logo
episode-header-image
Feb 2023
17m 20s

Do We Actually Need Recessions?

Economics Explained
About this episode

Most people would agree that recessions are terrible things, they cause widespread fear among people that will be anxious about their savings, their livelihood, or even their next meal. On a nationwide level, economic downturns are events akin to natural disasters, they do massive damage and for the most part are widely accepted by society as an “inevitability”, rather than a “rarity” … But do we really need recessions?

Up next
Aug 27
Is the survival of humanity economically viable?
Ever wondered why energy drives economies—and why global warming is an economic nightmare? From the shale boom’s $74B boost to Iceland’s geothermal advantage, cheap and reliable energy fuels growth. But with prices tripling since 2000 and climate damages projected to reach 23% of ... Show More
17m 54s
Aug 11
Why do We Still Need to Work?
A century ago, economist John Maynard Keynes confidently predicted that by 2030, we would only be working 15 hours a week. Yet, here we are—working harder than ever! While technology has dramatically boosted productivity, our work hours remain largely unchanged, and the prevalenc ... Show More
15m 56s
Aug 5
Do We Still Need Central Banks?
Almost every nation relies on a central bank, but the US is buzzing with talk of scrapping the Fed—the globe’s mightiest financial force! From its 1694 origins to battling today’s debt and inequality crises, we break down why central banks are crucial and what chaos could unfold ... Show More
18m 39s
Recommended Episodes
Jun 2023
Recession? What recession?
Some economists have been warning of an imminent recession in the United States for over a year now. But so far, it has yet to strike. We’ll get into the different ways economists are thinking about how a so-called recession might play out. Also, humans are having a profound, lit ... Show More
17m 30s
Jun 2022
Recession referees
Whenever the economic data start to look rough, we're forced to confront a familiar question: Are we in a recession, or about to be? But there are actually only eight opinions in the country that officially matter. Today on the show, we meet the committee that calls recessions. | ... Show More
23m 3s
Jun 2020
Buy, Borrow, Steal
Policymakers have a tried-and-true game plan for jump-starting the economy in times of severe recession: Push stimulus packages and lower interest rates so Americans will borrow and spend. But economist Amir Sufi says the way we traditionally address a recession is deeply flawed. ... Show More
48m 34s
Jun 2022
How to Recession Proof Your Life
Are we headed towards a recession? Are we already in one? These are scary questions, but recessions are an unavoidable part of the economy. And they don’t have to be the end of the world – especially if you’re prepared. This week, Delyanne Barros brings back friends of the show J ... Show More
25m 59s
Dec 2023
Why are we so bummed about the economy?
Would you say that you and your family are better off or worse off, financially, than you were a year ago? Do you think in 12 months we'll have good times, financially, or bad? Generally speaking, do you think now is a good time or a bad time to buy a house? These are the kinds o ... Show More
23m 54s
Jul 2022
Freaking out about the economy? Let's talk.
Gas prices are high, unemployment is low and the tools the federal government has to fight inflation could cause a recession. So how should we think about the economy right now? We asked our econ reporters and a personal finance columnist for advice.  Read more: Businesses and co ... Show More
30m 33s
Aug 2022
Seth Carpenter: Is a Global Recession Upon Us?
Amid global shocks across supply, commodities and the U.S. Dollar, central banks continue to fight hard against inflation, leading many to wonder if a global recession is imminent. ----- Transcript -----Welcome to Thoughts on the Market. I'm Seth Carpenter, Morgan Stanley's chief ... Show More
3m 47s
Sep 2023
A huge debt crisis is coming
Around the world, debt is skyrocketing - and rising interest rates are making it unsustainable. In this first part, Ben Norton discusses the impending crisis in the United States, before explaining in part two how Wall Street traps the Global South in debt. VIDEO: https://youtube ... Show More
33 m