Podcast
Marginal Babble
Hosted by Max Dorey · EN
Home of the Marginal Babble Podcast, hosted by Maxwell Dorey. Max takes Economists, Scientists, Businessmen and more, on an exploratory journey of their work and fields. We hope you enjoy the show, or at least don't burst your bubble...
Youtube: @maxwelldorey
14episodes
Episodes
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How America Adopted Private Health Insurance | Marginal Babble Ep.39 with Professor Marcella Alsan
2d ago00:41:33Tap to summarizeAmericans are paying more for healthcare than almost any other nation… Yet the system remains flawed, shaped by a century of strategic battles, PR campaigns, and powerful interest groups. In this episode of Marginal Babble, we examine the roots of today’s high costs, uneven access, and entrenched privatization going back nearly a hundred years. Professor Alsan unpacks how the private healthcare system in America was built through a politically orchestrated campaign by the AMA and innovative PR firms like Whitaker & Baxter. Aggressive tactics turned a voluntary, doctor-led prepayment model into the foundation of today’s complex, profit-driven industry. This early battle set the stage for modern issues: lack of price negotiation power, skyrocketing costs, and persistent inequalities. “Why Doesn’t the United States Have National Health Insurance: The Role of the American Medical Association”:https://academic.oup.com/qje/article/141/3/2147/8669893?login=false Professor Marcella Alsan:https://alsan.scholars.harvard.edu/ Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:41 American Healthcare Before WWII06:02 Influence of the AMA (American Medical Association)10:43 Whitaker & Baxter (the First Political Consultants)16:12 Introduction of Health Insurance22:33 How Private Healthcare Changed Over Time27:30 Was Private Healthcare Possible Without Whitaker & Baxter29:41 Legacy of Whitaker & Baxter31:14 Challenges of Private Health Insurance Socials:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marginalbabbleInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/marginalbabble/X: https://x.com/marginalbabbleBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/marginalbabble.bsky.social/Website: https://marginalbabble.co.uk/
Transcribe →6 Kings That Made England | Marginal Babble Ep.38 with Dr. Caroline Burt & Dr. Richard Partington
1w ago01:28:28Tap to summarizeThis episode explores how six medieval kings helped shape the English state. From John and the Magna Carta to Edward III’s reforms and Richard II’s downfall. Professor Caroline Burt & Professor Richard Partington explain how war, taxation, common law, Parliament, and the struggle for lawful rule turned kingship from a personal power into something more accountable and institutional. We unpack what made a “good” ruler during this period, why charisma and temperament mattered, and how Christianity and European politics influenced governance. Arise, England: Six Kings and the Making of the English State:University of Cambridge Publications: https://www.hist.cam.ac.uk/publication/arise-england-six-kings-and-making-english-stateAmazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Arise-England-Kings-Making-English/dp/0571311989 Professor Caroline Burt:https://www.hist.cam.ac.uk/people/dr-caroline-burt Professor Richard Partington:https://www.joh.cam.ac.uk/research/academics/fellows/richard-partington Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:45 Early ‘English’ Governance05:57 Synopsis of English Kings (1199 to 1399)16:43 What Constitutes a Good King?22:45 Is John Over Villainised?28:07 The Importance of Charisma31:28 Did John’s Cruelty Lead to Magna Carta?36:27 The Surprising Success of Henry 3rd42:24 How Christianity Influenced the English State50:00 A Great & Terrible King: Edward 1st55:40 Do Bad Rulers Follow Good Rulers?58:51 The Reign of Edward 3rd01:06:19 The Tragedy of Richard 2nd01:12:45 Were the English Kings…English?01:19:20 What 7th King Would they Add?01:23:19 What Lessons Can we Learn? Socials:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marginalbabbleInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/marginalbabble/X: https://x.com/marginalbabbleBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/marginalbabble.bsky.social/Website: https://marginalbabble.co.uk/
Transcribe →Health Consequences of Cousin Marriage | Marginal Babble Ep.37 with Professor Munir Squires
Jun 2401:01:31Tap to summarizeUncover the surprising truths behind cousin marriage and its global prevalence.Shocking data shows consanguinity occurs in approximately 10% of marriages worldwide, with some countries like Pakistan occurring in at least half of all marriages.But what are the real health and societal impacts?In this eye-opening episode, economist Munir shares groundbreaking research using 40 million genealogical histories from the US, revealing that children of cousin marriages face a five-year reduction in lifespan, with effects extending throughout life, not just childhood. You'll discover how cultural, economic, and societal factors sustain these practices, even in wealthy nations with strong education systems, challenging common assumptions. Professor Munir Squires:https://economics.ubc.ca/profile/munir-squires/ “Health Effects of Cousin Marriage: Evidence from US Genealogical Records”:https://www.aeaweb.org/articles?id=10.1257/aeri.20230544 Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:41 How Common is Cousin Marriage?05:24 Health Effects of Cousin Marriage (Academic Literature)10:52 Munir’s Research24:46 Results of Munir’s Research30:19 Navigating Cultural & Religious Sensitivity32:31 Broader Social & Economic Implications43:43 Why Industrialisation Changed Marriage Patterns54:26 Why cousin marriage persisted historically57:22 Future Research? (Economic & Social Impacts) Socials:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marginalbabbleInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/marginalbabble/X: https://x.com/marginalbabbleBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/marginalbabble.bsky.social/Website: https://marginalbabble.co.uk/
Transcribe →The Unexpected Reality of Small Economies | Marginal Babble Ep.36 with Professor Robert Read
Jun 201:27:54Tap to summarizeSmall economies often defy expectations, thriving despite limited resources and geographic challenges. This episode explores their surprising resilience and unique strategies, revealing lessons that could transform larger nations' approaches to growth. Discover how globalization, digital trade, and strategic specialization propel these nations to success, and learn about their governance agility and stability. Despite facing global shocks, many small economies have shown remarkable resilience. Join us for insights from development economist Robert Read, as we uncover the real drivers of economic success and the future of small nations. Professor Robert Read:https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/lums/people/robert-read “Growth volatility and resilience in small economies: The impacts of the 2008 financial crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic”:https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9781032703893-5/growth-volatility-resilience-small-economies-harvey-armstrong-robert-read Timestamps:00:00: Intro00:39: Why Study Small Economies?08:06: What is a Small Economy?14:29: Robert’s Research26:18: Why Have Small Economies Been Successful?35:50: Are Natural Resources a Curse?43:57: Why Have Large Economies Done Badly?49:50: Economic Policy & Money in Small Economies59:42: Strong Small Economies During Financial Crisis01:05:34: Lessons for Small Economies01:14:52: Climate Change Impacts on Small Economies01:17:15: Future Research on Small Economies & Takeaways Socials:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marginalbabbleInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/marginalbabble/X: https://x.com/marginalbabbleBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/marginalbabble.bsky.social/Website: https://marginalbabble.co.uk/
Transcribe →Can Political Quotas Improve Governance? | Marginal Babble Ep.35 with Professor Patrick Francois
May 2001:03:15Tap to summarizeMost countries focus on the political virtues of representation, but what if quotas actually change the quality of governance? I sit down with Professor Patrick Francois to uncover how strategic use of political quotas, especially in India, can break the grip of identity-driven politics and elevate governance standards. As ever, please like and subscribe if you enjoy! 😊 Professor Patrick Francois:https://economics.ubc.ca/profile/patrick-francois/ ‘Reservations and the politics of fear’:https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0047272723001457 Timestamps:00:00: Intro00:42: What are Political Quotas?02:42: Political Quotas in India08:25: Are Political Quotas D.E.I?13:50: How Common are Political Quotas?16:57: Political Quotas & Socialism23:37: Patrick’s Research & the ‘Politics of Fear’32:48: How Political Quotas Improve Governance37:08: Are Political Quotas Needed in Strong Liberal Democracies?44:03: How Do You Measure Governance Quality?51:34: Are Political Quotas Pragmatic to Implement?58:17: Future Research to Build Upon Patrick’s Findings Socials:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marginalbabbleInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/marginalbabble/X: https://x.com/marginalbabbleBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/marginalbabble.bsky.social/Website: https://marginalbabble.co.uk/
Transcribe →Understanding Environmental Economics | Marginal Babble Ep.34 with Professor Nicholas Hanley
Apr 2200:53:31Tap to summarize#environmentalecnomics #carbontaxes #environment #climatechangeMax sits down with Professor Nicholas Hanley to learn about the field of environmental economics, its goals and the challenges of measuring environmental impacts from economic activities. They discover how effective policy is designed for promoting positive environmental actions while managing negative externalities, in addition to the common mechanisms governments implement to meet these objectives.Professor Nick Hanley:https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/bohvm/staff/nicholashanley/ Environmental economics in theory and practice:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Environmental-Economics-Practice-Nick-Hanley/dp/033397137X/ref=books_amazonstores_desktop_mfs_aufs_ap_sc_dsk_0?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=eSt37&content-id=amzn1.sym.f9a1288a-66fe-4587-95f9-1387021c317b&pf_rd_p=f9a1288a-66fe-4587-95f9-1387021c317b&pf_rd_r=262-2263400-8564258&pd_rd_wg=XTeJ4&pd_rd_r=e1c917de-3283-492d-a6cc-6af32f222b23 Timestamps:00:00: Intro00:43: What Are the Goals of Environmental Economics06:32: Types of Environmental Economics Policy10:06: Tradeable Permit Schemes23:36: Carbon & Other Environmental Taxes29:51: How to Design Environmental Policies with the Right Incentives39:24: How Behavioural Economics Factors into Environmental Economics47:29: Biggest Changes in Environmental Economics in Nick’s Career Socials:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marginalbabbleInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/marginalbabble/X: https://x.com/marginalbabbleBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/marginalbabble.bsky.social/Website: https://marginalbabble.co.uk/
Transcribe →Consequences of the Opioid Epidemic | Marginal Babble Ep.33 with Professor Carolina Arteaga Cabrales
Apr 1501:03:11Tap to summarize#opioidepidemic #pharmaceuticalindustry #addiction #publichealth #USpolitics #PurduePharma #fentanyl #drugpolicy #healthcarecorruption #politicalinfluence Max and Professor Carolina Arteaga Cabrales explore the origins, impact, and political consequences of the opioid epidemic in North America, related pharmaceutical industry practices, regulatory failures and societal effects. Professor Carolina Arteaga Cabrales:https://www.carolinaarteaga.com/ ‘Republican Support and Economic Hardship: The Enduring Effects of the Opioid Epidemic’:https://www.nber.org/papers/w33904 Timestamps:00:00: Intro00:37: The Opioid Epidemic & How it Occurred15:53: Purdue Pharma Lawsuit17:46: Carolina’s Research32:15: Political Effects of the Opioid Epidemic40:39: Decriminalisation of Drug Programmes46:37: Would Other Health Shocks Cause the Same Effects?51:03: Did Republican’s Campaign on the Opioid Epidemic?54:52: Future Impacts of the Opioid Epidemic57:40: Future Research Carolina Would Like to See Socials:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marginalbabbleInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/marginalbabble/X: https://x.com/marginalbabbleBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/marginalbabble.bsky.social/Website: https://marginalbabble.co.uk/
Transcribe →The Economic History of India | Marginal Babble Ep.32 with Professor Tirthankar Roy
Mar 1801:10:09Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Max and Professor Tirthankar Roy discuss India's economic history, focusing on trade and commerce from antiquity right up to the modern day. It is a journey through regional economies, the role of ports, the impact of the caste system, British colonization and post-independence industrialization. India in the World Economy: From Antiquity to the PresentCambridge University Press: https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/india-in-the-world-economy/9079E07A2697FB6A122BEBFE3CC6FA13Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/India-World-Economy-Antiquity-Approaches/dp/110740147X Professor Tirthankar Royhttps://www.lse.ac.uk/people/tirthankar-roy Timestamps00:00: Intro00:39: India’s Economy (Antiquity to 1200)12:04: Sources for Indian Economic History15:46: An Agricultural Economy20:28: Climate/Droughts25:50: Caste Economics32:11: Mughal Empires (1200 to 1600)36:26: European Settlements/Traders (1600 to 1800)41:59: The British Raj53:08: Indian Socialism (1940’s to 1990’s)59:04: Religion & Commerce01:05:25: Future of the Indian Economy SocialsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marginalbabbleInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/marginalbabble/X: https://x.com/marginalbabbleBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/marginalbabble.bsky.social/Website: https://marginalbabble.co.uk/
Transcribe →Did AUSTERITY Cause BREXIT? | Marginal Babble Ep.31 with Professor Thiemo Fetzer
Mar 1201:33:45Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Professor Thiemo Fetzer dissects how austerity policies since 2008 have reshaped society, fueled distrust in public institutions and sparked political upheaval (ultimately resulting in its influence over the EU referendum). He reveals surprising insights regarding how structural transformations, immigration incentives, and age demographics influence national identity and support for populist movements. Professor Thiemo Fetzer https://www.trfetzer.com/ Did austerity cause Brexit? https://www.aeaweb.org/articles?id=10.1257/aer.20181164 Timestamps 00:00: Intro 00:39: Did Austerity Cause BREXIT? 19:09: Effects of the 2008 Financial Crisis 29:25: Implementation of Austerity (UK) 35:33: Thiemo’s Research Paper 44:35: How Benefits Recipients Affect the Economy 48:37: How the High Street Changed/Regional Identities 53:35: Regional Wealth Inequality in the United Kingdom 56:14: What Were the Alternatives to Austerity? 01:08:17: Effects of Ageing Demographics & Generous Pensions 01:24:26: What Don’t We Understand About Austerity & BREXIT? Socials TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marginalbabble Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marginalbabble/ X: https://x.com/marginalbabble Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/marginalbabble.bsky.social/ Website: https://marginalbabble.co.uk/
Transcribe →Encouraging Female Entrepreneurship in Pakistan | Marginal Babble Ep.30 with Professor Ahmad Timsal
Mar 400:57:53Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we dive into the Sujaan Initiative, a community-focused program that trains and supports female and minority entrepreneurs in Mirpur Khās, Pakistan. The discussion covers how working with local male leaders fosters local buy-in, the gender and regional disparities the project tackles and the financing and governance hurdles to scaling the model across more regions. Professor Ahmad Timsal:https://www.derby.ac.uk/staff/ahmad-timsal/ ‘Sujaan: a social enterprise of socio-economically disadvantaged women in rural Sindh, Pakistan’:https://derby-repository.worktribe.com/output/735857/sujaan-a-social-enterprise-of-socio-economically-disadvantaged-women-in-rural-sindh-pakistan Timestamps00:00: Intro00:49: The Sindh Region (Pakistan)08:45: The Sujaan Project14:33: Ahmad’s Motivation for the Research17:59: Gender Disparities in Pakistan23:20: Getting Community Buy In31:44: Is There Support for Sujaan?36:28: Sindh’s Feudal Mindset45:32: How Sujaan is Providing Support50:46: The Effects of Sujaan on the Region54:15: What’s Next? SocialsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marginalbabbleInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/marginalbabble/X: https://x.com/marginalbabbleBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/marginalbabble.bsky.social/Website: https://marginalbabble.co.uk/
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