This week, we’re diving into a surprising truth: airports are the most democratic spaces in society. Think about it—everyone passes through them, from business tycoons to backpackers, families returning home, and adventurers chasing the sun. In this episode, we explore what Dublin Airport, a global hub unmatched by any other city its size, reveals about Ireland’s place in the world. With over 50 transatlantic flights a week and connections to places as unexpected as Nashville, Dublin Airport tel...
Jan 02, 2025•31 min•Season 2025Ep. 1
Happy New Year! Join us as we nurse our hangovers and take a ride through 2024’s greatest hits—economic and otherwise. From the explosive surge of Swiftonomics (yes, Taylor Swift boosted Ireland’s GDP!) to the surprising resilience of the Centrist Dad Economy, we unpack the stories that defined the year. Did Apple’s €13 billion tax debacle teach us anything? Are we more Boston or Berlin as we outpace Europe in growth? And how did a housing market on the brink coexist with 160,000 fans belting ou...
Dec 31, 2024•36 min•Season 2024Ep. 106
As the war in Ukraine drags on, how do we untangle the web of money, power, and manipulation at the heart of Vladimir Putin’s regime? In this Christmas special, we revisit one of our most revealing episodes with financier and political activist Bill Browder, recorded in May 2022.From the origins of Putin’s rise to power to the oligarchs’ uneasy pact and the enduring corruption within Russia, Browder offers an insider’s perspective on the forces driving this geopolitical chess game. With haunting...
Dec 26, 2024•35 min•Season 2024Ep. 105
As we hurtle toward an AI-driven future, what’s really at stake? In this Christmas Eve special, we revisit our conversation with Martin Wolf, the Financial Times’ chief economics correspondent, and dive into his predictions for the seismic changes reshaping our world.From the rise of AI and its potential to dismantle the middle class, to the demographic time bombs ticking in the West and sub-Saharan Africa, we explore how technology, climate, and population shifts are redefining economics and ge...
Dec 24, 2024•30 min•Season 2024Ep. 104
Was 2024 the turning point for our economic, political, and cultural future? In this episode, we break down the top 10 seismic shifts that reshaped the world. From Trump’s polarising return and America’s brotocracy taking center stage, to the collapse of the Assad regime and the waning dominance of Germany and France, the global order is tilting. Why is Italy’s Meloni now Europe’s most compelling leader? What does China’s deflation signal for the rest of us? And how has Ireland quietly positione...
Dec 19, 2024•34 min•Season 2024Ep. 103
Ireland’s economy is booming, bolstered by its close ties to the American economic engine. But beneath the shine of GDP growth and high living standards lies a stark reality: a growing gap between standard of living and quality of life. Why are Irish families delaying children longer than any other in Europe? Why hasn’t Ireland used its wealth to solve fundamental issues like childcare, housing, and commutes? In this episode, we explore the divergence between the U.S. and European economies, she...
Dec 17, 2024•35 min•Season 2024Ep. 102
The fall of Assad’s 50-year regime marks a pivotal moment in Middle Eastern history, but what happens next? In this episode, we connect the dots between the collapse of Syria’s government, the geopolitical power vacuum left behind, and the ripple effects across Europe. Drawing from decades of history, including parallels to regime changes from Saddam Hussein to Gaddafi, we examine the roles of Russia, Iran, Hezbollah, and the jihadist HTS in shaping Syria’s uncertain future. Taking notes from Th...
Dec 12, 2024•35 min•Season 2024Ep. 101
Santa exists because the people will it to exist"—a lovely line from The Miracle on 34th Street sets the stage for this episode's deep dive into Bitcoin hitting the monumental $100K mark. But is Bitcoin really money? Or just a speculative asset fuelled by belief and lobbying? As we explore the parallels between wampum shells, tulip bulbs, and digital currencies, we unravel the irony of Bitcoin’s journey from anti-establishment rebellion to Wall Street darling. Is this the dawn of a MAGA-backed f...
Dec 10, 2024•35 min•Season 2024Ep. 100
As the global financial system shifts under the weight of geopolitical tensions and Chinese economic policy reversals, Russell Napier introduces a concept that could redefine the next decade: National Capitalism . This podcast unpacks the startling implications of a system where governments force domestic savings to fund national priorities, effectively ending the free flow of global capital. With 57.2 trillion USD in U.S. assets owned by foreigners and 77% of U.S. GDP reliant on external credit...
Dec 05, 2024•37 min•Season 2024Ep. 99
As Ireland inches toward a new government, the housing crisis dominates the agenda. But what if the solution lies not in political reshuffling, but in taking inspiration from unexpected places—like Japan? With Tokyo building 145,000 homes in a single year compared to London’s mere 38,000, we explore how rethinking urban density, bulldozing outdated planning laws, and embracing modular innovation could transform Ireland's housing landscape. Why are Anglophone nations stuck at 400 homes per 1,000 ...
Dec 03, 2024•34 min•Season 2024Ep. 98
On the eve of Ireland’s election, we shift focus to the global forces shaping our lives. Why can’t today’s youth afford homes like their parents could? The answer lies far beyond Ireland—in decisions made in Beijing in the 1990s, the mechanics of global monetary systems, and the ripple effects of China’s currency strategies on interest rates and property prices worldwide.Join us as we connect the dots between China's rise, America’s spending habits, and how these forces turned Irish homes into f...
Nov 28, 2024•34 min•Season 2024Ep. 97
In this week's episode, we tackle Ireland's election season, where policies are less about vision and more about swapping slogans. We explore how a lack of imagination in housing and infrastructure could undermine one of the world’s wealthiest nations. From Dublin's derelict buildings to Finland's solutions for homelessness, we dive into how local councils can learn to self-finance and finally address Ireland's housing crisis. We zoom out to examine the global context: Trumpism's shadow over Ire...
Nov 26, 2024•36 min•Season 2024Ep. 96
This week, we're connecting the dots between the Irish electoral cycle, immigration, and the global aftershocks of Trumpism. Ireland’s housing crisis, surging immigration, and emigration of young talent all tell a story of a country grappling with rapid change—but are the political elites ready to face the challenge? We discuss how immigration fuels innovation and economic growth but also sparks social tension. With over 149,000 immigrants arriving this year alone and rents skyrocketing, is Irel...
Nov 21, 2024•41 min•Season 2024Ep. 95
This week, we're tackling two seismic shifts in politics: Ireland’s sugar-rush election and Trumpism’s ripple effects across Europe. As Irish politicians shower voters with freebies—from energy credits to student grants—are they ignoring the storm clouds brewing overseas? Meanwhile, Germany is picking up the phone to Russia, reshaping the geopolitics of Europe as Trump’s influence pushes allies to rethink old alliances. What does Ireland’s obsession with giveaways say about its political class, ...
Nov 19, 2024•43 min•Season 2024Ep. 94
This week, we’re diving into Germany's political shake-up as the country heads for a snap election this February. Beyond coalition drama, there’s a deeper story here: Germany’s cultural obsession with saving and fiscal restraint—a "fetish for frugality" that hasn’t always served them well. Seen as both a national virtue and a strict economic doctrine, balanced budgets are gospel, and spending is often viewed with suspicion. How will this election impact Germany's economic direction? And could a ...
Nov 14, 2024•35 min•Season 2024Ep. 93
Live from Kilkenomics, we unpack the ‘Trump Epoch,’ a transformative shift that’s reshaping America and reverberating across the globe. From disrupting political dynasties to setting the stage for a new supercycle, we dive into how Trumpism is redefining the world’s economic and political landscapes. Expect a deep dive into the rise of disaffected voices, shifting priorities like immigration and cost of living, and the lasting impact of this new era. If you’re curious about where America—and by ...
Nov 12, 2024•37 min•Season 2024Ep. 92
The unthinkable has happened: Donald Trump has swept the Presidency, Congress, the Senate, the popular vote—even the Supreme Court stands behind him. In today’s episode, we dive into the five emotional stages America seems to be racing through, from denial to acceptance, as a the Trumpquake sends shockwaves across the world. With Bitcoin soaring and alliances shifting, what does this all mean for the globe—from an empowered Netanyahu in Israel to an isolated Europe led by a wary Berlin? We’ll ex...
Nov 07, 2024•36 min•Season 2024Ep. 91
In this episode, we delve into the essence of power ahead of the American election. What happens when the warrior, priestly, and merchant castes converge—and who ends up on top? We explore how the modern United States exemplifies this ancient struggle through its billionaires, technocrats, and military-industrial complex. With billionaires investing nearly $700 million into the election, we ask: does this solidify their dominance, or could we be nearing a tipping point, a "peak billionaire" era?...
Nov 05, 2024•34 min•Season 2024Ep. 90
We’re in the final minutes of one of the most consequential American elections ever—and the stakes are high. We're back with Mark Blyth to explore what a Trump victory might mean for the world. Picture this: the return of 19th-century tariffs, mass deportations, and a push to bring American multinationals back home. What’s at risk for global trade, jobs, and even the power of NATO itself? With 14% of Ireland’s jobs tied to U.S. companies, the world could be on the verge of a seismic shift. So he...
Oct 31, 2024•31 min•Season 2024Ep. 89
I'm up in Glasgow and we're devoting this podcast to all things Scottish, kkicking off with the amazing Scottish Enlightenment. Why did 18th-century Scotland emerge as a crucible for radical ideas, drawing intellectuals, inventors, and innovators alike? The Scottish Enlightenment marked an era where thinkers like David Hume and Adam Smith thrived amidst newfound economic growth, sparked by an influx of wealth from trade routes and ventures (like Scotland's ill-fated attempt to build a canal in P...
Oct 29, 2024•44 min•Season 2024Ep. 88
In this episode, we dive into the decline of Dublin’s inner city, a reflection of urban decay across the English-speaking world. Drawing on Jane Jacobs’ urban theories, we explore how cities like Kreuzberg in Berlin and Hackney in London turned around from dereliction to thriving hubs—and ask whether Dublin can do the same. We discuss the importance of repopulating cities with residents, not just tourists, and why mixed-use spaces are crucial for community vibrancy. Can initiatives like “meanwhi...
Oct 24, 2024•37 min•Season 2024Ep. 87
As the U.S. election looms, we take a hard look at how this pivotal moment could reshape the country. With Donald Trump pulling ahead in key swing states while working at McDonalds, the stakes are higher than ever. Joined again by Tom Frank, we dive into the potential consequences of a Trump victory—authoritarianism, economic upheaval, and the erosion of America's institutions. How could Trump’s policies and the cult of personality around him impact the U.S. economy and democracy? Will the billi...
Oct 22, 2024•32 min•Season 2024Ep. 86
In this episode, we break down the Nobel Prize in Economics awarded to Darren Acemoglu, Simon Johnson, and James Robinson for their work on development economics. Their central claim? Strong institutions are the key to national success. But is that the whole story? With the richest 20% of countries now 30 times wealthier than the poorest 20%, we ask if focusing solely on institutions ignores deeper issues like geography, culture, and historical legacy. From South Korea’s meteoric rise to Jamaica...
Oct 17, 2024•38 min•Season 2024Ep. 85
In this episode, we dive into a rising question: could the European Union impose economic sanctions on Israel if the conflict continues to escalate? As Israel’s largest trade partner, the EU holds significant economic leverage, and with public opinion across Europe shifting, sanctions could become a powerful tool to apply pressure. Drawing on historical examples like South Africa and Russia, we ask: could Israel be the next nation to face international economic isolation? What would that mean fo...
Oct 15, 2024•35 min•Season 2024Ep. 84
This week, we’re stepping away from the usual economic focus to dive into the culture wars dominating U.S. politics as the election looms. Despite strong job growth, voters seem more driven by cultural identity than economic gains. With Thomas Frank, author of What’s the Matter with Kansas , we explore why the working class has shifted towards the Republicans, while Democrats have embraced the highly educated elite. Frank breaks down how these cultural divides are playing out in key swing states...
Oct 10, 2024•33 min•Season 2024Ep. 83
As tensions rise between Israel and Iran, the global energy market is feeling the strain. Oil prices have jumped from $72 to $78 per barrel, and any further escalation could disrupt key producers like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, pushing prices even higher. With Israel attempting to provoke Iran into a wider conflict, the U.S. is caught in a delicate balancing act, trying to avoid being drawn in while managing domestic inflation and rising gas prices. For Ireland, already suffering from the...
Oct 08, 2024•38 min•Season 2024Ep. 82
In this episode, we're diving straight into the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. As missiles fly and regional powers realign, we break down what’s really happening on the ground and why the Middle East is more volatile than ever. With Hezbollah in the mix, and Iran’s influence spreading across Lebanon, Gaza, and beyond, we’re looking at how Israel’s aggressive strategy could lead to something much bigger. We'll also dig into how the U.S. and Europe are responding, or not responding, ...
Oct 03, 2024•38 min•Season 2024Ep. 81
In this episode, we turn our focus to the Middle East, specifically Lebanon, a country currently at the epicentre of political and economic turmoil. Joined by Lebanese economist Carole Nakhle, we dive into the complexities of Lebanese society, a nation shaped by hyperinflation, war, and a delicate balance of religious and ethnic factions. Carole shares her personal experiences growing up in Beirut, and we explore how the economic crisis, worsened by years of corruption and political instability,...
Oct 01, 2024•45 min•Season 2024Ep. 80
In this episode, we continue our European mini-series, moving from Germany to the broader continental landscape. Europe faces mounting economic challenges as Mario Draghi, the former president of the European Central Bank and technocratic Italian prime minister, issues a bold €800 billion investment proposal aimed at closing the gap with the U.S. and China. Is Europe falling behind due to overregulation, fragmentation, and a lack of innovation? We discuss Draghi’s call for massive investment, th...
Sep 26, 2024•33 min•Season 2024Ep. 79
In this episode, we take a hard look at Germany’s current crossroads, where economic fragility and political tensions collide. Once the bedrock of European stability, Germany now faces challenges like the rise of the far-right AFD party, factory closures at Volkswagen, and energy crises driven by its dependency on Russian fuel. We explore the deeper cultural and historical factors at play, diving into the uneasy relationship between East and West Germany, the legacy of Angela Merkel’s policies, ...
Sep 24, 2024•40 min•Season 2024Ep. 78
