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PODCAST

The David McWilliams Podcast

David McWilliams & John Davis

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

news & politics

All Episodes

34:40

The Prosperity Paradox: Ireland’s Boom, Europe’s...

The David McWilliams Podcast ·

2024/12/17

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,

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34:59

What's Next for Syria?

The David McWilliams Podcast ·

2024/12/12

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 The

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35:26

The Economics of the Miracle on 34th Street

The David McWilliams Podcast ·

2024/12/10

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

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37:11

National Capitalism: A New Era of Economic Survival?

The David McWilliams Podcast ·

2024/12/05

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. With57.2 trillion USD in U.S. assets owned by foreignersand77% of U.S. GDP reliant on external creditors, the

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33:38

Syrian Warnings,Irish Limitations, Japanese Solutions

The David McWilliams Podcast ·

2024/12/03

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

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34:10

From Beijing to the Box Room: The Global Forces...

The David McWilliams Podcast ·

2024/11/28

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

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36:02

The Octagon Versus the Putting Green

The David McWilliams Podcast ·

2024/11/26

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

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40:34

Immigration, Housing & Trump's Shadow

The David McWilliams Podcast ·

2024/11/21

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 Ireland

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42:40

Mars Bar-isation of the Irish Electorate & Other Yarns

The David McWilliams Podcast ·

2024/11/19

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, and

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35:19

What's Happening in Germany?

The David McWilliams Podcast ·

2024/11/14

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 new

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37:02

The Trump Epoch: Entering a New Supercycle

The David McWilliams Podcast ·

2024/11/12

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

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35:35

The Trumpquake: Power, Divisions, and a New World Order

The David McWilliams Podcast ·

2024/11/07

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 theTrumpquakesends 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 explore

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33:34

Power and Plutocracy: Have we Reached Peak Billionaire?

The David McWilliams Podcast ·

2024/11/05

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

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30:45

Trump 2.0: Should Ireland Be Worried?

The David McWilliams Podcast ·

2024/10/31

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 here’s

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44:09

Scotland The Brave

The David McWilliams Podcast ·

2024/10/29

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

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36:31

Is Your City Dying?

The David McWilliams Podcast ·

2024/10/24

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 “meanwhile

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32:20

America at a Crossroads: Trump, Power, and the Future...

The David McWilliams Podcast ·

2024/10/22

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

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37:48

Are Strong Institutions Enough? Unpacking the Nobel...

The David McWilliams Podcast ·

2024/10/17

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’s

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34:51

Could Sanctions Against Israel become a Reality?

The David McWilliams Podcast ·

2024/10/15

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 for

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33:22

Culture vs. Economics: The Battle for America's...

The David McWilliams Podcast ·

2024/10/10

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 ofWhat’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,

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