Think Like An Economist

Introducing: Think Like An Economist Jul 16, 2020 118 Think Like an Economist and you’ll see the world more clearly, empowering you to make better decisions at work, at home, and in your community. Leading economists Betsey Stevenson and Justin Wolfers will take you on a joyous romp through their field as they introduce you to the big ideas in economics, and show how you can apply them to live in your own life. Their signature approach reveals that e

Budget Deficits and Government Debt Mar 9, 2021 1235 Government deficits and debt are at record levels in many countries, provoking widespread anxiety. Betsey Stevenson and Justin Wolfers explain why governments run deficits and rack up debt, whether they're likely to be sustainable, and if you really need to worry.Co-host: Nastaran Tavakoli-Far. Editor: Alastair Elphick. A Modulated Media production.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informati

Fiscal Policy - Government Spending and Taxes Mar 16, 2021 970 There's no bigger player in the economy than the government, which can adjust billions of dollars worth of taxes and spending. Betsey Stevenson and Justin Wolfers explain how policymakers can adjust these levers to keep the economy on track.Co-host: Nastaran Tavakoli-Far. Editor: Alastair Elphick. A Modulated Media production.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monetary Policy - The Financial Levers That Tame Business Cycles Mar 23, 2021 1451 Central Banks around the world, such as the Federal Reserve, work to keep the economy running smoothly. They set interest rates and adjust financial conditions to keep inflation and unemployment stable and low. Betsey Stevenson and Justin Wolfers take you to the heart of the Fed's decision making process, and explain how those decisions affect your life and the broader economy. Co-host: Nasta

Aggregate Demand & Aggregate Supply Mar 30, 2021 1382 It's time to explore macroeconomics from a new yet familiar perspective, using economy-wide supply and demand curves to forecast the economy's total output and average price level. Betsey Stevenson and Justin Wolfers show you how this perspective can help you diagnose the economy's ills, and prescribe the appropriate policy medicine.SummaryCo-host: Nastaran Tavakoli-Far. Editor: Alastair Elph

The Fed Model - Predicting what will happen to the Economy Apr 6, 2021 1435 When a shock such as the Covid pandemic sends waves through the global economy, how do economists find ways to respond? Betsey Stevenson and Justin Wolfers guide you through the Fed Model - the mainstay of policy makers and financiers around the world. They examine the key relationships in the macroeconomy and the shocks that destabilise them.Co-host: Nastaran Tavakoli-Far. Editor: Alastair Elphic

Inflation and the Phillips Curve Apr 13, 2021 1507 Why do we end up paying higher prices than we used to? And what are the main causes of this economy-wide inflation? Betsey Stevenson and Justin Wolfers talk us through how expectations influence inflation, and how greater demand, and problems with supply can push up prices.Co-host: Nastaran Tavakoli-Far. Editor: Alastair Elphick. A Modulated Media production.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy

Connecting Interest Rates & Output Apr 20, 2021 1419 What is the most important price in the economy? Betsey Stevenson and Justin Wolfers say that it's the interest rate, and they dig into where it comes from, and how it drives all spending in the economy. These big ideas yield a framework called the IS-MP model which policymakers use to help devise fiscal and monetary policies to kick-start the economy.Co-host: Nastaran Tavakoli-Far. Edit

The Boom and Bust of Business Cycles Apr 27, 2021 1155 Even economists find navigating the ups and downs of expansions and recessions tricky. With the COVID-19 recession still affecting millions around the world, Betsey Stevenson and Justin Wolfers help you make sense of the business cycles that affect all of our lives. And they have some handy tools to help you understand where the economy is headed.Co-host: Nastaran Tavakoli-Far. Editor: Alastair El

Exchange Rates & International Finance - The flow of currencies around the world May 4, 2021 1507 How can a change in the currency markets change the price of a loaf of bread? And is a strong currency useful? Betsey Stevenson and Justin Wolfers explain how imports and exports are affected by foreign exchange markets.Co-host: Nastaran Tavakoli-Far. Editor: Alastair Elphick. A Modulated Media production.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Financial Sector - Bonds, Stocks and Shares - should you or shouldn't you? May 11, 2021 1526 Are you thinking about investing in the Financial Markets? Should you put some of your retirement savings into bonds, or stocks and shares? Betsey Stevenson and Justin Wolfers explain how you can invest and have some simple words of advice for you. Co-host: Nastaran Tavakoli-Far. Editor: Alastair Elphick. A Modulated Media Production.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Investment - Upfront costs for future gains May 18, 2021 1172 When businesses invest, they're weighing upfront costs against future gains. Betsey Stevenson and Justin Wolfers show you how executives make smart investment decisions, and how you can use the same ideas to figure out whether to invest in your education, your health, or your financial future.Co-host: Nastaran Tavakoli-Far. Editor: Alastair Elphick. A Modulated Media production.See omnystudio.com/

Consumption and Saving - Spend Now or Save to Spend Later May 25, 2021 1127 We all make decisions about when to spend our money and when to save for our future selves. Betsey Stevenson and Justin Wolfers show you the tools to make the right spending and saving choices at different times of your life, and what it all means for the macroeconomy.Co-host: Nastaran Tavakoli-Far. Editor: Alastair Elphick. A Modulated Media production.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy

Inflation - When money loses its value Jun 1, 2021 1226 We might watch the inflation rate to see how the cost of living is changing, and how our money changes value over time. But what happens when we can't trust money any more? Betsey Stevenson and Justin Wolfers explain inflation - what it is, the harm it can do, and how you can protect yourself against it.Co-Host: Nastaran Tavakoli-Far. Editor: Alastair Elphick. A Modulated Media production.See omny

Unemployment - Does joblessness have to mean hopelessness? Jun 8, 2021 1079 Being unemployed can be very stressful, so what can economists do to help people back to work? Betsey Stevenson and Justin Wolfers discuss what it means to be jobless, and what to do if you're unlucky enough to lose your job.Co-host: Nastaran Tavakoli-Far. Editor: Alastair Elphick. A Modulated Media production.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Economic Growth - Improving our Lives Jun 15, 2021 1191 When an economy grows, we live better lives. Betsey Stevenson and Justin Wolfers show you how economic growth is fuelled by the mix of skilled workers, the right investments and new ideas. As one idea leads to another, innovation helps boost the economy and can make the world a better place. Co-host: Nastaran Tavakoli-Far. Editor: Alastair Elphick. A Modulated Media production.See omnystudio.com/l

Gross Domestic Product - Adding Up Everything We Do Jun 22, 2021 1262 We're diving into Macroeconomics with a look at Gross Domestic Product and how it counts everything in the economy - from output, to spending and the income earned. And Betsey Stevenson and Justin Wolfers also show you how even the great yardstick that is GDP ignores some vital elements of society.Co-host: Nastaran Tavakoli-Far. Editor: Alastair Elphick. A Modulated Media production.See omnystudio

Behavioral Economics - We're only human! Jun 29, 2021 675 We all can make mistakes when faced with choices. Biases and old habits can get in the way of good economic decision making. Betsey Stevenson and Justin Wolfers discuss the way our psychology affects our decisions, and they show how to make better judgements and assess the risks.Co-host: Nastaran Tavakoli-Far. Editor: Alastair Elphick. A Modulated Media production.See omnystudio.com/listener for p

Making Decisions in an Uncertain World Jul 6, 2021 1214 Uncertainty and risk are all around us. So how can we make good decisions when we don't know what will happen? Betsey Stevenson and Justin Wolfers show you how to understand risk, and your reaction to it, as well as giving you the tools to help reduce risk.Co-host: Nastaran Tavakoli-Far. Editor: Alastair Elphick. A Modulated Media production.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Private Information - I Know Something You Don’t Know Jul 13, 2021 1162 What happens when you know something that others don't? Or they know something you don't? These information asymmetries can great create a fog of mistrust, and doing business can get tricky. Betsey Stevenson and Justin Wolfers help clear the economic fog, and find ways to restore that trust.Co-Host: Nastaran Tavakoli-Far. Editor: Alastair Elphick. A Modulated Media ProductionSee omnystudio.com/lis

Game Theory - Thinking Strategically Jul 20, 2021 1360 In business, as in life, we often have to make decisions based on what others choose. But how do we make the right strategic decisions? Betsey Stevenson and Justin Wolfers unpick the problems of strategic cooperation and coordination, and show you the four steps for making good strategic decisions. You now have two choices - to listen to this episode, or not!Co-host: Nastaran Tavakoli-Far. Editor:

Business Strategy - How to boost profitability Jul 27, 2021 1437 Great entrepreneurs identify opportunities for long-term profits before other people can. Betsey Stevenson and Justin Wolfers will help you learn how to spot your business opportunities and show you the five forces that determine profitability.Co-host: Nastaran Tavakoli-Far. Editor: Alastair Elphick. A Modulated Media production.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Price Discrimination - Why some people pay less Aug 3, 2021 1032 Discounts for the elderly or students may seem generous - but they win more customers. When businesses ask how they can make as much money as possible from each customer, they need a sophisticated pricing strategy. Betsey Stevenson and Justin Wolfers take a look at who gets a discount and why.Co-host: Nastaran Tavakoli-Far. Editor: Alastair Elphick. A Modulated Media ProductionSee omnystudio.com/l

Entry, Exit and Long-Run Profitability - How to get ahead in the Market Aug 10, 2021 1301 If there are profits to be made, entrepreneurs will be there to start their business. But how can they stay ahead of the competition and deter new rivals from entering the market? Betsey Stevenson and Justin Wolfers guide you through the choices managers make to remain profitable, and explain why businesses try to crush healthy competition.Co-host: Nastaran Tavakoli-Far. Editor: Alastair Elphick.

Market Power - Why businesses charge more Aug 17, 2021 1163 What's the competition? When businesses have less competition, they have more market power and can raise their prices. Betsey Stevenson and Justin Wolfers explore competition in the market place and the way it shapes prices - and profit.Co-Host: Nastaran Tavakoli-Far. Editor: Alastair Elphick. A Modulated Media production.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inequality - Understanding the Gap between Rich and Poor Aug 24, 2021 1075 How hard is it to move out of poverty and up the economic ladder? Justin Wolfers and Betsey Stevenson explore how economic inequality is shaped by people's backgrounds and opportunities. And they look at the tools available for making a more equal society.Co-Host: Nastaran Tavakoli-Far. Editor: Alastair Elphick. A Modulated Media production.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why wages vary - Why some of us get paid more than others Aug 31, 2021 1354 Why do some people earn so much more than others? How does society value certain jobs over other jobs - and how can we make sure we get a higher wage? Betsey Stevenson and Justin Wolfers help navigate the vagaries of the job market, and have some advice how to get the best wage deal.Co-host: Nastaran Tavakoli-Far. Editor: Alastair Elphick. A Modulated Media production.See omnystudio.com/listener f

The Labor Market - Live to Work, or Work to Live? Sep 7, 2021 995 What can you do to make sure you're working in the right job, and getting paid the right salary? Or, if you're the boss, how can you make sure you're making the right hiring decisions? Justin Wolfers and Betsey Stevenson show you how to make good decisions, as a worker or an employer.Co-host: Nastaran Tavakoli-Far. Editor: Alastair Elphick. A Modulated Media production.See omnystudio.com/listener

Externalities - The Full Cost of the Choices we make Sep 14, 2021 975 What happens when others benefit from your choices, like your decision whether or not to wear a mask? Or when your choices hurt others, like smoking?  Economists Betsey Stevenson and Justin Wolfers delve into the world of externalities and explore how policy makers can help ensure effects on others are taken into account. Co-host: Nastaran Tavakoli-Far. Editor: Alastair El

International Trade - Cars from Corn Sep 21, 2021 1006 When countries do something well, they can sell that in the global market place. But how do consumers and producers get the most out of international trade? Economists Betsey Stevenson and Justin Wolfers explain how people around the world can benefit from international trade. Co-host: Nastaran Tavakoli-Far. Editor: Alastair Elphick. A Modulated Media production.See omnystudio.com/listener for pri

Gains From Trade - Why Ringo played the drums Sep 28, 2021 921 Are you doing what you should be doing, and delegating tasks that others should do? Make sure you get the most out of your comparative advantage, as Betsey Stevenson and Justin Wolfers reveal how this economic tool helps run their household. They've written the economics textbook for the 21st century and want to share their love of economics with you.Co-host: Nastaran Tavakoli-Far. Editor: Alastai

Economic Surplus - Getting the Most out of Life Oct 5, 2021 1051 You know the joy of buying something that's worth more to you than what you paid? Or that jolt when you sell something for more than what it is worth to you? Leading economists Betsey Stevenson and Justin Wolfers reveal how to know whether our trades spark joy.Co-host: Nastaran Tavakoli-Far. Editor: Alastair Elphick. A Modulated Media production.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy in

When Governments Intervene - Taxes, Price & Quantity Regulations Oct 12, 2021 1070 How does government affect the market? And how can a jar of coins help you understand how taxes affect buyers and sellers. Leading economists Justin Wolfers and Betsey Stevenson have written the economics textbook for the 21st century, and share their insight on how the economy is influenced by government.Co-host: Nastaran Tavakoli-Far. Editor: Alastair Elphick. A Modulated Media productionSee omn

Elasticity - What will you do when prices change? Oct 19, 2021 1054 When prices go up, buyers want less and sellers want more. But how much more? Economists Betsey Stevenson and Justin Wolfers discuss how responsive people are to price changes, and why.Co-host: Nastaran Tavakoli-Far. Editor: Alastair Elphick. A Modulated Media production.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Equilibrium - Balance in a Busy World Oct 26, 2021 1061 Where Supply meets Demand. Markets are everywhere, but what happens when buyers and sellers get down to business? Leading economists Betsey Stevenson and Justin Wolfers reveal how markets find their equilibriumCo-host: Nastaran Tavakoli-Far. Editor: Alastair Elphick. A Modulated Media production.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Supply - Getting the Best Out of What You Sell Nov 2, 2021 1044 We're all suppliers. But how do we decide how much to sell? Economists and the authors of the 21st century textbook on economics, Betsey Stevenson and Justin Wolfers, steer us through the influences and decisions we face in business or in the home.Co-host: Nastaran Tavakoli-Far. Editor: Alastair Elphick. A Modulated Media production.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Law of Demand - How You Choose to Buy Nov 9, 2021 952 Do you need to buy that? Should you buy one more? Economists Betsey Stevenson and Justin Wolfers explain how you as a buyer can stay in control - and how to make the Law of Demand work for you.Co-host: Nastaran Tavakoli-Far. Editor: Alastair Elphick. A Modulated Media production.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Core Principle 4 - The Interdependence Principle - No Decision is an Island Nov 16, 2021 707 Buying an extra cup of coffee means less money for a cup of tea. It also means less coffee for the next person, it will change the prices of milk and sugar and effect the countries which make the coffee beans for your cup of joe. Betsey Stevenson and Justin Wolfers teach us about how our decisions are interlinked, and how this can help you to make better decisions. Co-host: Nastaran Tavakoli-

Core Principle 3 - The Marginal Principle - Just One More? Nov 23, 2021 926 How many hours should you work? How many people should you hire? How many children should you have? Betsey Stevenson and Justin Wolfers teach us how to make decisions about ‘how many’ of pretty much anything and in any circumstance.Co-host: Nastaran Tavakoli-Far. Editor: Alastair Elphick. A Modulated Media production.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Core Principle 2 - The Opportunity Cost Principle - Or What? Nov 30, 2021 1070 What would you do instead of taking that dream job? What would you eat for dinner instead of that burger? And how would you spend your lunch hour if not at the gym? Betsey Stevenson and Justin Wolfers get us to think about the next best alternative to anything, and how that can transform the decisions we make. Co-host: Nastaran Tavakoli-Far. Editor: Alastair Elphick. A Modulated Media product

Core Principle 1 - The Cost-Benefit Principle - The Pros & Cons Dec 7, 2021 1080 Making a pros-and-cons list when you’re stuck isn’t a bad piece of advice, it’s actually a staple of Thinking Like An Economist. Betsey Stevenson and Justin Wolfers walk us through thinking about the costs and benefits of every decision, and also warn of red flags that can lead us astray. Co-host: Nastaran Tavakoli-Far. Editor: Alastair Elphick. A Modulated Media production.See omnystudio.com

Why Should You Think Like an Economist? Dec 14, 2021 927 Want to make ‘no regrets decisions’? This podcast will teach you how! Betsey Stevenson andJustin Wolfers are on a mission to equip everyone with key tools from economics that cantruly transform your life: from career dilemmas and financial conundrums to sorting outcomplicated problems in your personal life, economics will help you. Let’s get stuck in.Co-host: Nastaran Tavakoli-Far. Editor: Alastai

Introducing: Think Like An Economist Oct 1, 2026 95 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episodes

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