In this week’s episode, Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg explore various aspects of Joe Biden’s presidency to evaluate a case for reelecting Biden, focusing on economic policy shifts, spending concerns, inflation, and industrial policy. They also emphasize the historical and current political dynamics between the U.S. and China, exploring tariffs, trade, oil production, and technology, with a nuanced view of protectionism’s role in national security and economic growth. -- Recommended Podcast:...

This week on Econ 102, Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg discuss the pros and cons of Biden's tax plan based on Noah's recent essay. They also answered listener questions on the German economy's success, Japan's government debt management, and strategies for staying well-informed on economic issues. Recommended Podcast: Company Breakdowns Each episode of Company Breakdowns dives into S-1s and series B-and-beyond companies, interviewing founders and investors to break down the companies. First...

In today's episode of Econ 102, Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg tackle more listener questions: the Fed's impact on inflation and the economy, theories behind interest rates' unexpected effects, and 'greedflation'. The discussion also extends to shifts in Japan's economic policies amid currency valuation concerns, housing price disparities between the US and Canada, gentrification, balanced budget amendments, and the geopolitical dynamics between Saudi Arabia and Iran, finishing with thoughts...

In today's episode, Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg answer listeners' questions in rapid fire format, over topics such as the global reserve currency, fair taxation, wealth redistribution, education reform, healthcare, US manufacturing, how to revitalize cities, and more. Thanks to all our listeners who continue to write in with big meaty questions! This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the...

In this week’s episode, Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg tackle more listeners' questions focused on conflicts and war. They cover various defense strategies, emphasizing the urgency of revitalizing the U.S. defense industrial base to prepare for potential conflicts. They discuss the differences between authoritarian and democratic powers, highlighting the significant risk of World War III and the importance of alliance building, particularly with countries like Japan, India, and European...

In this week’s episode, Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg dive into various econ topics and tackle listener questions! They cover: government spending and the national debt, discussion on taxation, wealth taxes and economic outcome of the next U.S. election, as well as differences in respect and status in the United States and Japan, and lessons learned from deficit spending. This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and...

This episode is a continuation of analyzing the economies around the world, with Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg focusing on the Middle East, Africa, South America, and North America. They discuss the economic challenges and solutions in Egypt and Saudi Arabia, as well as Latin America’s drug problem and Canada’s economic stagnation. This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of...

In our second installment of Analyzing the Economies Around the World, Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg cover Europe and Turkey. They discuss the UK's productivity issues, France's nuclear energy investments, Germany's weaknesses, Poland's economic success, Turkey's economic policies, and immigration challenges across the EU and Europe. This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of...

In this episode, Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg talk about the world's biggest economies including US, China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Russia, Australia, and more, looking at things like inflation, debt, industrial policy, and population challenges. They talk about what each country does well and where they might struggle, and offer ideas about what could happen next. This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture —...

In this episode, Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg are joined by Nathan Labenz, co-host of The Cognitive Revolution Podcast, to deep dive into AI's impact on our economy and society. They discuss how AI might affect the job market and society, drawing comparisons to past economic changes. If you’re looking for an ERP platform head to NetSuite http://netsuite.com/102 and download your own customized KPI checklist. This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more,...

In this episode of Econ 102, Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg are joined by Brad Hargreaves, the founder of Common, co-founder of General Assembly, and writer of Thesis Driven. They discuss the future of real estate and housing in America, the impact of regulations, and the potential of new cities. If you’re looking for an ERP platform head to NetSuite http://netsuite.com/102 and download your own customized KPI checklist. RECOMMENDED PODCAST: Thesis Driven Leader Series Thesis Driven Leader...

This week on Econ 102, Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg explore the changing racial dynamics in the U.S., highlighting the importance of national identity, and the recent role of social media within that evolution. If you’re looking for an ERP platform head to NetSuite http://netsuite.com/102 and download your own customized KPI checklist. RECOMMENDED PODCAST: History 102 with WhatifAltHist Every week, creator of WhatifAltHist Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg cover a major topic in history in...

This week on Econ 102, Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg discuss Tucker Carlson’s interview with Vladimir Putin, the state of Russia's economic and military, and the country's relationships with the West. If you’re looking for an ERP platform head to NetSuite http://netsuite.com/102 and download your own customized KPI checklist. RECOMMENDED PODCAST: History 102 with WhatifAltHist Every week, creator of WhatifAltHist Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg cover a major topic in history in depth -- in...

This week Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg sit down to deconstruct several economic theories dealing with developing nations, export oriented manufacturing, the roles of engineers across the world, and more. If you’re looking for an ERP platform head to NetSuite http://netsuite.com/102 and download your own customized KPI checklist. He rebuttals arguments made by Turkish economist Dani Rodrik relating to on manufacturing, automation, employment, and more. - RECOMMENDED PODCAST: History 102 with...

This week on Econ 102, Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg discuss the role of tariffs in the world economy, Tesla’s positioning in the Chinese market, and economic strategies that the U.S. may need to implement to remain competitive in global trade. If you’re looking for an ERP platform head to NetSuite http://netsuite.com/102 and download your own customized KPI checklist. RECOMMENDED PODCAST: History 102 with WhatifAltHist Every week, creator of WhatifAltHist Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg...

This week, economist Eli Dourado joins Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg to explore the concept of the Great Stagnation and whether it is over, the challenges of scaling in America, the role of governance in hindering progress, the role of new technology in productivity gains, and much more. If you’re looking for an ERP platform head to NetSuite http://netsuite.com/102 and download your own customized KPI checklist. - RECOMMENDED PODCAST: History 102 with WhatifAltHist Every week, creator of...

This week on Econ 102, Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg explore several aspects of Japan’s work system, culture, economy, and more, including the seniority promotion system, globally perceived homogeneity, economic transformation, and immigration trends. Match a donation up to $100 for your favorite charity with GiveWell by going to https://givewell.org and pick “Podcast” and enter Econ 102 at checkout. Noah highlights Japan's past and current corporate cultures, how working and gender roles...

This week Erik Torenberg and Noah Smith are joined by Itay Vinik, Co-Founder & Chief Investment Officer at Equi, to explore their different perspectives on the current state of the economy and the likelihood of a recession. Match a donation up to $100 for your favorite charity with GiveWell by going to https://givewell.org and pick “Podcast” and enter Econ 102 at checkout. Check out Erik's new show Request for Startups featuring a rotating cast of founders and investors (including Dan)...

Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg discuss the resignation of Harvard's President Claudine Gay as well as the issues surrounding academic research, such as plagiarism, peer review, academic incentives, and more. Match a donation up to $100 for your favorite charity with GiveWell by going to https://givewell.org and pick “Podcast” and enter Econ 102 at checkout. Check out Erik's new show Request for Startups featuring a rotating cast of founders and investors (including Dan) sharing their requests...

This week Dan Romero joins Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg to discuss the overuse of the term “fascism,” what has led to the capabilities of China and the U.S., and much more. Match a donation up to $100 for your favorite charity with GiveWell by going to https://givewell.org and pick “Podcast” and enter Econ 102 at checkout. We're hiring across the board at Turpentine and for Erik's personal team on other projects he's incubating. He's hiring a Chief of Staff, EA, Head of Special Projects,...

For this episode, Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg are joined by Sebastian Bensusan, an Argentinian engineer, to discuss Argentina's unique inflation problem, its agricultural and mining sectors, dollarization, voting patterns, and more. Match a donation up to $100 for your favorite charity with GiveWell by going to https://givewell.org and pick “Podcast” and enter Econ 102 at checkout. We're hiring across the board at Turpentine and for Erik's personal team on other projects he's incubating....

Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg explore the factors contributing to rising grocery prices and the impact of inflation on consumer sentiment, as well as debunking misconceptions about inflation. Match a donation up to $100 for your favorite charity with GiveWell by going to https://givewell.org and pick “Podcast” and enter Econ 102 at checkout. We're hiring across the board at Turpentine and for Erik's personal team on other projects he's incubating. He's hiring a Chief of Staff, EA, Head of...

Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg explore the debate on immigration, including open borders vs border enforcement, the ideal composition of immigrants, the housing crisis, & the mixed views Americans have on the subject. Match a donation up to $100 for your favorite charity with GiveWell by going to https://givewell.org and pick “Podcast” and enter Econ 102 at checkout. We're hiring across the board at Turpentine and for Erik's personal team on other projects he's incubating. He's hiring a...

Noah Smith joins Age of Miracles hosts Packy McCormick and Julia DeWahl to discuss the future of nuclear energy as well as other energy sources. Daffy is offering Econ 102 listeners a free $25 for the charity of their choice when they join: https://www.daffy.org/econ102 We're hiring across the board at Turpentine and for Erik's personal team on other projects he's incubating. He's hiring a Chief of Staff, EA, Head of Special Projects, Investment Associate, and more. For a list of JDs, check...