Swiftonomics and Centrist Dads: 2024 in Review

Is rapid population growth a sign of economic strength, or the trigger for future crises? This week, we explore how shifting demographics are reshaping economies worldwide, from booming immigration and urban congestion to strained infrastructure and rising political tensions. As governments push for economic expansion, many are running their economies just too close to the sun; fuelling population growth without the capacity to support it. We examine how this plays out in housing shortages, overwhelmed public services, and the widening gap between GDP figures and real quality of life. What happens when a country outgrows its own ability to function? From Europe to North America and beyond, we look at the consequences of failing to plan for demographic change, and what lessons history has to offer before today’s booming economies become tomorrow’s cautionary tales. Join the gang! https://plus.acast.com/s/the-david-mcwilliams-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

China's DeepSeek has done what it does best, it's made a better copy of an American product. Deepseek has disrupted the markets this week and is almost outperforming OpenAI while spending as little as one hundredth of the cost. In a world where Silicon Valley has long operated under a “winner takes all” model, DeepSeek’s breakthrough proves that sheer financial power is no longer the defining factor in technological supremacy. It's more than a story about AI, it's about geopolitics, economic power shifts, and how constraints fuel innovation. As the U.S. scrambles to maintain dominance, pouring billions into AI infrastructure and tightening restrictions on China, has it inadvertently made its biggest competitor stronger? What does this mean for Nvidia, OpenAI, and the entire American tech ecosystem? And if AI can now be built cheaper and faster, why are U.S. companies still demanding more money, more energy, and more control? Join the gang! https://plus.acast.com/s/the-david-mcwilliams-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What do Fartcoin, Trumpcoin, and TikTok have in common? They’re all part of the new frontier where memes, tokens, and attention economics collide. This episode dives into how Trump’s $60 billion crypto frenzy is more than just a bubble, it’s a glimpse into a world where narratives create wealth overnight. We explore Schumpeter’s innovation theory, the rise of memeonomics, and how social media oligarchs are reshaping power, regulation, and finance in real-time. Is this the ultimate bubble or the future of economics? Tune in to connect the dots and find out why the attention economy is eating the real economy alive. Join the gang! https://plus.acast.com/s/the-david-mcwilliams-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is the UK teetering on the edge of economic chaos? With bond yields now higher than Greece’s and a rapidly weakening pound, we explore why Britain’s financial foundation is cracking. From the historical parallels of past currency crises to the implications of its overreliance on financial services, we break down the risks ahead. Economist Philip Pilkington joins to discuss what’s fueling the current turmoil, the role of international markets, and whether the IMF might be forced to step in. Could this spell the end of Labour’s new government, and even reshape Britain’s political landscape? Join the gang! https://plus.acast.com/s/the-david-mcwilliams-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're diving into the seismic shifts reshaping America and their ripple effects on Irish identity abroad. With the inauguration of Donald Trump marking the ultimate vibe shift in global politics, we explore how Irish America has evolved, from Kennedy-esque liberals to MAGA-loving MMA enthusiasts like Dana White. Joined by historian Niall Ferguson, we discuss Trump’s anti-fragile rise, the decline of woke culture, and how Ireland needs to rethink its relationship with its diaspora in this new era.  Join the gang! https://plus.acast.com/s/the-david-mcwilliams-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.