Episodes
In this episode, Ben and Sachin explore what the intensification of tropical storms and other natural disasters may mean for risk analysis and development over the coming decades.
Published 10/26/24
In this episode we outline the economic theory of monopolies and market concentration, with a focus on understanding their structure, prevalence, and policy responses.
Published 10/14/24
Published 10/14/24
In this episode, Ben and Sachin unpack the U.S. fiscal deficit, its primary drivers, and why it matters.
Published 09/28/24
In this episode, we take a deep dive into US trade policy and two of the key proposals that have come to the forefront -- tariffs and subsidies -- with a focus on what they intend to accomplish and their longer-term implications.
Published 09/14/24
In this episode, Ben and Sachin examine California's recent student smartphone ban and the effects that technology has broadly had on American youth.
Published 09/01/24
The 2024 Paris games just concluded last week, which were a great display of athleticism, grit, and equally, economics. In this episode, dive into the economics of hosting the Olympic games, focusing on costs as well as the short and long term impact on economic growth for the host country
Published 08/18/24
In this episode, Ben and Sachin explore the history of the gold standard and what would happen if the U.S. went back to it.
Published 08/03/24
In this episode, we interview Ellie Murphy, a graduate of Tufts University in 2022, on her time in Rwanda where she spent nearly two years on the ground. We learn more about her experience there and touch upon topics ranging from Rwanda's complex history, to their economic model and future opportunities for growth.
Published 07/20/24
Toast n' Topics just celebrated its 1 year anniversary! To mark our big day, we've designed fresh new tee shirts that we are excited to show our audience. Listen to this short episode for instructions on how to get one and more about our referral program to enter for a chance to win one for free.
Published 07/11/24
In this episode, Ben and Sachin explore recent developments in the nuclear power industry and the debate around its merits.
Published 06/30/24
In this episode, we unpack the results from India's latest elections, understand the economic progress that the country has made over the past decade, and think about the key policies that will be at the forefront in the years ahead.
Published 06/17/24
In this episode, Ben and Sachin discuss the causes and consequences of the decline in fertility seen across the world over the past several decades.
Published 06/02/24
In our latest episode, we discuss the latest on the electric vehicle industry including fierce competition from fast-growing Chinese EV makers, America's policy response, and the role that foreign auto-makers might play in the energy transition.
Published 05/12/24
In this episode, Ben and Sachin analyze New York's new $15 congestion tax for drivers in Manhattan and public transit in America more broadly.
Published 04/28/24
In our latest episode, we dive into the recent decision by many universities to reinstate standardized testing requirements in the admissions process, moving away from test-optional policies. We focus on the history of standardized tests, the case for test-optional admissions, as well as what these exams actually measure.  Additionally, we are happy to announce that we are now on Youtube! Check out our channel @ToastnTopics and subscribe for free now. 
Published 04/06/24
In this episode, Sachin and Ben interview Revant Ranjan, an equity derivatives trader, on Japan's recent decision to abandon its negative interest rate policy.  In the conversation, we discuss the implications of this significant change in monetary policy, as well as other longstanding issues surrounding Japan's growth, demographics, and more.  
Published 03/29/24
In our latest episode, we take a deep dive into recent advances in artificial intelligence and generative AI, debate the economic benefits and harms, and discuss the longer-term implications of the technology. 
Published 03/10/24
In honor of Valentine's Day, our latest episode analyzes the decision to get married through an economic lens as well as some of the dramatic shifts in marriage rates over the past few decades. 
Published 02/18/24
In this episode, Ben and Sachin do a deep-dive on aviation including the evolution of flight safety, the economics of the industry, and the longer-term impacts of the latest string of aviation-related safety incidents globally. 
Published 02/05/24
In this episode, Ben and Sachin interview Douglas Irwin, the John French Professor of Economics at Dartmouth College, about observations from his recent travel to Argentina including their macroeconomic policy, economic history, and political transformation. 
Published 01/20/24
In this episode, we have a fascinating conversation with Kyle Mullins, a reporter at Forbes Magazine, about the economics of elections and some of his most recent investigatory work on the 2024 Presidential Candidates.
Published 01/06/24
Tune in for a few minutes to get our thanks for a wonderful 2023! We can hardly wait for what's to come in 2024 - Happy New Year!
Published 12/31/23
In this episode, Ben and Sachin interview Maddie McKelway, a professor at Dartmouth College, about her work on communication and women's labor outcomes in India. 
Published 11/19/23
In this episode, Ben and Sachin break down the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas and consider where it might go next. 
Published 10/29/23