Economics Matters by Laurence Kotlikoff Podcast Inflation, Interest Rates, Fed Policy, and the Evolution of Economics Science: Insights from Harvard's Fabulous Economist, Benjamin Friedman 1× 0:00 Current time: 0:00 / Total time: -1:30:50 -1:30:50 Audio playback is not supported on your browser. Please upgrade. Inflation, Interest Rates, Fed Policy, and the Evolution of Economics Science: Insights from Harvard's Fabulous Economist, Benjamin Friedman Larry Kotlikoff Jun 04, 2024 Share This week I sit down with Benjamin Friedman, a distinguished professor of economics at Harvard University and a prolific author whose works have significantly shaped economic thought. Renowned for his insightful analysis intertwining economics, history, and policy, Ben brings a depth of understanding that is both profound and broadly influential. His notable books, such as "The Moral Consequences of Economic Growth" and "Religion and the Rise of Capitalism," have garnered widespread acclaim for their insightful perspectives on economic philosophy and policy. Topics Covered: Economic Growth and Social Consequences Historical Economic Thought and Religion U.S. Fiscal Policy Through the Decades Inflation, Monetary Policy, and the Federal Reserve Timestamps: 08:54 Background, growth, interest in economics, monetary policy. 15:35 Interest in financial markets and public policy. 20:39 Higher inflation leads to shooting interest rates. 26:24 High economy demand, post-war inflation inevitable. 29:27 Inflation blamed on monetary policy, oil prices. 35:14 Economy and money are not neutral now. 38:36 Praise for Volcker’s handling of tough times. 46:15 Interest rates influence borrowing and spending uncertainty. 52:59 Federal Reserve changed system to pay interest. 57:07 Government fiscal gap unsustainable, may require tax hikes. 01:00:53 Unsustainable government policy leads to inflation concerns. 01:07:45 Off-the-books debt dwarfs official debt. 01:11:28 Unfunded fiscal gap and burden on future generations. 01:19:37 Economics is intertwined with religion throughout history. 01:25:35 Ben recommends 14 books for deep education. This episode offers listeners a comprehensive education in economics, unraveling how historical events, policy decisions, and economic philosophies are intricately connected. Ben's authoritative voice and nuanced analysis provide valuable insights for anyone interested in understanding the broader implications of economic growth and policy on society. Make Your Own Money Magic Share Subscribe Secure Your Retirement! Economic Matters - The podcast is hosted by Laurence Kotlikoff, a Boston University Economist, a NY Times Best Selling Author , President of maxifi.com , and Author of Money Magic . Stay Connected: Facebook , Twitter , LinkedIn Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify iHeart Amazon Music Discussion about this episode Comments Restacks Economics Matters by Laurence Kotlikoff Podcast Economics can make a massive difference - collectively and personally. Listen in as we chat with some of the most influential leaders in economics across the globe. Economics can make a massive difference - collectively and personally. Listen in as we chat with some of the most influential leaders in economics across the globe. Subscribe Listen on Substack App RSS Feed Appears in episode Larry Kotlikoff Recent Episodes Naill Ferguson, the Preeminent Economic Historian, Talks Geopolitics -- Yesterday's, Today's, and Tomorrow's Aug 10 • Larry Kotlikoff Jack Schibli of Lane Generational Explains Why the Stock Market Runs Largely on Autopilot and the Equity-Investing Danger this Presents Aug 2 • Larry Kotlikoff The Brilliant and Captivating Justin Wolfers Talks Economics and the Economy Jul 31 • Larry Kotlikoff Economics Matter's First Substack Live! Talking Social Security's Extreme Insolvency with Pam Krueger, Founder and CEO of Wealthramp, and… Jul 29 • Larry Kotlikoff Brilliant Investing Requires Thinking and Looking Outside the Box -- Steve Laffey Is an Extraordinary Investor. This is a Podcast You Can't… Jul 23 Economist John Goodman, Father of HSAs and One of America's Most Influential Policymakers, Talks US Healthcare Reform Jul 16 • Larry Kotlikoff Bruce Mehlman Joins Economics Matters to Discuss the Long-Term Economic Impact of the War in Iran, Geopolitics, Economic History, and His… Jul 2 • Larry Kotlikoff Sebastian Mallaby Returns to Discuss AI and his Latest Bestseller: The Infinity Machine. Jun 25 • Larry Kotlikoff