What role do corporations play in a functioning democracy? In each administration, the answers seem to change. The Trump administration offered big companies big tax breaks – and the taxes companies pay are sure to change under the Biden administration. But beyond money — fundamentally – what role should companies play in society? Is there […]
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Ep. 123 Breaking the Social Media Prism
Ep. 122 Unintended Consequences
Sometimes we know exactly what the consequences of a policy will be, and sometimes we don’t. In this episode, we’ll explore a surprising consequence related to stepped-up enforcement of immigration policy in one county in North Carolina: Mecklenburg County. Over the past 20 years, many counties in the US have made an agreement with Immigration […]
Ep.121 Demystifying AI for Military Commanders
In 1801, the inventor Eli Whitney demonstrated his newest innovation for top military brass, along with US President John Adams and Vice President Thomas Jefferson — interchangeable parts for muskets. The innovation was extraordinary – and seemed to have huge potential. There was only one issue: Whitney hadn’t actually made the so-called “miracle musket” – […]
Ep. 120 The Failed Politics of Consumer Financial Protection
As Elizabeth Warren memorably wrote, “It is impossible to buy a toaster that has a one-in-five chance of bursting into flames and burning down your house. But it is possible to refinance an existing home with a mortgage that has the same one-in-five chance of putting the family out on the street.” That quotation is […]
Ep. 119 Healthcare, Computers and Consumer Choice
Americans constantly make choices about products and services – from buying a new pair of running shoes to figuring out which restaurant to order dinner from. We know from marketing and consumer theory that we are influenced by many things when we make our choices. Advertising work for a reason, and being exposed to different […]