Episodes

On average, large tech companies enjoyed a 5.6% share price increase in the month following announced job cuts. When Block laid off 4,000 workers (40% of their workforce) Jack Dorsey blamed AI; others blamed over-hiring. Recent antidotal evidence shows job hunters accepting significantly less pay for the same work of their last job. Despite years of economic growth employment has become increasingly tenuous. As stock packages mint billionaires in the C-suite, workers and communities increasing c...

In this episode, Afrocentrix founder Rachael Twumasi-Corson discusses her journey from law student to entrepreneur, and her perspective on building successful business relationships. As a rare black woman to receive venture capital funding, Rachael provides insight into having successful customer, employee, and investor relations. Rachael also discusses balancing parenting and meeting the demands of a career. Let us know what you think

Increased tribalism and lower social mobility are not independent of each other. In the episode Nancy and Bill explore the connection between the two and the unfortunate implications if both continue in their current trajectories. Let us know what you think

In this episode Nancy and Bill interview Donna Steslow, a professor, Grievance Co-Chair, and member of the union Executive Committee. Recent economic events have exposed both the positive role unions played in building the middle class and the current need for labor to be represented. Increased income inequality, a K-style economy that benefits a small percentage of households, and historic-levels of extreme wealth combine to put most households at an economic disadvantage. Let us know what y...

In this episode Nancy and Bill explore the loss of trust across a number of industries and the integrity of the political process, often facilitated by changing business practices. Trust matters and has economic value. What will it take to get trust back? Let us know what you think

Multi-level marketing (MLM), sometimes called direct selling, has proved a money losing proposition for more than sixty years. From lingerie to household items to nutritional supplements to “education” programs, MLMs have screwed consumers hoping to make a little money. History shows that 95% or more of those who join an MLM in hopes of making money end up with a financial loss. In this episode we explore why and warn people, especially young people, against pursuing this type of “business oppor...

In this episode Nancy and I continue to talk with members of the GenZ generation. Nina and Aniket are both working as they prepare for graduate school. While optimistic about their chosen careers, they have concerns over the cost of education and an affordable lifestyle after they graduate. Let us know what you think

Affordability, or the lack there of, is neither a “hoax” nor a “con job.” In this episode we explore the real factors causing consumer confidence to drop. Affordability is not just about current prices; it is also about future expectations. But what do we hear from political leaders? Labels, name calling, and unsupported rhetoric. Let us know what you think

Bill and Nancy interview two Gen Z graduate students about their decision to go to graduate school, their outlook on jobs and careers, their thoughts on AI, and that for them the American Dream may be unachievable. Let us know what you think

For 150 years, American democracy has tried—and repeatedly failed—to rein in corporate power. In this episode, Bill and Nancy trace the original Gilded Age to today’s billionaire class to ask a troubling question: Why does business keep winning? Let us know what you think

Over the past few decades women have played a greater role in the workplace. Their increased involvement has not been without issues, for them and apparently for some men. In this episode I interview Nancy Lasher about her experiences as a professional, those of her peers, and what she has heard from the younger generation of women at work. Let us know what you think

In this episode we describe how technology and competition drove dramatic changes in in-home entertainment. Consumers gained access and choices never before available. Now, after the “creative destruction” phase we wonder if the industry will become more concentrated and less competitive. Let us know what you think

In this episode Nancy and Bill explore ultra-processed, supplements, and the marketing messages that sustain them. American foods have been supersized and it shows with 43% of adults classified as obese. What can be done? Let us know what you think

Recently the White House announced that the economy is “Back on Track.” Yet, numerous economist and even the CEO of JP Morgan Chase say stocks are over-valued, resembling an economic bubble. We examine the data. Let us know what you think

For decades conservative economists have railed against government intervention in business, actions that undercut a laissez-faire philosophy. Where are their complaints now? In this podcast we look at the current and apparently continuing intervention of the White House in business operations - taking ownership, demanding royalties, even halting or changing operational decisions. Is this new industrial policy? Or is this something else? Let us know what you think

In this episode we have a thought provoking discussion with Isabel Koval. A recent graduate of the University of Cambridge with masters degree in the Ethics of AI, Isabel shares why the AI hype may be overblown. More importantly, she describes multiple ethical concerns associated with this rapidly developing technology. Let us know what you think

In the episode we explore CEO Pay - misaligned from performance and multiples above CEO pay of comparable non-US companies. From 1978 to 2023, CEO pay increased by 1,085%. During that span of time average worker pay increased 24%. By 2023 the ratio of CEO pay to average worker pay reached 290:1. The increased in CEO pay corresponds with the increasing share of wealth of the top .1% of households and growing income inequality. Let us know what you think

In this episode TCNJ and NYU alum Christian Balevski - working at the intersection. of software engineering, innovation and emerging technology in finance - discusses the use and future of AI in the workplace. Christian connects the dots between AI and project ROI and discusses how students may want to consider the role of AI in their careers. Let us know what you think

Sellers bombard us with messages to buy, buy, buy — and the resulting consumption culture drives America’s economy. Consumer spending makes up about 68% of our GDP, far more than in Germany, Denmark, or Canada. But here’s the catch: the top 10% of U.S. households account for nearly half of all that spending. What happens when the bottom 50–80% of households run out of room in their budgets? We may be getting a preview. Kroger, Barnes & Noble, Olive Garden, Chipotle, and McDonald’s have all repor...

Send a text Some economists and business leaders remain (overly) optimistic about the economy. Here we bring look at diverse sets of data and conclude that consumers do not share that optimism and for good reason.

Send a text In this episode we explore not just what Amazon has done to alter consumer behavior, which is considerable, but also what it might continue to do moving forward. Adam Smith worried about the ability of sellers to control or influence the market.

Send a text In this episode we interview Brian Levine, a three-term mayor of a NJ town and former council member. Brian is a Republican who got elected and re-elected in a town that typically votes overwhelmingly Democrat. Good local government helps make our lives better.

Send a text In this episode we explore the causes of inflation and the potential harm to consumers. We include a look at interest rates, which tend to be used as a tool against inflation.

Send a text Here we look at the risks and limited reward of broad tariffs, the disfunction of an unclear tariff policy, and the usefulness of selected, shorter-term tariffs.