05/06/2023 - Debts Coming Due

05/06/2023 - Debts Coming Due

Author: Mark and Carrie May 6, 2023 Duration: 31:07

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:

  • Biden, Trump, and the upcoming “remaquel” to the 2020 election
  • Fox settles with Dominion, fires Tucker Carlson, and will be just fine
  • The debt ceiling crisis: America’s ‘Brexit’?
  • Clarence Thomas is very corrupt, but will face no consequences
  • Diane Feinst—wait, have we talked about anyone under 80-years-old on this episode?!
  • King Charles III is crowned, and no one seems to care
  • Mark and Carrie try to end on a positive note. They fail.

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: 50

Mark and Carrie
Podcast Episodes
03/08/2023 - Dominion, DeSantis, Demented [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:41
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, sha…
01/24/2023 - Mars Is Lovely in the Summer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:56
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, sha…
12/19/2022 - Carrie and Mark Predict the Future [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:37
Mark Blyth, political economist at Brown University's Watson Institute, and Carrie Nordlund, political scientist and Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Programs at Brown University, share their take on the news.On this epi…
11/30/2022 - It's Not Fraud...Until It Is [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:56
Mark Blyth, political economist at Brown University's Watson Institute, and Carrie Nordlund, political scientist and Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Programs at Brown University, share their take on the news.On this epi…
10/29/2022 - Elevate Yourself! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:59
Mark Blyth, political economist at Brown University's Watson Institute, and Carrie Nordlund, political scientist and Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Programs at Brown University, share their take on the news.On this epi…
09/30/2022 - Live from Mark's Basement [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:47
Mark Blyth, political economist at Brown University's Watson Institute, and Carrie Nordlund, political scientist and Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Programs at Brown University, share their take on the news.On this epi…
08/19/2022 - Far Too Clever and Overthinking It [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:28
Mark Blyth, political economist at Brown University's Watson Institute, and Carrie Nordlund, political scientist and Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Programs at Brown University, share their take on the news.On this epi…
07/29/2022 - No Normal Summers Ever Again [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:50
Mark Blyth, political economist at Brown University's Watson Institute, and Carrie Nordlund, political scientist and Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Programs at Brown University, share their take on the news.On this epi…
06/04/2022 - We Promise Not to Talk About Margaret Atwood at Davos [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:42
Mark Blyth, political economist at Brown University's Watson Institute, and Carrie Nordlund, political scientist and Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Programs at Brown University, share their take on the news.On this epi…
05/05/2022 - Despite the Despair, It Was Great Seeing You [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:55
Mark Blyth, political economist at Brown University's Watson Institute, and Carrie Nordlund, political scientist and Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Programs at Brown University, share their take on the news.On this epi…