Decode Econ

Summary

Have you ever felt like you're constantly measuring your achievements against someone else's ruler? In our latest episode, we dive deep into college pressures, the comparison trap, and the quest for personal success. Join me, Grace, Fawwaz, and the latest addition to the team, Emma, as we dig into the realities of navigating life's early challenges and opportunities.

Here’s why you can't miss this episode:

Economics with Dr. A is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. www.WithDrA.com

Chapters

00:00 Navigating the Pressure to Succeed

15:39 The Importance of Defining Success

24:21 Being Present and Taking on Opportunities

27:24 The Power of Mentorship and Safe Spaces

35:16 Prioritizing Mobility and Exploration in Early Career

48:55 Managing Credit Cards Responsibly

56:19 Sharing Experiences and Telling Your Story

Summary

In this episode, Dr. Abdullah Al Bahrani discusses financial literacy with Jennifer Inman, the Executive Director of the Kentucky Financial Empowerment Commission (KFEC), and her team. They emphasize the importance of understanding personal finance and making sound financial decisions. The team shares their financial journeys and highlights the need to teach financial literacy in a personal and relatable way. They also discuss the various programs offered by KFEC, such as the Bank On Initiative and financial literacy workshops for different communities. The episode concludes with a call to action to celebrate Financial Literacy Month and engage with KFEC's resources and seminars.

Takeaways

• Financial literacy is about understanding personal finance and making sound financial decisions.

  
  



• Teaching financial literacy should focus on the personal aspect and take away the shame associated with money.

  
  



• KFEC offers various programs, including the Bank On Initiative and financial literacy workshops for different communities.

  
  



• Budgeting, understanding long-term goals, and tracking expenses are essential for financial stability.

  
  



• April is Financial Literacy Month, and KFEC encourages everyone to engage with their resources and workshops.

  
  

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Financial Literacy

01:26 Introduction of Kentucky Financial Empowerment Commission

03:22 Introducing the Team

05:48 Understanding Financial Literacy

08:05 Teaching Personal Finance

10:25 Overcoming Anxiety and Making Financial Decisions

11:50 Teaching Personal Aspect of Personal Finance

13:37 Understanding Long-Term Goals and Making Sound Financial Decisions

15:03 Going Against Financial Advice

19:25 Bank On Initiative

21:44 Financial Literacy for Refugees

24:30 Employee Empowerment Workshops

28:51 Thrifty Thursdays and Financial Tips

33:22 April Financial Literacy Month and Upcoming Workshops

41:45 Conclusion and Call to Action

Join us at NKU this Summer 

Thanks to generous sponsorships from REDI Cincinnati and BE NKY, we can pass on the cost savings to the 2024 Summer Economic Development Bootcamp participants. We have a new reduced price. You can learn more on our website. 

Summary

Dr. Abdullah Al Bahrani interviews Antowan Batts, a supporter of the Econ Games and the Econ with Dr. A brand. They discuss Antowan's role as a judge at the Econ Games and his work as a system analyst at Dollar Tree. They also discuss Antowan's passion for supporting organizations like the Sadie Collective and the PhD Project. Antowan shares his experience with writing and his newsletter, 'Business Without Borders.' They discuss the possibility of rebranding the Econ with Dr. A’s brand and building a team. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the culture in economics and Antowan's educational background.

• Antowan Batts supports the Econ Games and the Econ with Dr. A brand.

  
  



• He works as a system analyst at Dollar Tree and is passionate about supporting organizations like the City Collective and the PhD Project.

  
  



• Antowan has a newsletter called 'Business Without Borders,’ where he writes about international business and business ethics.

  
  



• Rebranding the Econ with the Dr. A brand and building a team to support the content creation is possible.

  
  

00:00 Introduction and Setting

01:27 Antowan's Role at the Econ Games

02:25 Antowan's Experience at Dollar Tree

02:53 Antowan's Role as a Judge at the Econ Games

03:23 Discussion on the Housing Market

05:19 Antowan's Newsletter and Writing Passion

06:43 Discussion on Rebranding the Econ with Dr. A Brand

09:05 Antowan's Discovery of Econ with Dr. A Content

10:59 Discussion on Building a Team and Rebranding

13:23 Antowan's First Newsletter and Writing Experience

15:44 Antowan's Newsletter 'Business Without Borders'

21:41 Highlighting Women in Economics

22:58 Antowan's Contribution to the Women That Inspire Us Series

23:56 Discussion on Steven Levitt's Podcast

26:11 Antowan's Educational Background

29:03 Conclusion

Join our community of curious minds.

Antowan’s Newsletter https://businesswithoutborders.substack.com/

Nonprofits to support 

This is Neighborhood https://www.thisisneighborhood.com/ 

Sadie Collective https://www.sadiecollective.org/ 

The PhD Project https://phdproject.org/ 

Sponsor information

Northern Kentucky University’s Haile College of Business, in collaboration with the Center for Economic Analysis and Development (CEAD), is excited to announce its inaugural Economic Development Bootcamp from June 3 -7, 2024.

Led by Janet Harrah, the senior director of CEAD and executive director of Haile Professional Development, this intensive 5-day program offers a curated curriculum tailored to meet the needs of college students and young professionals looking for a career in economic development. Participants will delve into the fundamental aspects of economic growth, primarily focusing on market research.

Accepted applicants will learn specialized skills throughout the boot camp, including data analysis, project management, community outreach, and gathering and interpreting data to effectively communicate research findings. The skills learned in this boot camp are transferrable to various occupations, including economic development professionals in government, non-profit, private companies, and international organizations.

What: Economic Development Bootcamp

When: June 3 – 7, 2024

Where: NKU’s Haile College of Business

Accepted participants will meet with and learn from economic development professionals in our regional development organizations, city and county government, tourism, and community infrastructure industries.

An application is required, and participant selection will occur during the first week of April.

Click here for more information and to apply.

Summary
Bola Olaniyan, Executive Director of the Sadie Collective, discusses the organization's mission to increase the representation of Black women in economics, policy, data science, and finance. She shares the portfolio of Sadie Collective’s programs, including the annual conference, career pathways programs with the Chicago Federal Reserve and JPMorgan Chase, and high school outreach initiatives. Bola also highlights the importance of adaptability, connection-building, and self-advocacy in leadership. She encourages individuals to share the work of the Sadie Collective and support their mission of creating a more diverse and inclusive community.

Takeaways
The Sadie Collective aims to increase the representation of Black women in economics, policy, data science, and finance.
The organization offers a portfolio of programs, including an annual conference, career pathways programs, and high school outreach initiatives.
Leadership qualities that Bola relies on include adaptability, connection-building, and self-advocacy.
The Sadie Collective can be supported by sharing their work and encouraging program participation.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
07:23 Bola's Affiliation with the Sadie Collective
10:15 Taking Over the Sadie Collective
11:16 Portfolio of Programs: Annual Conference
15:25 Portfolio of Programs: Exploring Career Pathways with the Chicago Federal Reserve
18:18 Hidden Programs: High School Outreach and Mentorship
22:04 Challenges and Staying True to the Mission
25:28 Organizations Doing it Right
30:34 Leadership Qualities and Advice
37:00 How to Support the Sadie Collective
39:17 Conclusion and Thank You

In this conversation, Dr. Abdullah Al Bahrani interviews Samantha Eyler-Driscoll, the founder of Standard Error Research Editors. They discuss Samantha's path to economics, the challenges of being an entrepreneur, and the importance of inclusion in economics. Samantha shares insights into the value of editors and the services offered by her company. They also explore ways to improve diversity and inclusion in economics, particularly for women economists. The conversation highlights the need to leverage marginal spaces and provide support and solidarity to underrepresented voices. Samantha emphasizes the importance of reading to improve writing skills and offers tips for aspiring writers.

Takeaways

Entrepreneurship in economics offers opportunities to contribute to economic research and spread economic thought.

Editors play a crucial role in improving the quality and impact of academic work, particularly for non-native speakers and those without strong language skills.

Improving diversity and inclusion in economics requires leveraging marginal spaces, providing support and solidarity, and giving power to underrepresented voices.

Reading extensively is essential for improving writing skills and understanding the conventions and language used in specific fields.

Collaboration and creative partnerships with faculty and researchers are valuable for individual growth and advancing the field of economics.

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:17 Path to Economics

06:37 Starting Standard Era Research Editors

09:27 The Importance of Inclusion in Economics

11:17 Challenges of Being an Entrepreneur

14:40 Types of Clients and Services Offered

15:37 The Value of Editors

23:47 Supporting Unheard Voices

28:24 Improving the Profession for Women Economists

31:21 Leveraging Marginal Spaces

35:08 Giving Power and Solidarity

38:21 Organizations Supporting Women Economists

41:04 Translation Challenges

41:59 Tips for Improving Writing Skills

42:32 Conclusion and Appreciation

In this enlightening episode, Dr. A sits down with Dr. Claudia Sahm to discuss the state of the U.S. economy, the impact of the pandemic, and the importance of long-term investments. Claudia shares her economic journey, passion for making a difference through policy, and advice for the next generation of economists. The conversation also touches on the challenges of creating a more inclusive and diverse field of economics.

Key Topics Covered:

State of the U.S. Economy

• Claudia's insights into the economic disruptions caused by the pandemic and the subsequent recovery.

  
  



• Discussion on inflation, labor market improvements, and consumer sentiment.

  
  

Claudia's Journey in Economics

• The influence of her early education and mentors on her career path.

  
  



• Claudia's commitment to using economics for good and addressing societal challenges.

  
  

Policy Making and Long-term Challenges

• The importance of long-term investments over short-term gains.

  
  



• Claudia's perspective on fiscal policy, the deficit, and the need for prioritizing investments in children and the environment.

  
  

The Sahm Rule

• The development and impact of the Sahm Rule as a recession indicator.

  
  

Advice for Aspiring Economists

• The versatility of an economics degree and the importance of engaging with real-world data.

  
  



• Claudia encouraged students to explore diverse perspectives and contribute to economic policy.

  
  

Diversity and Inclusion in Economics

• The need for more diverse perspectives in the field.

  
  



• Claudia's experiences with mentoring and advocating for an inclusive environment.

  
  

Engaging with Claudia's Work

• How listeners can follow Claudia's insights on her Substack and Twitter.

  
  



• Advice on content creation and building a presence in the economics community.

  
  

  - Claudia Sahm on Twitter: @Claudia_Sahm

  
  

  - Claudia Sahm's Substack: Stay At Home Macro

  
  

  Stay-At-Home Macro (SAHM): My goal is to make economic policy and macroeconomics better.By Claudia Sahm

  
  

In this special Women's History Month episode of "Economics with Dr. A," hosted by Dr. Abdullah Al Bahrani, we dig into the remarkable legacy of Sadie Alexander, the first Black woman to earn a PhD in economics. Featuring insights from Princess Nworah's recent experience at the Sadie Collective conference, we explore the profound impact Sadie Alexander and the Collective have had on young economists today.

Host: Dr. Abdullah Al Bahrani

Guests: Princess Nworah, with contributions from Fawwaaz and Antowan

Episode Highlights:

1. Introduction to Women's History Month Series

Dr. Al Bahrani introduces the focus on “women who inspire us” series, starting with Sadie Alexander.

2. Sadie Alexander's Legacy

Discussion on Sadie Alexander's pioneering achievements and lasting influence in economics.

3. The Sadie Collective

Background on the Sadie Collective, founded by Anna Gifty and Fanta Traore, and its role in mentoring and inspiring young economists. A previous interview with Fanta Traore is mentioned, linking to the Econ Games speaker series.

4. Princess Nworah's Experience

Princess shares her transformative experience at the Sadie Collective conference, her journey from Nigeria to studying economics in the US, and the shift in her academic focus towards math and statistics inspired by the conference.

5. Mentoring and Aspirations

Discussion on the importance of mentoring, community, and role models in economics. Princess outlines her aspirations and plans to bring more students to the next Sadie Collective conference.

6. Career Fair and Networking Opportunities

Insights into the career fair at the Sadie Collective conference, highlighting the tailored opportunities for students in economics, data science, and policy research.

7. Key Takeaways and Inspirations

Princess and Dr. Al Bahrani discuss key learnings from the conference, including the importance of self-care, ambition, and community support in pursuing economic studies and research.

8. Looking Ahead: Goals and Research Interests

Princess expresses her interest in exploring feminism and economics, inspired by the conference to pursue a PhD and conduct research that addresses critical questions about economic improvement and gender disparities.

9. Acknowledgments and Thanks

Special thanks to the Sadie Collective, Anna Gifty, and Fanta Traore for their mentorship and impact on students like Princess and Aro. Dr. Al Bahrani reflects on the role of mentorship in his students' lives and the importance of the Sadie Collective in providing a platform for young economists.

Resources and Links:

- Link to the interview with Fanta Traore as part of the Econ Games speaker series. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hymdh0BuKKI&t=882s 

- Sadie Collective website and information on how to get involved or attend future conferences https://www.sadiecollective.org/ 

Episode Overview:

In this episode of Econ with Dr. A, Dr. Abdullah Al Bahrani, an Associate Dean and Associate Professor of Economics at the Haile College of Business, dives deep into the personal impacts of macroeconomic changes, with a spotlight on the inflation crisis in Nigeria and its repercussions on students. Joined by students Michael, Fawwaaz, and Fred, the discussion unfolds the real-world implications of economic theories, focusing on the soaring inflation rates in Nigeria and their direct effect on the students' lives and education.

- Michael Bawaji: A sophomore studying engineering physics and mechatronics engineering technology at NKU, and the 2024 sophomore junior homecoming king. 

- Fred Smal: Also a sophomore at NKU and a fellow under Dr. A, Fred brings a personal connection to South Africa and reflects on his observations of the economic challenges faced by his peers from Nigeria.

- Fawwaaz: A research assistant at Northern Kentucky University, Fawwaaz is deeply involved in research on economic issues, including the integration rates of immigrants in the USA. He brings to the table a firsthand perspective on the challenges international students face due to inflation in their home countries.

1. Personal Impacts of Inflation: The conversation begins with a focus on the personal experiences of students from Nigeria, detailing how the rampant inflation rate, hitting 28.9%, and the consequent rise in the cost of living and education, affects them directly. Michael and Fawwaaz share their struggles with the depreciating value of the Nigerian Naira and the financial burdens it places on their families.

2. Economic Analysis: Dr. A analyzes the situation by discussing the causes behind the inflation in Nigeria, including government reforms and the removal of subsidies. The discussion delves into the broader implications of these economic policies, such as increased transportation and energy prices, and the attempts to balance the budget and reduce government debts.

3. Global Context: The conversation contextualizes the Nigerian situation within a global framework, drawing parallels with other countries facing similar economic challenges, such as Argentina. This global perspective underscores the universality of economic challenges and the importance of understanding macroeconomic principles.

4. Educational Impact: The dialogue also covers the significant impact of inflation on educational expenses for international students, with tuition rates effectively increasing by over 100% for Nigerian students due to currency depreciation. This part of the discussion highlights the additional hardships faced by students in accessing education abroad.

5. Policy Implications and Hope: The episode wraps up with a look at the potential policy measures to mitigate these economic challenges and the importance of hope and economic education in navigating through economic crises. The guests and Dr. A discuss the role of government communication in maintaining public trust during economic downturns.

The Takeaway

This episode of Econ with Dr. A not only sheds light on the statistics behind inflation but also humanizes the economic discussion by bringing forward the stories of those directly affected. It serves as a reminder of the real-world consequences of economic policies and the resilience of students facing these challenges head-on.

Host: Dr. Abdullah Al Bahrani, Associate Dean and Associate Professor of Economics at the Haile College of Business.

Introduction: In this episode, Dr. Abdullah revisits the origins of the "Economics with Dr. A" channel, celebrating the growth of the community, the impact of social media on content creation, and the future direction of the platform. Joined by team members Grace McConn, Fawaaz Abdulaziz, and Antowan Batts, the episode dives into personal insights, the transformative power of educational content, and the community's role in shaping the future of economics education.

Key Highlights:

1. Origins of Econ with Dr. A: Dr. Abdullah shares the story of starting the channel during the COVID-19 pandemic as a response to the challenges of online education and the negative perception of digital learning. His journey into content creation was fueled by the desire to engage students on platforms where they already spent their time, like YouTube and TikTok.

2. Team Contributions: The episode underscores the vital contributions of team members Grace, Fawaz, Antoine, Fred Small, and Keisha Francisco. Their involvement has been instrumental in identifying audience preferences and shaping the channel's content.

3. Community Growth: Dr. Abdullah celebrates reaching 12,000 YouTube subscribers and discusses the importance of community in overcoming challenges in content creation and social media.

4. Future Directions: The conversation explores the evolving focus of the channel, moving beyond strictly economic concepts to include a wider range of topics driven by curiosity and the interests of the community.

5. Personal Insights from Team Members:

   - Grace McConn discusses the transition of content due to the pandemic and the importance of engaging educational methods.

   - Fawaaz Abdulazeez reflects on the sense of community and belonging the channel provides.

   - Antowan Batts highlights the inclusivity and diversity of the content, emphasizing the importance of representation in economics.

6. Challenges and Learning: Dr. Abdullah shares insights on overcoming imposter syndrome, the value of teamwork in content creation, and the personal growth and creative expression he has experienced through the project.

7. Rebranding Considerations: The discussion touches on the potential need to rebrand "Econ with Dr. A" to better reflect its community-driven nature and broadened focus beyond economics.

Conclusion: The episode not only celebrates the journey and successes of "Economics with Dr. A" but also opens up a conversation about the future, inviting the community's input on rebranding and the direction of content. The emphasis on community, diversity, and the pursuit of curiosity underscores the channel's commitment to evolving with its audience.

Listener Engagement: Listeners are encouraged to share their thoughts on potential rebranding and what topics they would like to see covered in future episodes, emphasizing the collaborative spirit of the Econ with Dr. A community.