Toast n' Topics
A podcast for experts and everyday people alike, discussing the applications of economics in day to day life.
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Disclosures:
- The views expressed in this podcast are our own, and are not reflective of any institutions that we are associated with.
- This podcast provides general information that should not be considered investment advice.
Episodes
38 episodes
Clinics and Cash: A Conversation on Healthcare and Foreign Aid in Uganda With Nikhil Kamdar
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
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Season 2025
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Episode 9
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31:40
Aid Under Attack - The Implications of Recent Drawdowns in Foreign Assistance
In this episode, Ben and Sachin examine recent cuts to foreign aid spending and consider the effects of it being removed.
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15:27
Applications of AI: Exploring How AI Is Transforming Our Economy
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:...
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Season 2025
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Episode 5
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20:12
Scrambled Up: Unpacking Recent Egg Supply Disruptions
In this episode, Ben and Sachin examine the drivers of recent egg shortage in the United States.
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Season 2025
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Episode 4
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15:17
The Deepseek Dilemma: Recent Developments in the Global AI Race
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.
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Season 2025
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Episode 3
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18:32
Deconstructing Deficits: Revisiting Issues in Trade Policy
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.
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Season 2025
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Episode 36
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24:37
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Healthcare: A Conversation on Access, Availability, and Outcomes
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 hi...
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Season 2025
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Episode 35
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24:24
Looking Toward the 2025 New Year
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.
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Season 2
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Episode 34
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3:14
How Unions Make Our Economy And Democracy Stronger: A Conversation With Sachin Shiva, Center For American Progress
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...
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Season 2024
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Episode 33
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30:54
Debating Digital Payments: The Implications of India's Unified Payments Interface
In this episode, Ben and Sachin debrief on Sachin's recent travels to India and his observations on India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI).
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25:12
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Housing and Hurricanes: What Intensifying Storms Mean for Future Development
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.
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Season 2024
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Episode 22
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16:34
Analyzing Antitrust: Monopolies, Mergers, and Policy Shifts
In this episode we outline the economic theory of monopolies and market concentration, with a focus on understanding their structure, prevalence, and policy responses.
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Season 2024
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Episode 21
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20:23
Debunking Deficits: Fiscal Policy and Why It Matters
In this episode, Ben and Sachin unpack the U.S. fiscal deficit, its primary drivers, and why it matters.
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Season 2024
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Episode 19
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20:54
Trade n' Topics: Tariffs, Subsidies and Their Policy Implications
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.
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Season 2024
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Episode 18
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19:29
Technology and Teenagers: Unpacking California's Student Smartphone Ban
In this episode, Ben and Sachin examine California's recent student smartphone ban and the effects that technology has broadly had on American youth.
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Season 2024
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Episode 17
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15:59
Olympic Overruns: The Economics of Hosting the Olympic Games
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 ...
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Season 2024
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Episode 16
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18:23
Going for Gold: What if The U.S. Switched Back to the Gold Standard?
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.
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19:11
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Rwanda Revealed: A Conversation With Ellie Murphy on its History, Economics, and Future
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 compl...
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Season 2024
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Episode 14
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34:19
Introducing Toast n' Topics Tee Shirts!
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 referr...
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Season 2024
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Episode 13
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4:37
Navigating Nuclear: Nuclear Power and the 21st Century Energy Transition
In this episode, Ben and Sachin explore recent developments in the nuclear power industry and the debate around its merits.
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18:47
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Illuminating India: Lessons From The Past and Opportunities Ahead
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.
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Season 2024
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Episode 11
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18:51
The Demography Dilemma: Declining Birth Rates and Global Implications
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.
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19:00
China, Cars, Competition: The 21st Century Electric Vehicle Revolution
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...
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Season 2024
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Episode 9
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17:45
Traffic n' Tolls: NYC’s Congestion Tax and Public Transit Infrastructure in America
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.
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Season 2024
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Episode 8
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17:56
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Talking Tests: Recent Changes in Standardized Testing Policy
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 c...
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Season 2024
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Episode 7
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22:15
