EQUALS: Reimagining Our Economy

How do central bank policies like hiking interest rates affect inequality?Annie and Grazielle sit down with Jordi, an economist at Positive Money, to unravel the complexities of monetary policy. Jordi explains how central banks influence financial conditions to achieve economic targets and the impact of interest rate changes on inequality.The discussion covers how inflation affects different households, how central banks can address climate change, and how efforts to control inflation can inadvertently create conditions that favor recession.If you enjoy the episode, please like, share, comment, and leave us a review. Follow us on X @EQUALShope, Bluesky and on LinkedIn.You can also find EQUALS podcast on YouTube. Subscribe and enjoy the show.

Do you think Artificial Intelligence (AI) will exacerbate inequality or will it help in tackling it?In this episode Nafkote and Grazielle hosts Nobel Prize winner and MIT professor Simon Johnson as they dive deep into the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its effect on inequality. From the promises of AI to its potential challenges, Simon discusses the risks of increasing inequality and the difficulties to ensuring AI benefits everyone, not just the rich. He also explores the environmental implications of AI and the importance of designing technology with intended consequences.Tune in to hear about the critical questions surrounding AI, worker displacement, Universal Basic Income, and the role of governments and civil society in shaping the future of AI. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of technology and inequality.If you enjoy the episode, please like, share, comment, and leave us a review. Follow us on X @EQUALShope and on LinkedIn.You can also find EQUALS podcast on YouTube. Subscribe and enjoy the show.

Did you know that some of Germany's wealthiest families, who control major brands like BMW and Volkswagen, had deep ties to the Nazi regime?In this eye-opening episode, journalist David de Jong reveals how these powerful dynasties amassed their fortunes through close collaboration with the Nazi party (National Socialist German Workers' Party), forced labour, and expropriation.Join us as we uncover the shocking truths about wealth built on war crimes and the ongoing efforts to whitewash history.If you enjoy the episode, please like, share, comment, and leave us a review. Follow us on X @EQUALShope and on LinkedIn. You can also find EQUALS podcast on YouTube. Subscribe and enjoy the show.

In this episode, Max and Nafkote interview Grace Blakeley, an economist and author, about the rise of oligarchy and the relationship between billionaires, corporations, and the state.Grace discusses the close relationship between the American political establishment and the billionaire class, highlighting how modern capitalist economies are characterized by a fusion of public and private power serving the interests of the wealthy. She also addresses the rise of the far right and its ties to big money, drawing parallels with historical fascism.Grace is the author of the book Vulture Capitalism, and a contributing editor to Tribune. Additionally, she authors a weekly newsletter, "What Can We Do," focused on fighting individualism and building collective power to combat inequality.If you enjoy the episode, please like, share, comment, and leave us a review. Follow us on X @EQUALShope and on LinkedIn.

Grazielle and Max interview the epidemiologists Kate Pickett and Richard Wilkinson, whose groundbreaking work has shown how more equal societies are much safer, happier, healthier, more democratic and greener places to live. How the American dream is actually a Danish dream - and that radically reducing inequality is the key to our future.If you enjoy the episode, please like, share, comment, and leave us a review. Follow us on X @EQUALShope and on LinkedIn.

As South Africa prepares to take on the G20 presidency next year, we were inspired to explore how it might seize this opportunity to tackle inequality. In our latest episode, we speak with lawyer and activist Isobel Frye, Executive Director at Social Policy Initiative (SPI).With the enduring legacy of apartheid, high unemployment, and deep-rooted economic inequality, South Africa’s inequality crisis remains urgent. Join us as we explore what meaningful steps can be taken to create a more equal future.If you enjoy the episode, please like, share, comment, and leave us a review. Follow us on X @EQUALShope and on LinkedIn.

As we head to COP29 with climate finance taking centre stage, join Max and Nafkote for an insightful discussion. This episode features Meena Raman, a veteran activist and Head of Programs at Third World Network. Together, they explore the pressing $5 trillion climate debt, the call for reparations, and the main obstacles in climate finance negotiations.Discover how taxing the wealthy and redirecting war funds can help build a better world for all.Tune in to learn more about ensuring climate justice and find out how you can make a difference. Don’t forget to like, share, comment, and leave us a review.Follow us on X @EQUALShope and on LinkedIn.

In the summer of 2024, Kenya ignited with protests against the controversial Finance Bill 2024. This legislation threatened to impose heavy taxes on essential goods, sparking widespread outrage.In this episode, Grazielle and Nafkote delve deep into the movement with Grace Wendo, a passionate youth activist and student leader from Kenya. We explore the underlying factors that fuelled the protests: Was it solely about taxes, or were deeper grievances at play? Did the government truly address the people's concerns? And what impact did these demonstrations have?Tune in to uncover the power of the people, the role of the IMF, and the historic events that shook a nation.As always, like, share, comment and leave us a review. You can find us on X at @EQUALShope and on LinkedIn.