In this episode, we dive into the fascinating resurgence of vinyl and its surprising resilience amidst the digital age. We explore the economics of vinyl, the history of the music industry’s evolution, and how formats like CDs and streaming disrupted the landscape. Vinyl, once thought to be on the brink of extinction, has made an extraordinary comeback, and we're here to find out why. From independent record shops keeping the flame alive to the unique cultural experience vinyl provides, we look ...
Sep 19, 2024•38 min•Season 2024Ep. 77
This podcast episode dives deep into the complexities of the Apple tax ruling and its broader implications for Ireland's economic model. We explore how Ireland's low corporate tax strategy, which began in the mid-20th century to attract foreign capital, evolved into a cornerstone of its economic growth. The discussion touches on Ireland's historical emigration issues, the soft power of the Irish diaspora, and the country's role as a bridge between American corporations and the European market. W...
Sep 17, 2024•31 min•Season 2024Ep. 76
In this episode, we’re diving into one of the wildest stories in the book, involving none other than Adolf Hitler. Can you imagine money falling from the sky? That's what Hitler had planned—he wanted to defeat Britain by literally dropping millions of counterfeit pounds across the country. He believed that if he could flood the British economy with fake money, he could induce a Weimar-style hyperinflation and collapse the British war effort. It’s a story of forgeries, secret concentration camp o...
Sep 12, 2024•30 min•Season 2024Ep. 75
This week, we delve into a fascinating hypothetical for Ireland’s future: could Conor McGregor really be our next President in 2025? From the quaint leadership of Michael D. Higgins, to McGregor’s brash, larger-than-life personality, the shift would be nothing short of dramatic. But what does this say about modern Irish politics and the world we’re living in? As global politics continues to throw us curveballs, we’re not ruling anything out. Beyond the political theatre, we turn our focus to a m...
Sep 10, 2024•40 min•Season 2024Ep. 74
This week, we dive into the shifting tides of the U.S. economy and its global impact on smaller countries like Ireland, who are deeply tied to American trade and investment. With the Fed’s balancing act of boosting stock markets while trying to control inflation, are we heading into another bubble? As inequality deepens, we ask what the upcoming U.S. election could mean for the global economy. Legendary short-seller Jim Chanos joins us to discuss why he believes we’re living in a “Golden Age of ...
Sep 05, 2024•30 min•Season 2024Ep. 73
This episode, we dive into the world of Taylor Swift to explore a Delicate issue—why Ireland’s housing market is stuck in a Blank Space . We’re taking a page from the Leaving Cert’s economics exam, using a question about Taylor’s ticket frenzy to understand the bigger picture of why we can’t seem to build homes, schools, and hospitals on time. It’s not just Bad Blood that’s holding us back—it’s a fundamental supply problem. Tune in as we break down how Ireland’s infrastructure could use a dose o...
Sep 03, 2024•35 min•Season 2024Ep. 72
In this episode, we kick things off by exploring the deep divides within the Arab world, tracing the roots of these fractures back to the early 19th century when two competing visions for Arab unity emerged. One vision, anchored in religious conservatism, sought to unify Arabs under the strict interpretation of Islam, as seen in the rise of the House of Saud and Wahhabism. The other vision, driven by figures like Muhammad Ali Pasha in Egypt, looked forward—envisioning a modern, secular, and indu...
Aug 29, 2024•31 min•Season 2024Ep. 71
In this episode, we kick things off by delving into the secluded world of Jackson Hole, where central bankers and economic elites gather in a remote Wyoming enclave, musing over the fate of global economies while casting their lines into serene rivers. It's a world of high-stakes policy decisions and economic riddles, wrapped in the calm of the American wilderness. But while these powerbrokers debate interest rates and inflation, we take a hard look at the other side of the global economic coin....
Aug 27, 2024•41 min•Season 2024Ep. 70
In this episode, we dig into the UK’s recent social unrest with Andy Haldane, former Chief Economist at the Bank of England and now head of the Royal Society of Arts. We explore the deeper economic and social fractures that led to riots in marginalised communities and highlight the critical role of social capital—trust, community, and cohesion—as vital as roads and railways. Andy reveals how the breakdown of trust, fueled by social media and inequality, has left communities vulnerable. We challe...
Aug 22, 2024•35 min•Season 2024Ep. 69
In this episode, we're kicking off with a classic Irish disaster—a ladder, a man, and gravity having a scrap, but then we're diving deep into something even more painful than a sprained ankle: Ireland's shocking inability to build anything on time or on budget. We're talking about the Children's Hospital fiasco, the never-ending MetroLink saga, and why, despite having buckets of cash, our state just can’t get the job done. But here’s the kicker: while Ireland is dragging its feet, places like Se...
Aug 20, 2024•36 min•Season 2024Ep. 68
In this episode, we explore the dramatic downfall of a once-wealthy nation that is now one of the poorest: Venezuela. How does a country with vast natural resources find itself in such dire straits? We delve into the devastating effects of misguided economic policies, rampant corruption, and the political missteps that led to hyperinflation, mass poverty, and the collapse of basic services. Join us as we examine how Venezuela’s leaders, blinded by ideology and short-term gains, destroyed a thriv...
Aug 15, 2024•43 min•Season 2024Ep. 67
This week, we delve into the growing crisis facing Dublin’s city center, exploring the troubling "donut effect" where the heart of the city becomes hollowed out due to rising crime, unaffordable rents, and a lack of residential footfall. Drawing parallels to the decline of once-thriving cities like San Francisco, we examine how Dublin’s vibrant center is at risk of becoming a ghost town. With commercial property vacancies on the rise and locals increasingly avoiding the city, the stats paint a w...
Aug 13, 2024•35 min•Season 2024Ep. 66
This week, we delve into the unsettling reality that this generation in Ireland might be the first in two generations to be poorer than their parents. We explore the ripple effects this could have on career choices, social class, and societal structure. For years, class snobbery in Ireland has intrigued us, from the rigid social hierarchies of the past to the dramatic social uplift during the Celtic Tiger era. However, the end of this upward mobility could bring about significant changes. Drawin...
Aug 08, 2024•35 min•Season 2024Ep. 65
With financial markets on edge, the world is anxiously awaiting the Fed’s decision on whether to cut or maintain historically high interest rates. In this episode, we dive into the profound impact these choices have on commercial property, exchange rates, and stock markets. We explore the 'wealth effect' of these rates, now around 5%, and what it means for the real economy. A sharp drop in non-farm payrolls to 115,000 jobs from an average of 250,000 raises concerns about the U.S. economic trajec...
Aug 06, 2024•35 min•Season 2024Ep. 64
This week, we dive into the issue of inheritance tax in Ireland, asking if it's time for a rethink. With house prices skyrocketing by 62% since 2012, many middle-class families find themselves unexpectedly asset-rich but cash-poor, facing significant tax bills on inherited homes. We explore potential adjustments like increasing the tax-free threshold or adjusting tax rates based on asset types, such as land and property. Could these changes ease the burden on families while fostering a more dyna...
Aug 01, 2024•34 min•Season 2024Ep. 63
This week, we delve into one of the most transformative shifts in economics and finance: the rise of e-banking, spotlighted by Revolut's meteoric growth. Revolut, a Lithuanian-born company now boasting 2.7 million Irish customers—nearly three-quarters of the adult population—has quickly transitioned from a simple travel card service to a major banking player. With recent licenses from the European Central Bank and the UK, Revolut is set to enter the mortgage market, leveraging its 45 million glo...
Jul 30, 2024•38 min•Season 2024Ep. 62
What a week! The attempted assassination of Donald Trump, Joe Biden's unexpected withdrawal from the race, and Kamala Harris setting a fundraising record has thrown the U.S. political landscape into disarray. Dubbed a Gen X woman with Gen Z vibes, Harris has energized young voters, reminiscent of the Obama era. As Trump names J.D. Vance as his VP pick, we delve into the implications. Vance, a complex figure with a history of criticizing Trump, now embodies a unique mix of Elon Musk's innovation ...
Jul 25, 2024•33 min•Season 2024Ep. 61
The Central Statistics Office predicts Ireland's population could surge to 7.5 million by 2057, mostly due to inward migration. What could this mean for Ireland's future? Are we already at maximum capacity as it is? We argue for boosting local industries to match the high productivity of multinationals, crafting a vibrant and resilient economy for the future. We kick off by examining the recent Microsoft outage, exposing the fragility of our hyper-connected global economy. Without a strategic ec...
Jul 23, 2024•37 min•Season 2024Ep. 60
I read Nathan Thrall’s book last year before the Gaza and October 7th massacres. I couldn’t put it down. It tells the true story of a young Palestinian boy, a tragic accident, his family and the daily humiliations of the Palestinian people. There is much cruelty but there is much love, too, and courage, resolve and tenderness. For everyone who is interested in Palestine and Israel, listen to this - this is a conversation for you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Jul 18, 2024•44 min•Season 2024Ep. 59
The true story of how Germany’s wealthiest business dynasties amassed untold money and power by abetting the atrocities of the Third Reich — and how America looked the other way. Many of them continue to control swathes of the world economy, owning iconic brands whose products blanket the globe, brands like Daimler-Benz, Allianz, Porsche, Volkswagen, and BMW. David de Jong shows how these tycoons seized Jewish businesses, procured slave labourers, and ramped up weapons production to equip Hitler...
Jul 16, 2024•47 min•Season 2024Ep. 58
In 1980, Dalkey United went on a football trip to Germany which ended up in East Berlin. A certain economist, festival director and once under 13s centre half was on that schoolboy trip and so began a lifelong fascination with all things East German. Less than ten years after that Dalkey Utd. trip, the country vanished. In her wonderful book, Katja Hoyer argues that amid oppression and frequent hardship, East Germany was home to a rich political, social and cultural landscape, a place far more d...
Jul 11, 2024•51 min•Season 2024Ep. 57
In this week’s episode, we’re journeying from the bustling docks of 17th-century Amsterdam to the modern gig economy, all through the lens of Rembrandt and his old man. Rembrandt’s dad wanted him to have a “real job” – sound familiar? Today’s parents are just as anxious about their kids’ unconventional careers. We dive deep into how technological upheaval has always disrupted legacy jobs, from millers and merchants to telephone operators and typists. We’ll unravel the anxiety driving modern poli...
Jul 09, 2024•39 min•Season 2024Ep. 56
In May 1991 I walked into Keenan's Bar in Crossmaglen, South Armagh with a superstar American economist who would go on to win the Nobel Prize for a chat about global monetary policy. Joe Stiglitz and myself must have cut two odd figures for the locals...this was South Armagh, at the height of the troubles after all, maybe not the normal chat in Keenans but the barman didn't bat an eyelid. Against the background noise of British Army helicopters taking off from the largest and most fortified bas...
Jul 04, 2024•36 min•Season 2024Ep. 55
In this episode, we dive into the Aer Lingus strike, putting it in the context of the larger global economic landscape. We ask if this strike is the beginning of a new era in industrial relations. By exploring the historical shifts in labour and capital dynamics, we question whether we're seeing the pendulum swing back in favour of workers after decades of shareholder dominance. We connect the dots between these labour actions and global economic and political trends, offering an analysis on how...
Jul 02, 2024•30 min•Season 2024Ep. 54
We have a very special episode for you today, courtesy of The Bear, Season 3 which is streaming on Disney+ from today, June 27th! We're digging into what makes an Irish restaurant tick and the hidden contributions that a vibrant restaurant industry adds to our economy. We also talk with Ross Lewis from Chapter One and discuss the dedication and culture required to build up a fine dining scene in Ireland. And we ask if a Michelin star is worth the investment or if a sandwich shop is the better en...
Jun 28, 2024•33 min•Season 2024Ep. 53
This week, we dive deep into the nitty-gritty of the commercial property market, highlighting its glaring vulnerabilities and the dramatic plunge in values since the pandemic. Using the vivid historical metaphor of being "sold down the river," we unravel how economic cycles often start with a displacement moment, sparking widespread financial speculation and leading to eventual market chaos. Drawing parallels between the flatboat era of early American history, where pioneers navigated the vast O...
Jun 27, 2024•30 min•Season 2024Ep. 52
Could Common Sense be Coming Home? We dive into the unexpected shift where Britain now seems like the island of sanity amid European radicalism. We explore the surprising fragility of German infrastructure and the looming chaos in European bond markets, particularly focusing on France's political and economic challenges. By contrasting the historical legacy of Leon Bloom's socialism with today's political climate, we highlight how Britain, with its emerging centrist stability under leaders like ...
Jun 25, 2024•40 min•Season 2024Ep. 51
Join us for a special live recording of the podcast at DBF 2024, where David interviewed the renowned journalist Christiane Amanpour. As CNN's chief international anchor, Amanpour brings unparalleled insights into global affairs, making this session an unmissable highlight of the festival. The conversation covers Amanpour's journey from the Iranian Revolution to her pioneering role at CNN, reflecting on pivotal moments such as reporting from the Gulf War and Bosnia in the 90s, where she witnesse...
Jun 20, 2024•44 min•Season 2024Ep. 50
Join us for a live recording of the podcast! We dive into the fascinating rise of Gaelic Games live from Cuala in Dalkey - we delve into the incredible impact of free education in Ireland. Discover how the daughters of small farmers seized educational opportunities, sparking unexpected social mobility. We'll also give you a sneak peek into my upcoming book, "Money: A Story of Humanity," out September 12th, where we explore how money has shaped human history. Expect a mix of personal anecdotes, h...
Jun 18, 2024•55 min•Season 2024Ep. 49
This week, we're diving deep into the rollercoaster world of global financial markets. From the wild highs of cannabis stocks crashing down to earth to the ECB's first interest rate cut in five years, we're unpacking it all. Ever wondered why 2% inflation became the magic number for central banks? Spoiler: it’s as arbitrary as it sounds. Joining us to make sense of the chaos is David Tilson, Head of Capital Markets for Cantor Fitzgerald, who’ll give us the lowdown on everything from US job growt...
Jun 13, 2024•37 min•Season 2024Ep. 48
