In this episode, economist, political scientist, and author James A. Robinson shares his insights on a varied range of topics including the influence of culture, the vicious cycle of extractive institutions, and establishing trust in the government. He also highlights the need for understanding context when it comes to the use of economic models as basis forming policies. 

Professor Robinson also gives his thoughts on where he would choose to live 50 years from now. 

0:00 Introduction
1:29 Career
8:13 Interplay of culture and institutions
22:41 Political Economy
38:22 Building and Developing an Effective State
48:51 Thought Experiment

In this episode, economist Professor Steve Keen shares his thoughts on an array of topics including the shortcomings of neoclassical economics, financial instability, debt and deregulation. He also discusses the intersection of politics and economics through the lens of his candidacy for the senate in the most recent Australian election.  He highlights the importance of government policies to tackle issues such as global private debt and the looming climate crisis.

Professor Steve Keen also gives his policy recommendations to global leaders and his advice to students reading economics.

0:00  Introduction
1:10 Debunking Economics
10:48 Financial Instability, Debt and Deregulation
18:43 Intersection of Politics and Economics
27:12 Thought Experiment

In this episode, economist Professor John Van Reenen shares his insights on an interesting array of topics including the future of ideas, how to influence sustainable long-term growth, and the balance of innovation and intervention.  He highlights the importance of government policies to create the scientists of the future to tackle problems such as “The Lost Marie-Curie” effect and diminishing marginal returns to productivity. 

Professor Van Reenen also gives his take on time travel and what innovation looks like 50 years down the road. 

0:00 Introduction
3:12 Ideas and Innovation
12:01 Fall of Labour Share
20:56 Thought Experiment