The Economy by Decade: The 2000s (Part 1)

Before the Great Recession took over the story, the decade had already been shaped by globalization, market crashes, 9/11, and a changing labor market.

Jul 16 • Matthew Rousu, Jadrian Wooten, and Economics Happy Hour

4

1:02:30

America at 250: What Made the U.S. an Economic Power?

As America celebrates its 250th birthday, we look back at the economic ideas, policies, and institutions that helped shape the country, and ask what…

Jul 2 • Matthew Rousu, Jadrian Wooten, and Economics Happy Hour

1

50:53

June 2026

The World Cup Is Making America Look Different

From Buc-ee’s and Waffle House to ticket prices and TV commercials, the World Cup is offering unexpected economics lessons about America.

Jun 18 • Matthew Rousu, Jadrian Wooten, and Economics Happy Hour

1

1

53:01

The Economy by Decade: The 2010s

From smartphones and Bitcoin to Obamacare and the gig economy, we look back at the economic forces that shaped the 2010s.

Jun 4 • Matthew Rousu, Jadrian Wooten, and Economics Happy Hour

2

56:17

May 2026

The Economy by Decade: The 2020s

How do we make sense of the strangest economic decade we have lived through? We discuss the pandemic shutdown, inflation spikes, AI anxiety, online…

May 21 • Matthew Rousu, Jadrian Wooten, and Economics Happy Hour

2

4

53:55

Why Teens Stopped Working

Explore what we lose (and gain) when fewer teenagers have jobs.

May 8 • Matthew Rousu, Jadrian Wooten, and Economics Happy Hour

2

1

1

53:00

April 2026

The Economics of Non-Compete Agreements

Why companies use them, why workers push back, and what it means for the labor market

Apr 23 • Matthew Rousu, Jadrian Wooten, and Economics Happy Hour

1

1

51:10

How Much Do You Know About Basic Money Questions?

A look at financial literacy gaps, the “Big 3” quiz, and practical advice drawn from our personal experiences

Apr 9 • Matthew Rousu, Economics Happy Hour, and Jadrian Wooten

3

3

56:31

March 2026

How Early Should You Get to the Airport?

An economic look at airport timing, risk, and the real cost of missing your flight.

Mar 27 • Matthew Rousu, Jadrian Wooten, and Economics Happy Hour

1

5

47:43

Can Prediction Markets Really Predict the Future?

A conversation about the economics behind prediction markets, why they often outperform polls, and the concerns around manipulation, insider…

Mar 12 • Matthew Rousu, Jadrian Wooten, and Economics Happy Hour

2

1

43:18

February 2026

Is Canada Really Poorer Than Alabama?

A closer look at GDP per capita, immigration, and why recent growth patterns in the U.S., Canada, and Europe tell a more complicated story than one…

Feb 26 • Matthew Rousu, Jadrian Wooten, and Economics Happy Hour

1

41:51

Can We Experiment Our Way to Better Teaching?

Doug McKee of Cornell joins us to talk about teaching-focused research, large-scale classroom experiments, and what it takes to change how economics is…

Feb 12 • Matthew Rousu and Jadrian Wooten

5

50:45