Biden Administration Attacks Independent Contractors (Audio: Podcast)
The Biden administration has yielded to pressure from labor unions to restrict the qualifications for independent contractor status, which is intended to make it easier to unionize “gig economy” workers. But this is a terrible idea, and when California tried the same thing it forced many independent contractors out of work. The modern economy should make it easier, not harder, for Americans to have flexible work and earnings options. With IPI President Tom Giovanetti and Resident Scholar Dr. Merrill Matthews.
What Trump Can Learn from Switzerland on Tariffs (Audio: Podcast)
Switzerland is dropping almost all its tariffs, in order to reduce prices to consumers. Having enjoyed time in Switzerland, both IPI President Tom Giovanetti and IPI Resident Scholar Dr. Merrill Matthews use this opportunity to discuss tariffs, why consumers rather than exporters pay them, and why in general tariffs should be avoided.
Bidenomics is Xi-conomics with American Characteristics (Audio: Podcast)
IPI Resident Scholar Dr. Merrill Matthews points out that Biden’s agenda to fundamentally change and direct the U.S. economy from the Executive Branch mirrors the mistakes of authoritarian governments like China’s trying to run the economy through command and control. And the conversation inspires IPI President Tom Giovanetti to rant about the importance of separation of powers and staying in your lane.
The Demise of the Wealth Effect (Audio: Interview)
Merrill Matthews joins Greg Truax OnThePoint radio show to discus his recent publications about the demise of the wealth effect and the consequences of our broken border.
Four Strikes and You're Out (Audio: Podcast)
IPI Resident Scholar Dr. Merrill Matthews discusses why labor actions and strikes have returned. Hint: Inflation, technological change, and a pro-union administration. With IPI President Tom Giovanetti.
Are Democrats Getting Mugged by Reality? (Audio: Podcast)
With the shocking news that the Biden administration has resumed building a border wall (!), IPI President Tom Giovanetti wonders if Democrats are finally getting mugged by the reality of the results of their policies. Tom talks about the border crisis, the crime spike, and persistent inflation with IPI Resident Scholar Dr. Merrill Matthews.
IPI Policy Basics: The Wealth Effect (Audio: Podcast)
IPI Resident Scholar Dr. Merrill Matthews explains the (mostly) psychological phenomenon of the Wealth Effect, which can accelerate either a good economy or a bad economy. And he uses “Bidenomics” as an illustration of an attempt to turn the reverse wealth effect into the wealth effect. With IPI President Tom Giovanetti.
They Don't Make Strikes Like They Used To (Audio: Podcast)
With both Hollywood writers and United Auto Workers engaging in labor strikes, IPI President Tom Giovanetti and Resident Scholar Dr. Merrill Matthews discuss the declining power of labor unions, why unions strike during inflationary times, the Wage-Price Spiral, and the attitude conservatives should have toward labor unions.
An Eyewitness Account of the Drawing of the Laffer Curve (Audio: Podcast)
The story of economist Art Laffer drawing what's come to be known as the Laffer Curve on a napkin in a Washington bar in 1974 has become legendary among free market advocates. In this podcast, Galen Institute President Grace-Marie Turner, who was one of three other people watching Laffer draw his graph, tells IPI's Merrill Matthews what happened—and why it's important.
The Gender Pay Numbers Game (Audio: Interview)
IPI Resident Scholar Dr. Merrill Matthews joins radio talk show host Bill Meyer (KMED) to run the numbers on the myth of the gender pay gap. When equalizing factors are added into the equation, the current gap reduces from the claimed 84 cents to a 1.5-cent pay gap. That’s a positive economic sign, but it won’t get much attention because some politicians need a big pay gap to demagogue.