A famous essay argues that “not a single person on the face of this earth” knows how to make a pencil. How true is that? In this 2016 episode, we looked at what pencil-making can teach us about global manufacturing — and the proper role of government in the economy.
Mar 4
The Most Powerful People You’ve Never Heard Of (Update)
Just beneath the surface of the global economy, there is a hidden layer of dealmakers for whom war, chaos, and sanctions can be a great business opportunity. In this updated episode from 2025, journalists Javier Blas and Jack Farchy help us shine a light on the shadowy realm of c ... Show More
1h 6m
Nov 2021
Part Three: Once Upon an Economy
Greta Thunberg famously chided world leaders for pursuing “fairytales of eternal economic growth”. In this episode we learn how short-termism is baked into our current economic story, and why we need to change this narrative. Ella meets poet, podcaster, and economics student, GEO ... Show More
1h 7m
Jul 2018
Adam Smith: what he thought, and why it matters [Audio]
Speaker(s): Jesse Norman MP | At a time when economics and politics are both increasingly polarized between left and right, this book, Adam Smith: What He Thought, and Why it Matters, which Jesse Norman will discuss at this event, returns to intellectual first principles to recre ... Show More
1h 3m
Dec 2024
Michael Garfield — Play the (Mind) Jazz (EP.246)
<p>My guest today is Michael Garfield, a paleontologist, futurist, writer, podcast host and strategic advisor whose "mind-jazz" performances — essays, music and fine art — bridge the worlds of art, science and philosophy.</p> <p>This year, Michael received a <a href= "https://new ... Show More
1h 19m
<p>Revisiting Steve’s 2021 conversation with the economist and MacArthur “genius” about how to make memories stickier, why change is undervalued, and how to find something new to say on the subject of scarcity.</p><p> </p><ul><li><strong>SOURCE:</strong><ul><li><a href="https://s ... Show More