Platypus Economics with Justin Wolfers

Is a “bad” jobs number is closer to normal than you think? In this 10-minute breakdown, Justin Wolfers explains how to read the latest jobs report without overreacting to a single headline. June payroll growth came in at 57,000, which looks weak by the standards of a few years ago. But those older standards may no longer fit an economy with slower population growth and lower immigration. The labor market may now need only around 60,000 new jobs a month to stay in balance. Justin also discusses what’s really driving the labor market. The answer is not manufacturing, but healthcare and social assistance. In fact, more than 100% of net job growth since January 2025 has come from those sectors alone, while the rest of the economy has lost jobs overall. This matters for two reasons. First, it explains why women have received 90% of the jobs created in this expansion. Second, it illuminates why so many Americans feel economic opportunity is shrinking. If you are not in the sectors that are expanding, the economy may feel far weaker than the headline unemployment rate suggests. Subscribe on YouTube https://youtube.com/platypuseconomics Subscribe on Substack 👉 https://newsletter.platypuseconomics.com Follow on Social Media @PlatypusEconomics and @JustinWolfers See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inflation doesn't just raise prices — it tricks you into staring at bigger dollar numbers instead of asking what those dollars can actually buy. A two percent pay raise sounds great until inflation is running at three percent. Your savings account pays more interest until you realize it's still losing purchasing power. This is “money illusion,” and it costs you real money. In this episode, Justin Wolfers explains why inflation is like driving through fog: The signals are still there, but they're much harder to read. He walks through the mental shift you need to make — from thinking in dollar signs to thinking in purchasing power — then reveals five practical strategies you can use right now to protect yourself and your wallet. But there is also a deeper lesson revealed: Good economics is about asking what the number you’re seeing really means. Once you start asking it, you're ready to protect yourself during inflationary times.   Subscribe on YouTube https://youtube.com/platypuseconomics Subscribe on Substack 👉 https://newsletter.platypuseconomics.com   Follow on Social Media @PlatypusEconomics and @JustinWolfers   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Getting food delivered should be simple — but somehow it's gotten outrageously expensive. In this video, Justin Wolfers break down why food delivery apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub make it nearly impossible to compare prices, and why that's no accident. Justin Wolfers spent half an hour pricing the same dinner order across four platforms, and the results will make you rethink every takeout order you've ever placed. This is what happens when bad design is there by design. This isn't just a story about annoying apps — it's about how markets can fail even when competition exists. When comparing prices is too painful, firms stop competing on price, and you end up paying more than you should. The FTC is starting to take notice, and there are real fixes on the table. But until then, that $28 burrito isn't going anywhere. Subscribe on YouTube https://youtube.com/platypuseconomics Subscribe on Substack 👉 https://newsletter.platypuseconomics.com Follow on Social Media @PlatypusEconomics and @JustinWolfers See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Slate's What Next, we examine the economic costs of the conflict with Iran and why the true price of war extends far beyond the immediate impact on oil prices. From higher energy costs to the effects of rising geopolitical risk on economic growth, we explore how economists measure the consequences of uncertainty — and why those costs are felt most by the world’s most vulnerable households. The conversation also looks at the broader economic implications of weakened institutions and why competition, not just business success, is the foundation of long-term prosperity. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trump's trade war just won't die. After the Supreme Court struck down his "Liberation Day" tariffs and courts blocked his emergency global surcharge, the White House is back with a third attempt — this time wrapped in language forced labor, unfair trade practices, and a legal paper trail designed to survive court challenges. It's a new legal strategy, but the same chaotic trade war that's been whipsawing businesses, allies, and consumers for months. The problem isn't just legal — it's economic. These tariffs are too unstable to drive real investment, too broad to give America any real leverage, and too tied to presidential whims to ever deliver on promises of re-industrialization and job creation. What they do deliver is higher prices for consumers, uncertainty for businesses, and new opportunities for political favoritism. Same trade war, better lawyers, even worse economics. Subscribe on YouTube https://youtube.com/platypuseconomics Subscribe on Substack 👉 https://newsletter.platypuseconomics.com Follow on Social Media @PlatypusEconomics and @JustinWolfers See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Justin Wolfers breaks down the biggest myths surrounding the monthly jobs report, starting with why strong hiring doesn't always move the unemployment rate. He also addresses the recurring claim that new jobs are low quality or mostly second jobs, explaining that the jobs report simply doesn't contain enough detail to support those conclusions in real time. The conversation then goes deep on revisions, seasonal adjustments, and benchmark updates — and why none of these are signs of manipulation, but rather evidence that measurement improves as better data arrives. Private sector estimates like ADP get attention too, but Wolfers explains why their margin of error makes month-to-month comparisons nearly meaningless. Inflation and recession close out the discussion, and Wolfers is direct: the two are related concerns but not interchangeable ones. Inflation can make households feel economically miserable without the economy actually being in recession. Public confusion between these concepts distorts everything from consumer confidence to political debate. Subscribe on YouTube https://youtube.com/platypuseconomics Subscribe on Substack 👉 https://newsletter.platypuseconomics.comFollow on Social Media @PlatypusEconomics and @JustinWolfers See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The work week may be over, but the economy really never takes time off. In this week’s episode of Off the Clock, Justin Wolfers and Stacey Vanek Smith help you cut through the noise and figure out what you should actually care about from this week’s economic news. They skip the SpaceX hype and dig into the stuff that shapes your real life—inflation eating into your paycheck and the slow-motion crisis threatening Social Security. Justin argues this is the biggest story no one is talking about. They also discuss the World Cup ticket debacle—and whether prices are always the most efficient way to distribute our scarce resources. Subscribe on YouTube https://youtube.com/platypuseconomics Subscribe on Substack 👉 https://newsletter.platypuseconomics.com Follow on Social Media @PlatypusEconomics and @JustinWolfers Follow Stacey @svankesmith See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when markets have to price the risks of war and presidential credibility at the same time? In this episode, Justin Wolfers explains why U.S. stocks keep rising and falling with Trump’s Truth Social posts, despite their questionable truthfulness. The core point: even if investors discount what the president says, they continue to react because the stakes are so large. And the repeated claims that peace is just around the corner create a deeper problem. If investors come to treat presidential statements as noise rather than signal, markets may respond less than they otherwise would. That matters because Wall Street can act as a feedback mechanism, warning policymakers when a decision is economically dangerous. If that feedback loop weakens, bad policy is likely to last much longer. Subscribe on YouTube https://youtube.com/platypuseconomics  Subscribe on Substack https://newsletter.platypuseconomics.com Follow on Social Media @PlatypusEconomics and @JustinWolfers See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When the latest jobs report showed strong numbers, the internet exploded with accusations of fraud and government manipulation. And given everything the Trump administration has done—firing the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, attempting to install a partisan loyalist in her place—that skepticism isn't entirely unfounded. But skepticism and dismissal are two very different things. In this video, I want to give you the tools to evaluate the data yourself, rather than simply asking you to take my word for it. Here's what most people don't realize: the jobs report isn't a single number conjured by one agency. It's built from two separate surveys, cross-checked against state unemployment records, and stress-tested every month by independent researchers and private sector data from companies like ADP and Bank of America. I've seen authoritarian governments actually manipulate their economic data—and I know exactly what that looks like. What's happening right now isn't it. In this episode, I'll walk you through the anatomy of the jobs report, explain what real data distortion looks like, and make the case for why good economics means following the evidence—even when it doesn't fit the story you expected. 4:05    6:30 How the institution quietly held 9:16 Why I believe the numbers 14:00 What distorted data really looks like 16:06 Why the labor market looks strong  Subscribe on YouTube https://youtube.com/platypuseconomics Subscribe on Substack 👉 https://newsletter.platypuseconomics.com Follow on Social Media @PlatypusEconomics and @JustinWolfers See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

America keeps talking about manufacturing — but the labor market is growing elsewhere. In this Q&A, Justin Wolfers answers audience questions and responds to subscriber comments from his recent episode diving into the gender gap in recent job growth. Topics addressed include: how the gender wage gap fits into the story, what’s standing in the way of more men entering care jobs, and whether the demand for labor in traditionally masculine fields has been overhyped. It’s a discussion about economics, politics, and culture — and part of a larger conversation that’s only just beginning. Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PlatypusEconomics Subscribe on Substack 👉 https://newsletter.platypuseconomics.com Follow on Social Media @PlatypusEconomics and @JustinWolfers See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Off the Clock, Justin unwinds the week’s economic news with his friend, Stacey Vanek Smith—senior writer for Bloomberg Businessweek and cohost of the Everybody’s Business podcast. The goal of this series is to help you understand what to actually be concerned about, what you can safely ignore, and where there’s room for a bit of hope. They dig into May’s better-than-expected jobs report, the stock market’s confusing reaction, and the recent concert cancellations for Trump’s Freedom 250 celebration. Justin argues there’s an economic story here—especially when you compare the rational choices of these artists to the tech industry’s relentless political brown-nosing. Then—in a new segment—Justin and Stacey take a step back from the grind of a daily news cycle to appreciate larger economic trends that give us much more fodder for optimism. First up—inflation (yes, really!).  Subscribe on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@PlatypusEconomics Subscribe on Substack 👉 https://newsletter.platypuseconomics.com Follow on Social Media @PlatypusEconomics @JustinWolfers Follow Stacey @svankesmith Editor’s Note: In this conversation, we mistakenly refer to Freedom 250 as America250. America250 is a bipartisan initiative established by Congress in 2016 to commemorate America’s 250th birthday. Freedom 250 is a separate, public-private initiative established by the Trump administration via executive order earlier this year. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since the start of President Trump’s second term, women have received 86% of net new payroll jobs and now hold slightly more non-farm payroll jobs than men. In this episode, Justin Wolfers explains why that shift is happening and what it says about our modern U.S. economy.  This trend is not driven by employers suddenly preferring women over men, but by which parts of the economy are actually growing. The industries adding jobs are disproportionately female-heavy – especially healthcare and education. Nevertheless, much of our economic policy continues to center an outdated image of work: factory floors, hard hats, and a romanticized industrial past. But if policy keeps looking backward, it will miss where real opportunity is being created. And if leaders steer training, subsidies, and political attention toward yesterday's jobs instead of tomorrow's, workers will be left less prepared for the labor market that actually exists. Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PlatypusEconomics  Subscribe on Substack: https://newsletter.platypuseconomics.com/ Follow on Social Media @PlatypusEconomics and @JustinWolfers See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when politicians try to look like they’re fixing high gas prices without actually fixing them? Justin Wolfers explains why a federal gas tax holiday is bad economics, good theater, and a gift to oil companies.  In a follow-up to his explainer episode, Justin answers audience questions about windfall taxes, what smarter relief could look like, whether a diesel tax holiday make any more sense, and why gas prices carry so much psychological weight in American politics. Like and review for more clear-eyed economics with Justin Wolfers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A gas tax holiday sounds like relief, but gets the economics wrong in almost every direction. Today’s high prices are a war problem — not a tax problem. And cheaper gas is the exact wrong response to a shortage. When something is scarce, higher prices send a signal to conserve, but a tax cut blunts that signal and encourages more demand at exactly the wrong moment. It's akin to subsidizing showers in a drought. Even more frustrating, the difference between impact and incidence means that much of the benefit would bypass drivers completely — fattening the profits of oil companies instead. 📈 Key takeaway: If you want to help families during an energy shock, target the hardship—not the gasoline. ⛽ Like and review for more clear-eyed economic analysis with Justin Wolfers—no empty tanks, no empty talking points. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Justin Wolfers is back with Stacey Vanek Smith to break down three of the biggest stories in economic news. Starting with the arrival of new Fed Chair Kevin Warsh — and the question of which Kevin Warsh will show up for the job: the inflation hawk from the Great Recession, or a more political figure likely to echo President Trump's calls for lower interest rates. Next, Justin and Stacey cover Bond Market 101, with Justin explaining why the U.S. government sells Treasury bonds, why investors buy them, and what rising long-term yields signal about inflation, oil prices, and the national debt. Finally, they dig into the stunning collapse in consumer sentiment, and why Justin believes these historically bleak numbers reflect something deeper than a bad economy — namely, a crisis of confidence in the people managing U.S. economic policy. At the same time, Stacey points out the affordability crunch is very real, with inflation hitting some summertime staples especially hard. If you enjoy this episode, please rate and review — and check out the link below to weigh in on Justin and Stacey's bet about midterm gas prices on Manifold Markets! Link to Justin & Stacey's bet: https://manifold.markets/StaceyVanekSmith/will-national-gas-prices-in-the-us See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when students can’t instantly reach for their phones? In this episode of Diving In, Justin Wolfers breaks down the latest research on school phone bans and finds a result that’s more complicated—and more interesting—than many parents, teachers, and policymakers expected. Here's the broader lesson: removing a distraction does not automatically create a better outcome. In economics, that’s the problem of substitution. If less phone time turns into more sleep, conversation, or focus, that’s good. If it turns into some other kind of distraction or conflict, the gains are smaller. For parents, teachers, and anyone trying to build healthier tech habits, the stakes are personal. A little friction can change behavior—but what you put in the phone’s place may matter just as much for your family, your kids, and your own mental well-being. Check out the full paper here: https://siepr.stanford.edu/publications/working-paper/effects-school-phone-bans-national-evidence-lockable-pouches 📈 Key takeaway: Phone bans can reduce use and improve well-being over time, but the real question is what fills the space the phone leaves behind. 🔔 Don't forget to like and review! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this follow-up to an episode diving in to the federal deficit, Justin Wolfers responds to audience comments and questions including: where are interest payments going? Why can’t the government just print more money? And how do changes in immigration impact our ability to pay back our debt? If you'd like Justin to answer your question in a future segment of The Professor Is In, leave a comment below. And don’t forget to rate and review! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Pentagon said the war with Iran has cost Americans $25 billion. But that number only accounts for missiles fired and equipment destroyed. The true cost of war is measured by the future we’ve given up. In this video — my Director’s Cut of an Op-Ed I wrote last week for the New York Times — I explain why that figure is dangerously misleading and show you the math for a less precise, but far more honest answer. Using the economic concept of opportunity cost, I walk through six methods for calculating the war’s real price tag, tracing the clues through oil, interest rates, geopolitical risk, the stock market, GDP, and future defense budgets. Each of these prove that this war is not costing tens of billions — but hundreds of billions, and quite possibly trillions. Every number answers a question, and the Pentagon's $25 billion answers a very small one. Here, I'm asking the bigger one: compared to the world we had before this war, what have we lost? The answer should concern every American household. NYT Op-Ed: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/08/opinion/hegseth-war-cost.html See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Diving In, Justin Wolfers breaks down the economics of the Met Gala using two big ideas from economics: signaling and non-price competition. The basic point is simple: the high price of luxury goods isn't a bug in the system, it's the whole point. So instead of competing through discounts, brands must compete through spectacle: celebrity placements, giant flagship stores, fashion shows, editorial buzz, and events like the Met Gala — which Wolfers argues is a less-bad outlets for wasteful, non-price competition. In fact, the real scandal may be that Met Gala tickets are underpriced. If brands capture enormous media value from the event while the museum gets only a relatively small share, then the Met may be giving luxury houses a very good deal. The stakes here go beyond fashion. This is a lesson in how markets work when buyers care about status, not just usefulness—and how that affects where money gets spent, what gets built, and how prestige shapes the economy around you. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What actually mattered in this week’s avalanche of economic news? In this conversation, Justin talks to his friend, Stacey Vanek Smith, Senior writer for Bloomberg Businessweek and cohost of the Everybody’s Business podcast. Together, they sort the signal from the noise: Spirit Airlines’ collapse, the U.S. debt hitting 100% of GDP, and whether AI is really driving growth—or just the headlines. For viewers trying to determine what to worry about, what you can safely ignore, and where’s there’s room for a bit of hope, this is is a practical guide to what matters and why it affects your life. The stakes are real: oil shocks can raise the cost of everyday goods, high debt can reduce the government’s room to respond in a downturn, and AI could reshape careers faster than many families are prepared for. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this opening episode for Platypus Economics, Justin Wolfers explains why the federal budget deficit is one of the best examples of how economics can clarify a debate that politics often mangles. The central point is simple: deficits are not automatically good or bad, but a tool. And the only serious question is whether borrowing makes sense given the economy, the emergency, and the country’s ability to pay. In a crisis, large deficits are often smart policy—stabilizing incomes, supporting jobs, and keeping an economic downturn from becoming a disaster. But today’s U.S. deficit is different. America is currently running a very large deficit—about 5.8% of GDP—without the usual crisis justification. The stakes are not instant collapse, but a slower erosion of fiscal capacity, institutional credibility, and the ability to spend on things that could actually improve your life. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Economics. Explained. Clearly. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Think Like An Economist has taken you on a journey through the economic principles, showing you the tools of economics, and how they can be applied at home and at work. In this season finale, Betsey Stevenson and Justin Wolfers reveal the big life choices they've made using those tools of economics, and how you can apply economics to help make decisions throughout your life. Co-Host: Nastaran Tavakoli-Far. Editor: Alastair Elphick. A Modulated Media Production. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're all actors in the economy, with different habits, dilemmas and choices. And economics is about everyday decisions in our daily lives as much as it is about government policy. As economics professors, Betsey Stevenson and Justin Wolfers have honed the ways to show how economics involves everyone. They discuss their method of teaching economics, and the way they show that economic tools can help us all make good decisions. Co-Host: Nastaran Tavakoli-Far. Editor: Alastair Elphick. A Modulated Media production. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emily Oster is one of the most interesting economists in the world, and she uses the tools of economics in everything she does. Betsey Stevenson and Justin Wolfers explore Emily's thoughts about how economic ideas can provide useful insight for parents and families. This audio course is about how to think like an economist, and Emily models exactly how to do this. Editor: Alastair Elphick. A Modulated Media production. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Larry Summers has been at the forefront of economic thinking for decades - a World Bank chief economist, Professor at Harvard and U.S. Treasury Secretary. He's also warned that the global economy is in the midst of secular stagnation. In this episode, he tells Betsey Stevenson and Justin Wolfers why the economy is stagnant, in spite of low interest rates. The three economists also discuss why their field is so influential, and Larry reveals how policy makers get things done. Editor: Alastair Elphick. A Modulated Media production. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Professor Greg Mankiw is one of the most influential economists today: a New Keynesian, advisor to Presidents, and a good friend of Betsey Stevenson and Justin Wolfers. In this episode, the three of them discuss what we can learn from financial crises, why globalisation has lost its shine, and how best to communicate economic ideas. Editor: Alastair Elphick. A Modulated Media production. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 privacy information.

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.

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: Alastair Elphick. A Modulated Media production. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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. A Modulated Media production. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 for privacy information.

Economists Betsey Stevenson and Justin Wolfers are back to help you think like an economist. This season is our mini-MBA, and we'll unpack even more economic tools, with a focus on showing you how to make wise business decisions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Summary Co-host: Nastaran Tavakoli-Far. Editor: Alastair Elphick. A Modulated Media production. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 information.

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.

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: Nastaran Tavakoli-Far. Editor: Alastair Elphick. A Modulated Media production. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Elphick. A Modulated Media production. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 information.

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. Editor: Alastair Elphick. A Modulated Media production. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Elphick. A Modulated Media production. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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.

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/listener for privacy information.

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 information.

The Think Like An Economist team are taking a break this week, but we'll be back next week to look at consumption and savings. See you then, Betsey, Justin and Nas. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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/listener for privacy information.

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.com/listener for privacy information.

Now we've learned the tools of microeconomics, it's time to step up to macro. Betsey Stevenson and Justin Wolfers are here to show you how millions of individual microeconomic decisions affect the macroeconomic world - and how macroeconomics gives decision makers the tools to make our lives better. Co-host: Nastaran Tavakoli-Far. Editor: Alastair Elphick. A Modulated Media Production. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Production See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Production See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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.

America’s President-elect has made his choice for the new Secretary of the Treasury. Janet Yellen is an economist and friend of the Think Like an Economist team, Betsey Stevenson and Justin Wolfers. Before the election, Janet Yellen shared her thoughts on the power of thinking like an economist. And in this special episode, Justin reflects on what decisions Janet Yellen will be making. Co-host: Nastaran Tavakoli-Far. Editor: Alastair Elphick. A Modulated Media Production. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The U.S. presidential election may be over, but what does the new president need to do to get the economy back on track and prepare for future shocks? In this special episode, Justin Wolfers has some economic advice for the new president. And of course, Betsey Stevenson will be back for the next episode. Co-host: Nastaran Tavakoli-Far. Editor: Alastair Elphick. A Modulated Media Production. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 for privacy information.

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 Elphick. A Modulated Media production. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 privacy information.

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: Alastair Elphick. A Modulated Media production. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 information.

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 production See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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 equilibrium Co-host: Nastaran Tavakoli-Far. Editor: Alastair Elphick. A Modulated Media production. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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.

Betsey and Justin help you figure out how to decide how much time to spend working versus looking after your family, when everyone needs more attention these days. Could the decisions you make now affect your career in the future? We’ll be back with a full episode on September 8th, when we’ll be looking at the decisions you make as a buyer - that foundation of the economy, Demand. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Betsey & Justin are getting ready for another year of teaching economics. And with all the recent challenges in the world, Betsey and Justin have some real-world advice for you - does investing in skills or education make sense right now? We'll be back on September 8th, looking at that old favourite - Demand. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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-Far. Editor: Alastair Elphick. A Modulated Media production. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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 production. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/listener for privacy information.

Want to make ‘no regrets decisions’? This podcast will teach you how! Betsey Stevenson and Justin Wolfers are on a mission to equip everyone with key tools from economics that can truly transform your life: from career dilemmas and financial conundrums to sorting out complicated problems in your personal life, economics will help you. Let’s get stuck in. Co-host: Nastaran Tavakoli-Far. Editor: Alastair Elphick. A Modulated Media production. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 every decision is an economic decision and this podcast uncovers the economic forces that shape the world around you. Betsey and Justin believe that economics is a superpower, and they want to teach you to fly. Co-host: Nastaran Tavakoli-Far. Editor: Alastair Elphick. A Modulated Media production. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.