PODCAST · science
Marginal Babble
by Max Dorey
Home of the Marginal Babble Podcast, hosted by Maxwell Dorey. Max takes Economists, Scientists, Businessmen and more, on an exploratory journey of their work and fields. We hope you enjoy the show, or at least don't burst your bubble...Youtube: @maxwelldorey
Episodes
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Wealth Tax to Fund Green Investment Gap ? | Marginal Babble Ep.43 with Professor Jakob Kapeller
Europe’s climate goals may require far more investment than current estimates suggest. Economist Joko Kapeller joins Max to unpack the EU’s climate investment gap, the limits of relying on carbon pricing, and why private finance may not deliver the long-term investment the transition demands.…
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Can Rental Legislation Be Effective? | Marginal Babble Ep.42 with Professor Nikhil Datta
The Tenant Fees Act 2019 did something rare in housing policy, it actually worked… Tenants saved hundreds of pounds, letting agents absorbed the shock and the market did not collapse. If you care about renting, regulation, or why some policies deliver exactly what they promise, this conversation…
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Does Minimum Wage Reduce Investment... | Marginal Babble Ep.41 with Professor Matthew Gustafson
In this episode, we dive into the world of labour economics, specifically, into how minimum wage policy affects business investment and productivity. Professor Matthew Gustafson and I unpack the real-world effects of minimum wage policy, from employment and capital expenditure to productivity,...
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The Economics of Sex Work | Marginal Babble Ep.40 with Professor Stefan Adriaenssens
The global sex work industry generates an estimated $69 billion annually (worldmetrics.org, 2026) and provides income for millions of sex workers globally. In the UK alone, there are approximately 72,800 sex workers according to the English Collective of Prostitutes. In this episode of the…
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How America Adopted Private Health Insurance | Marginal Babble Ep.39 with Professor Marcella Alsan
Americans are paying more for healthcare than almost any other nation… Yet the system remains flawed, shaped by a century of strategic battles, PR campaigns, and powerful interest groups. In this episode of Marginal Babble, we examine the roots of today’s high costs, uneven access, and entrenched...
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6 Kings That Made England | Marginal Babble Ep.38 with Dr. Caroline Burt & Dr. Richard Partington
This episode explores how six medieval kings helped shape the English state. From John and the Magna Carta to Edward III’s reforms and Richard II’s downfall. Professor Caroline Burt & Professor Richard Partington explain how war, taxation, common law, Parliament, and the struggle for lawful rule...
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Health Consequences of Cousin Marriage | Marginal Babble Ep.37 with Professor Munir Squires
Uncover the surprising truths behind cousin marriage and its global prevalence. Shocking data shows consanguinity occurs in approximately 10% of marriages worldwide, with some countries like Pakistan occurring in at least half of all marriages. But what are the real health and societal impacts?…
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The Unexpected Reality of Small Economies | Marginal Babble Ep.36 with Professor Robert Read
Small economies often defy expectations, thriving despite limited resources and geographic challenges. This episode explores their surprising resilience and unique strategies, revealing lessons that could transform larger nations' approaches to growth. Discover how globalization, digital trade…
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Can Political Quotas Improve Governance? | Marginal Babble Ep.35 with Professor Patrick Francois
Most countries focus on the political virtues of representation, but what if quotas actually change the quality of governance? I sit down with Professor Patrick Francois to uncover how strategic use of political quotas, especially in India, can break the grip of identity-driven politics and…
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Understanding Environmental Economics | Marginal Babble Ep.34 with Professor Nicholas Hanley
#environmentalecnomics #carbontaxes #environment #climatechange Max sits down with Professor Nicholas Hanley to learn about the field of environmental economics, its goals and the challenges of measuring environmental impacts from economic activities. They discover how effective policy is…
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Consequences of the Opioid Epidemic | Marginal Babble Ep.33 with Professor Carolina Arteaga Cabrales
#opioidepidemic #pharmaceuticalindustry #addiction #publichealth #USpolitics #PurduePharma #fentanyl #drugpolicy #healthcarecorruption #politicalinfluence Max and Professor Carolina Arteaga Cabrales explore the origins, impact, and political consequences of the opioid epidemic in North America,...
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The Economic History of India | Marginal Babble Ep.32 with Professor Tirthankar Roy
In this episode, Max and Professor Tirthankar Roy discuss India's economic history, focusing on trade and commerce from antiquity right up to the modern day. It is a journey through regional economies, the role of ports, the impact of the caste system, British colonization and post-independence...
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Did AUSTERITY Cause BREXIT? | Marginal Babble Ep.31 with Professor Thiemo Fetzer
In this episode, Professor Thiemo Fetzer dissects how austerity policies since 2008 have reshaped society, fueled distrust in public institutions and sparked political upheaval (ultimately resulting in its influence over the EU referendum). He reveals surprising insights regarding how structural...
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Encouraging Female Entrepreneurship in Pakistan | Marginal Babble Ep.30 with Professor Ahmad Timsal
In this episode, we dive into the Sujaan Initiative, a community-focused program that trains and supports female and minority entrepreneurs in Mirpur Khās, Pakistan. The discussion covers how working with local male leaders fosters local buy-in, the gender and regional disparities the project...
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How War Affects the Economy | Marginal Babble Ep.29 with Professor Clifford Thies
Discover how war reshapes economies beyond the battlefield. Economist Clifford Thies reveals the hidden costs of conflict, from GDP distortions to social capital destruction. Learn why some nations recover faster and how institutional strength and financial strategies play a crucial role.…
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History of the Russian Economy | Marginal Babble Ep.28 with Professor Richard Ericson
Explore the intricate evolution of Russia's economy, from Tsarist infrastructure to Soviet command systems to Russia’s modern-day challenges. Economist Richard Ericson delves into the sustainability of Russia's resource-driven growth, the impact of geopolitical tensions, and the looming risks of...
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Impact of Chinese Imports on Indian Industry | Marginal Babble Ep.27 with Dr Pavel Chakraborty
In this episode, we explore the impact of trade openness on India's economy with economist Pavel Chakraborty. Discover how Chinese imports have lowered prices but challenged Indian firms' profits. Learn about the effects of tariffs, the role of India's manufacturing sector, and the strategic...
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Transforming Education in Peru | Marginal Babble Ep.26 with Professor Panu Pelkonen
In this episode, I sit down with general education economist, Professor Panu Pelkonen, to explore the evolution of Peru's education system, focusing on the challenges and reforms from 2010 to 2016. The discussion highlights urban-rural disparities, the impact of increased public spending, and the...
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The Economy of the Roman Empire | Marginal Babble Ep.25 with Professor Kimberley Bowes
In this episode, we delve into the complexities of the ancient Roman economy with expert insights from Kimberly Bowes. Discover how ordinary Romans navigated a world of intricate financial systems, from the use of financial instruments to the role of slave labor. We explore the surprising...
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Is Banking Dead? | Marginal Babble Ep.24 with Professor Kent Matthews
Kent Matthews delves into the evolution of banking, exploring whether traditional banks are becoming obsolete in the face of technological advancements and fintech innovations. From the historical roots of banking to the impact of the 2008 financial crisis, Kent discusses the challenges and...
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Indian Healthcare Industry | Marginal Babble Ep.23 with Professor Chirantan Chatterjee
Economist Chirantan Chatterjee delves into the complexities of India's healthcare system, highlighting the duality and inequality that persist across regions. With a focus on health equity, Chatterjee discusses the challenges faced by the elderly in accessing insurance and the impact of...
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How Mafia Networks Allow Them to Thrive | Marginal Babble Ep.22 with Dr Pasquale Accardo
In this episode, we delve into the intricate world of mafia networks with Dr Pasquale Accardo. Discover how these organizations operate within and outside the law, their historical roots, and their complex relationships with formal institutions. Pasquale shares personal insights from growing up…
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Th Future of FinTech (Singapore FinTech Festival 2025) | Marginal Babble Ep.21 with Dr. Daniel Broby
In this episode, Daniel Broby explores the dynamic landscape of financial technology at the Singapore Fintech Festival. Key topics include the rise of stablecoins, the impact of blockchain on traditional banking, and the future of social media payments. Daniel also discusses the regulatory...
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What Drives House Price Cycles? | Marginal Babble Ep.20 with Professor John Duca
In this conversation, Max and Professor John Duca explore the complexities of housing price cycles, the influence of government policy, and the impact of remote work on housing demand. They discuss the challenges of housing supply and infrastructure, the dynamics of the rental market, and the...
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Western Bias in Tax Research | Marginal Babble Ep.19 with Dr. Philipp Genschel & Dr. Laura Seelkopf
Max sits down with Professor Philipp Genschel & Professor Laura Seelkopf to discuss their research and book surrounding the global rise and diffusion of modern taxation from 1750 to 2018. It draws on a unique dataset (the 'Tax Introduction Dataset') which tracks the first adoption of six key…
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Transgender Healthcare in Pakistan | Marginal Babble Ep.18 with Professor Sheheryar Banuri
Max sits down with Professor Sheheryar Banuri to discuss his research on transgender healthcare outcomes in Pakistan. Dr Sheheryar Banuri is an internationally recognized behavioural economist and author. He is currently a By-Fellow, Dean of College and Tutor at Hughes Hall, University of...
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Why Governments Can't Leave Taxes Alone | Marginal Babble Ep.17 with Professor Arpad Abraham
Max sits down with Professor Arpad Abraham out of Bristol University to discuss cycles in tax policy, the effects of volatility to the economy and how UK tax policy will likely change in the near future. Professor Arpad Abraham:...
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Migrating in a Recession | Marginal Babble Ep.16 with Professor Toman Barsbai
Max and Professor Barsbai sit down to discuss the effects recession have for migrants moving in these time periods, as well as the economic effects of migrants across America and Europe in the current day. Professor Toman Barsbai: https://sites.google.com/view/tomanbarsbai/ Timestamps: 00:00:...
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Economic Consequences of Domestic Violence | Marginal Babble Ep.15 with Professor Sid Bandyopadhyay
1 in 20 people aged 16 and over experienced some form of Domestic Violence and Abuse in 2021/2022 in the UK, per the Office of National Statistics. In light of these numbers, and the impacts of another economic recession in the UK looming large, Max and Professor Sid Bandyopadhyay sit down to...
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Why Have House Prices Risen So High? | Marginal Babble Ep.14 with Professor David Miles CBE
In real terms, house prices in the UK have risen considerably over the past several decades, particularly when compared to average incomes. This not only affects the ability of first-time buyers to get on the property ladder, but impacts consumer spending and other aspects of the economy. In this...
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How Abortion Policy Affects Development | Marginal Babble Ep.13 with Professor Damian Clarke
With the landmark American overturning of ‘Roe vs Wade’ on 24th June 2022, greater focus than ever is being placed on the impacts and arguments surrounding abortion policy. This is further evidenced by how over 60 countries have changed their national abortion policies in the last 30 years alone....
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Can you NUDGE Behaviour? | Marginal Babble Ep.12 with Dr Jingnan (Cecilia) Chen
Can we be guided to 'better' decision making? and should we... In this episode of the Marginal Babble Podcast, I sit down with Dr Jingnan (Cecilia) Chen to discuss behavioural nudges, how they can be used to guide our decision making and the ethical questions they pose. Dr Chen has a PhD in...
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Sustainable Development of the Ocean Economy! | Marginal Babble Ep.11 with Dr Ethan Addicott
According to Andrea Borgarello at The World Bank, “A healthy ocean provides jobs and food, sustains economic growth, regulates the climate, and supports the well-being of coastal communities”. Our oceans and ocean economy have not only a distinct impact on global food production, but also provide...
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Conservation policy is KILLING Biodiversity! | Marginal Babble Ep.10 with Professor Ian Bateman
Global population has exploded over the last 50 years, and with it, our demand for food production. This time-period has also seen a tremendous increase in acknowledgement of how we as the human race are impacting the global environment and the countless species that inhabit it. In today’s…
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Being BETTER with Data Analysis! | Marginal Babble Ep.9 with Dr Shixuan Wang
In today’s episode I sit down to talk with Dr Shixuan Wang out of the University of Reading, to discuss econometrics, data analysis and how businesses can incorporate better analytics into their operations. As always links to referenced research material are included in the description and…
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Is SENTIMENT Changing Towards the European Union ? | Marginal Babble Ep.8 with Dr Alexander Mihailov
With the European continent seemingly in the midst of its largest military conflict since WW2, Max and Dr Mihailov sit down to discuss the changing public opinion towards the EU, the impact of the Russo-Ukrainian war and the future that’s coming on the horizon. References: See YouTube Video...
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The NEW SLAVERY! | Marginal Babble Ep.7 with Professor Uma Kambhampati
In 1807, Britain passes the 'Abolition of the Slave Trade Act' which formally outlaws the buying and selling of enslaved people within the British empire. Although this took several more decades to effectively implement, it did eventually abolish slavery across the empire. What resulted in its…
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Did NATIONALISATION Help the Rail Industry? | Marginal Babble Ep.6 with Dr Mark Casson
With approximately 1.7bn individual journeys in 2019, the rail industry forms a significant factor in how people and goods flow around the UK economy. Given the recent headlines and press coverage of the sector, Max and Dr Mark Casson sit down to discuss the history of the British rail industry,...
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Why BANKS Don't Lend to the REAL Economy! | Marginal Babble Ep.5 with Dr Sheri Markose
Why is it that banks do not lend to real businesses? What caused the 2008 financial crisis? Why do modern macro-economic models so often fail? In this episode of the Marginal Babble Podcast I sit down with Dr Sheri Markose to discuss these questions and find out why so often economic policy fails...
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How do BANKS Operate? | Marginal Babble Ep.4 with Dr Lukas Altermatt
Where did money originate from? Were government Covid-19 policies effective? What do banks actually do? In this episode of the Marginal Babble Podcast Max sits down with Dr Lukas Altermatt out of the University of Essex to discuss the banking industry and how it has changed over time. Dr Lukas...
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Do YOU Maximise your own UTILITY....? | Marginal Babble Ep.3 with Dr Mikhail Freer
Although initially simply representing a measure of “happiness” as part of the theory of Utilitarianism, the term ‘utility’ has been adapted and reapplied within neoclassical economics as a function that represents a consumer's preference ordering over a set of choices. Being a key turning point…
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How your Behaviour affects Economics!?... I Marginal Babble Ep.2 with Dr Valerio Capraro
Ever wondered if your behavior is ever truly rational? ever wondered why making a decision is so difficult ? Max and Dr Valerio Capraro discuss behavioural economics, what it is and how it affects the daily lives of the public. #economics #behavioralscience #psychology #podcasts Dr Capraro's...
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Is Migration Beneficial? | Marginal Babble Ep.1 with Dr Bastien Chabe-Ferret
With Brexit still on the minds of the British public, migration has become a hot-button topic when it comes to Britain and it's economy. Max and Bastien sit down to discuss how migration affects the economy, and what the future good look like in an ever globalizing world. Youtube: @maxwelldorey
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Home of the Marginal Babble Podcast, hosted by Maxwell Dorey. Max takes Economists, Scientists, Businessmen and more, on an exploratory journey of their work and fields. We hope you enjoy the show, or at least don't burst your bubble...Youtube: @maxwelldorey
HOSTED BY
Max Dorey
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How many episodes does Marginal Babble have?
Marginal Babble currently has 43 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Marginal Babble about?
Home of the Marginal Babble Podcast, hosted by Maxwell Dorey. Max takes Economists, Scientists, Businessmen and more, on an exploratory journey of their work and fields. We hope you enjoy the show, or at least don't burst your bubble...Youtube: @maxwelldorey
How often does Marginal Babble release new episodes?
Marginal Babble has 43 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
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You can listen to Marginal Babble on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Marginal Babble?
Marginal Babble is created and hosted by Max Dorey.
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