New Books in Economics

Marshall Poe

Episodes

Mentioned books

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Jan 16, 2026 • 1h

Zeke Hernandez, "The Truth About Immigration: Why Successful Societies Welcome Newcomers" (St. Martin's Press, 2024)

Zeke Hernandez, a Wharton School professor and author of "The Truth About Immigration," explores the critical role immigrants play in boosting investment and economic growth. He challenges harmful narratives by revealing that newcomers foster innovation and job creation. Hernandez shares insights from his extensive research, debunking myths about immigration's negative impacts. He also discusses the historical significance of immigration laws and how current domestic migration mirrors these concerns. Ultimately, he paints a hopeful picture of immigration's benefits for society.
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Jan 12, 2026 • 34min

Ofer Sharone, "The Stigma Trap: College-Educated, Experienced, and Long-Term Unemployed" (Oxford UP, 2024)

Ofer Sharone, a sociologist at UMass Amherst and author of The Stigma Trap, dives into the hidden pitfalls of unemployment, emphasizing that even highly educated professionals face stigma that complicates their job search. He explores how recruiters often use unemployment as a shortcut for decision-making, risking the exclusion of talented individuals. Sharone also highlights the emotional impacts of unemployment, revealing how it can strain relationships and self-identity. Ultimately, he advocates for a cultural shift in how society perceives unemployment.
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Jan 12, 2026 • 40min

Julia H. Meszaros, "Economies of Gender: Masculinity, "Mail Order Brides," and Women’s Labor" (Rutgers UP, 2025)

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Julia H. Meszaros, an expert in gender and migration, delves into the complex world of the international dating industry. She challenges stereotypes around mail-order brides and highlights how men navigate these 'intimate frontiers' in countries like Ukraine, the Philippines, and Colombia. Julia defines key concepts like femininity capital, explaining how these relationships are deeply intertwined with economic dynamics and perceptions of masculinity. She also addresses the impacts of war on matchmaking practices, offering a fresh perspective on power and intimacy.
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12 snips
Jan 11, 2026 • 51min

Harold James, "Seven Crashes: The Economic Crises That Shaped Globalization" (Yale UP, 2023)

Harold James, an economic historian and professor at Princeton, discusses his book, Seven Crashes: The Economic Crises That Shaped Globalization. He analyzes seven pivotal crises over the past two centuries, highlighting how shortages can lead to globalization while demand-driven crises often result in deglobalization. James explores the contrasting impacts of 19th-century and 20th-century economic events and reflects on historical thinkers who shaped our understanding of these crises, offering a fresh perspective on our current economic landscape.
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Jan 6, 2026 • 1h 14min

Extraction: The Frontiers of Green Capitalism with Thea Riofrancos

Thea Riofrancos, an Associate Professor of Political Science and a leading voice on resource extraction, delves into the complex world of lithium mining in her latest book, focusing on the environmental costs of green capitalism. She highlights the ethical dilemma we face: can we achieve decarbonization without harming our planet? Thea also discusses the geopolitical implications of lithium supply chains, the rising role of China, and the transformative potential of reshoring in the U.S. as we navigate the future of clean energy.
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12 snips
Jan 5, 2026 • 60min

David Morris, "Stealing The Future: Sam Bankman-Fried, Elite Fraud, and the Cult of Techno-Utopia" (Watkins Media, 2025)

David Z. Morris, a journalist and author focused on cryptocurrency and fraud, delves into the notorious case of Sam Bankman-Fried. He explores the intertwining ideas of effective altruism and rationalism, revealing how they can justify immoral actions. The conversation highlights the influence of speculative culture in crypto and the dangers of short-term hype. Morris also shares red flags for spotting future frauds, emphasizing the importance of intuition alongside rational thinking. It's a thought-provoking insight into the world of tech elites and their perilous ideologies.
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17 snips
Jan 3, 2026 • 52min

Judd B. Kessler, "Lucky by Design: The Hidden Economics of Getting More of What You Want" (Little, Brown Spark, 2025)

Judd B. Kessler is the Howard Marks Endowed Professor at the Wharton School and an expert in market design. He reveals how hidden markets impact key life outcomes—from restaurant reservations to organ donations. Kessler discusses the concept of 'settle for silver' strategies for better choices in competitive situations like college applications. He also explains the criteria for good market design, emphasizing equity, efficiency, and ease, and delves into the role of lotteries in enhancing winning odds. It's a fascinating exploration of how to navigate life's hidden economies!
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9 snips
Dec 25, 2025 • 1h 1min

Sven Beckert, "Capitalism: A Global History" (Allen Lane, 2025)

Sven Beckert, Laird Bell Professor of History at Harvard, offers a sweeping view of capitalism's evolution in his latest work. He challenges conventional Eurocentric narratives, arguing that capitalism was born global, emerging through diverse merchant communities. Beckert discusses the critical roles of labor, state-merchant coalitions, and how colonial practices propelled capitalism's expansion. He highlights the intertwined fates of technology and economics, all while advocating for a broader understanding that includes nonmarket domains like family and welfare.
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Dec 22, 2025 • 56min

Matthew Scobie and Anna Sturman, "The Economic Possibilities of Decolonisation" (Bridget Williams Books, 2024)

In an enlightening discussion, Matthew Scobie, a Māori political economy researcher, and Anna Sturman, a political economist and geographer, dive into the economic possibilities of decolonisation. They explore how pre-colonial Māori economies can reshape Aotearoa's political landscape. The duo discusses the impact of land dispossession, ongoing Māori economic practices, and the importance of mutual aid. They also present concrete legal and policy recommendations to honor the Treaty and advocate for a transformative future rooted in indigenous perspectives.
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6 snips
Nov 29, 2025 • 55min

Isabelle Guérin et. al., "The Indebted Woman: Kinship, Sexuality, and Capitalism" (Stanford UP, 2023)

Isabelle Guérin, a Senior Research Fellow focused on gender and debt, explores the intersection of kinship, sexuality, and capitalism in her recent work. She discusses the gendered nature of debt, particularly how Dalit women in Tamil Nadu navigate a biased credit market. The podcast delves into the moral pressures surrounding debt repayment that affect women's identities and agency. Guérin reveals how women's bodies become viewed as collateral and highlights their active roles in sustaining families amidst economic constraints. This deep ethnographic study sheds light on the broader implications of women's debt in capitalist society.

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