A young Irish economist and a Nobel prize winner walk into a bar....

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 responding, and why falling oil prices are shaping this crisis in surprising ways. Stay with us as we unravel where this all might be heading and what it means for the future of the region. Join the gang! https://plus.acast.com/s/the-david-mcwilliams-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 instability, has led to one of the worst financial collapses in modern history. From the ongoing conflict with Israel, Hezbollah's role in Lebanon, and how the broader geopolitical tensions in the region—especially between Israel, Iran, and the U.S.—are shaping Lebanon’s future. Carole provides invaluable insight into the Lebanese diaspora’s impact, the dynamics of Hezbollah’s social and economic influence, and why the current situation is so critical. A must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of the Middle East through the lens of Lebanon’s tragic yet resilient story. Join the gang! https://plus.acast.com/s/the-david-mcwilliams-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

 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 investment, the continent’s economic stagnation, and why the gap between Europe and America has widened over the past two decades. Is the European dream of a unified, prosperous continent slipping away, or can Draghi’s vision revive the old-world dynamism that once defined it? Join the gang! https://plus.acast.com/s/the-david-mcwilliams-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

 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 policies, and the country's strained stance on immigration. With the help of historian Katja Hoyer, we unpack why Germany’s once rock-solid economy and political center are starting to crack—and what that means for the future of Europe. Join the gang! https://plus.acast.com/s/the-david-mcwilliams-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 look at how this format has redefined the music experience across generations. We speak with Graham Jones, author of The Vinyl Revival and the Shops That Made It Happen, to get his insight into the ongoing revival. Graham takes us through the vinyl resurgence, Record Store Day, and how independent record stores played a pivotal role in keeping vinyl alive.  Buy the new book here: https://linktr.ee/moneydavidmcwilliams Join the gang! https://plus.acast.com/s/the-david-mcwilliams-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.