Jobs, Retirement, and AI: Navigating the Future of Work

In this episode, hosts Aastik and Ashley sit down with Chris Farrell, senior economics contributor for Marketplace and Minnesota Public Radio, for a conversation focused on how people make major life and economic decisions. Farrell is the author of “Purpose and a Paycheck,” "Unretirement,” and "The New Frugality,” a columnist for PBS Next Avenue and the Minnesota Star Tribune, and host of the Heller-Hurwicz “Office Hours,” podcast.

The discussion centers on topics like retirement planning in an aging population, how students navigate job choices after college and the broader factors that shape financial decision-making over time.

Farrell shares insights on how individuals approach risk, especially when it comes to long-term security like healthcare and retirement. The conversation also explores how economic conditions and policy can influence these decisions in real, everyday ways. In addition, we touch on how AI is beginning to reshape the workplace and what that could mean for future careers.

This episode offers a thoughtful look at how economics connects to real-life decision-making and the balance between security and opportunity.

We hope you enjoy!

A deep dive into the realm of academic research and beyond

In this episode, we sit down with Professor Jo Mullins for a wide-ranging conversation about his path into economics, his research, and what life looks like as an academic. Professor Mullins shares how his early interest in inequality and social issues led him to labor economics, and reflects on his journey from Australia to pursuing a PhD at NYU and eventually joining Minnesota’s faculty. We explore his work in labor economics and human capital, including research on child development, skill formation, and how policies like childcare support and income transfers can shape long-term outcomes. He breaks down complex ideas in a very accessible way, showing how economics goes beyond markets and into everyday life, especially in understanding inequality and opportunity.

The conversation also touches on teaching, student life, and how technology and AI are reshaping learning and research. Professor Mullins offers an honest perspective on exams, assignments, and what he values most in students, along with some lighter insights into hobbies, work-life balance, and even cricket and reality TV. This episode offers a thoughtful, and behind-the-scenes look at economics as both a field of study and a career, especially for students curious about research, academia, or applying economic thinking to real-world problems.

We hope you enjoy it!

In this episode, we sit down with Avika Mathur, the president of the Economics Student Organization, member of the Economics Undergraduate Student Board, and a senior pursuing a BA-B (economics with business emphasis) degree. Avika shares how studying Economics at UMN has expanded both her social and academic worlds, from building community to shaping her post-graduation plans. Discover what drives this standout leader in the Economics community and learn how her undergraduate journey has influenced where she’s headed next.

We hope you enjoy it!

In this episode, we sit down with Professor Thomas Holmes, chair of the University of Minnesota’s Department of Economics, for a conversation about teaching, research, and life behind the scenes of Minnesota Economics. Professor Holmes discusses how he discovered economics as a first-generation college student, what drew him into research, and what keeps the work engaging after decades in academia.

We explore how the field has evolved — from new technology and AI in research to shifting classroom dynamics — and what remains constant, like the value of in-person learning and authentic student interaction. Professor Holmes also shares insights from his research in applied microeconomics and industrial organization, touching on competition, healthcare, globalization and tariffs.

This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at academic life for anyone curious about economics beyond the classroom, how departments function, or what an academic career really entails.

We hope you enjoy!

In this episode Aastik Mishra joins us to share his journey as an international student navigating college, friendships, and leadership from the ground up. He reflects on what he learned through leadership roles in ESO (Economics Student Organization) and his work as a peer advisor, and how those experiences shaped both his confidence and direction. We also talk about grad school—what worked, what mattered, and the mindset that helped him earn acceptance into multiple highly ranked master’s programs in finance. Honest, insightful, and incredibly motivating.

In this episode, we sit down with Tiffany and Annie, the Senior Academic Advisors for Economics who do far more than just schedule classes. They pull back the curtain on everything that goes into making the Econ undergrad experience richer and more intentional—from Women in Economics to the D.C. and NYC career exploration trips to building courses like ECON 3202 (Careers by Design in Economics). If you’ve ever wondered how these opportunities come to life (or who’s fighting for them behind the scenes), this episode will give you a whole new level of appreciation.

In this episode, Riley Stern shares how she discovered her passion for research, landed her very first project, and steadily built her skill set through multiple experiences—including her current work with Heller-Hurwicz Economics Institute. She breaks down what actually makes an application stand out, what faculty look for, and how to position yourself. This episode is equal parts encouraging and practical—and a must-listen for anyone even thinking about research.

Three majors. Big goals. Honest perspective.

This week, we talked with Margaret Xiao about how mentorship completely reshaped her understanding of what’s possible. She opens up about managing an intense academic load, finding balance, and learning—through others—to trust her own capabilities. Margaret also shares concrete advice on how to actually connect with people, build genuine relationships, and form a circle of mentors who help you grow. Thoughtful, motivating, and quietly powerful—this episode hits.

Oooh boy — this one’s a big one.

This week, we sit down with the legendary Anushka Raychaudhuri, and the conversation covers everything you didn’t know you needed: elite movie takes, the best campus restaurant, the chaos and joy of getting involved, how she landed an internship as a sophomore, what Equity Research actually is, and how to create balance without losing your mind.

This episode was an absolute blast to record—packed with great stories, sharp insights, and so much more.

Huge shoutout to Anushka for literally trekking through a blizzard to make this episode happen. Dedication level: UNMATCHED!

In this episode, we sit down with Ben Preppernau to talk about how an economics major can turn into a launchpad for quant work. Ben walks us through how he discovered the Master’s in Financial Mathematics program, why econ is such a strong foundation for technical finance roles, and what skills actually matter if you’re interested in that path. We also unpack the very first Econ NYC Career Exploration Trip—what surprised him, what stood out, and why experiences like that can change how you think about your future.