Amalia's EconoMix Podcast

Can money affect our friendships more than we realize? In this episode we explore the hidden financial pressures behind social relationships, from splitting restaurant bills to keeping up with expensive vacations and social media lifestyles. Through behavioral economics and social comparison, we examine how income differences influence our spending habits, our sense of belonging, and the way we tr...

Artificial intelligence is changing the way we work, earn money, and think about our careers. But will these changes create more opportunities or leave people behind? In this episode we look at AI’s impact on the economy, from automating everyday tasks and boosting productivity to reshaping wages and creating entirely new jobs. We also explore a question that matters more than ever: as technology...

In this episode we explore social mobility and the economic inequalities that influence our opportunities from an early age. From differences in education and employment between urban and rural Romania to the hidden costs of pursuing a better future, we examine how much our circumstances shape our financial outcomes. Because talent and ambition matter, but access to opportunity matters, too. And i...

Is cheaper always better?  In this episode we explore the hidden costs behind cheap purchases and why trying to save money can sometimes make us spend more. From fast fashion to everyday essentials, we look at how consumer behavior, present bias, and opportunity cost influence our shopping decisions. Because sometimes, the cheapest option isn't the one that saves you the most money. Tune in a...

You open TikTok for five minutes and suddenly an hour is gone. But while you're scrolling for free, someone is making money. From advertising revenue to the opportunity cost of your time, this episode explores how social media turns attention into an economic resource and how the content you consume can influence what you buy. So, who really profits from your screen time?

AI can compare prices, track spending, and help you build a budget in seconds. So, will it finally make us better with money? In this episode, we explore how AI is changing financial decision-making through behavioral economics, bounded rationality, present bias, and automation bias. Because having access to better information doesn't always mean making better decisions.

AI can now create videos, images, and stories that look almost real. But what happens when content becomes cheap to produce and expensive to trust? In this episode, we explore the economics of AI-generated content, the attention economy, information asymmetry, and the hidden costs of misinformation. Because when anyone can create something convincing, trust becomes more valuable than ever.

Forget 40-page research reports - today’s market insights are happening in 30-second clips. In this episode, we explore the rise of FinTok and ask the big question: Are influencers replacing traditional Wall Street research? We dive into the economics of attention, the dark side of pump-and-dump schemes, and what really happens when trade execution relies on an algorithm instead of a balance sheet...

Why does everything suddenly feel so expensive? From $20 sandwiches and overpriced coffee to grocery receipts that somehow keep getting longer, this episode breaks down what’s actually happening behind rising prices. We’ll unpack inflation, demand-pull vs. cost-push inflation, wages and purchasing power, and why the inflation rate you hear on the news might not match what you feel in your everyday...

Why does everyone feel broke, even when they’re not technically poor? From “living paycheck to paycheck” TikToks and Girl Math to deinfluencing and the rising cost of living, being broke has become more than a financial situation. It has become a shared language online. In this episode, we explore the economics behind Gen Z’s “broke” era, including inflation, purchasing power, relative income, soc...

From scrolling to spending, TikTok is changing the way we consume. In this episode, we explore the economics behind TikTok Shop and how algorithms, influencers, lower transaction costs, and impulse buying are reshaping consumer behavior. We also look at why Instagram pulled back from its dedicated shopping experience and what this tells us about the future of social commerce. When entertainment be...

In this episode, we explore how the subscription economy is changing the way we consume and think about ownership. From streaming and software to cars and everyday services, more parts of our lives are becoming rent based. Drawing on Deloitte’s 2025 Digital Media Trends research, we look at subscription fatigue, rising consumer costs, and the growing question of whether we are reaching a point whe...

What do TikTok, Instagram, and global factories have in common? More than you might think. In this episode, we explore the rise of micro trend manufacturing and how viral content is transforming the way companies design, produce, and sell products. From fast fashion to overproduction, discover how a 15-second video can influence global supply chains, reshape consumer behavior, and redefine the mod...

In this episode, we explore why the words “Limited Edition” can completely change the way we think and spend. Why do we suddenly want products we never planned to buy? Why do limited drops sell out in minutes? And why does the fear of missing out often matter more than the product itself? Using real-world examples, from Stanley Cups and sneaker releases to luxury brands and viral social media tren...

Have you ever chosen “Pay in 4” instead of paying the full price upfront? It feels simple, flexible and interest free. But does it actually change how much we spend? In this episode, we explore the rise of Buy Now, Pay Later, the psychology behind installment payments, and the latest research showing how BNPL influences consumer behavior. From larger shopping baskets to long term spending habits,...

What started as a simple hashtag has evolved into one of the most powerful consumer trends of the digital age. In this episode, I explore the rise of #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt and examine how TikTok has transformed the way people discover, evaluate, and purchase products. From viral gadgets and beauty products to the psychology of impulse buying, this discussion looks at why Gen Z is particularly vulnera...

What began as a humorous TikTok trend has gradually evolved into a broader reflection of modern spending culture. In this episode, I explore the rise of “girl math” and analyze how social media influences the financial habits and mentality of younger generations. From impulsive online shopping and cashless payments to the psychological effects of credit card spending, this discussion examines the...