Toast n' Topics

In this episode, we have a thought-provoking interview with Eddie Fishman --  Senior Fellow and Director of the Maurice R. Greenberg Center for Geoeconomic Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) and author of  a New York Times–bestselling book, Chokepoints: American Power in the Age of Economic Warfare, on economic statecraft, the effectiveness of sanctions, the latest in Iran, and much more. 

In our latest episode, we speak with Adithi Ramakrishnan of the Associated Press on a recent piece that she wrote on the lighting of the US Open tennis championships, which has been recently renovated to reduce light pollution in New York City's skies. For more on Adithi and some of her work at AP, click the link below!https://apnews.com/author/adithi-ramakrishnan

In the second of our series of interviews, Toast n’ Topics speaks with Michael Beckley, Associate Professor of Political Science at Tufts University. We dive into his work on the U.S.–China power balance, exploring the future of U.S. foreign policy, the limits of China’s rise, and the broader lessons for how America should navigate great-power rivalry.

In the first of an exciting series of interviews, Toast n' Topics speaks with Stuart Reid,  Senior Fellow for History and Foreign Policy at the Council on Foreign Relations. We focus on Stuart's book "The Lumumba Plot", discussing the riveting plot of the CIA to assassinate Patrice Lumumba, The Congo's first Prime Minister. In the podcast, we learn more about Congo's history, their relationship with the US and other foreign countries, as well as the role that other peacekeeping organizations had in the final outcome of Congo's independence. For more info on Stuart and his book, click here: https://www.stuartareid.com/the-lumumba-plot

In this episode, Ben and Sachin dive into the trajectory of U.S. debt and consider its sustainability in the years and decades ahead. 

In our latest episode, we discuss the recent string of technical failures that unfolded at Newark Airport, including the longer-term problems of outdated infrastructure and staffing shortages in the industry, as well as what could be done to improve them. 

In this episode, Sachin interviews Ben on his new coauthored book, Command of Commerce: America's Enduring Economic Power Advantage over China. The book is available here: https://www.amazon.com/Command-Commerce-Americas-Enduring-Advantage/dp/0197802303

In this episode, we interview Nikhil Kamdar, a graduate of Vanderbilt University and a current med student at George Washington University, about a recent medical service trip that he made to Uganda and his observations on the ground

In this episode, Ben and Sachin examine recent cuts to foreign aid spending and consider the effects of it being removed. 

In this episode, Ben and Sachin discuss the progress that has been made in generative AI technology and the tangible evidence that it could be improving productivity.See a sample of Ben's webpage mentioned in the podcast here: https://commandofcommerce.com/

In this episode, Ben and Sachin examine the drivers of recent egg shortage in the United States. 

In this episode, we unpack the latest developments in the global AI race including the recent breakthroughs from Deepseek, a Chinese AI startup, and what it could mean for the future in the race for global AI dominance. 

In this episode, Ben and Sachin revisit trade policy, analyzing tariff proposals under the Trump Administration, the causes and effects of global trade imbalances, and potential remedies. 

 Healthcare plays a massive role in the American economy at 18% of GDP, however, data on US health outcomes has not been as encouraging, with the highest rate of infant mortality in developed nations, the lowest life expectancy, and the highest rate of preventable deaths. Our first episode of 2025 dives into some of these issues, with a discussion on the US health system, how it compares to others in the world, and possible reform that could improve outcomes. 

Thanks for listening to Toast n' Topics this year! In this episode, Ben and Sachin share with you their plans for the show in 2025. 

In our last episode of 2024, we speak with Sachin Shiva, a graduate of Dartmouth College in the Class of 2022 and a current researcher at the Center For American Progress, about some of his work around unions, their benefits to our economy, and how they promote a more inclusive democracy. To read more of Sachin's research, click the link here: https://www.americanprogress.org/people/sachin-shiva/

In this episode, Ben and Sachin debrief on Sachin's recent travels to India and his observations on India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI). 

In this episode, Ben and Sachin explore what the intensification of tropical storms and other natural disasters may mean for risk analysis and development over the coming decades. 

In this episode we outline the economic theory of monopolies and market concentration, with a focus on understanding their structure, prevalence, and policy responses. 

In this episode, Ben and Sachin unpack the U.S. fiscal deficit, its primary drivers, and why it matters. 

In this episode, we take a deep dive into US trade policy and two of the key proposals that have come to the forefront -- tariffs and subsidies -- with a focus on what they intend to accomplish and their longer-term implications.   

In this episode, Ben and Sachin examine California's recent student smartphone ban and the effects that technology has broadly had on American youth. 

The 2024 Paris games just concluded last week, which were a great display of athleticism, grit, and equally, economics. In this episode, dive into the economics of hosting the Olympic games, focusing on costs as well as the short and long term impact on economic growth for the host country

In this episode, Ben and Sachin explore the history of the gold standard and what would happen if the U.S. went back to it. 

In this episode, we interview Ellie Murphy, a graduate of Tufts University in 2022, on her time in Rwanda where she spent nearly two years on the ground. We learn more about her experience there and touch upon topics ranging from Rwanda's complex history, to their economic model and future opportunities for growth. 

Toast n' Topics just celebrated its 1 year anniversary! To mark our big day, we've designed fresh new tee shirts that we are excited to show our audience. Listen to this short episode for instructions on how to get one and more about our referral program to enter for a chance to win one for free. 

In this episode, Ben and Sachin explore recent developments in the nuclear power industry and the debate around its merits. 

In this episode, we unpack the results from India's latest elections, understand the economic progress that the country has made over the past decade, and think about the key policies that will be at the forefront in the years ahead. 

In this episode, Ben and Sachin discuss the causes and consequences of the decline in fertility seen across the world over the past several decades. 

In our latest episode, we discuss the latest on the electric vehicle industry including fierce competition from fast-growing Chinese EV makers, America's policy response, and the role that foreign auto-makers might play in the energy transition. 

In this episode, Ben and Sachin analyze New York's new $15 congestion tax  for drivers in Manhattan and public transit in America more broadly. 

In our latest episode, we dive into the recent decision by many universities to reinstate standardized testing requirements in the admissions process, moving away from test-optional policies. We focus on the history of standardized tests, the case for test-optional admissions, as well as what these exams actually measure. Additionally, we are happy to announce that we are now on Youtube! Check out our channel @ToastnTopics and subscribe for free now. 

In this episode, Sachin and Ben interview Revant Ranjan, an equity derivatives trader, on Japan's recent decision to abandon its negative interest rate policy.  In the conversation, we discuss the implications of this significant change in monetary policy, as well as other longstanding issues surrounding Japan's growth, demographics, and more.  

In our latest episode, we take a deep dive into recent advances in artificial intelligence and generative AI, debate the economic benefits and harms, and discuss the longer-term implications of the technology. 

In honor of Valentine's Day, our latest episode analyzes the decision to get married through an economic lens as well as some of the dramatic shifts in marriage rates over the past few decades. 

In this episode, Ben and Sachin do a deep-dive on aviation including the evolution of flight safety, the economics of the industry, and the longer-term impacts of the latest string of aviation-related safety incidents globally. 

In this episode, Ben and Sachin interview Douglas Irwin, the John French Professor of Economics at Dartmouth College, about observations from his recent travel to Argentina including their macroeconomic policy, economic history, and political transformation. 

In this episode, we have a fascinating conversation with Kyle Mullins, a reporter at Forbes Magazine, about the economics of elections and some of his most recent investigatory work on the 2024 Presidential Candidates.

Tune in for a few minutes to get our thanks for a wonderful 2023! We can hardly wait for what's to come in 2024 - Happy New Year!

In this episode, Ben and Sachin interview Maddie McKelway, a professor at Dartmouth College, about her work on communication and women's labor outcomes in India. 

In this special edition of Toast n' Topics, Sachin interviews Ben after his two week trip to Tanzania and Zanzibar, diving into key economic themes such as the labor market, energy transition, and China's investment in the region. 

Japan finally has inflation. In this episode, we analyze their near decade-long struggle with deflation, the unconventional monetary policy of yield curve control, and reasons for recent changes. 

In this episode, we discuss recent policy changes in the Biden Administration's push for student debt forgiveness, as well as the potential economic implications for borrowers. 

In this episode, we discuss conflicting indicators of economic activity using high frequency data including red meat sales, demand for travel, and restaurant bookings. 

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