad-free and have early access to episodes, subscribe to DMCW+ on Apple Podcast.


Want to join our crew? Join at davidmcwilliams.ie/crew, where you can enjoy ad-free listening, as well as exclusive bonus content such as premium episodes, our macroeconomics course, early access to episodes and pre-sale access to tickets for Dalkey Book Festival & Kilkenomics.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Episodes

How bonds not bombs liberated Ireland

This week we mark the death of John Hume, a great Irish patriot. We explore one of his unheralded achievements, the Credit Unions and how these small “community banks” transformed Ireland and led to the success of the Derry punk band the Undertones. However, in using financial innovation, Hume was part of a long tradition in Ireland of financing social and political reform. We explore the “magic of the bond market” in making the impossible, possible. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for mo...

Aug 04, 202043 minEp. 69

Living in interesting times and how best to think of it

Four massive economic changes are going on right now under our noses, yet we are unaware of their magnitude because we increasingly value short-term thinking at the cost of long-term thinking. Today we explore those changes, make a case for thinking long-term and tease out how we can escape “the tyranny of now” with the help of Roman Krznaric, Author of: “The Good Ancestor”. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 28, 202052 minEp. 68

Taxes, urine & wealth creation

This week we take a rather unconventional look at the Apple ruling - taking the time to look at the many ways that countries around the world have created wealth. We follow that chat with another conversation with Luke O’Neill who gives us a breakdown of the medical breakthroughs that COVID has accelerated and a quick update on what might be on the horizon from a vaccine point of view Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 21, 202050 minEp. 67

From "the craic economy" to the annexation of the West Bank

Another week, another episode where we look at the world and try to make sense of it. This week we explore how language evolves, the idea of "the craic economy" and have a chat with Stav Shaffir, the leader of the green party in Israel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 14, 202049 minEp. 66

Black Swans & Black lists

This week we explore black swans and black lists. First, we explain why the economy behaves more like a complex adaptive system rather than a giant machine. This means we, in the West are exposed to “black swan” events which disrupt the economy. From black swans we move on black lists and black lives with Trinidadian economist Marla Dukharan talking about EU racism, neo-colonialism, bullying and double standards when dealing with small, largely non-white countries. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com...

Jul 07, 202050 minEp. 65

The enormous potential of free money and the illusion of a V shaped recovery

How the ECB is turning into the Fed. What Austria issuing a 100 year bond means for Irish economy policy. Why a new EU philosophy is changing the rules of the game! We also talk with Harvard economist Megan Greene about the United State’s future, outlook and why a V shaped recovery might not be on the horizon! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 30, 202054 minEp. 64

Addressing generational wealth inequality

This week we talk about the youth & money - because if you lose the youth, you lose the future - something our new government doesn’t seem to be giving much thought to. We also have a chat with renowned international diplomat and former Under Secretary-General of the UN Shashi Tharoor about Ireland winning a seat on the Security Council Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 23, 202056 minEp. 63

Skin deep

This week we discuss options for a New Ireland, building sovereign wealth finders to underwrite a start up nation and why the evolutionary battle between two vitamins explains a lot! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 16, 202052 minEp. 62

Tribal voices

Dispatches from a Pulitzer Prize winner on the LA frontline, why the 1980s ain’t coming back, who are ’The Jews who Booze”, why networks matter more than guns and how the economy could recover quickly. This one’s got you covered! Enjoy it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 09, 20201 hr 1 minEp. 61

America burns, Ireland’s potential reset and the end of Fianna Fáil?

When Rappers deploy the language of Presidents and Presidents deploy the language of Rappers, you know America is in trouble. Plus, why commercial property is over, Fianna Fails slow demise and a new election in Ireland? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 02, 20201 hrEp. 60

Unconventional thinking: its enemies & why it is important

While it seems that the peak of the cases are now behind us we’re still facing its economic repercussions. The Pandession is here. This week we talk about the social economy, and crucially why it is critical to think unconventionally in times of crisis…..plus lots more, including where the expression “not worth a continental” comes from! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 26, 202051 minEp. 59

We are living through a Pandession

Language is important, in fact its is essential. If you can’t describe it, you don’t understand it. So, today we coin the expression a “Pandession” - a recession brought about by a pandemic. Plus, how in the new Cold War between America and China, the economic theatre of battle will be supply chains and why Ireland can benefit. Plus, what next for the EU? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 19, 202046 minEp. 58

Leaving Cert - the Irish equivalent of national service. Covid in the Caribbeans & what Judy Garland tells you about monetary economics.

From Leaving Cert cancellation to understanding the impact of COVID 19 in other countries and wrapping things up by reframing what you thought about the Wizard of Oz, plus the economic origin of the expression Dixie for the South of the USA - and why its all relevant to the world in 2020. Jam packed episode this week. Hope you enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 12, 20201 hr 11 minEp. 57

The extreme urgency of now

This week, why Corona will spark huge changes in economic thinking. We explore the coming a revolution in monetary economics with the woman who may well be the most important economist in the USA in the 2020s, Professor Stephanie Kelton. Also, why small businesses are the beginning, middle and end of the economy and the small matter of how we save the economy now. Plus, we have our first winner of our Schumpeter Slot! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

May 05, 202050 minEp. 56

What’s Next? The frugal four, antibody testing and post-COVID changes

It’s been another packed week. On this week’s episode we talk about what’s next for the economy, we talk to Prof Luke O’Neill on the next science steps, and anti-body testing; and the short and longer term economic and geo-political consequences of COVID. Plus, we tell you about a time when the Irish were accused of being plague carriers. Take care of yourself. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 14, 20201 hrEp. 53

The Anatomy of a Pandemic

This week we explore what’s happening in Ireland and Europe’s crucial reaction, plus we focus on the catastrophe enveloping the developing world. We explore why COVID 19 will change global relations between rich and poor, why we need a new Bretton Woods and an optimistic lesson from the Black Death of 1347! All this, and thoughts on the economics of washing machine, Italia 90 and learning economics in the lockdown. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Apr 07, 202059 minEp. 52

Macroeconomics for a Globalized World

Now that we all have more time on our hands, why not use this time to learn economics? I've devised a new macro economics course based largely on the course I teach in Trinity College Dublin. The audio course comes with detailed notes and reading lists. Here's the introduction free. Join me on Patreon.com/davidmcwilliams for weekly classes and let's master economics, together. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 02, 202015 minEp. 52

The economics of the possible

We are looking at the complete rethinking of economics. So much is possible, from mortgage rates plummeting here immediately, to ensuring that taxes never have to rise to pay for our corona spending. All this and what Rihanna can tell you about the long term, unforeseen consequences of pandemics. Also, why not use the lockdown to learn economics with me over the next few weeks? Lets do it together! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Mar 31, 20201 hr 6 minEp. 51

Beyond money - Why livelihoods matter most

Capitalism as we know it has been suspended. The most important thing now is to minimize unemployment and see beyond the crisis. Unemployment isn’t just economical, it’s psychological and emotional. We have an economic vaccine, we explain what it is and how it can be used. But we need to move fast. Take care, stay apart, stay safe and be strong. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 24, 202047 minEp. 50

Lockdown, Herd immunity & helicopter money

Happy St Patrick's Day. The strangest, most eerie one I've ever experienced. Make no mistake about it, this Coronavirus will change our world profoundly. Nothing, not economics, not politics, not sociology will be the same again. This week we focus on the path of the disease and what central banks should do about it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 17, 202043 minEp. 49

Corona goes Global

With markets collapsing, oil prices plummeting and the West about to be put in lockdown, we examine the dramatic consequences of Corona for economics and politics. Plus in geo-politics what the showdown between Saudi Arabia and Russia over oil means for all of us. Hope you enjoy it Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 10, 202033 minEp. 48

Got you face mask yet?

This week we talk viruses with the brilliant Professor Luke O’Neill and as I’m in New York - and no one does panic better than this shower- we explore the similarities between pandemics, financial markets, manias and investor freak-outs! Enjoy and don’t panic!!! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 03, 202044 minEp. 47

Germany is changing - and Europe should take notice

Germany is going through a fundamental change - the alt-right is rising, Angela Merkel’s reign is coming to an end and Germans are aging… how will the steady hand of Europe’s metamorphosis impact the EU and the world? Join us and find out! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 25, 202042 minEp. 46

The battle for the soul of Fianna Fail (if there is such a thing) and are we witnessing China’s Chernobyl?

Napoleon once said “to govern is to choose”, Fianna Fail has to make a choice, will it be SF or FG in coalition? Plus as the Corona Virus spreads are we witnessing China’s Chernobyl, a tipping point moment after with the Middle Kingdom will never look the same again - and are the financial markets pricing this in? Hope you enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 18, 202040 minEp. 45

Storm Shinner

Vladimir Lenin once said “there are decades when nothing happens and there are weeks when decades happen” - this was one of those weeks. We explain what has happened, we explain what the Sinn Fein vote is not, and what it is. Why it could be positive and what are the possible pitfalls, what it means for NI and whether the shift to the Left is permanent or temporary. New Ireland is up for grabs, who’s going to seize it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Feb 11, 202044 minEp. 44

Stats, polls & elections

A leap in the dark or the bright shining light of change? SF - for the first time ever - lead the polls. We welcome Kevin Cunningham - the sharpest pollster in the country - to the podcast in order to help us get a reading on the upcoming Irish elections from a statistical point of view - discussing the pitfalls and opportunities with stats and polling along the way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 04, 202053 minEp. 43

The Giant Global Housing Swindle

From Davos to balance sheet recession this week is all about economics. Join us as we explain how the wealthy get rich in bust economies and how regular people become poor in boom economies Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 28, 202038 minEp. 42

Why traffic is like gas, not liquid

This week we tackle the problem facing many cities: congestion. We look at why historical thinking isn't working and what could be a possible way forward. Hope you enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 21, 202033 minEp. 40
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