Best Brian Hobbs Podcasts (2025)

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South of the Border: A Mexican Perspective on the Free Trade Era (with Juan Carlos Moreno-Brid) 30:44

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5d ago30:44

30:44

In the sixth episode of our trade series, Pitchfork Economics producer Freddy Doss talks with Mexican economist Juan Carlos Moreno-Brid about how NAFTA — and now the USMCA — reshaped Mexico’s economy in ways that those of us north of the Rio Grande almost never hear about. Yes, exports skyrocketed. But wages stagnated, domestic industry hollowed ou…

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S4E4: Anger 29:38

6d ago29:38

29:38

Anger can quickly escalate from mild irritation to rage. A lifetime of good can be marred by a moment of mindless savagery. What are the safeguards you have designed to ensure your anger does not have the last word in your legacy?By Ronald L. Fong

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North of the Border: A Canadian Perspective on the Free Trade Era (with Luke Savage) 30:42

12d ago30:42

30:42

In the fifth episode of our series on trade, journalist and author Luke Savage joins Pitchfork Economics Producer Freddy Doss to unpack how decades of “free trade” between the U.S. and Canada have reshaped both economies—entrenching corporate power, hollowing out manufacturing, and weakening democratic control over economic policy. Savage traces ho…

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S4E3: Empty nester, from CEO to consultant 33:16

13d ago33:16

33:16

Parents, as you prepare for your last child to leave home and become an empty nester, take a page from the workplace to ease this painful stage. You are transitioning from CEO to consultant. Be proactive and design a succession process that will lead you from final decision-maker to trusted advisor. Instead of carrying them along, be the guide who …

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Trade Wars Are Class Wars (with Matthew C. Klein) 49:28

18d ago49:28

49:28

By Civic Ventures

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S4E2: Puff, Hobbes, and Woody: Icons of imagination 8:48

20d ago8:48

8:48

Imagination is a tool for innovation. It is a telescope that lets us see new worlds. It is a compass that plots the course for adventure. It is the ship that sails the Seven Seas of our minds. Our childhood toys came alive through our imagination. Revisit and reconnect with your childhood imagination to tell a rich story and build stronger relation…

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You Can't Tariff Knowledge (with César Hidalgo) 41:51

26d ago41:51

41:51

Tariffs won’t save America’s economy—but knowledge might. In the third episode of our Trade series, Nick and Goldy sit down with physicist César Hidalgo to explore how prosperity really grows—not through tariffs or trickle-down promises, but through the accumulation of knowledge and know-how. Hidalgo explains why digital exports don’t show up in tr…

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S4E1: The companionship of solitude 25:24

27d ago25:24

25:24

There is a difference between loneliness and being alone. Prioritizing time for self is necessary to reflect on patterns of growth and to declutter distractions that take away from the clarity and impact of our messages. We cannot have anything to give to others when we have not started by giving ourselves time and space to grow. Solitude is the en…

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How Economists Forgot the Real World and Led Us Astray (with Nat Dyer) 41:18

1M ago41:18

41:18

In the second episode of our Trade series, Nick and Goldy talk with author Nat Dyer about his book Ricardo’s Dream: How Economists Forgot the Real World and Led Us Astray. Dyer reveals how David Ricardo’s famous theory of comparative advantage—long touted as proof that free trade is always a win-win—was built on unrealistic assumptions and a false …

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S3E46: From truth to goodness to beauty 26:07

1M ago26:07

26:07

Beauty catches the eye and stirs the heart. True beauty edifies us because it starts with the truth, progresses to goodness, and completes the journey to beauty. When we are struck by beauty, we should pause and look for the truth and goodness that reside within. I encourage you to build your legacy with a foundation of truth and raise goodness up …

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Trade Wars, Class Wars & Globalization: Unpacking The Truth About Trade (featuring David Autor & Marc Palen) 47:52

1M ago47:52

47:52

In this kickoff to our special series on trade, Nick and Goldy unpack why trade policy isn’t just about tariffs and treaties—it’s about people, power, and priorities. For decades, the prevailing narrative has been that trade benefits everyone by lowering prices. But the real question is: who does it help, and who does it hurt? From the false promis…

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S3E45: Miya Simpson interview 40:16

1M ago40:16

40:16

I interview Miya Simpson, proprietor of Taste and See Vegan Desserts. Hear her story as a single mom who homeschooled her child, a new empty nester, a missionary, and an artist who expresses herself through baking.By Ronald L. Fong

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Inflation: A Guide for Users and Losers (with Mark Blyth) 39:02

2M ago39:02

39:02

Political economist Mark Blyth joins Nick and Goldy to unpack the myths and realities of rising prices, from pandemic supply shocks and corporate profiteering to central-bank missteps and decades of bad economic theory. Drawing from his new book Inflation: A Guide for Users and Losers, Blyth explains why some narratives fall flat, why others reveal…

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Back to Basics Series: Homo Economicus Must Die (with Samuel Bowles) 32:34

2M ago32:34

32:34

What if the relentless drive to maximize personal gain isn't human nature, but just a flawed model we built? In this Back-to-Basics episode, behavioral economist Samuel Bowles helps us lay homo economicus—the myth of the perfectly rational, self-interested actor—six feet under. He shows how this caricature not only misrepresents human behavior, but…

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S3E44: Who are your Brian Epstein and George Martin? 31:06

2M ago31:06

31:06

No matter how talented you are, you can always benefit from the help of others. Manager Brian Epstein and producer George Martin were instrumental in the success of The Beatles. They provided mentorship to four young lads from Liverpool and helped elevate them into the world's most popular band. They helped them tell the stories they wanted to tell…

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Back to Basics Series: Is the American Dream a Lie? (with Christian Cooper and Khiara Bridges) 42:47

2M ago42:47

42:47

The promise of the American Dream—work hard, play by the rules, and you’ll get ahead—is unraveling before our eyes. In this Back-to-Basics episode, Christian H. Cooper and law professor Khiara Bridges join Nick and Goldy to posit whether economic mobility has ever truly existed, or if the system was rigged from the start. As wages stagnate, homeown…

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S3E43: Life-work harmony 31:04

2M ago31:04

31:04

Are you seeking work-life balance or life-work harmony? Are you spending time or investing it? Listen to reimagine how you live out your day when you follow the principles of good design to bring harmony to your efforts of telling a story that flows.By Ronald L. Fong

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Back to Basics Series: How Monopolies Feed Plutocracy (with Matt Stoller) 31:58

2M ago31:58

31:58

When a few giants dominate the economy, democracy is the first to go. In this back-to-basics episode, author and anti-monopoly expert Matt Stoller unpacks how concentrated corporate power doesn’t just warp markets—it tilts the political playing field toward plutocracy. Drawing from his book Goliath, Stoller shows how corporate giants from banks to …

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S3E42: Leadership lessons from the art of remixing a song 25:46

2M ago25:46

25:46

Remixing engineers are artists who seek to distill the essence of the musicians and singers from a previously mixed song. The intent is to bring a fresh clean interpretation to a familiar work. We can learn from these artists regarding centering the conversation, balancing voices, and giving room for nuances to be appreciated. Listen to mix/remix y…

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Back to Basics Series: Does the Market Really Pay You What You’re Worth? (with Marshall Steinbaum and Saru Jayaraman) 50:51

3M ago50:51

50:51

We’ve all heard the story: In a fair market, workers are paid exactly what they’re worth. Economists even have a name for it—marginal productivity theory. It’s neat, simple…and completely wrong. In this Back-to-Basics episode, economist Marshall Steinbaum and labor leader Saru Jayaraman dismantle the myth that the market fairly rewards labor. Stein…

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S3E41: Architecture of storytelling 28:47

3M ago28:47

28:47

Storytelling is an art, akin to architecture. I cite the challenges DC Studios will have in their attempt to duplicate Marvel's movie success because of the design differences between the DC and Marvel comic universes. Bringing elements together is the beginning, but you must be able to structure relationships and use space appropriately to tell a …

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Back to Basics Series: The Velocity of Money (with Ann Pettifor) 42:30

3M ago42:30

42:30

If you’ve ever wondered why the economy feels stuck, even when it seems like there's a lot more money in the system, this episode will blow your mind. Political economist Ann Pettifor joins Nick and Goldy to explain why money isn't flowing like it used to, and why that matters. Over the last century, the velocity of money (how quickly a dollar circ…

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Back to Basics Series: Is Economics Moral? (with Heather McGhee) 35:57

3M ago35:57

35:57

For decades, orthodox economics has treated morality as irrelevant—as if economic decisions happen in a vacuum, separate from our values and social bonds. But that approach has failed spectacularly, giving cover to policies that divide and exploit us. In this episode, Heather McGhee joins Nick and Paul to argue that morality must be central to how …

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S3E40: Elements of dance 25:20

3M ago25:20

25:20

"Dance, then, is the most personal of all the arts...it springs from the very breath of life." What is the dance of your legacy? Listen to gain insights from the five elements of dance and how they can be applied in choregraphing the story you want to tell and the legacy you want to leave.By Ronald L. Fong

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Back to Basics Series: Where does economic growth really come from? (with W. Brian Arthur and Cesar Hidalgo) 46:51

3M ago46:51

46:51

Is economic growth just about money, trade, and GDP? Or is something deeper at play? In this episode, economist W. Brian Arthur and physicist Cesar Hidalgo join Nick and Goldy to reveal the real drivers of rising prosperity: human knowledge, know‑how, and innovation. They challenge the old assumptions of growth and argue that innovation isn't a byp…

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S3E39: Failings and failure 28:38

3M ago28:38

28:38

Have you designed how you will move forward when you fail? We will all experience failing, but that does not equate to failure. Listen to gain encouragement when faced with trials and tribulations and learn to see failings as an opportunity for growth.By Ronald L. Fong

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Back to Basics Series: Is Econ 101 a Lie? (with Eric Beinhocker and James Kwak) 39:29

3M ago39:29

39:29

Trickle-downers love to pretend that "Econ 101" is a convincing argument against policies like the minimum wage that invest in working Americans. But the truth is that mainstream economists are terrible at predicting how the economy will behave in the future…Is Econ 101 broken? In this key foundational episode for the podcast, we dismantle the myth…

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S3E28: Stage lighting design 34:12

3M ago34:12

34:12

The lighting designer is responsible for coordinating light sources to help the director and actors tell the intended story on the stage. Lighting propels performance from an idea into an inspired function. As you get ready to take the stage to tell your story, have you positioned your light in such a fashion to tell a story that the audience can c…

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Back to Basics Series: What the hell are they talking about? Econ terms explained! (with Nick and Goldy) 14:48

4M ago14:48

14:48

Ever find yourself halfway through a Pitchfork Economics episode thinking, “Wait… what’s a monopsony?” You’re not alone. In this listener-favorite episode, Nick and Goldy break down some of the most important—and most misunderstood—economic terms we use on the show. From ‘neoclassical’ and ‘neoliberal’ to ‘monopoly’, ‘monopsony,’ ‘stock buybacks,’ …

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S3E37: The legacy of the immigrant experience 31:52

4M ago31:52

31:52

Your message is your legacy. If you are an immigrant, how do you design and build your legacy from two worlds, two languages? Or do you have two legacies? Listen as I share my experience as an immigrant and how this experience has shaped my legacy.By Ronald L. Fong

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Back to Basics Series: Why do we call it Pitchfork Economics? (with Ganesh Sitaraman & Walter Scheidel) 33:16

4M ago33:16

33:16

In 2014, Nick Hanauer sounded the alarm: if economic inequality kept growing, the pitchforks would come—for him, and for the rest of America’s wealthy elite. Then 2016 happened. Donald Trump was elected president on a wave of economic populism that correctly identified massive inequality as a problem, but which offered all the wrong solutions. The …

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S3E36: Is your word your bond? 25:26

4M ago25:26

25:26

Are your thoughts, words, and deeds aligned to form positive bonds with others? Is your word your bond? Are you weaving honesty in the tapestry of your legacy? Honesty is a virtue, but it is also a decision by design. Listen to self-examine the priority of honesty and keeping promises in your legacy design and building.…

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The Truth About Immigration and the American Worker (with Rogé Karma) 39:13

4M ago39:13

39:13

Conventional wisdom says immigration drives down wages and takes jobs from American workers. But what if that story is fueled by bad economics? Journalist Rogé Karma joins Nick and Goldy to challenge the Econ 101 logic that supercharges anti-immigrant rhetoric—and to explain what the data actually shows. Drawing on research from the U.S., Denmark, …

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Children leaving home from a grandfather's perspective 30:02

4M ago30:02

30:02

I revisit S1E32 when I talked about adult children leaving home as in inflection point in the legacies of the children and the parents. This time, I bring my perspective as a grandparent on this powerful moment and how to prepare for it from both sides.By Ronald L. Fong

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America Adrift: Inequality, Power, and the Fight to Fix It (with Scott Galloway) 45:14

4M ago45:14

45:14

With inequality rising, housing out of reach, and young Americans falling further behind, some argue the American Dream is dead. But NYU professor Scott Galloway has a different take: America hasn’t fallen—it’s adrift. Originally recorded in late 2022, this episode features a candid conversation about what’s really hollowed out the middle class: ge…

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S3E34: Dying with zero 27:59

4M ago27:59

27:59

There is a growing trend among Baby Boomers to leave no financial inheritance to their children. The concept of "dying with zero" is increasing, partly due to the rising cost of living and to Bill Perkins' book that promotes the concept that spending your money now will yield greater happiness. How you spend your money tells a story. Have you given…

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From Reagan to Reality: The Case Against Tax Cuts for the Rich (with Bruce Bartlett) 36:11

5M ago36:11

36:11

As Republicans work at break-neck speed to push another round of massive tax cuts for the wealthy, we thought it would be a good idea to revisit our 2019 conversation with Bruce Bartlett, a Reagan policy adviser and key architect of the 1981 tax cuts. Bartlett explains how the trickle-down logic he once championed turned out to be economic snake oi…

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S3E33: Jeremy Horne interview 53:48

5M ago53:48

53:48

Jeremy Horne is the CEO of Storypedia and has a passion for encouraging people to interview their family members, especially the ones from earlier generations. In this episode, we discuss the value and importance of storytelling and building connections with our loved ones and with people we have just met.…

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Why Gutting SNAP Makes the Economy Worse for Everyone (with Lily Roberts) 44:19

5M ago44:19

44:19

The GOP’s new tax bill isn’t just a massive giveaway to the rich—it’s an all-out assault on SNAP, one of the most effective anti-poverty programs in the U.S. That’s because SNAP is more than just a program designed to end hunger. It’s also a powerful economic engine, stabilizing local economies as well as supporting retailers and farmers. Lily Robe…

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S3E32: Understanding angles in decision-making 27:11

5M ago27:11

27:11

Angles play an important part in the game of baseball. How you round the bases and position yourself to throw depends on the angle of your feet, shoulders, and head. Life is a series of decisions. To make better decisions, it is vital that you understand the angles of the situation before you and that you have prepared for this opportunity.…

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Good Company: Ending the Era of Shareholder Supremacy (with Lenore Palladino) 37:21

5M ago37:21

37:21

What makes a company good—and who gets to decide? Economist Lenore Palladino joins Nick and Goldy to dismantle the myth of shareholder primacy and explain how our current system of corporate governance has warped innovation, deepened inequality, and undermined democracy. Drawing from her new book Good Company: Economic Policy after Shareholder Prim…

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S3E31: What burdens are we to bear? 32:49

5M ago32:49

32:49

All lives come with burdens. How we respond to them determines our legacy. Moreover, how we respect how others respond to their burdens also contributes to our legacies.By Ronald L. Fong

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The Empire Strikes Back—With More Billionaire Tax Breaks (with Samantha Jacoby) 35:40

5M ago35:40

35:40

With Trump’s second major tax bill clearing committee and heading to the House floor—packed, as promised, with massive giveaways to the ultra-wealthy—we’re revisiting our timely conversation with Samantha Jacoby of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. Originally recorded before Trump’s reelection, this episode breaks down the real impact of …

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S3E30: Your story is a trilogy 28:25

5M ago28:25

28:25

Frame your story as a trilogy and began to see the power of your story. Start by increasing your awareness of the people in your life and giving more thought to your purpose. Journey forward with exploration of the unfamiliar and uncomfortable. Conclude by committing to overcoming trials and tribulations. All the elements are before you every day o…

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Greedflation 2.0: How Tariffs Could Become an Excuse for Corporate Price Gouging (with Hal Singer) 44:43

6M ago44:43

44:43

During COVID, corporations blamed supply chain shocks for rising prices while quietly raising prices higher than costs, thereby boosting their profits to record levels. We know they did this because they bragged about doing it on corporate earnings calls. Economist Hal Singer warns that Trump’s proposed tariffs could spark a repeat, giving corporat…

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S3E29: Patriarchs and matriarchs 26:41

6M ago26:41

26:41

We envision ourselves as parents and grandparents. However, do we anticipate when we are to step into the roles of patriarch and matriarch? There is a difference between leading your immediate family and leading the family. This episode discusses the importance of preparing for this possibility due to its significant impact on your legacy.…

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Why Democracy Needs a New Operating System (with K. Sabeel Rahman) 44:39

6M ago44:39

44:39

Decades of trickle-down thinking hollowed out our government—and now the anti-democracy crowd is finishing the job. This week, legal scholar and former Biden advisor K. Sabeel Rahman joins Nick and Goldy to talk about what happens when the rule of law becomes optional, what the Biden administration got right (and what it didn’t,) and why simply res…

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S3E28: How should you be measuring your legacy? 25:18

6M ago25:18

25:18

Our lives are saturated with measurements. Grades, standardized tests, work performance, credit ratings, net worth, and so on. When it comes to our legacy, how should we be measuring it? The key is to not compare yourself to others, but to seek alignment with your true north and to speak in the most authentic way possible.…

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Democracy in Chains (with Nancy MacLean) 38:16

6M ago38:16

38:16

This week, we’re revisiting a critical conversation we had back in 2020 with author and historian Nancy MacLean, in which she exposes how today’s threats to democracy were decades in the making. Based on her groundbreaking book Democracy in Chains, MacLean traces how Nobel Prize-winning economist James Buchanan worked with billionaire donors to rig…

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S327: The legacy of Walt Disney 22:14

6M ago22:14

22:14

Walt Disney was a masterful storyteller who elevated the medium of animation. He brought innovations to animation and created the theme park. All of his efforts focused on assembling talented people to produce films for children and the child inside of us.By Ronald L. Fong