Pitchfork Economics with Nick Hanauer

Economist and author Elizabeth Anderson discusses how neoliberalism has turned the work ethic against workers, exploring inadequate compensation, the evolution of the work ethic, meaning of work in a capitalist economy, negative impact of neoliberalism on professional classes, support for workers and labor union law reforms, and the need to honor workers and democratize work.

Economist Mike Konczal from the Roosevelt Institute sets the record straight on inflation, explaining the causes behind the recent decline in prices. The podcast explores the impact of inflation on American families, controversies surrounding the target inflation rate, and the role of the Federal Reserve. It also discusses stock buybacks, low productivity, hopes for economic recovery, and the need for fiscal policy in controlling the economy.

World-renowned philosopher Michael Sandel discusses the concept of meritocracy and its role in creating deep polarization in society. He explores the dark side of meritocracy, the pitfalls of technocratic governance, the damaging consequences of prioritizing capital efficiency, the unraveling moral fabric of community, and the toxic influence of meritocracy on our culture.

Maggie Goodlander, Justice Department representative, joins the podcast to discuss the proposed guidelines on mergers. The conversation dives into the negative impacts of market concentration and the importance of competition. The new Draft Merger Guidelines are explored, highlighting the evaluation of market realities. The connection between dictatorship and monopoly power is also discussed. The economic consequences of the guidelines are emphasized, focusing on the need for a democratic president to prioritize competition and market structure.

It’s been a little over a year since President Biden signed the CHIPS and Science Act, which invested $231 billion into semiconductor manufacturing in the United States, into law. Despite the fact that those investments are already creating economic growth around the country, most Americans don’t recognize the impact that the CHIPS Act is already having on the national economy. Today, Ronnie Chatterji, the former CHIPS Coordinator at the White House, joins the pod to provide a better understanding of what the CHIPS Act really does and why it matters.Aaron Chatterji is the Duke University Professor of Business and Public Policy. He was previously the White House CHIPS Coordinator and Acting Deputy Director of the National Economic Council in the Biden Administration.Twitter: @RonnieChatterjiCHIPS Act: National security is priority for funding, analyst says https://finance.yahoo.com/video/chips-act-national-security-priority-150516934.html Website: http://pitchforkeconomics.comTwitter: @PitchforkEconInstagram: @pitchforkeconomicsNick’s twitter: @NickHanauer

EPI President, Heidi Shierholz, discusses the wage shortage disguised as a labor shortage. Raising wages in industries like restaurants proves effective. The negative consequences of reducing unemployment benefits are explored. Potential lasting changes to the labor market and the impact of unemployment insurance on labor shortages are examined.

Paul Niehaus, co-founder of GiveDirectly, discusses the impact of giving cash directly to people living in extreme poverty. He explores the logistics of implementing digital cash transfers in Sub-Saharan Africa and the positive outcomes it can have on nutrition, teen pregnancies, child marriages, and mental health. The podcast also explores the feasibility of eradicating global poverty through cash transfers, government partnerships and innovations during the pandemic, and the role of higher tax rates in fighting poverty.

Daron Acemoglu discusses the impact of technology on society. He emphasizes the power dynamics in technological progress and the need for shared benefits. The podcast explores historical examples, the Industrial Revolution's effects, and proposes policy solutions for a more inclusive economy.

Nick and Goldy answer more of your questions! What happens to current economic systems if world population growth goes to zero? Should I feel guilty for wanting my stocks to do well? What could be a good methodology to measure how progressive a tax is? And more!If you have questions for a future “Ask Me Anything” episode, leave us a voicemail at 731-388-9334.Website: http://pitchforkeconomics.comTwitter: @PitchforkEconInstagram: @pitchforkeconomicsNick’s twitter: @NickHanauer

Today we’re talking about wages—specifically, how the widespread suppression of wages is destroying the American economy. Author, professor, and fellow traveler Michael Lind just published a new book titled “Hell to Pay” that argues America is in need of a revolution in the way we think about work and wages. Lind warns that if American worker power isn’t restored to its previous highs, there’ll be hell to pay. (Sounds a bit like “the pitchforks are coming,” doesn’t it?)Michael Lind is the author of more than a dozen books. He is a columnist for Tablet and has been an editor or staff writer for The New Yorker, Harper’s, The New Republic, and The National Interest. He’s one of the founders of the New America Foundation. He has taught at Harvard and Johns Hopkins and is currently a professor of practice at the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin.Hell to Pay https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/690656/hell-to-pay-by-michael-lind “Hell To Pay”: Michael Lind On A True Good Jobs Strategy https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaelbernick/2023/05/16/hell-to-pay-michael-lind-on-a-true-good-jobs-strategy/?sh=c4e0c584d160 Website: http://pitchforkeconomics.comTwitter: @PitchforkEconInstagram: @pitchforkeconomicsNick’s twitter: @NickHanauer