Economics Happy Hour Podcast

Dive into the economic concepts that have helped with the recent explosion of sports betting in the United States. Explore how sportsbooks set odds, the role of information in creating an edge, and why betting markets share some similarities with prediction markets. We briefly unpack the effects of the 2018 repeal of PASPA and discuss how technology has transformed gambling behavior. This week’s c...

In this episode, we explore the economic concepts behind Bobby Bonilla Day, when the former MLB player annually receives a $1.19 million check from the Mets even though he hasn’t been on the roster since 1999. We unpack how deferred compensation works and whether the Mets’ decision makes financial sense. We dive into annuities, interest rates, and the assumptions that shape financial decisions. Us...

Matt and Jadrian explore several aspects of studying abroad. These include the economic benefits students gain, how study abroad programs differ from a typical vacation, and why these experiences often have a lasting impact on students. Their conversation includes insights from their own experiences as students and faculty leading trips overseas. They also examine the financial and educational con...

In this episode, we look at how economists think about the election of a new Pope. With the recent selection of Pope Leo XIV, Matt and Jadrian break down how the conclave’s voting rules, like the two-thirds supermajority, can shape outcomes. They connect it to economic ideas about group decision-making, from majority rules to the challenges of reaching consensus. It’s a timely example of how even...

Matt and Jadrian explore the economic power of Broadway's biggest awards: the Tonys. We explain how Tony nominations influence ticket sales and why timing matters for a show's success. They also discuss some of the ways that theatre houses price discriminate to fill as many seats as possible each night. It's a behind-the-scenes look at how Broadway's top prizes shape what audiences see—and what pr...

What do professors actually do all summer? In this episode, Matt and Jadrian break down the rhythm of the academic calendar and take listeners behind the scenes of a professor’s summer months. They unpack the not-so-hidden workload that fills the break between semesters, from grading finals and writing reports to planning research and finding time to unwind. If you've ever wondered whether summer...

This week, we explore how the children's show Bluey delivers surprisingly rich lessons in economics. We're joined by Lauren Shifflett and Stephen Day, who explain how the show introduces concepts like scarcity, decision-making, and even the circular flow of money. Why Bluey? Lauren and Stephen recently co-authored Bluey-conomics: It's Not All About the Money , a new article showing teachers how to...

What could a research arc look like? Matt shares the story of his career pivot from a pure experimental economist to one that includes researching on teaching economics with pop culture. Matt’s early research on cigarette packaging and sin taxes measured how graphic warning labels influenced consumer behavior. His most recent work? A paper on the game show Cutthroat Kitchen that explores how peopl...

Are pets a financial luxury or a household necessity? Matt and Jadrian break down the economics of pet ownership—from the true cost of bringing a furry friend home to the surprising ways people go into debt for their pets. They dig into the "adopt don't shop" debate, the business of pet breeding, and why vet bills can feel a lot like human healthcare costs. Whether you're a pet owner or just curio...

Spring break isn't just a vacation—it’s an economic event. This week, we consider the potential impacts of spring break on destination economies, from the businesses that rely on tourism to the unintended costs cities face when hosting thousands of partygoers. We discuss how destinations like Miami Beach have pushed back against the influx of spring breakers, while other locations actively court t...

Should the U.S. eliminate the penny? In this episode, we dive into the economics of keeping or removing the one-cent coin, weighing its production costs, impact on consumers, and whether rounding transactions would make a real difference. We explore arguments for and against, from inefficiencies at the cash register to the role of small change in charitable giving. We also discuss how other countr...

Ever wonder what a professor's schedule really looks like? In this episode, Matt and Jadrian lift the hood on the academic calendar, from the chaotic first weeks of the semester to the ebb and flow of research, teaching, and service. Matt also shares his early experiences on sabbatical—how it compares to summer break, whether he misses teaching, and how he's spending his time. Plus, we dream up th...

Regular listeners will know we love teaching economics, but Matt and Jadrian are also researchers! In this episode of Economics Happy Hour, Matt asks Jadrian about some of his research on sports economics. The two discuss the impact of geographic location on sports team attendance, drawing insights from research on Major League Soccer, and explore the relationship between college sports and binge...

In this kickoff to Season 3, Matt and Jadrian share their personal and professional goals for the new year, focusing on growth and balance. They reflect on lessons learned from the past year and discuss how they aim to improve their teaching, research, and outreach efforts. The duo also unveils exciting podcast plans for 2025, including new guests, deeper dives into economic topics, and interactiv...

In our shortest episode yet, we take a fun dive into our Spotify Year in Review for 2024. Join us as we share our live reactions to the data and reflect on what made this season special. From holiday gift ideas to exploring big topics like institutional power and Halloween economics, Season 2 was filled with great discussions and a lot of memorable moments. We’re incredibly grateful for your conti...

Looking for the perfect holiday gift for the economist in your life? There are thousands of gifts you could buy someone you love, but what do you get for the person in your life who LOVES economics? Matt and Jadrian share their annual gift-giving guide, packed with creative ideas for anyone passionate about economics. From thought-provoking books to quirky tools that connect to economic concepts,...

Matt and Jadrian discuss the concept of price discrimination and how it’s taught in economics classrooms. They highlight some real-world examples like student discounts, movie ticket pricing, and differential college tuition to highlight how businesses maximize profits by charging different prices to different customers. Jadrian shares his excitement about teaching new methods like the hurdle appr...

There are a lot of great economists providing meaningful content. There are so many people doing great work, but who’s worth the time to check out? We discuss a few people who might not be household names but are definitely worth following. Our list includes both traditional academics and media-savvy economists who offer unique perspectives on economics through podcasts, YouTube, TikTok, and beyon...

It’s spooky season, so Jadrian and Matt are lightening the mood by talking Halloween economics! They dive into everything you wanted to know—and maybe things you didn’t know you wanted to know—about how economic concepts like supply and demand, behavioral incentives, and scarcity play out during Halloween. Tune in for a fun conversation on the unexpected economics behind costumes, candy, and more....

Matt and Jadrian are joined by Brian O'Roark to share their initial thoughts on the 2024 Nobel Prize in Economics announcement. This year’s award goes to Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson, and James A. Robinson for their work on how institutions are formed and how they impact economic prosperity. The trio discusses the significance of the award and explores the broader implications of their work on in...

Brian O’Roark is back again to join Matt and Jadrian as they watch the 2024 vice presidential debate between Governor Tim Walz and Senator JD Vance on October 1st. This is the only vice presidential debate of the election, so the two candidates had a lot to cover—but how did they do on their economic insight? Three economists break down economic concepts and macroeconomic conditions discussed duri...

Matt and Jadrian explore the power and influence of elite economics departments, discussing whether "Big Economics" programs have too much sway in the profession. Recent articles in the Financial Times and The Atlantic argue that a small group of top schools disproportionately shape the field, especially in terms of Nobel Prize distribution and academic publishing. Matt and Jadrian also discuss ho...

Join Matt and Jadrian with guest Brian O'Roark as they react to key economic statements from the second presidential debate of 2024 between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump on September 10th. The debate has had a lot of commentary - but how did the candidates do in their economic analysis? The three of them break down economic concepts and macroeconomic conditions discussed during the debate. In thi...

As millions of students return to school, many are questioning if their chosen major is the right fit. In this episode, Matt and Jadrian share their personal stories about why they chose economics. They reflect on the experiences and insights that led them to this field, discussing the motivations, challenges, and defining moments that shaped their decision. Whether you're contemplating your own m...

Matt and Jadrian are joined by Abdullah Al Bahrani, the Executive Director of JET and a Professor of Economics at Northern Kentucky University. This episode was also recorded at JET SET 2024 in Blacksburg. Abdullah shares his journey from classroom educator to public educator. He shares how his social media presence, "Econ with Dr. A," emerged during the pandemic while teaching online from Oman. I...