The Beverage Report Podcast

In this episode of The Beverage Report Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Monica de Bolle, a distinguished economist with a remarkable journey. From her early exposure to economics through her father’s career at the Brazilian Ministry of Finance and then later the IMF to her PHD at LSE and later research in infectious diseases, Dr. De Bolle’s story offers a unique perspective on the interplay of economics and societal issues. How do institutional trust and policy reform influence hyperinflation? Can Argentina’s dollarisation plans succeed amidst deep-rooted challenges? And what lessons can economists draw from the pandemic to better prepare for future global crises? In the first part of our conversation, Dr. De Bolle reflects on her first hand experience with hyperinflation in Brazil, offering insights into the critical role of institutional reforms in addressing systemic economic instability. She evaluates Argentina’s fiscal strategies under its new leadership, the feasibility of dollarisation, and the challenges of mistrust toward the IMF. She also delves into Brazil’s political and economic landscape, examining the implications of President Lula’s renewed focus on poverty reduction programs like Bolsa Família, his stance on international conflicts, and the tensions of balancing fiscal goals with social equity. The second part of our discussion shifts to public health, where Dr. De Bolle shares her motivation for pursuing research at Harvard Medical School and obtaining a degree in infectious diseases. Drawing on her interdisciplinary expertise, she explores how economists can bridge gaps with scientists to craft effective policies for health crises and climate change. She praises the flexibility and breadth of economics as a tool for addressing real-world challenges, crediting her LSE education for fostering this perspective. Listen in as Dr. De Bolle unpacks complex issues ranging from Latin America’s economic trajectory to the intersection of economics, public health, and climate science. Her insights offer valuable lessons for anyone interested in understanding the multifaceted challenges shaping our global future.

In this episode of the Beverage Report Podcast, we interview a leading expert on financial risk and the transformative role of artificial intelligence in the financial system and also one of our very own finance professors, Professor Jon Danielsson. How is AI reshaping the private financial sector, and what are the ethical dilemmas and risks it introduces, such as pro-cyclicality and market instability? What challenges arise in regulating AI-driven decisions, and how can legal frameworks address the complexities of responsibility? The conversation also explores the world of cryptocurrencies: what are their political roots, speculative nature, and potential impact on traditional financial systems? Why has current regulation taken a hands-off approach, and could this change as crypto evolves? The guest delves into the distinction between endogenous and exogenous risks in finance, shedding light on how institutional diversity can help mitigate systemic crises. Throughout the discussion, Professor Danielsson highlights the evolving landscape of financial regulation, the disruptive potential of digital currencies, and the opportunities and challenges presented by AI.  Tune in to this thought-provoking episode of the Beverage Podcast to uncover the future of finance and gain insights into the shifting dynamics of our economic systems!

In this episode of the Beverage Report Podcast, we interview Professor Pranab Bardhan, Professor Emeritus of Economics at UC Berkeley, former chief editor of the Journal of Development Economics, and the celebrated author of Charaiveti and A World of Insecurity.  What impact does the rise of populism have on global development? How does economic policy shape democracies? And what can we learn from the intersection of politics and economics across India, China, and the West? Professor Bardhan begins sharing his experience writing his memoir, Charaiveti. He delves into his global academic journey as someone who has a plethora of experience both researching and teaching around the world, he shares how his experiences from Kolkata to Cambridge to MIT have influenced his work on the political economy. He later discusses the shifting landscape of democracy, drawing from his observations on India’s evolving political climate, media influence, and institutional autonomy. Professor Bardhan also explores the "Americanization" of economics and the growing importance of development economics in addressing global inequality. He further advocates for independent institutions and competitive cultures to support innovation and autonomy in universities worldwide.  Listen in as Professor Bardhan reveals thought-provoking insights on populism, economic security, and democracy with reference to his book: A world of insecurity. He offers a nuanced perspective on the current and future challenges facing economies around the globe such as toxic social media as an echo chamber. This episode will captivate anyone interested in the complex dynamics of economics, politics, and society. Tune in to explore Professor Pranab Bardhan’s impactful research and his remarkable journey as an economist and global thinker!

In this episode of the Beverage Report Podcast, we interview Dr Jonathon Hazell, Assistant Professor in the Department of Economics at the LSE. How can we overcome estimation issues to evaluate the slope of the Phillips curve?  What can previous periods of hyperinflation teach us, when looking to control high levels of inflation post-COVID?  How do behavioural factors influence the wage rigidity of newly hired workers? What were the macroeconomic implications of the September 2022 UK mini-budget? Dr Hazell answers these questions and more, drawing on his experience in macroeconomics and labour economics.  He explains his innovative approach to measuring the natural rate of interest, r*, through using property prices, giving the listeners a flavour of how empirical methods can be applied to macroeconomics. Tune into this episode to learn more about Dr Hazell’s research and personal journey with economics, from his very first encounters with the subject to becoming the economist he is today!