Episodes

  • Middle East on the Brink: Where are the Adults?

    Middle East on the Brink: Where are the Adults?
    Oct 3 2024
    In this episode, we're diving straight into the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. As missiles fly and regional powers realign, we break down what’s really happening on the ground and why the Middle East is more volatile than ever. With Hezbollah in the mix, and Iran’s influence spreading across Lebanon, Gaza, and beyond, we’re looking at how Israel’s aggressive strategy could lead to something much bigger. We'll also dig into how the U.S. and Europe are responding, or not responding, and why falling oil prices are shaping this crisis in surprising ways. Stay with us as we unravel where this all might be heading and what it means for the future of the region.

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    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    38 mins
  • The Tragedy of the Middle East: A Letter from Lebanon

    The Tragedy of the Middle East: A Letter from Lebanon
    Oct 1 2024
    In this episode, we turn our focus to the Middle East, specifically Lebanon, a country currently at the epicentre of political and economic turmoil. Joined by Lebanese economist Carole Nakhle, we dive into the complexities of Lebanese society, a nation shaped by hyperinflation, war, and a delicate balance of religious and ethnic factions. Carole shares her personal experiences growing up in Beirut, and we explore how the economic crisis, worsened by years of corruption and political instability, has led to one of the worst financial collapses in modern history. From the ongoing conflict with Israel, Hezbollah's role in Lebanon, and how the broader geopolitical tensions in the region—especially between Israel, Iran, and the U.S.—are shaping Lebanon’s future. Carole provides invaluable insight into the Lebanese diaspora’s impact, the dynamics of Hezbollah’s social and economic influence, and why the current situation is so critical. A must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of the Middle East through the lens of Lebanon’s tragic yet resilient story.

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    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    45 mins
  • Can Draghi's €800 Billion Plan Save Europe from Decline?

    Can Draghi's €800 Billion Plan Save Europe from Decline?
    Sep 26 2024
    In this episode, we continue our European mini-series, moving from Germany to the broader continental landscape. Europe faces mounting economic challenges as Mario Draghi, the former president of the European Central Bank and technocratic Italian prime minister, issues a bold €800 billion investment proposal aimed at closing the gap with the U.S. and China. Is Europe falling behind due to overregulation, fragmentation, and a lack of innovation? We discuss Draghi’s call for massive investment, the continent’s economic stagnation, and why the gap between Europe and America has widened over the past two decades. Is the European dream of a unified, prosperous continent slipping away, or can Draghi’s vision revive the old-world dynamism that once defined it?

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    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    33 mins
  • Germany on the Brink: Economic Fragility, Immigration Tensions, and the Rise of the Right

    Germany on the Brink: Economic Fragility, Immigration Tensions, and the Rise of the Right
    Sep 24 2024
    In this episode, we take a hard look at Germany’s current crossroads, where economic fragility and political tensions collide. Once the bedrock of European stability, Germany now faces challenges like the rise of the far-right AFD party, factory closures at Volkswagen, and energy crises driven by its dependency on Russian fuel. We explore the deeper cultural and historical factors at play, diving into the uneasy relationship between East and West Germany, the legacy of Angela Merkel’s policies, and the country's strained stance on immigration. With the help of historian Katja Hoyer, we unpack why Germany’s once rock-solid economy and political center are starting to crack—and what that means for the future of Europe.

    Join the gang! https://plus.acast.com/s/the-david-mcwilliams-podcast.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    40 mins
  • The Vinyl Comeback: How Records Survived Streaming

    The Vinyl Comeback: How Records Survived Streaming
    Sep 19 2024

    In this episode, we dive into the fascinating resurgence of vinyl and its surprising resilience amidst the digital age. We explore the economics of vinyl, the history of the music industry’s evolution, and how formats like CDs and streaming disrupted the landscape. Vinyl, once thought to be on the brink of extinction, has made an extraordinary comeback, and we're here to find out why. From independent record shops keeping the flame alive to the unique cultural experience vinyl provides, we look at how this format has redefined the music experience across generations. We speak with Graham Jones, author of The Vinyl Revival and the Shops That Made It Happen, to get his insight into the ongoing revival. Graham takes us through the vinyl resurgence, Record Store Day, and how independent record stores played a pivotal role in keeping vinyl alive.


    Buy the new book here: https://linktr.ee/moneydavidmcwilliams

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    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    38 mins
  • An Apple A Day Keeps The Europeans Away

    An Apple A Day Keeps The Europeans Away
    Sep 17 2024

    This podcast episode dives deep into the complexities of the Apple tax ruling and its broader implications for Ireland's economic model. We explore how Ireland's low corporate tax strategy, which began in the mid-20th century to attract foreign capital, evolved into a cornerstone of its economic growth. The discussion touches on Ireland's historical emigration issues, the soft power of the Irish diaspora, and the country's role as a bridge between American corporations and the European market. We also unpack how Apple’s tax dealings with Ireland resulted in a €13 billion windfall, the legal challenges involved, and the potential reputational risks for both Ireland and multinational companies. With a focus on Ireland’s current housing and infrastructure crises, the episode argues that now is the time for bold political decisions—especially how best to spend the Apple windfall to address urgent public needs. Get ready for a mix of economic history, policy analysis, and insights into what lies ahead for Ireland.


    Buy the new book here: https://linktr.ee/moneydavidmcwilliams

    Join the gang! https://plus.acast.com/s/the-david-mcwilliams-podcast.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    31 mins
  • Hitler’s Plan to Destroy Britain with Counterfeit Money – from Money: A Story of Humanity

    Hitler’s Plan to Destroy Britain with Counterfeit Money – from Money: A Story of Humanity
    Sep 12 2024

    In this episode, we’re diving into one of the wildest stories in the book, involving none other than Adolf Hitler. Can you imagine money falling from the sky? That's what Hitler had planned—he wanted to defeat Britain by literally dropping millions of counterfeit pounds across the country. He believed that if he could flood the British economy with fake money, he could induce a Weimar-style hyperinflation and collapse the British war effort. It’s a story of forgeries, secret concentration camp operations, and a plot to cripple an entire nation with counterfeit cash.


    Want to know how this insane plan almost worked? Well, grab your copy of Money: A Story of Humanity, and find out. Trust us, it’s not just about Hitler, there’s so much more—stories of people, civilizations, and how money shaped the world we live in today.


    Buy the new book here: https://linktr.ee/moneydavidmcwilliams

    Join the gang! https://plus.acast.com/s/the-david-mcwilliams-podcast.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    30 mins
  • From Poetry to Punches: Ireland’s Journey from Michael D. to McGregor

    From Poetry to Punches: Ireland’s Journey from Michael D. to McGregor
    Sep 10 2024
    This week, we delve into a fascinating hypothetical for Ireland’s future: could Conor McGregor really be our next President in 2025? From the quaint leadership of Michael D. Higgins, to McGregor’s brash, larger-than-life personality, the shift would be nothing short of dramatic. But what does this say about modern Irish politics and the world we’re living in? As global politics continues to throw us curveballs, we’re not ruling anything out. Beyond the political theatre, we turn our focus to a more grounded topic—progress. Sean Keyes from Progress Ireland joins us to discuss how his think tank is dedicated to solving Ireland’s infrastructure challenges, tackling the country's underperformance despite its huge potential. How can Ireland overcome its stumbling blocks and unlock a future filled with opportunities? We look at the bigger picture of what it really means to move forward in an increasingly complex world. Tune in for a discussion that spans politics, progress, and everything in between.

    Join the gang! https://plus.acast.com/s/the-david-mcwilliams-podcast.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    40 mins