This week, we're connecting the dots between the Irish electoral cycle, immigration, and the global aftershocks of Trumpism. Ireland’s housing crisis, surging immigration, and emigration of young talent all tell a story of a country grappling with rapid change—but are the political elites ready to face the challenge? We discuss how immigration fuels innovation and economic growth but also sparks social tension. With over 149,000 immigrants arriving this year alone and rents skyrocketing, is...

This week, we're tackling two seismic shifts in politics: Ireland’s sugar-rush election and Trumpism’s ripple effects across Europe. As Irish politicians shower voters with freebies—from energy credits to student grants—are they ignoring the storm clouds brewing overseas? Meanwhile, Germany is picking up the phone to Russia, reshaping the geopolitics of Europe as Trump’s influence pushes allies to rethink old alliances. What does Ireland’s obsession with giveaways say about its political...

This week, we’re diving into Germany's political shake-up as the country heads for a snap election this February. Beyond coalition drama, there’s a deeper story here: Germany’s cultural obsession with saving and fiscal restraint—a "fetish for frugality" that hasn’t always served them well. Seen as both a national virtue and a strict economic doctrine, balanced budgets are gospel, and spending is often viewed with suspicion. How will this election impact Germany's economic direction? And could...

Live from Kilkenomics, we unpack the ‘Trump Epoch,’ a transformative shift that’s reshaping America and reverberating across the globe. From disrupting political dynasties to setting the stage for a new supercycle, we dive into how Trumpism is redefining the world’s economic and political landscapes. Expect a deep dive into the rise of disaffected voices, shifting priorities like immigration and cost of living, and the lasting impact of this new era. If you’re curious about where America—and...

The unthinkable has happened: Donald Trump has swept the Presidency, Congress, the Senate, the popular vote—even the Supreme Court stands behind him. In today’s episode, we dive into the five emotional stages America seems to be racing through, from denial to acceptance, as a the Trumpquake sends shockwaves across the world. With Bitcoin soaring and alliances shifting, what does this all mean for the globe—from an empowered Netanyahu in Israel to an isolated Europe led by a wary Berlin? We’ll...

In this episode, we delve into the essence of power ahead of the American election. What happens when the warrior, priestly, and merchant castes converge—and who ends up on top? We explore how the modern United States exemplifies this ancient struggle through its billionaires, technocrats, and military-industrial complex. With billionaires investing nearly $700 million into the election, we ask: does this solidify their dominance, or could we be nearing a tipping point, a "peak billionaire"...

We’re in the final minutes of one of the most consequential American elections ever—and the stakes are high. We're back with Mark Blyth to explore what a Trump victory might mean for the world. Picture this: the return of 19th-century tariffs, mass deportations, and a push to bring American multinationals back home. What’s at risk for global trade, jobs, and even the power of NATO itself? With 14% of Ireland’s jobs tied to U.S. companies, the world could be on the verge of a seismic shift. So...

I'm up in Glasgow and we're devoting this podcast to all things Scottish, kkicking off with the amazing Scottish Enlightenment. Why did 18th-century Scotland emerge as a crucible for radical ideas, drawing intellectuals, inventors, and innovators alike? The Scottish Enlightenment marked an era where thinkers like David Hume and Adam Smith thrived amidst newfound economic growth, sparked by an influx of wealth from trade routes and ventures (like Scotland's ill-fated attempt to build a canal...

In this episode, we dive into the decline of Dublin’s inner city, a reflection of urban decay across the English-speaking world. Drawing on Jane Jacobs’ urban theories, we explore how cities like Kreuzberg in Berlin and Hackney in London turned around from dereliction to thriving hubs—and ask whether Dublin can do the same. We discuss the importance of repopulating cities with residents, not just tourists, and why mixed-use spaces are crucial for community vibrancy. Can initiatives like...

As the U.S. election looms, we take a hard look at how this pivotal moment could reshape the country. With Donald Trump pulling ahead in key swing states while working at McDonalds, the stakes are higher than ever. Joined again by Tom Frank, we dive into the potential consequences of a Trump victory—authoritarianism, economic upheaval, and the erosion of America's institutions. How could Trump’s policies and the cult of personality around him impact the U.S. economy and democracy? Will the...

In this episode, we break down the Nobel Prize in Economics awarded to Darren Acemoglu, Simon Johnson, and James Robinson for their work on development economics. Their central claim? Strong institutions are the key to national success. But is that the whole story? With the richest 20% of countries now 30 times wealthier than the poorest 20%, we ask if focusing solely on institutions ignores deeper issues like geography, culture, and historical legacy. From South Korea’s meteoric rise to...

In this episode, we dive into a rising question: could the European Union impose economic sanctions on Israel if the conflict continues to escalate? As Israel’s largest trade partner, the EU holds significant economic leverage, and with public opinion across Europe shifting, sanctions could become a powerful tool to apply pressure. Drawing on historical examples like South Africa and Russia, we ask: could Israel be the next nation to face international economic isolation? What would that mean...

This week, we’re stepping away from the usual economic focus to dive into the culture wars dominating U.S. politics as the election looms. Despite strong job growth, voters seem more driven by cultural identity than economic gains. With Thomas Frank, author of What’s the Matter with Kansas, we explore why the working class has shifted towards the Republicans, while Democrats have embraced the highly educated elite. Frank breaks down how these cultural divides are playing out in key swing...

As tensions rise between Israel and Iran, the global energy market is feeling the strain. Oil prices have jumped from $72 to $78 per barrel, and any further escalation could disrupt key producers like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, pushing prices even higher. With Israel attempting to provoke Iran into a wider conflict, the U.S. is caught in a delicate balancing act, trying to avoid being drawn in while managing domestic inflation and rising gas prices. For Ireland, already suffering from...

In this episode, we're diving straight into the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. As missiles fly and regional powers realign, we break down what’s really happening on the ground and why the Middle East is more volatile than ever. With Hezbollah in the mix, and Iran’s influence spreading across Lebanon, Gaza, and beyond, we’re looking at how Israel’s aggressive strategy could lead to something much bigger. We'll also dig into how the U.S. and Europe are responding, or not...

In this episode, we turn our focus to the Middle East, specifically Lebanon, a country currently at the epicentre of political and economic turmoil. Joined by Lebanese economist Carole Nakhle, we dive into the complexities of Lebanese society, a nation shaped by hyperinflation, war, and a delicate balance of religious and ethnic factions. Carole shares her personal experiences growing up in Beirut, and we explore how the economic crisis, worsened by years of corruption and political...

 In this episode, we continue our European mini-series, moving from Germany to the broader continental landscape. Europe faces mounting economic challenges as Mario Draghi, the former president of the European Central Bank and technocratic Italian prime minister, issues a bold €800 billion investment proposal aimed at closing the gap with the U.S. and China. Is Europe falling behind due to overregulation, fragmentation, and a lack of innovation? We discuss Draghi’s call for massive...

 In this episode, we take a hard look at Germany’s current crossroads, where economic fragility and political tensions collide. Once the bedrock of European stability, Germany now faces challenges like the rise of the far-right AFD party, factory closures at Volkswagen, and energy crises driven by its dependency on Russian fuel. We explore the deeper cultural and historical factors at play, diving into the uneasy relationship between East and West Germany, the legacy of Angela Merkel’s...

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating resurgence of vinyl and its surprising resilience amidst the digital age. We explore the economics of vinyl, the history of the music industry’s evolution, and how formats like CDs and streaming disrupted the landscape. Vinyl, once thought to be on the brink of extinction, has made an extraordinary comeback, and we're here to find out why. From independent record shops keeping the flame alive to the unique cultural experience vinyl provides, we...

This podcast episode dives deep into the complexities of the Apple tax ruling and its broader implications for Ireland's economic model. We explore how Ireland's low corporate tax strategy, which began in the mid-20th century to attract foreign capital, evolved into a cornerstone of its economic growth. The discussion touches on Ireland's historical emigration issues, the soft power of the Irish diaspora, and the country's role as a bridge between American corporations and the European...

In this episode, we’re diving into one of the wildest stories in the book, involving none other than Adolf Hitler. Can you imagine money falling from the sky? That's what Hitler had planned—he wanted to defeat Britain by literally dropping millions of counterfeit pounds across the country. He believed that if he could flood the British economy with fake money, he could induce a Weimar-style hyperinflation and collapse the British war effort. It’s a story of forgeries, secret concentration...

This week, we delve into a fascinating hypothetical for Ireland’s future: could Conor McGregor really be our next President in 2025? From the quaint leadership of Michael D. Higgins, to McGregor’s brash, larger-than-life personality, the shift would be nothing short of dramatic. But what does this say about modern Irish politics and the world we’re living in? As global politics continues to throw us curveballs, we’re not ruling anything out. Beyond the political theatre, we turn our focus to...

This week, we dive into the shifting tides of the U.S. economy and its global impact on smaller countries like Ireland, who are deeply tied to American trade and investment. With the Fed’s balancing act of boosting stock markets while trying to control inflation, are we heading into another bubble? As inequality deepens, we ask what the upcoming U.S. election could mean for the global economy. Legendary short-seller Jim Chanos joins us to discuss why he believes we’re living in a “Golden Age...

This episode, we dive into the world of Taylor Swift to explore a Delicate issue—why Ireland’s housing market is stuck in a Blank Space. We’re taking a page from the Leaving Cert’s economics exam, using a question about Taylor’s ticket frenzy to understand the bigger picture of why we can’t seem to build homes, schools, and hospitals on time. It’s not just Bad Blood that’s holding us back—it’s a fundamental supply problem. Tune in as we break down how Ireland’s infrastructure could use a dose...