Topic: Economic Theory

7 chapters across the catalog

Trust The Plan
Episode 1900 1:14:44 - 1:17:07

1900: Trust The Plan

Jevons Paradox in AI Token Usage

AI labs are citing Jevons Paradox—an 19th-century economic theory regarding steam engine efficiency—to argue that falling token prices will stimulate enough new demand to increase overall consumption. This theory is being used to reassure investors about margin pressure as cheaper open-source alternatives enter the market. However, for companies like Anthropic and OpenAI to benefit, token volume must grow faster than the rate of price decline.

Troll Union
Episode 1130 1:08:35 - 1:14:16

1130: Troll Union

Stephanie Kelton on Modern Monetary Theory

The hosts critique an explanation of Modern Monetary Theory (MMT) by Professor Stephanie Kelton, an advisor to Bernie Sanders. Kelton argues that the federal government cannot run out of money because it is the issuer of the currency. The hosts mock the idea that printing money has no downside and compare the logic to failed economic states.

Psych!
Episode 732 2:54:52 - 3:00:48

732: Psych!

2016 Election Cycle, Economic Collapse Theory, Show Outro

The hosts conclude the episode with a prediction that the 2016 election winner will be a one-term president due to an impending economic collapse similar to 1857. They suggest that a "great" president, possibly Trump, will emerge in the 2020 cycle, following historical 40-year patterns. The show signs off with a montage of "bomb them" clips and a final reminder to support the show via Dvorak.org/NA.

Odious Debt
Episode 408 2:38:57 - 2:43:11

408: Odious Debt

George Soros on Economic Theory, Social Science vs. Natural Science

In a concluding clip, George Soros argues that economic theory has failed because it tries to imitate the timeless laws of physics. He posits that social sciences involve "thinking participants" whose biased interpretations of reality directly influence events, unlike the independent facts of natural science. The show signs off with a final "In the Morning" greeting and a reminder of the next broadcast.

200 Dollar Oil
Episode 34 11:45 - 14:21

34: 200 Dollar Oil

Bilderberg Group, David Icke, Reptilian Conspiracy Theories

The annual Bilderberg Group meeting in Virginia is compared to the World Economic Forum, drawing criticism for its lack of media transparency despite the attendance of major publishers. This leads to a discussion of David Icke, a former UK sports commentator turned conspiracy theorist. Icke's claims regarding a global elite composed of shape-shifting reptiles are reviewed with skepticism.