Wealth Distribution, Fixing Healthcare, and UBI

"Econ 102" with Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg

In today's episode, Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg answer listeners' questions in rapid fire format, over topics such as the global reserve currency, fair taxation, wealth redistribution, education reform, healthcare, US manufacturing, how to revitalize cities, and more. Thanks to all our listeners who continue to write in with big meaty questions!

This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at [e-mail]

_

SPONSORS: BEEHIIV | HARMONIC

Head to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝 to https://Beehiiv.com and use code “MOZ” for 20% off your first three months.

🧲 Learn why Craft, Bedrock, NEA and 100s more trust Harmonic’s data to source deals. Harmonic is the most complete startup database, finding new companies as soon as they incorporate and tracking them through IPO. Head to https://bit.ly/harmonicturpentine and make sure to mention Turpentine VC during your demo.

_

SEND US YOUR Q's FOR NOAH TO ANSWER ON AIR: [e-mail]

_

Recommended Podcast: Company Breakdowns

Each episode of Company Breakdowns dives into S-1s and series B-and-beyond companies, interviewing founders and investors to break down the companies. First episode is on Rubrik - which just IPO'd. Coming up this season: Databricks, Reddit + more,

Spotify

Apple

_

LINKS:

Noahpinion: https://www.noahpinion.blog/

_

X / TWITTER:

@noahpinion (Noah)

@eriktorenberg (Erik)

@TurpentineMedia (Turpentine)

_

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(00:53) What if the dollar was no longer the world’s reserve currency?

(04:50) Fair taxation

(08:20) Level of redistribution in the US

(10:30) Lowering inequality by increasing economic growth

(18:26) Sponsor: Beehiiv | Harmonic

(20:26) Education reform

(30:07) Fixing rising costs in healthcare

(34:12) Limitations of UBI

(39:09) Massive gap between US and China’s manufacturing capacity

(46:25) US potential gateway to Africa

(54:28) Impact of foreign aid

(59:20) Revitalizing small US cities

(01:04:58) Wrap