Decode Econ

In today’s economy, intelligence isn’t enough. Employers aren’t just hiring credentials — they’re hiring people who can think under pressure, navigate uncertainty, and solve problems no one has clearly defined yet. In this episode, we explore the one skill that quietly separates top performers from everyone else — and why research may be the most underrated competitive advantage in the modern job...

In a recent episode of the Decode Econ podcast, Dr. Abdullah Al Bahrani and his student, Jack Marx, discussed the relevance and value of studying economics amid declining interest in the field. Their conversation sheds light on the unique skills economics students acquire, which not only enhance their employability but also their ability to tackle complex real-world issues. Main Content: Understan...

Summary In this episode of Decode Econ, Dr. Abdullah Al Bahrani and Jack Marx discuss various economic topics, including the role of economists in monetary policy, the implications of a weakening dollar, the impact of AI on hiring processes, and the importance of storytelling in economics. They emphasize the need for economists to communicate effectively with the public and the significance of dev...

Summary In this episode of Decode Econ, Dr. Abdullah Al Bahrani and his research assistant, Jack Marx, discuss various pressing economic issues, including the implications of Supreme Court bias, the current state of the dollar, and the challenges faced by young men in today's economy. They emphasize the importance of mentorship, vulnerability, and community support in navigating these challenges....

Summary In this week's episode of Decode Econ, Dr. Abdullah Al Bahrani discusses significant economic trends and events, including the implications of isolation in global economics, a retrospective look at economic data from 2016 to 2026, insights from the World Economic Forum in Davos, and the bankruptcy of Saks Fifth Avenue. The conversation emphasizes the changing landscape of trade, inflation,...

Title: Navigating Economic Currents: Insights from This Week's Decode Econ Podcast Introduction: In this week's episode of Decode Econ, Dr. Abdullah Al Bahrani dives into some crucial issues affecting the economy, from Federal Reserve dynamics to the impact of individualism on public health perceptions. With a professional yet conversational approach, he sheds light on complex topics in a way that...

I have been reflecting on my career. If you had asked me 10 years ago where I saw myself in 10 years, I would not have been able to describe my career as it is today. I find that beautiful. As I reflect, I've identified several things that’ve served me well, and I'd like to share them with you. Let us call them the career progression principles. I would love to know which principles you wo...

Recently, Walmart announced that it will have to increase its prices due to the tariff wars. This announcement received a harsh response from President Trump, who demanded that Walmart "Eat the Tariff." At the same time, Home Depot has announced that it will not change its prices. Today, I would like to talk about which companies will be able to “eat the tariffs” and which will pass them...

Navigating college can be tough. Kyah shares with us how one student's encouragement to attend Econ Club helped her build community. Must listen for all soon to be graduates. Get full access to Decode Econ at www.decodeecon.com/subscribe

My mentor reminds me often that my job is to create value for my organization and the people around me. The value I choose to create will vary across responsibilities and situations, but ultimately, my job is to improve the world. The same is true for you. The challenge many professionals face isn't just creating value—it's ensuring that value is recognized and properly compensated. This b...

Jerome Powell, the Federal Reserve Bank chair, recently reported that the U.S. economy is at risk of experiencing slowing growth coupled with persistent inflation. This economic predicament is what economists call stagflation—a stagnating economy that simultaneously faces rising prices. Powell's candid assessment was met with sharp rebuke and even  threats of termination from the administration ....

In an increasingly competitive and uncertain job market, the difference between those who thrive and those who merely survive often comes down to one factor that business schools rarely teach—building and maintaining your professional support network. Over decades of mentoring, I've observed hundreds of careers. I've identified a clear pattern: those who intentionally build what I call a &...

The current administration is breaking all of its policy rules when it comes to eggs. Their new approach can teach us a lot about the role of government and remind us why government is important. The market has seen a 50% surge in egg prices due to an avian influenza outbreak. In response, the federal government plans to introduce a five-pronged strategy. Get full access to Decode Econ at www.deco...

I have a note in my Notes app called "Thoughts." This is where I collect ideas throughout my day. It's nothing fancy, just a collection of random things that I find interesting: Get full access to Decode Econ at www.decodeecon.com/subscribe

Join Dr. A as we explore critical issues in economics education. This episode highlights: Midterm reflections for students and professors A revealing study on racial and gender achievement gaps in economics classrooms The impact of stereotype threat on student performance, especially for female URM students Strategies for creating inclusive learning environments and combating stereotypes Discover...

On Tuesday, 45,000  dockworkers went on strike  for the first time in decades, impacting 36 U.S. ports from Maine to Texas. This strike highlights a growing tension between technological innovation and job security, a conflict that will likely affect us all. At the core of this issue lies a fundamental question: How can we embrace innovation without sacrificing workers’ livelihoods? Today, we expl...

Today, I want to explore a topic that often goes unnoticed: how language can be used to exclude people from "being in the room." This is why I'm so passionate about teaching my students the language of professionalism and economics—it's the driving force behind this newsletter and our podcast. More resources in the newsletter www. WithDrA.com Get full access to Decode Econ at www...

Summary In this conversation, Dr. A and Matt Frey discuss early career advice and how to navigate the transition from college to the workforce. They emphasize the importance of networking, being authentic, and strategic thinking. Matt shares his insights on the application process, including the need to understand the changing labor market and minimize information asymmetry. He also provides advic...

This week, we explore economic research and career development with Ben Reynolds, the first Haile Fellow. Now a senior research analyst for the Council of State Governments, Ben's journey showcases the versatility of economics skills across industries. He emphasizes the importance of effective communication in research and the value of combining quantitative and qualitative methods. Ben's...

Today, we sit down with Becca Wilson, an NKU Haile College of Business alumna, former Haile Research Fellow, and current employee at 3CDC. Key Takeaways: (03:10) Becca credits the Haile Fellows Program for opening up new career paths and opportunities she wouldn't have considered otherwise, like working in a nonprofit organization (10:24) Reflection is crucial for personal and professional gro...

Guest: Brooklyn Stephens, NKU Economics alumna, former Haile Research Fellow, adjunct professor, and MBA graduate from the University of Kentucky Key Takeaways: • (05:28) Brooklyn shares her most memorable experience as a Haile Research Fellow, presenting at the Kentucky Economic Association conference amidst challenging personal circumstances   • (07:57) The support and empathy from Dr. A during...

In this episode of Economics with Dr. A, Dr. Abdullah Al Bahrani interviews Tyler Kent, a graduate from the class of 2019 and a former participant in the Haile Fellows Program. They discuss Tyler's experience in the program, its impact on his career, and his advice for current fellows. The conversation highlights the importance of experimentation, curiosity, and having fun in the learning proc...

In this conversation, Dr. Abdullah Bahrani interviews Aro Rajaonah, a former Haile Fellow and a pre-doctoral research specialist at Princeton University. Aro shares his experience as a Haile Fellow and advises current fellows. He emphasizes the importance of coding skills, networking, and reading widely. Aro also discusses his plans, including applying to PhD programs. The conversation highlights...

In this episode of Economics with Dr. A, we sit down with Sophia Hermosilla, a recent graduate of Thomas More University and a former fellow at the Zembrodt Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Sophia shares her journey from Panama, her home country, to pursuing her undergraduate degree in the US. She has decided to continue her education with a graduate degree at George Washington Universi...

Summary In this powerful episode, Dr. Abdullah Al Bahrani sits down with Mrs. Jeni Al Bahrani and Erin Preston, a graduating senior at Thomas More University, to discuss Erin's experience as a fellow at the Zembrodt Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. The main themes include professional development, mentorship, and the importance of community. Erin shares her journey of initially hesi...