Finance podcasts to open your eyes

Three audio programs that make one think

Alternative Investor

In Freakonomics Radio, Stephen Dubner explores, as their website puts it, “the riddles of everyday life and the weird wrinkles of human nature — from cheating and crime to parenting and sports.”

My absolute favourite episodes are 291 and 291a from this year, titled Why Hate the Koch Brothers? featuring an extended interview with Charles Koch, demonized by liberals and lionized by conservatives, and, you will find, misunderstood by them all.

I started listening to the first episode thinking that Charles Koch was the devil incarnate and came out thinking that he might be the only person involved in politics (in his case, being one of the largest financial supporters of a variety of political causes, most of which are linked to the Republican party) who is actually, well, thinking.

For 90 minutes of radio to change my view a full 180 degrees is powerful stuff — making it a must-listen.

Other important subjects for those who want to better understand economics and the world include Is the American Dream Really Dead? (episode 272), Why are We Still Using Cash? (episode 260), and Are Payday Loans Really as Evil as People Say? (episode 241).

50 Things that Made the Modern Economy

This BBC-produced series of 10-minute podcasts is perfect for those with a commute longer than an elevator ride. Host Tim Hartford (who, as a Brit, sounds smart just by speaking), takes us through the story of important inventions and ideas and demonstrates how powerful they have been in shaping our modern economy.

Some of Hartford’s topics — the light bulb, paper, concrete, and the diesel engine — would be on many people’s lists of the most important inventions of all time.

Others, however, such as infant formula, air conditioning, insurance, and the shipping container, are less obvious, and Hartford does an excellent job of vaulting them to the podium reserved for the most important elements of the modern world.

As an investor, the thing I appreciate most about 50 Things isn’t just learning about the past, but that it pushes me to think about how innovations of today, such as blockchain and cryptocurrency technology, electric cars and smartphones, will shape the world in the next 10 to 20 years, giving me an important backdrop for investing decision-making.