The David McWilliams Podcast

This week, we delve into the perennial question: Why do so few students depart school with a genuine love for mathematics? Is the way we teach maths the crux of the issue? Joining us is Colm O'Regan, host of his own Mathematics podcast, to show us the story behind the numbers. Maths, essential across various studies including economics, embodies the evolution of human thought, guiding us from gues...

Next week, the war in Ukraine enters its third year. and last week Putin's regime murdered its only real political opponent, Alexi Navalny. Putin has transitioned from electoral manipulation to murder. This week, we chat with Alexander Kabonovsky, the podcast's resident go-to for all things Russian. Together, we explore the impact of Navalny's murder, Putin's position, and the uncertain path ahead...

Amidst the backdrop of the hottest January on record, surpassing pre-industrial averages by 1.6 degrees, join us this week as we embark on a gripping exploration of the economic history and pre-industrial climate change. From the medieval era to the tumultuous 17th century, we delve deep into its profound impacts on society, economy, and religion. We use the poignant saga of the Pont d’Avignon as...

With the election year in full swing, we're shining a spotlight on the resurgence of the Kennedys. Joining us to navigate the intriguing rise of independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy is the economic and political aficionado Pippa Malmgren. We ponder the origins of this surprising surge and its underreported nature amidst swirling allegations, anti-pharma sentiments, and vaccine skepticism. We co...

In this week's episode, we delve deep into the dynamic forces shaping our global economy, from seismic demographic shifts to the transformative rise of artificial intelligence and the ascendance of Asia on the world stage. Once again, we welcome the esteemed Martin Wolf, whose unparalleled insights shed light on the intricate intersections of these pressing global challenges. Together, we attempt...

Almost eight years later, we shine a spotlight on Brexit and how it has come to the forefront of public discourse. We explore the destructive impact of populism on stable democracies, as evidenced by the Brexit saga. The discussion delves into the false premises that underpinned Brexit, examining how it damaged the UK's economic relationship and threatened domestic stability. We are joined by...

For the second installment in our Milei series, we delve into what's causing the political gender divergence within Gen Z. We are joined this week by John Burn-Murdoch, who shares his insights on what has caused the split. Young men are swinging Conservative and you women are moved Liberal. Across the globe, from the US to South Korea, a profound split has emerged, shaping political affiliations,...

This week, we explore the intersection between inflation, public sector pay and productivity, or value for money to the taxpayers who pay the public sector salaries. First, we need a good public service, second workers should be well paid, but third, is there any way of linking public sector wage increases to productivity? If not, then let's be honest with society and say so. We look at Baumol's t...

Dublin, like many cities, needs to make a decision to reinvent itself for the 21st century. It's a battle between the past and the future. There is no urban planning manual anywhere in the world that argues for more cars in towns and cities. In urban transport, cities future is fewer cars, not more. Dun Laoighaire - my hometown - is a microcosm of every modern town in Western society, and its...

Last week at Davos, Javier Milei, delivered a fiery speech that spared no one, from Keynesians to Globalists. Despite some controversy, Milei's libertarian ideas are gaining traction both in Argentina and beyond. As people grapple with economic and geopolitical challenges, they are increasingly drawn to solutions that Milei proposes. In this episode, we explore Milei's speech, which delves into th...

Ireland wasn't ready for the economic success we have experienced over the past 40 years. However, with success comes more social responsibility that the Irish government hasn't been able to meet. We weren't ready for the combination of a population boom, multinational investment, income to rise, and housing demand to increase as a result. We are now at an inflection point. We have no choice but t...

The Houthis - who are they? And why are the US and UK bombing them? What has it got to do with your world? America is keeping shipping routes open and that's exactly what the Houthis seek to destroy. The Houthis occupy one of the maritime world's most sensitive trading chokepoints, and they understand this. 90% of the world's traded goods are shipped by sea: stop shipping and you stop the glo...

Join us as we explore the connection between culture, language, and economic growth. We are joined by John Burn-Murdoch and his data-driven expertise as we discuss how the West could be 'talking itself into decline.' The shift in culture and language that began around the 16th century has become increasingly relevant as books have become digitized - particularly tracking words related to prog...

January if often the time for looking ahead, but all too often, we don’t look far enough. Today’s episode is about looking at the end of a 40 year cycle and the start of a new longterm economic reality! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2024 is going to be a monumental year - 50% of the planet that is eligible to vote is going to vote! But the real power lies in the media: who tells the stories, who controls the medium and the message. This will be the year of a full on war between micromedia, like podcasts etc, and macromedia, like TV. In this battle there is only one winner. It's called economic and technological disr...

We start today by breaking down the mathematical formula to economic growth before moving to my best reads of 2023… and a sneak peek of a book coming out in 2024! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What a year it’s been! On the last episode of the year we take a look back at the incredible year (sometimes good, sometimes bad) that 2023 has been across the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Happy Christmas! Here's a fascinating discussion that I've had with Naomi Klein this year that covers a wide range of political topics - something to ponder on as we all take a well deserved break! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As I spend my last night in Los Angeles, I’ve come to appreciate the drive of this city where so many creative endeavours are born. Hollywood is the core of America’s soft power - What story will it tell next? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Live from Las Vegas we talk about 2024, the upcoming American election, falls in global interest rates, potential American isolationism, the Gutenberg Bible, today’s AI boom - and where it is all taking us! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Time to eat humble pie? Despite us saying last year it that Bitcoin was a BS idea, its value has risen over 150% this year! What’s behind the surge? We talk about Notorious B.I.G, Benjamin Franklin, the wisdom of Charlie Munger and the fact that Bitcoin is something, but it ain't money! But where from here? Should we revise our stance on the technology? Joins us to find out! Hosted on Ac...

Ireland has a massive deficit in public infrastructure and a massive surplus in the public finances. Economists are advising the government to save on the basis that saving is "good". But not spending when we have an increasing immigrant population is a recipe for social chaos. This podcast is celebration of spending. Ireland's tax base is set up to generate surplus, so spend the money. Hosted on...

Putin's back, swanning around the Gulf visiting Saudi Arabia and the UAE, telling the world that he was never really away. Things are going his way. Meanwhile America, is swamped with recurring geopolitical crises and its role as the global top dog is under enormous pressure as we head into an election year. 2024 could be the year of a global infection point, we set out the issues. Hosted on Acast...

We mark the death of Shane MacGowan by looking at the Irish Diaspora, particularly in England and its impact on English popular culture. From there we look at Ireland's relationship with its Tribe abroad and from there, we imagine what a 2nd Irish Republic will look like (which will happen because it's necessary) and the role of the diaspora in this thinking. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy...

Liberal democracy in the western world is all too often taken for granted. But its enemies, nationalists, theocrats, Marxists and isolationists - are rising. Will Israel become a "wedge" issue? Also, why we should defend it and what the erosion of commercial liberalism in China is doing to its economic performance. What does 2024 has in store for the best political idea we've come up with yet...