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The David McWilliams Podcast
From Poetry to Punches: Ireland’s Journey from Michael D. to McGregor
Season 2024, Ep. 74
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This week, we delve into a fascinating hypothetical for Ireland’s future: could Conor McGregor really be our next President in 2025? From the quaint leadership of Michael D. Higgins, to McGregor’s brash, larger-than-life personality, the shift would be nothing short of dramatic. But what does this say about modern Irish politics and the world we’re living in? As global politics continues to throw us curveballs, we’re not ruling anything out. Beyond the political theatre, we turn our focus to a more grounded topic—progress. Sean Keyes from Progress Ireland joins us to discuss how his think tank is dedicated to solving Ireland’s infrastructure challenges, tackling the country's underperformance despite its huge potential. How can Ireland overcome its stumbling blocks and unlock a future filled with opportunities? We look at the bigger picture of what it really means to move forward in an increasingly complex world. Tune in for a discussion that spans politics, progress, and everything in between.
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103. The Bro-tocracy Rises: Top 10 World-Changing Events of 2024
34:01||Season 2024, Ep. 103Was 2024 the turning point for our economic, political, and cultural future? In this episode, we break down the top 10 seismic shifts that reshaped the world. From Trump’s polarising return and America’s brotocracy taking center stage, to the collapse of the Assad regime and the waning dominance of Germany and France, the global order is tilting. Why is Italy’s Meloni now Europe’s most compelling leader? What does China’s deflation signal for the rest of us? And how has Ireland quietly positioned itself as a winner in the chaos? These are the moments that matter, and this is the year that changes everything.102. The Prosperity Paradox: Ireland’s Boom, Europe’s Bust, and the Price of Success
34:40||Season 2024, Ep. 102Ireland’s economy is booming, bolstered by its close ties to the American economic engine. But beneath the shine of GDP growth and high living standards lies a stark reality: a growing gap between standard of living and quality of life. Why are Irish families delaying children longer than any other in Europe? Why hasn’t Ireland used its wealth to solve fundamental issues like childcare, housing, and commutes? In this episode, we explore the divergence between the U.S. and European economies, shedding light on why Ireland is an economic outlier. Drawing on research from Money: A Story of Humanity, we discuss the driving forces behind American innovation, Europe’s struggles with productivity, and how Ireland’s successes mask deeper societal challenges. From satellite images of city luminescence to Belgium’s clever solutions to vacant housing, this is a conversation about the paradox of prosperity—and what happens when governments fail to plan for the future.101. What's Next for Syria?
34:59||Season 2024, Ep. 101The fall of Assad’s 50-year regime marks a pivotal moment in Middle Eastern history, but what happens next? In this episode, we connect the dots between the collapse of Syria’s government, the geopolitical power vacuum left behind, and the ripple effects across Europe. Drawing from decades of history, including parallels to regime changes from Saddam Hussein to Gaddafi, we examine the roles of Russia, Iran, Hezbollah, and the jihadist HTS in shaping Syria’s uncertain future. Taking notes from The Great War for Civilisation by Robert Fisk for historical insights into Middle Eastern geopolitics, unpack the complexities of migration patterns, and analyse how rising far-right movements—from Marine Le Pen in France to the AFD in Germany—could destabilise Europe's political landscape further. With millions displaced and Europe bracing for another wave of desperate migrants, this episode explores the intersection of history, politics, and human resilience.100. The Economics of the Miracle on 34th Street
35:26||Season 2024, Ep. 100Santa exists because the people will it to exist"—a lovely line from The Miracle on 34th Street sets the stage for this episode's deep dive into Bitcoin hitting the monumental $100K mark. But is Bitcoin really money? Or just a speculative asset fuelled by belief and lobbying? As we explore the parallels between wampum shells, tulip bulbs, and digital currencies, we unravel the irony of Bitcoin’s journey from anti-establishment rebellion to Wall Street darling. Is this the dawn of a MAGA-backed financial revolution, or a precarious bet on an apocalyptic future where the dollar falters? And what happens when speculative euphoria meets institutional leverage? From New York’s vibrant streets to its historical roots as a trading hub, we examine how faith—whether in Santa Claus, Bitcoin, or the dollar—has always been the driving force behind the world’s currencies.99. National Capitalism: A New Era of Economic Survival?
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33:38||Season 2024, Ep. 98As Ireland inches toward a new government, the housing crisis dominates the agenda. But what if the solution lies not in political reshuffling, but in taking inspiration from unexpected places—like Japan? With Tokyo building 145,000 homes in a single year compared to London’s mere 38,000, we explore how rethinking urban density, bulldozing outdated planning laws, and embracing modular innovation could transform Ireland's housing landscape. Why are Anglophone nations stuck at 400 homes per 1,000 residents, while their European counterparts boast 560? We dive into the cultural shifts, global comparisons, and the collective effort required to address this disparity—arguing that it’s time to abandon our obsession with old, draughty houses and embrace a bold new vision.97. From Beijing to the Box Room: The Global Forces Locking Out a Generation
34:10||Season 2024, Ep. 97On the eve of Ireland’s election, we shift focus to the global forces shaping our lives. Why can’t today’s youth afford homes like their parents could? The answer lies far beyond Ireland—in decisions made in Beijing in the 1990s, the mechanics of global monetary systems, and the ripple effects of China’s currency strategies on interest rates and property prices worldwide.Join us as we connect the dots between China's rise, America’s spending habits, and how these forces turned Irish homes into financial assets rather than affordable shelters. Plus, hear from monetary historian Russell Napier about what the unraveling of these 30-year trends could mean for the future. It's a deep dive into money, power, and policy you won’t want to miss.96. The Octagon Versus the Putting Green
36:02||Season 2024, Ep. 96In this week's episode, we tackle Ireland's election season, where policies are less about vision and more about swapping slogans. We explore how a lack of imagination in housing and infrastructure could undermine one of the world’s wealthiest nations. From Dublin's derelict buildings to Finland's solutions for homelessness, we dive into how local councils can learn to self-finance and finally address Ireland's housing crisis. We zoom out to examine the global context: Trumpism's shadow over Ireland's economic model and how a looming U.S. civil war—between corporate boardrooms and MAGA ideologues—might reshape foreign direct investment and Ireland’s reliance on American multinationals. As history shows, great decisions often emerge in hard times. Will Ireland rise to the occasion, or settle for short-term thinking?95. Immigration, Housing & Trump's Shadow
40:34||Season 2024, Ep. 95This week, we're connecting the dots between the Irish electoral cycle, immigration, and the global aftershocks of Trumpism. Ireland’s housing crisis, surging immigration, and emigration of young talent all tell a story of a country grappling with rapid change—but are the political elites ready to face the challenge? We discuss how immigration fuels innovation and economic growth but also sparks social tension. With over 149,000 immigrants arriving this year alone and rents skyrocketing, is Ireland equipped to balance supply with surging demand? Plus, we explore how Trumpism is reshaping the world order and challenging elites globally—posing a question for Ireland’s leaders: can they rise to the occasion or will they repeat the mistakes of the past?