11/17/2023 - Is the world worse because of Mark and Carrie?

11/17/2023 - Is the world worse because of Mark and Carrie?

Author: Mark and Carrie November 17, 2023 Duration: 37:57

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:

  • The state of the Israel-Hamas War, and its geopolitical and economic implications
  • Discouraging polls for Biden, promising victories of Democrats in November’s special elections – what does it mean for 2024? 
  • The new Speaker of the US House does the same thing his predecessor got kicked out for doing
  • Mark and Carrie push their Bible knowledge to the limit
  • Xi warms up to the United States…a little
  • Don’t worry about the UK – David Cameron is back! 
  • David Beckham – more interesting than his looks would suggest?
  • Mark doesn't think much about the Roman Empire

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
03/28/2022 - The 1970s: Good for Movies, Bad for Inflation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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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…
02/18/2022 - We Can’t Even Remember if We Have Done This Already [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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01/22/2022 - Happy New Year: Mainly Stressful and Painful [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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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…
12/22/2021 - The Past is a Safe Space [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:33
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…
11/12/2021 - Inflation, Infrastructure, and...Alpaca Cheese [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:29
Mark Blyth, political economist at Brown University's Watson Institute, and Carrie Nordlund, political scientist and associate director of Brown's Annenberg Institute, share their take on the news.On this episode: the il…
09/24/2021 - Where's America's Head? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:38
Mark Blyth, political economist at Brown University's Watson Institute, and Carrie Nordlund, political scientist and associate director of Brown's Annenberg Institute, share their take on the news.On this episode: the ne…
08/19/2021 - Nothing Says Back to School Like "No Mask" Mandates [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:05
Mark Blyth, political economist at Brown University's Watson Institute, and Carrie Nordlund, political scientist and associate director of Brown's Annenberg Institute, share their take on the news.On this episode: the mo…
07/30/2021 - There Is No Mean Reversion (Except for Bennifer) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:53
Mark Blyth, political economist at Brown's Watson Institute, and Carrie Nordlund, political scientist and associate director of Brown's Annenberg Institute, share their take on the week's news. On this episode: the Delta…
06/25/2021 - The Putative, Possible, Potential End of the Pandemic [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:56
Mark Blyth, political economist at Brown's Watson Institute, and Carrie Nordlund, political scientist and associate director of Brown's Annenberg Institute, share their take on the week's news. On this episode: the G7's…