Hi friends,
Announcement: this podcast will be publishing episodes twice as often as before (so every single week on Thursdays) for the next several weeks at least, and hopefully for longer. Count yourself lucky in that regard :)
This week’s episode is a must-hear for anyone trying to make sense of what’s happening to the economy and global politics. Economist and commentator
sat down with me for a wide-ranging conversation that escalated into one of our most urgent and eye-opening economic discussions yet.Here’s what you’ll learn in today’s episode:
1. The Reality Behind Trump’s Tariff Spree
Noah lays out in no uncertain terms that the new wave of tariffs is not only the biggest since the Smoot-Hawley era, but also the dumbest economic policy in recent memory. If you’ve been hearing people say “it’s all just part of the deal,” he’s clear: these tariffs are real, huge, and already sowing chaos.
2. Why Tariffs Won’t Bring Back US Manufacturing
Forget what you’ve heard about “bringing jobs home.” Noah explains—using both history and plain economics—why tariffs actually hurt US manufacturing by making imported components more expensive, cutting off exports, and pushing companies toward more automation and fewer jobs overall.
3. How Economic Uncertainty Is Spooking the World
Noah and I dig deep into how erratic tariff policy has created mass uncertainty for businesses and investors alike. They even discuss the frightening signs of capital flight and what it could mean for the U.S. dollar's role as the world’s reserve currency.
4. The Geopolitical Fallout
It’s not just an economic mess—America’s standing in the world is under threat. With widespread tariffs hitting allies alongside China, the podcast explores how this “America Alone” approach is pushing other countries into China’s orbit and undermining the very international order the U.S. built after WWII.
5. No, This Won’t Hurt China More Than the US
A highlight of the episode is the brutal clarity: the pain from these tariffs will be felt hardest at home, not in Beijing. Noah dismantles the main arguments in favor of the tariffs—whether it’s about national security, decoupling from China, or forcing negotiation—and explains why they don’t hold up under scrutiny.
Bonus: Keeping Sane Amid the Chaos
Need a break from doomscrolling? At the end of the episode, Noah recommends TV shows to get your mind off politics (“Black Mirror,” “Cobra Kai,” “Spy x Family,” and more), giving all of us a few reasons to lighten up even in turbulent times.
Quote of the Week:
“You can hit your knee with a hammer and say that it’ll lead to long-term gain, but, based on everything we know, it’s just going to hurt.”
We’d love to hear what you think after listening—are you seeing the economic impacts Noah predicts in your own community? Reply and share your thoughts, or send us your favorite distraction-worthy TV recs!
Until next week,
Andrew
Share this post