Zero Down: Recent Episodes
Arthashastra, Miranda House
In this episode, Bhadra, Devika and Diya unpack the economics and psychology behind viral consumer trends, from engineered scarcity and FOMO to Veblen's theory of conspicuous consumption. We get into why influencers act as hype amplifiers, how brands manufacture exclusivity through planned scarcity, and why price anchoring makes us feel like we're "saving" even when we're overspending. We also talk sunk cost fallacy, guilt consumption, and how to actually break the cycle.
When platforms vanish overnight, how does a generation react? How did Gen Z turn online trends into protest, and what hidden rules might be guiding their moves?
In this episode of Zero Down, join Muskan and Rama as they unpack Nepal’s social media ban, the Nepo Kids trend that exposed political privilege, and the hidden game theory behind youth action. From viral outrage to real world mobilization, we explore how mistrust, opportunity, and strategic choices collide to shape the responses of Nepal’s digital generation navigating a world where voices are suddenly silenced.
In today’s episode, Nandini, Anika and Anusmita dive into the significance of the India–European Union Free Trade Agreement, a landmark pact linking two of the world’s largest economic powers, India and the European Union. We’ll examine what this agreement means for global supply chains, investment flows, and strategic alliances in an era marked by protectionism and geopolitical uncertainty. From economic opportunities to regulatory challenges, and from trade diversification to the reshaping of globalisation itself, this episode explores how one deal could influence the future trajectory of international trade.
Join Himanshi and Hardik for a conversation that looks beyond the scoreboard. This episode reimagines India’s Women’s World Cup victory as an economic turning point, unpacking women’s cricket through the lenses of sports economics, labour markets and investment theory. From match scarcity and income volatility to market failure and untapped consumer demand, the discussion reveals why women’s cricket is driven by powerful economic logic. Grounded in economic reasoning and attentive to questions of gender and equity, this episode offers a thoughtful lens on how markets, not merit, often determine value in sport and how that dynamic is beginning to shift.
Dive into the world of digital payments with this episode on UPI, as Yana and Sneha explore its transformative journey in India. From its humble beginnings to becoming more than a payment method, UPI is reshaping the way India transacts! Let's unpack Metcalfe’s law behind its rapid growth, the two-sided market dynamics, zero-MDR advantage, and innovations like UPI on feature phones, wearables, and future collaborations with AI. Today, UPI stands as a global benchmark, driving India’s economy toward modern financial development.
Ever wondered why you hesitate before texting first, overthink double texts, or feel stuck planning outings that never happen? Turns out, you’ve been using game theory all along.
In this episode of the Zero Down Podcast by Arthashastra, Miranda House, Poorti and Mahak explore how economic concepts like the Prisoner’s Dilemma, Nash Equilibrium, Tit-for-Tat, free-riding, and signalling show up in everyday human interactions. From friendships to roommates, group projects, social media, and conflict resolution, we break down how strategic thinking shapes trust, cooperation, and decision-making.
Light, fun, and deeply relatable, this episode connects economics to real life, because sometimes, understanding relationships is just about understanding the game.
Swipe into the chaos of modern romance with Devanshi and Tanvi as they unpack the Economics of Online Dating. From right-swipes to ghosting seasons, they explore how attention became a currency, why some profiles explode in demand while others get buried, and how apps like Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge ended up running an oligopoly on our love lives. They dive into supply-demand curves on attraction, sunk cost fallacies in texting, and how freemium “premium love” became a business model. A fun, sharp look at why dating in 2025 feels more like a marketplace than ever.
Labubu isn’t just a collectable — it’s a billion dollar hype machine. In this episode we break down how Labubus made their way into the market, why blind boxes are so addictive and how Pop mart made a brilliant use of the hype.
Concerts aren’t just about the music anymore! they’re an entire economy of their own. In this episode, Nandinii and Vanshika explore the fascinating economics behind the rise of concert culture, especially in India. From the multiplier effect that fuels local businesses every time a major gig comes to town, to the booming resell culture and parallel ticket economy that fans either hate or can’t escape, we dive deep into the financial ripple effects of live music. We also talk about Coldplay’s much-awaited India show, and how Gen Z views concerts as part of the ‘experience economy’.
Join Bhadra and Kashish as they turn a shopping trip to Delhi’s iconic Sarojini Nagar into a crash course in game theory. From bargaining tricks and price wars to the Nash Equilibrium and the Prisoner’s Dilemma, this episode uncovers the hidden strategies behind every deal.
Witty, sharp, and full of real-world insights, it’s the economic playbook you didn’t know you needed for your next Sarojini haul.
Have you freshly turned into a voter? Are you wondering whom to vote for?
Before you decide, dive into this podcast and walk with Gargi and Anusmita around the world of politics looked at through the lens of Game Theory. Discover the various kinds of games played by political parties and unveil what goes on in the minds of every voter simultaneously that impacts on the election results.
Yes, this is where Strategy meets Power and Psychology meets Diplomacy.
In this episode, Nandinii and Manya use game theory to unpack India and Pakistan's nuclear strategies. Through the classic Prisoner's Dilemma experiment, they explore how strategic decisions, mutual distrust, and historical tensions direct the prospect of peace and conflict in one of the most volatile nuclear flashpoints - and what it would take to break the cycle
Is China helping countries grow or trapping them in debt? In this episode of Zero Down, Priyadarshini and Manya explore the geopolitical motives and economic impacts behind unsustainable debt practices. From ports in Sri Lanka to railways in Africa, we look who's gaining, who's slipping, and what it means for global power dynamics.
In this episode of the Zero Down Podcast, join the heads, Tanya and Prapti for a discussion on international trade, reciprocal tariffs and the impact on the current economic and geopolitical scenario.
In this episode of Zero Down Podcast's non member series, ZDP Shots, Devika, Bhadra, and Diya spill the tea (from the Stanley Cup) about why we feel the urge to buy things that we do not necessarily need. From engineered scarcity, sunk cost fallacy, to herd mentality and other concepts, join them as they explore different behavioural economics theories manipulating consumer demand - and why it works so well. Are we really choosing what we buy, or are brands choosing for us?
Women have been locked out of the literary arena - not because they weren't writing, but because they weren't being published, read, or remembered, Joanna Russ said. Through Virginia Woolf, Betty Friedan, Emily Dickinson, the Bronte sisters and others, this episode delves into the works and lives of women who almost got lost in time. Join Gargi and Manya as they explore the economics behind this phenomenon and tribute the forgotten.
In this episode of the Zero Down Podcast, Tanya, Usheer, and Vanshika explore "The Great Indian Brain Drain." While the news of someone of Indian origin becoming the CEO of a major global company often fills us with pride, it also raises an important question: does this reflect a significant loss of talent for India? Tune in for a deep dive into the causes behind this phenomenon and examine various government initiatives aimed at converting brain drain into brain gain.
In this episode of Zero Down, Join Kashish and Prapti piecing together the what-why-hows of labour migration in India. Using the Harris-Todaro model as a framework, we break down how migrants weigh expected income against the risks of unemployment in cities like Delhi and Bangalore. Why do millions leave their hometowns? What role does the informal sector play? And how does migration reshape India’s urban economy? From slums and political exclusion to the impact of COVID-19, we examine both the numbers and the human stories behind India’s migration wave. Tune in for a deep dive into one of the country’s most defining economic phenomena.
Ever wondered why people go gaga over Birkins and Bentleys worth hundreds of thousands of dollars? In this episode of Zero Down Podcast, we unravel why, even amidst wars, recessions, and widespread struggles for basic survival, the glamour of luxury remains unshaken. Why do consumers, despite economic uncertainty, chase the $4M Mustang? Is it about status, aspiration, or something deeper in human psychology? Join Yashika and Pranjali as they decode the economics of luxury goods and consumer behaviour.
Were the allegations against Adani true? How does Hindenburg create profit? When did SEBI get involved? In this episode of Zero Down, join Gargi and Manya as they analyse the Adani-Hindenburg controversy, its implications and how a single report can lead to so many consequences when the stock market is in question.
In this episode, join Tanvi and Usheer to explore the economics behind Ratan Tata's journey. They discuss the global expansion of Tata Group, the challenges and controversies faced along the way, and how these moves reshaped Indian business worldwide.
In this episode, Vanshika and Prapti introduce the concept of "Sunk Cost Fallacy," exploring relatable examples, and discussing reasons behind it and ways to avoid falling into its trap.
This episode is our first group discussion, dissecting one of the most debated topics in the field of economics: Trickle-Down Theory. Trickle-down economics refers to policies that directly benefit the rich by means of tax cuts, deregulation and subsidies, with the belief that these benefits will boost growth and therefore welfare for the entire economy. Originally popularised in the US economy in the 1980s, these theories have backed policymaking throughout the world, including India. How are they implemented? How have they affected geopolitical ideologies? Have they boosted economic welfare? Has that welfare really (wait for it) trickled down? Join Tanya, Prapti, Vanshika, Suryanshi, Gargi, Yashika, Pranjali, Manya, Usheer and Suhaani in this episode to find out!
In this episode of Zero Down Podcast, Tarushi Narayan Ojha and Prisha Chhikara will be interviewing Satvik Chauhan, the Founder and CEO of The South Asian Policy Initiative (SAPI). SAPI is a non-profit organization dedicated to policy research and advocacy across South Asia, founded with the objective of bridging the gap between academic research and practical policymaking, and encouraging young minds to contribute to the socio-economic development of South Asia.
In this episode of Zero Down Podcast, Tanvi and Prisha explore the hidden costs of choice and give real life examples to show how understanding opportunity cost can help us make better decisions in a world of limited resources.
In this episode, join Priyadarshini and Suhaani as they dive deeper into the meaning of "The Tragedy of the Commons" and its role in our day to day life, exploring how a shared resource can quickly become a shared problem.
In this episode, Suryanshi Pathak explains five basic economic principles hidden in our daily lives and decision-making through an imaginary burger scenario.
In this episode of Zero Down, Vanshika and Tarushi discuss adverse selection, a type of market failure, and its implications. They explore real-life examples and give solutions on how to mitigate the problem.
In this episode of The Zero Down Podcast, Prisha Chhikara, Usheer Singh and Tanya Rajesh delve into the complex tapestry of the Israel-Palestine conflict, exploring its historical and economic dimensions. In this podcast, we unravel the intricate timeline, tracing back centuries of shared history and divergent paths. Join us as we examine the roots of this conflict, shedding light on the intertwined narratives of Israelis and Palestinians.
In this episode of the Zero Down Podcast, Prapti, Ayati and Tanvi discuss how the wave of global popularity that the Korean culture has garnered, known as the Korean Wave or Hallyu, has become an economic power. Join us as we transverse the history of how economics has been intricately intertwined with the rapidly growing popularity of Korean culture.
In this episode of ZDP Chaahat, Khushi and Sejal venture into the realm of tweets, threads and trendsetters. The suspense is real, the stakes are high, and our mics are primed to bring you an electrifying debate that'll leave you on the edge of your earbuds.
In this episode of ZDP Khushi, Pratyashee and Harsha explore the economic contributions of Mughal women. They study and discuss the role of influencial royal Mughal women in imprinting a Mughal presence through coinage, architecture, trade and market.
In this episode of ZDP Soumya, Sredha and Reeti explore the institution of Marriage from an economics lens. They talk about how behavioural economics can manipulate the rational thinking human mind when it comes to marriage. Using a variety of economics concepts from game theory in doing dishes to moral hazard theory they try to analyse the institution of marriage which is considered to be so sacrosanct.
In this episode, Manmeet and Sejal dive into the journey of Blinkit since 2013 till now, when the company is owned by Zomato. Through different instances and theories, the episode unwraps the goodness of the e-commerce platform, Blinkit with its costs and impact overall.
Wars, scandals and politics have one thing in common.
Twitter.
In this episode of Zero Down, the hosts Dhwani and Khushi, dive into the Twitter buyout case exploring the reasons behind this takeover by Elon Musk. They discuss the repercussions of this buyout on Twitter, it’s market standing, it’s employees, and the Twitter users. Even as Musk describes himself as a ‘free-speech absolutist’, did he really free the bird?
Way back in the mid-70s, an exciting new trend crawled its way off the streets and into our living rooms. It was grimy, intense, raw, and loud. Unfiltered and unaffected by all of the usual restrictions of the music industry – it was punk – the start of something completely new.In fact, the punk mindset of disruption has even transformed the branding environment.
Let us explore the history of punk,and punk culture? And many more!
In this episode, Gungun and Chaahat talk about how and what, did the economic concepts of Invisible Hand, An Ideal World, Foreign Competition and Public Goods come from.
The topic and excerpt is derived from the book “A Little History of Economics” by Niall Kishtainy.
Full of colourful stories and compelling facts, this conversation tells you everything you need to know about economics, in the most intersection tangent. So, are you ready to dive into this intellectual treasure trove!
In this episode, Devanshi, Mannat and Kanupriya throw some light on the infamous East Asian Crisis 1997.
No one could have ever predicted that the nations known for their stable and conservative budgetary policies will fall in the vicious trap of financial crisis. Yes, we are talking about the East Asian crisis 1997 that affected the world economy severely.
So what are you waiting for? Put your earphones on and discover the reasons, consequences and the recovery of the cri
In this episode Apeksha, Muskan and Naina take a dig into the growth projections of India for the coming year.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, expressed that India will be the fastest growing economy in the world this year with at least 7% growth despite the challenges posed by the Ukraine crisis. But Reuters poll said “India's status as world's fastest-growing major economy to be short-lived”
Confusing, right?
Let’s find out whether these predictions are ac
In this episode of Zero Down Shots, Anshu and Kunjal walk us through the Economy of the United Kingdom. With the sudden change of its Prime minister & death of Queen Elizabeth II, the UK has many challenges in front of it. They discuss the economic situation of the UK both before and during the pandemic, with a special emphasis on the economical changes the nation is experiencing as an aftermath of the queen’s death.
In this episode, Rachel performs a brief case study on the welfare state of Finland – the world’s top performer in the World Happiness Index and HDI. She delves into the two pillars – the education and healthcare system which go hand in hand thus building their modern economy. She also discusses how the welfare state of a country’s government is an unfailing investment towards human capital thus boosting the present and future economy and making it sustainable through shocks. Finland is a perfect example of how slow and steady reforms lead to consistently high results.
In this episode of Zero Down Podcast, Nishu take us through the journey 'Decoding Geoeconomics'. Everyone is talking about Geoeconomics all the time these days. It has become a buzzword almost, isn't it? This discussion help you to get an insight into what geoeconomics really is, how it's impacting today's international system, what is India's vision and why should we care and so on.
Tune in to the full episode to dive deep into the topic with the host.
In this episode, Reeti and Sejal talk about a recent decision by the RBI, allowing international trade settlements in rupee, as a measure against the ongoing inflationary trends in the economy. Bringing attention to it's benefits and challenges , they discuss the impact of the decision on the Indian economy. But, can this be regarded as the "internationalisation of the rupee"?
In this episode of Zero Down, the hosts Sredha, Dhwani and Prattyashee dive into the Social and Economic repercussions of the abrogation of Roe v Wade. They analyse the possible spillover and future ripple effects of this landmark decision using the ‘Turn-away Study’. From black markets for illegal abortions and plan B pill shortages to burden on the foster care system, they cover it all.
In this episode, Khushi, Manmeet and Soumya explored the concept of colonial mercantilism through various aspects. Beginning from the history, the whole episode creates moments of unraveling joints of the past. Discovering related school of thoughts, with their consequences. The episode concludes with practical application of mercantilism in today's world.
In this episode of Zero Down Podcast, Manmeet, Nishu and Sejal take us through The Economics of Mental Health.This discussion would help you to get an insight into the importance of taking care of one's mental health, how common its ignorance is, how mental illness affects the productivity of an individual, the correlation between physical health and mental health, and at last touches upon a few ways we can prevent an emergency situation with respect to one's finances.Tune in to the full episode to dive deep into the topic with the hosts.
In this episode, Naina and Aditi demystify Carbon Emission Trading. Where you'll learn everything from how carbon trading came into effect to the cap and trade system. They further unfold the demand and supply dynamics of tradable emission allowances and about China's just-launched World's largest carbon trading market.
Tune in to the full episode as we conclude by discussing the path that lies ahead for the carbon trading markets and how it can be made more efficient, and equitable!
In this episode of Zero Down shots, the host Vanshika hunts through the complex relationship shared by two pillars of development that is capitalism and democracy. In this episode she discusses about the origin of capitalism as an economic model and the need for social Capitalism to be followed insted of laissez faire. She goes on to analyse the effects of increasing capitalism on democratic functioning of the nations, which has lead to assymetric political participation and social inequality.She touches upon the topics like Keynesian economics, unleashed financial Capitalism and the need for both Democracy and Capitalism to coexist for the world to be progressive economically and ethically. Tune in to the full episode to dive deep into the topic with the host!
In this episode of Zero Down Shots, Tanvi and Soumya will delve into a topic of great contemporary importance: The Sharing Economy. Taking the familiar examples of AirBnb and Uber, the hosts start off by explaining the basic idea behind a Sharing Economy and subsequently exploring the factors fuelling its growth such as technological advancement. They go on to analyse its effects on labour market dynamics as well as the environment. They touch upon topics such as creative destruction, the reputation economy, consumerism, and much more! Finally, they discuss the sharing economy in the context of the covid-19 pandemic, while also highlighting its ugly side such as lack of government regulation and racial biases. Tune in as they conclude by discussing the path that lies ahead for the sharing economy and how it can be made more efficient, sustainable, and equitable!
In this episode of Zero Down , the hosts Aarushi and Jyoti delve deep into the concept of hindsight bias and discuss how this bias affects our decisions especially in finance. This episode deals with pointing out the specific characteristics of this bias. How this bias is dangerous for investors in the market ?What are the steps one can take to make oneself immune to this bias? Listen to the full episode to know more about this financial bias and get answers to your questions with the hosts.
In this episode of Zero Down the hosts, Mahika, Medha, and Tavishi, delve into a branch of economics that lies at the intersection of economics and philosophy- the Purpose Economy. The hosts share their views about the roots of purpose economy and the theory of sustainable development of the economy. They aid these discussions with real-life examples of companies that thrive on this theory of Purpose Economy and study how firms are adapting to this new conceptualization of business in the 21st century. Tune in as they wrap it up with interesting analyses of GenZ’s take on the functioning of modern day companies and firms, and what it would take for these companies to lure GenZ to work for them.
Zero Down is back again with a topic any Social Media addict would love to learn more about- INFLUENCERS
Well, to be specific, the Influencer Economy
In this episode, Amulya and Niranjana go in depth on how your favourite influencers earn those big bucks, ups and downs of this economy and even about your favourite instagram shops!
Tune in to this fun and punny episode to learn how this new money market works and thrives!
In this episode of Zero Down, Chandrika talks about the Economics Of Sleep and about how insufficient sleep leads to a loss of billions of dollars to the flourishing economies of industrialized countries. Netflix binge-watching and late-night coffee have become our daily ritual but do we know it affects our productivity as a workforce!? This episode discusses how these micro-level consequences of insufficient sleep snowball into societal-level impact on public health and productivity. Tune in as Chandrika talks about this unexplored aspect of economies and discusses potential solutions to minimize the impact.
In this episode of Zero Down the hosts, Reeti and Disha delve deep into the Economics behind the Olympic Games and discuss whether the games are even remotely profitable. Starting from breaking down the costs of the games, they discuss various case studies of Olympics that had failed economics and left countries in financial ruin. Talking about countries which have recently pulled out their bids, they finally discuss about the future of the games, and how it can be made more sustainable, affordable and attractive to the host countries.
In this episode of Zero Down Shots, the host Bhumika Malhan delve into the emerging concept of Gig Economy - the concept and the emergence. This episode deals with pointing out the present conditions of the gig workers along with glimpsing the future of the workforce. How did the technological growth backed the emergence of gig work? Though constituting a larger fraction of workforce, why is gig economy still a matter of concern? Can regulating and restricting completely erase the very idea of gig economy? Listen to the full episode to Dive into the answers to these questions with the host and have an insightful listening.
In this episode of Zero Down, the hosts Grace and Khushi delve deep into the ongoing debate on whether or not Helicopter Money is a policy measure that can help spur economies out of the recessions they've been facing after they were hit by the COVID-19 crisis. Starting from the coinage of the term by Milton Friedman in 1969 to why helicopter money remains a taboo among most economic strategists and the roadblocks one would have to overcome to see its succesful implementation, this episode covers it all.
So, grab your earphones and happy listening!!
In this episode of Zero Down, Fabiha and Riya get down to the basics of caring about the care economy. The importance of care work in the functioning of an economy has been unacknowledged for ages leading to the ignorance of the growth potential of the care economy. This negligence has not only contributed to solidifying outdated social norms but has also increased gender disparity in labour. Tune in as Riya and Fabiha talk about these pertinent issues and also discuss potential solutions to tackle the negligence of the care economy.
In this episode, Garima and Nandini talk about one of the most influential frameworks to ever exist in behavioral science, i.e. Prospect Theory. Through real-life examples, they defog the ideas that lie behind the decision-making processes under situations involving risk and uncertainty. Tune in to find out how people perceive gains and losses differently and why they throw their rational thoughts out the window in risky conditions.
In this episode of Zero Down, Supriya and Preksha talk about Attention Economics and about how mindless scrolling on social media helps companies capitalize on our attention and how this impacts our efficiency. This episode talks about the moral fiber of the companies and their increasingly aggressive tactics and how we react to them.
In this episode of Zero Down, Sampada and Vedika analyse how governance impacts economies. Did triumphalism get the best of India? How can countries improve their economies through governance? What changes need to be adopted for better economic development? Listen along as they traverse different countries, time periods and economic indicators to discover the secret ingredients of good governance!
In this episode of Zero Down, Shreeyam and Sredha talk about volatile sentiments brought on by social media and it’s possible repercussions on the economy, hence the term ‘Viral Economics’. This episode connects the dots of all of those recent events that may have blown up on your feed and made you curious on what exactly went down. They’re going to analyse whether there is an evident pattern to all of these incidents with a specific emphasis on financial markets. From Ronaldo and his anti coke sentiments to Elon musk and his not so impromptu tweets, they get into the crux of it all.
In this episode of zero down Supriya and Anchal discuss ‘Bitcoin a revolution or a con’ highlighting the goods and bads of the bitcoin with emphasis on the recent changes in the bitcoin space. Grab your earphones and play the episode to discover 'if cryptocurrency is our new future'.
In this episode of Zero Down, Vedika and Nandini discuss the biggest player in the pandemic proof industry of OTT; Netflix. In the face of increasing competition from big production houses and a number of popular shows being pulled out from under its banner, Netflix had to step up its game. And it does so! Grab your earphones and listen to "Netflix's Gambit" to find out what exactly did Netflix do and how did it "nudge" us to keep up with the binge culture. From behavioral economics to internet boyfriends, they discuss it all.
In this episode of zero down, Fabiha and Khushi take on a question that troubles a lot of economists, development thinkers and public policymakers: whether public transport should be free of cost for the masses. They talk about the feasibility of a full cost recovery rate in public transit, arguments in favour of free public transport systems, exploring fare resistance movements as well as the contributions of policy makers who argue against free transport. Grab your earphones and delve into this everlasting policy debate.
In this episode of Zero Down, Aditi and Garima have talked about 'The Decoy Effect In Economics' and have explored it's relation with Neuroeconomics. Throughout the episode, they bring out real-life examples to explain how this strategy affects our day-to-day decision making, without us even realising!
So, get your earphones and delve into the episode to know the ins and outs of this fascinating economic theory.
In this episode of Zero Down, Ananya and Shreeyam explain the nuances of Economic voting and different instances which have taken place as testimony to the same globally, with emphasis on the US presidential elections. Grab your earphones and play the episode to discover how the economy of a country can have utmost influence on candidacy of an individual and how many incumbents have fallen prey to the same.
In this episode of Zero Down, Bharati, Sampada and Deshna talk about Disaster Capitalism, its instances throughout history and its relevance with respect to the pandemic both in the global and the Indian context. Tune in to know how governments pass "pro-business" laws during disasters and how your favourite influencer might also be a propagator of disaster capitalism.
Professor Richard Wolff is one of America's leading Marxist Economists. He is a visiting professor of the Julien J. Studley Graduate Program in International Affairs at The New School, and Professor Emeritus of Economics at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. He is the founder of the non-profit media Democracy at Work and the host of their weekly show Economic Update. His latest book, "The Sickness is the System: When Capitalism fails to save us from Pandemics or Itself," is a collection of essays where he argues why there is a need for a new economic system that works for all.
Our Editorial Board had the honour of interviewing him recently. We are excited to present to you the two part recording of the same.
Professor Richard Wolff is one of America's leading Marxist Economists. He is a visiting professor of the Julien J. Studley Graduate Programs in International Affairs at The New School, and Professor Emeritus of Economics at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. He is the founder of the non-profit media Democracy at Work and the host of their weekly show Economic Update. His latest book, "The Sickness is the System: When Capitalism fails to save us from Pandemics or Itself," is a collection of essays where he argues why there is a need for a new economic system that works for all.
Our Editorial Board had the honour of interviewing him recently. We are excited to present to you the two part recording of the same.
There’s been an ongoing tussle on whether policies like immigration, technological advancement and protectionism spell trouble for the economy. These policies make workers’ hackles rise because they assume that jobs in the economy are fixed so any wave of change would render them jobless.But is the size of the economic pie really fixed? Should we shut our economy and save our jobs only for the native workers?
Why have wealth taxes failed in many countries? Could taxing the wealthy solve the problem of income inequality? How is a wealth tax different from income tax? In this episode of Zero Down, we explore all this and much more.
Movies often tell a story of people, their culture, of human emotions and of historic events. But they also weave for us a representation of the economy of the period. Moreover, cinema often has the power to influence the economy by providing numerous jobs, being successful foreign exports, by dictating our consumer behaviour, our travel plans and even by ushering in new technology!
In the latest episode of Zero Down (and the first one recorded remotely in quarantine) we look at the close relationship between movies and the economy.
Today, the idea of consumerism is perceived in two contrasting ways.
One is the benevolent view of the consumer interests, consumer protection, and the power of the consumer. It emphasizes on consumers having information of the products available in the marketplace, giving them legal mechanisms to empower their participation in the marketplace etc.
The other is of consumerism being selfish, shallow, destructive, and exploitative. It is characterized as the negative force that leads people to needlessly consume more and more goods at the cost of their own and the planet’s health.
In this episode of Zero Down, we delve into the world of consumerism and how it fits into today's culture.
Climate change and environmental degradation are a few of the most pressing challenges of our time. This episode of zero down evaluates the economic aspects of the problem. It brings together environmentalism and economics and explores the political, practical, and moral aspects of economics in environmentalism. This episode urges us to question whether we are banking on the right set of ideas to undo the damage inflicted on the environment.
Have you ever wondered what is the price one pays for whistleblowing, if not more importantly, questioned whether there should be a price for whistleblowing in the first place? In this episode, Zero Down explores the consequences and costs of whistleblowing, which range from being fired to being exiled to even being murdered.
Copyright is something we're all vaguely familiar with and often even unknowingly interact with. Zero Down explores copyright, fair use, and what might be ahead for both.
A piece of art of itself has no utility- one can’t wear it, live in it, drive it, or even eat it. And yet we find millions, if not billions, of dollars being spent on art. What secrets lie behind the demand and supply of art work? Why do people buy art? How is art priced? Find answers to these and many other such questions in this episode of Zero Down.
For the last few months there have been several demands and announcements of farm loan waivers across the country. Zero Down investigates why these arose and whether they are a good policy move.
How does the future look like with self driven cars becoming a reality? Tune in to find out!
Have you ever faced a moral dilemma in choosing between a manually driven pedal rickshaw, and a pedal rickshaw with a motor? In this episode, we explore the economics and the ethics of such a choice.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have a three day weekend instead of a two day weekend? In this episode, we explore the case for a three day weekend.
Have you ever wondered why products for women cost more than those for men? In this episode, we talk about Pink Tax, the cost of being a female consumer.