Platypus Economics with Justin Wolfers
Episodes
Tariffs, Take Three: The Dumbest Round Yet | Off the Clock
How SNAP's New Rules Make Eligible Families Go Hungry | The Professor Is In
Justin Wolfers and Megan Connors discuss recent SNAP cuts, noting that 4 million people lost benefits due to stricter administrative burdens.
The Lawyer’s Theory of Trade | Diving In
Should Canada answer Trump's tariffs? | The Professor Is In
Justin Wolfers analyzes President Trump’s new tariffs on Canada, arguing they stem from political signaling rather than economic logic.
The Biggest Economic Story Nobody's Talking About | Diving In
Justin Wolfers analyzes the severe impact of recent SNAP cuts embedded in the 2025 budget law, which funded tax cuts for the wealthy by slashing food assistance.
Why Trump’s New Tariff Is Bigger Than Canada | Diving In
Justin Wolfers analyzes President Trump’s new 50% tariffs on Canadian goods, arguing they serve as a warning to global partners rather than addressing specific trade disputes.
Justin Answers Your Questions on Trump Accounts | The Professor Is In
Justin Wolfers and Megan Connors analyze the "Trump accounts," criticizing them as temporary populist giveaways paired with permanent tax breaks for the wealthy.
What Reese's Cups and Canadian Wildfires Can Teach Us About Economics | Off the Clock
Justin Wolfers and Stacey Vanek-Smith analyze the stalled Iran ceasefire, rising oil prices, and "skimpflation," where companies swap ingredients to cut costs.
The Truth About Trump Accounts (Read the Fine Print) | Diving In
Justin Wolfers dissects "Trump accounts," revealing them as a temporary $1,000 baby bond paired with a permanent tax break for savings.
Good News on Inflation — With a Very Big Asterisk
Justin Wolfers analyzes recent US inflation data, noting headline rates fell to 3.
Could Price Comparison Apps Be Making Gas MORE Expensive? | The Professor Is In
Justin Wolfers and Megan Connors explore why gas prices rise quickly but fall slowly, discussing concepts like sticky prices, menu costs, and production asymmetries.
The Hidden Pattern in Gas Prices (And How to Beat It) | Diving In
Justin Wolfers explains the "rockets and feathers" phenomenon, where gas prices rise quickly with oil costs but fall slowly.
Feel Your Feelings: Jobs, Trump Accounts, and America's Big Birthday | Off the Clock
Justin Wolfers and Stacey Vanek-Smith analyze a sluggish jobs report, noting low hiring and firing rates that trap workers despite low unemployment.