"Econ 102" with Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg

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Episodes

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Economist and "Noahpinion" writer Noah Smith and investor Erik Torenberg make sense of what’s happening in the news, technology, business, and beyond, through the lens of economics. Econ 102 is a part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: turpentine.co

Episodes

Understanding US-China Relations Right Now with Nathan Labenz

In this weeks episode of Econ 102, Noah Smith, with special guest Nathan Labenz, unpack the U.S.-China relations, examining geopolitical tensions, strategic economic policies, AI and military technology, and the future of global technological leadership, while questioning the effectiveness of current U.S. policies and the risks of escalating conflicts under Xi Jinping's aggressive strategies. -- Help shape our show by taking our quick listener survey at https://bit.ly/TurpentinePulse. -- RECOMME...

Feb 05, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Transcript available on Metacast

Paul Krugman on Leaving NYT, America's Economy, and Trump

This week Noah Smith and economist Paul Krugman hopped on a call to discuss Paul's departure from the New York Times, the benefits of independent writing, U.S. manufacturing and industrial policy, geopolitics, Trump 2.0, and the impact of public opinion on economic and political discourse. This conversation first aired in Noah's substack Noahpinion, so be sure to subscribe if you aren't already. -- Help shape our show by taking our quick listener survey at https://bit.ly/TurpentinePulse. -- High...

Jan 31, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Transcript available on Metacast

Trump's Executive Orders, China's Economy, The Bull Case for the Middle East, and Europe's Decline

In this episode, Erik Torenberg and Noah Smith discuss wide range of topics, including Trumps executive orders and their effects on U.S. politics, international tariffs, Michael Pettis's views on China's economy, the Middle Easts potential with solar energy, and Europes socio-political shifts, all through the lens of economics. -- Help shape our show by taking our quick listener survey at https://bit.ly/TurpentinePulse. -- Highlights from the Episode: There's worry about potential economic insta...

Jan 29, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Transcript available on Metacast