Episode Four: The Only Game in Town

Adam Smith, a late 18th century economist, wrote about the importance of free markets and competition. He argued that competition kept prices low and quality high. Competition prevented monopolies and thwarted a business from becoming the only game in town. In today's modern economy, Smith would be surprised as there are few true free markets, the state plays a large role in the economy, and large multinationals dominate. Is the United States really a free market economy? As capitalism continues to chug away unfettered, is the end of history in sight? Karl Marx would say so, but not without the clashing of classes to move us forward into his version of communism: no more rich versus poor, no more classes to tussle. 

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Episode Three: A Dollar and a Penny

Inflation should be avoided at all costs is one belief held by the hawks. What is inflation and what do birds have to do with it? Well, nothing. In this episode, Lev and Natalie wrap up the Big Three - three important ways the economy is measured - by ending with inflation. How do we influence inflation by what we think prices are going to do? How does money gets into the economy? In A Dollar and a Penny we answer those questions and discuss the role of The Fed and why a little inflation may be a good thing. 

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Episode Two: Half a Loaf is Better Than No Loaf at All (Unemployment)

As of June 2016, the reported (U3) national unemployment number remains at 4.9%, a number that Obama praised back in April 2016. What is the story behind that 4.9% and how much does Obama’s economic legacy have to do with it? Lev and Natalie discuss our POTUS, how we measure unemployment, and the theory around war and the military as means for economic stimulus (Yikes!).

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Episode One: Our Phony Economy and Gross Domestic Product

GDP is made up of the goods and services that a country produces. When economists and politicians talk about growth, this is what they are referring to. But what makes up those goods and services? Rather, what is the “what” of GDP as Jonathan Rowe asks in his 2008 Harper’s Magazine article titled, “Our Phony Economy” months before the economic crash of 2008? In this episode of A Correction, Lev and Natalie discuss Rowe’s article, how GDP is measured, and ask: is growth always good?

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