Neale Mahoney

Benjamin Handel, a Professor of Economics at UC Berkeley, and Neale Mahoney, a Stanford University Economics Professor, dive into the perplexing issue of 'sludge'—bureaucratic inefficiencies that complicate everyday interactions. They discuss the frustrating complexities of the U.S. healthcare system, contrasting it with more streamlined models. The conversation also highlights the challenges consumers face with subscription services, exploring how automated systems can entrap users, impacting their finances and experiences dramatically.

Neale Mahoney, a Stanford economist who analyzes housing and policy, and Erin Baldassari, a KQED housing affordability editor, explore Bay Area survival tactics. They discuss soaring housing costs, pandemic price spikes, rent rules and policy trade-offs. Conversations cover multi‑gen living, side hustles, long commutes, and the limits of single fixes for childcare, health care and housing.

Exploring the strong American economy under Biden, surprises in low inflation, labor market resilience, US economy benefits from legal migration, power dynamics between Federal Reserve and presidency, impact of high inflation on voter sentiment, complexities shaping Biden's approval rating beyond the economy

Fei-Fei Li, a champion of human-centered AI, discusses how AI can enhance creativity rather than replace jobs. Economist Susan Athey highlights that AI and coding tools are general-purpose technologies that can create bottlenecks in implementation. Neale Mahoney warns of a 'veil of ignorance' regarding job displacement and advocates for proactive safety nets. The trio stresses the importance of aligning innovation with human skills and calls for balanced AI policies to ensure broader access and foster optimism about the future.

Exploring the evolution of middle-out economics from a new theory to mainstream practice, with insights from economists, researchers, and former officials. Discussing the impact of middle-out economics on economic growth, antitrust enforcement, public satisfaction, infrastructure investments, workers' rights, and advocating for a more equitable economic approach.