The David McWilliams Podcast

What a week! The attempted assassination of Donald Trump, Joe Biden's unexpected withdrawal from the race, and Kamala Harris setting a fundraising record has thrown the U.S. political landscape into disarray. Dubbed a Gen X woman with Gen Z vibes, Harris has energized young voters, reminiscent of the Obama era. As Trump names J.D. Vance as his VP pick, we delve into the implications. Vance, a complex figure with a history of criticizing Trump, now embodies a unique mix of Elon Musk's innovation and Bernie Sanders' populism. His anti-corporate stance, advocacy for wage increases, and controversial views on immigration and foreign policy could redefine the MAGA movement. We explore how these shifts might impact Ireland and Europe, especially if American multinationals are pulled back home, potentially destabilizing the global economy. Tune in as we dissect these political upheavals and their far-reaching consequences.

The Central Statistics Office predicts Ireland's population could surge to 7.5 million by 2057, mostly due to inward migration. What could this mean for Ireland's future? Are we already at maximum capacity as it is? We argue for boosting local industries to match the high productivity of multinationals, crafting a vibrant and resilient economy for the future. We kick off by examining the recent Microsoft outage, exposing the fragility of our hyper-connected global economy. Without a strategic economic plan to harness Ireland's impending growth, we risk social and economic upheaval.

I read Nathan Thrall’s book last year before the Gaza and October 7th massacres. I couldn’t put it down. It tells the true story of a young Palestinian boy, a tragic accident, his family and the daily humiliations of the Palestinian people. There is much cruelty but there is much love, too, and courage, resolve and tenderness. For everyone who is interested in Palestine and Israel, listen to this - this is a conversation for you. 

The true story of how Germany’s wealthiest business dynasties amassed untold money and power by abetting the atrocities of the Third Reich — and how America looked the other way. Many of them continue to control swathes of the world economy, owning iconic brands whose products blanket the globe, brands like Daimler-Benz, Allianz, Porsche, Volkswagen, and BMW. David de Jong shows how these tycoons seized Jewish businesses, procured slave labourers, and ramped up weapons production to equip Hitler’s army – and how they got away with it. 

In 1980, Dalkey United went on a football trip to Germany which ended up in East Berlin. A certain economist, festival director and once under 13s centre half was on that schoolboy trip and so began a lifelong fascination with all things East German. Less than ten years after that Dalkey Utd. trip, the country vanished. In her wonderful book, Katja Hoyer argues that amid oppression and frequent hardship, East Germany was home to a rich political, social and cultural landscape, a place far more dynamic than the Cold War caricature often painted in the West. This is one for cold war anoraks, communist nostalgists and the odd few intrepid ones who always know there’s more to the story of any country than first meets the eye. 

In this week’s episode, we’re journeying from the bustling docks of 17th-century Amsterdam to the modern gig economy, all through the lens of Rembrandt and his old man. Rembrandt’s dad wanted him to have a “real job” – sound familiar? Today’s parents are just as anxious about their kids’ unconventional careers. We dive deep into how technological upheaval has always disrupted legacy jobs, from millers and merchants to telephone operators and typists. We’ll unravel the anxiety driving modern politics, why some jobs vanish while new ones appear, and how this relentless change is both a challenge and an opportunity. Join us to see why every generation fears the future, and why there’s a bit of a Rembrandt in every new wave of change.

In May 1991 I walked into Keenan's Bar in Crossmaglen, South Armagh with a superstar American economist who would go on to win the Nobel Prize for a chat about global monetary policy. Joe Stiglitz and myself must have cut two odd figures for the locals...this was South Armagh, at the height of the troubles after all, maybe not the normal chat in Keenans but the barman didn't bat an eyelid. Against the background noise of British Army helicopters taking off from the largest and most fortified base in the North, that conversation changed my professional life. Thirty years later we picked up the discussion where we left off. I hope you enjoy the chat. Maybe it's time to head back to 'Cross for another natter.

In this episode, we dive into the Aer Lingus strike, putting it in the context of the larger global economic landscape. We ask if this strike is the beginning of a new era in industrial relations. By exploring the historical shifts in labour and capital dynamics, we question whether we're seeing the pendulum swing back in favour of workers after decades of shareholder dominance. We connect the dots between these labour actions and global economic and political trends, offering an analysis on how these disputes might shape future economic policies. Join us as we unravel what these industrial actions mean for the future of work and wealth distribution.

We have a very special episode for you today, courtesy of The Bear, Season 3 which is streaming on Disney+ from today, June 27th! We're digging into what makes an Irish restaurant tick and the hidden contributions that a vibrant restaurant industry adds to our economy. We also talk with Ross Lewis from Chapter One and discuss the dedication and culture required to build up a fine dining scene in Ireland. And we ask if a Michelin star is worth the investment or if a sandwich shop is the better entrepreneurial route.