

David McWilliams
Irish economist, commentator and host of The David McWilliams Podcast who guides discussions on economics, politics and global trends, often reporting from international locations.
Top 10 podcasts with David McWilliams
Ranked by the Snipd community

106 snips
Nov 11, 2025 • 38min
Is the US an emerging market?
Joining the discussion are David McWilliams, an economist known for his insights on the Irish economy, and Mark Blyth, a political economist specializing in macroeconomics. They explore whether the US is starting to mirror emerging markets. The conversation dives into the role of the dollar in maintaining US dominance, the risks posed by financialization, and the precarious valuations of tech companies. They also reflect on the potential consequences of a financial shock and analyze the UK's emerging market vulnerabilities, concluding with strategic investment picks.

71 snips
Jan 14, 2026 • 1h 35min
David McWilliams (on the history of money)
David McWilliams, a journalist and economist known for his accessible insights, shares his fascinating view on the history and role of money. He discusses how his upbringing influenced his understanding of economics and critiques the idea that anyone truly controls the economy. David compares money to fire as a transformative technology, explaining its alternatives to violence and its function in fostering trust and specialization in complex societies. He also explores the historical dynamics of credit and its significant implications on civilizations.

29 snips
Jan 5, 2026 • 49min
How Ozempic and Similar Weight Loss Drugs Really Work & The Story of Money
Aimee Donnellan, a columnist and author focusing on Ozempic, delves into how GLP-1 weight-loss drugs work, their potential risks, and the significant impact on obesity treatment. She reveals the drug's biological effects on hunger and cravings and discusses the implications of discontinuation. Meanwhile, David McWilliams, a former central bank economist, explores the fascinating history of money as a social technology, its role in civilization, and the psychological influences it has on our lives. Both guests provide deep insights into contemporary issues affecting health and wealth.

29 snips
Dec 22, 2025 • 54min
David McWilliams on The Story of Money—and Why It Matters for Markets | #610
David McWilliams, an economist and author known for his work with the Central Bank of Ireland, explores the fascinating evolution of money over 5,000 years. He discusses how money serves as a foundational social technology, enabling large-scale cooperation and human progress. Delving into historical anecdotes, he highlights the transformative impact of innovations like coinage and Gutenberg's printing press. McWilliams emphasizes the urgent need for better financial education and the role of trust in economic systems, making ancient concepts relevant to modern markets.

15 snips
Sep 12, 2024 • 22min
How Ireland got too much money
David McWilliams, a renowned Irish economist and the founder of Kilconomics Festival, dives into Ireland's remarkable economic transformation. Once facing emigration, the country now thrives as a corporate tax haven for giants like Apple and Google, boasting an €8bn surplus. McWilliams discusses how to effectively manage this financial windfall while addressing the struggles of small businesses overshadowed by multinationals. The conversation also touches on the historical ties between humanity and money, setting the stage for Ireland's future financial strategies.

11 snips
Feb 5, 2026 • 55min
The history of money — with Irish economist David McWilliams
David McWilliams, Irish economist and author of The History of Money, explains money as a social technology. He traces money’s rise with writing, maths and cities. He links coinage to Greek thought, explores zero and bookkeeping, critiques crypto, and celebrates innovations like M-Pesa — ending with a playful take on dance clubs as signs of advanced civilization.

10 snips
Mar 3, 2026 • 39min
#261 (English) David McWilliams: the immersion, social technologies, and an Irish band
David McWilliams, economista y comunicador irlandés, explica la inmersión cultural y cuenta anécdotas desde Irlanda. Habla sobre la transformación económica irlandesa, capital extranjero y tolerancia al disenso como motores del cambio. Explora el dinero como tecnología social, sus orígenes y su poder. También comenta ficción, Joyce y recomienda música irlandesa.

6 snips
Jul 27, 2025 • 32min
The hidden ways money has shaped human civilisation
David McWilliams, an economist and author of 'Money: A Story of Humanity', dives into the transformative role of money in shaping civilization. He discusses money as a social technology that transcends mere physical value, emphasizing its evolution from barter systems to digital currencies. McWilliams highlights the psychological trust behind money's worth and its influence on societal change, innovation, and our collective human journey. He calls for a deeper understanding of economics through the lens of evolutionary processes.

Oct 8, 2024 • 34min
EP 30: Money – A Story of Humanity (with David McWilliams)
David McWilliams, an economist and co-founder of Kilkenomics, shares his provocative insights on money from his book, 1oney: A Story of Humanity. He explores how money has evolved throughout history, connecting it to societal structures and even democratic movements. McWilliams argues against traditional economic models, advocating for a more human-centered, biological approach. The discussion highlights the transformative power of currency, and the interplay between art, entrepreneurship, and economic evolution in driving innovation.

Oct 25, 2024 • 34min
Why Everything You Think You Know About Money Is Wrong
David McWilliams, an author and economist renowned for his insightful works on currency, joins the discussion on the captivating evolution of money. He traces history from ancient coins to Bitcoin, illuminating how financial systems have shaped societies. The conversation dives into the impact of quantitative easing on inequality and political unrest, linking ancient economic behaviors with modern market emotions. McWilliams also unravels the misconceptions surrounding cryptocurrencies and the revolutionary potential of mobile banking in less-developed regions.


