Finding the optimal rate of progress & Why adapting is key to success with Nassim Nicholas Taleb
17 November 2022 - 39 minsThe way we connect with our environment helps us evolve, both as humans and in our professional life - But the way it happens might surprise you. Join us to learn why skin in the game is key to success. Join the gang! https://plus.acast.com/s/the-david-mcwilliams-podcast.
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Scotland The Brave
I'm up in Glasgow and we're devoting this podcast to all things Scottish, kkicking off with the amazing Scottish Enlightenment. Why did 18th-century Scotland emerge as a crucible for radical ideas, drawing intellectuals, inventors, and innovators alike? The Scottish Enlightenment marked an era where thinkers like David Hume and Adam Smith thrived amidst newfound economic growth, sparked by an influx of wealth from trade routes and ventures (like Scotland's ill-fated attempt to build a canal in Panama). But unlike France, where revolutionary fervor overthrew established order, Scotland’s intellectual revolution developed under the stability of the British Empire, with Scots integrating into its growing power. As thinkers flocked to Glasgow's and Edinburgh’s salons and Masonic lodges, they fostered advancements in empiricism, economics, and even steam technology, laying foundations for the industrial age. With Ireland facing a similar boom today, we explore whether prosperity will again inspire an era of transformative thinking. 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.
44 mins
29 October Finished
Is Your City Dying?
In this episode, we dive into the decline of Dublin’s inner city, a reflection of urban decay across the English-speaking world. Drawing on Jane Jacobs’ urban theories, we explore how cities like Kreuzberg in Berlin and Hackney in London turned around from dereliction to thriving hubs—and ask whether Dublin can do the same. We discuss the importance of repopulating cities with residents, not just tourists, and why mixed-use spaces are crucial for community vibrancy. Can initiatives like “meanwhile use” transform dead zones into lively areas again? Or is Dublin—and cities like it—stuck in a cycle of neglect and decay? Join us as we explore the future of urban living and what it will take to revive dying cities. Join the gang! https://plus.acast.com/s/the-david-mcwilliams-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
36 mins
24 October Finished
America at a Crossroads: Trump, Power, and the Future of U.S. Democracy
As the U.S. election looms, we take a hard look at how this pivotal moment could reshape the country. With Donald Trump pulling ahead in key swing states while working at McDonalds, the stakes are higher than ever. Joined again by Tom Frank, we dive into the potential consequences of a Trump victory—authoritarianism, economic upheaval, and the erosion of America's institutions. How could Trump’s policies and the cult of personality around him impact the U.S. economy and democracy? Will the billionaire-backed push for tariffs and mass deportations lead to a recession? As America edges toward a defining moment, we explore the unsettling parallels with other failed states and ask: Can U.S. institutions withstand another Trump presidency? Join the gang! https://plus.acast.com/s/the-david-mcwilliams-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
32 mins
22 October Finished
Are Strong Institutions Enough? Unpacking the Nobel Prize in Economics
In this episode, we break down the Nobel Prize in Economics awarded to Darren Acemoglu, Simon Johnson, and James Robinson for their work on development economics. Their central claim? Strong institutions are the key to national success. But is that the whole story? With the richest 20% of countries now 30 times wealthier than the poorest 20%, we ask if focusing solely on institutions ignores deeper issues like geography, culture, and historical legacy. From South Korea’s meteoric rise to Jamaica’s recent turnaround, we explore whether stable institutions are enough to solve the world’s growing inequality. Are these Nobel winners missing something critical, or is this a blueprint for global prosperity? Join the gang! https://plus.acast.com/s/the-david-mcwilliams-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
37 mins
17 October Finished
Could Sanctions Against Israel become a Reality?
In this episode, we dive into a rising question: could the European Union impose economic sanctions on Israel if the conflict continues to escalate? As Israel’s largest trade partner, the EU holds significant economic leverage, and with public opinion across Europe shifting, sanctions could become a powerful tool to apply pressure. Drawing on historical examples like South Africa and Russia, we ask: could Israel be the next nation to face international economic isolation? What would that mean for the region, and could it actually stop the bloodshed? As the ground shifts quickly in global politics, we explore whether what seems impossible today could become reality tomorrow. Join the gang! https://plus.acast.com/s/the-david-mcwilliams-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
34 mins
15 October Finished
Culture vs. Economics: The Battle for America's Political Soul with Thomas Frank
This week, we’re stepping away from the usual economic focus to dive into the culture wars dominating U.S. politics as the election looms. Despite strong job growth, voters seem more driven by cultural identity than economic gains. With Thomas Frank, author of What’s the Matter with Kansas, we explore why the working class has shifted towards the Republicans, while Democrats have embraced the highly educated elite. Frank breaks down how these cultural divides are playing out in key swing states, revealing how identity, not economics, has become the driving force behind voter decisions. As we head into one of the most consequential elections in recent history, we have to ask—will culture continue to overpower economics at the ballot box? Join the gang! https://plus.acast.com/s/the-david-mcwilliams-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
33 mins
10 October Finished