04/11/24 - Light banter and philosophical malaise

04/11/24 - Light banter and philosophical malaise

Author: Mark and Carrie April 11, 2024 Duration: 36:04

Mark Blyth, political economist at Brown University's Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs, and Carrie Nordlund, political scientist and Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Programs at Brown University, share their take on the news.

On this episode:

  • What Truth Social going public means for Donald Trump’s finances
  • How Trump is navigating the complex politics of abortion within the Republican Party
  • Looking ahead to congressional special elections, and how they could affect Washington going into the 2024 election
  • Congress is back from recess…but will they do anything? 
  • Why Democrats’ much-hoped-for ‘Biden bump’ has yet to materialize
  • Inflation, wages, price-setting, and the pleasantly informative world of econo-Tik Tok
  • The Israel-Hamas War six months in, and what’s next for Israel, Gaza, and the Biden Administration
  • Russia blames Ukraine for a devastating attack in the suburbs of Moscow
  • Is this the year women’s college basketball entered the mainstream?
  • The Kate Middleton, AI, and epistemic nihilism 

Learn more about the Watson Institute's other podcasts


Every week, Mark and Carrie brings together the distinct perspectives of Mark Blyth, a political economist at Brown University’s Watson Institute, and Carrie Nordlund, a political scientist who helps run Brown’s Master of Public Affairs program. Instead of rehashing headlines, they dig into the forces shaping them, offering a blend of academic insight and straight-talking analysis that clarifies more than it confuses. What you’ll hear is a real conversation-one that can pivot from a deep dive into economic policy to a sharp, witty observation about the day’s political theater, often within the same segment. The result is a refreshing break from the predictable rhythms of news commentary. This podcast thrives on the chemistry between its hosts, making complex topics accessible without oversimplifying them. Tuning in feels less like a lecture and more like sitting in on a lively discussion between two experts who aren’t afraid to challenge each other, or to find the humor in even the most serious subjects. For anyone weary of the media haze, Mark and Carrie provides a thoughtful, topical, and genuinely engaging way to understand the stories that define our world.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 87

Mark and Carrie
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