The David McWilliams Podcast

In this episode, we dive into the harrowing impact of the opioid epidemic in North America, recounting firsthand observations of addiction's toll in cities like Ottawa, Quebec, and Vancouver. How did a nation like Canada, with its extensive welfare and health systems, become engulfed in such a crisis? We explore the roots of the crisis, attributing it to the aggressive marketing and misinformation by pharmaceutical companies like Purdue Pharma, driven by unchecked greed and profit motives. Poverty and homelessness exacerbate addiction, creating a sobering reflection on the complex interplay of corporate malfeasance, regulatory failures, and social vulnerabilities that fuel this devastating epidemic. Could Ireland be next?

As we delve into America in this pivotal election year, grappling with its geopolitical challenges, culture wars, and internal conflicts, Evan Soloman makes a crucial point: discussing America as a monolith is a common mistake—it's simply too vast and diverse. In today's infotainment era, narratives are no longer neatly collected but instead compete and diverge. This week, we're exploring the connections between nativism in the 1850s, the ongoing religious and cultural struggles, and the current display of nativism within the Republican Party. Ted Homer Dixon's definition of culture as a set of instructions passed from one generation to the next resonates strongly here. Once, those in power dictated cultural norms, but today, the power to shape discourse and culture is distributed among everyone. This dynamic shift is palpable in America, where we've moved from a uniform cultural landscape to one defined by diverse narratives. We're witnessing this shift firsthand with the rise of Christian Nationalism, which is being imported from Russia and fusing with nativism. The question now is whether this represents a new force in the US or merely a passing trend. Let's watch closely to see where this leads.

Why do wealthy people live in houses originally built for the less affluent? Despite vast improvements in living standards over the years — lower infant mortality rates, faster access to life-saving drugs, and increased life expectancy — today, even modest homes are un-affordable for many. Consequently, wealthy individuals find themselves competing for properties originally intended for lower-income families. This trend not only highlights the scarcity of suitable housing but also deepens social stratification, as the affluent outbid others, driving up prices and displacing those with fewer resources. Is there an easy fix?

 The Tories are seeking revenge for Brexit by exploiting immigration policy. Having been out-foxed, out-thought and out-gunned by Dublin on Brexit negotiations, they are extracting a price- that price is the framing of the new Irish election. By encouraging the relocation of asylum seekers to Ireland, the Tories are effectively using Ireland as a bargaining chip to pressure France into accepting a deal on immigration, all while avoiding responsibility for asylum seekers themselves. They are playing Ireland like a pawn against the EU, as revenge for their humiliation during Brexit negotiations. In this complex game of politics, the Tories could emerge as the agenda-setters for the next Irish election.

Last week, the football team I play with went on a trip to Italian organised by one of our lads Camilio Borza a member of the Irish Italian tribe. In the the vibrant tapestry of Irish history, few immigrants have left their mark like the "Eye-talians" with their chippers which have fed generations of Irish people. This week, the podcast explores the captivating journey of Italian immigrants to Ireland, tracing the roots of one of the country's earliest and most successful immigrant communities. Hailing predominantly from three small villages in Lazio, Italy, these immigrants brought with them a rich cultural heritage that has profoundly shaped Irish society. Join us as we uncover the untold tales of resilience, incredible hard work, integration, and the enduring bond between Ireland and Italy. And...most importantly our brilliant researcher on the pod is Eliza Notaro, another Dublin Italian!!

This podcast delves into the intricate interplay of politics and housing, a phenomenon not unique to Ireland but deeply emblematic there. It examines how the control, or lack thereof, of housing can shape political fortunes. From Ireland to Britain, Canada to Australia, the "politics of housing" is a pivotal and global issue, particularly for younger generations. While Eastern European countries, with reasonable house prices, see happier young populations, Ireland faces a crisis where housing benefits foreign investors over its own citizens. The failure to understand this has left the current political class out of touch and in a precarious position, highlighting the need for a reform. So it may be time to grab your pitchfork!

In part two of our mini-series on Turkey, we delve deeper into the electrifying economic history of Istanbul, from the Byzantine to the Ottoman empires and up to today. We explore how these empires sent shockwaves through history, shaping the world as we know it. Without the Ottomans, Columbus might never have discovered America, there'd be possibly no Renaissance, no dominance of Europe, no humanism. And what about Attaturk? The most impressive leader of the 20th century? Hope you enjoy it.

This is the first of 2 podcasts on Turkey following a quick visit to Istanbul where the inflation rate is currently at 69% annually, and the currency, the Lira, is on a devaluation spiral, but might this financial crisis be the event to kickstart economic, political and regional change. Amidst rising tensions in the Middle East and with Hamas' chief in talks in Ankara with Erdogan, Turkey finds itself in a potentially influential position as a regional powerbroker. Could Turkey be on the brink of redemption? With its strategic location bridging Europe and Asia and its historical ties to the Middle East, Turkey could potentially play a pivotal role in resolving the ongoing conflict. As traditional alliances in the region shift, Turkey's assertive foreign policy and military capabilities position it as a key player in mediating disputes and fostering stability

The majority of my tribe, economists have been getting it wrong for decades, if you go back and look at economic research from the seventies, nobody is talking about coming inequality. Yet inequality afflicts the West, dominating politics. This week, in a not-so-groundbreaking revelation, Ben Bernanke's report on the Bank of England's failures shows us how out-of-touch economists really are. Economists need to get out more, mix a bit, walkabout more! A blind faith in mathematical precision has clouded our judgment. Humans are messy and economics is about humans, so let's be messy.Pre-order Money:A Story of Humanity here: https://linktr.ee/moneydavidmcwilliams