Happy Hour Econ

In this episode of Happy Hour Econ, comedian Lou Perez and economist Phil Magness swap Olympic highlights for tariff takedowns—and somehow make constitutional law feel like a bar bet you didn’t know you were placing.

While the rest of America was celebrating gold medals, Phil was glued to a different showdown: the Supreme Court smacking down President Donald Trump’s sweeping “Tariff Liberation Day” extravaganza. Yes, that’s right—tariffs so enthusiastic they reportedly targeted everything.

Are you boycotting us right now?

From the Boston Tea Party to the Super Bowl halftime show heard ’round the internet (featuring global superstar Bad Bunny), the guys break down what boycotts are, how they work, and why simply changing the channel may not be the revolutionary act you think it is.

The conversation dives into the real-world impact of boycotts in Puerto Rico, including how shipping regulations affect island economies, why concentrated political interests often outmaneuver diffuse public outrage, and what makes some protests economically effective while others backfire.

What’s the real cost of hosting the Winter Olympics? Why do cities go billions into debt for two weeks of figure skating and curling? And are Olympic gold medals actually… plastic?

In this laugh-out-loud episode of Happy Hour Econ, comedian Lou Perez and economist Phil Magness break down the economics of the Olympic Games, exposing the financial myths, political drama, and corruption scandals behind one of the world’s biggest sporting events.

Can artificial intelligence replace artists, comedians, or even George Carlin? 🤖🍸

In this episode of Happy Hour Econ, comedian Lou Perez and economist Phil Magnus dive into the economics of AI, creativity, and art—while trying to figure out if robots are coming for Lou’s stand-up career. From AI-generated comedy specials and deepfake celebrity voices to copyright law, creative authenticity, and whether Michael Caine will ever make Jaws 5, this episode explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping comedy, movies, music, and culture.

Is ChatGPT a productivity tool, a plagiarism machine, or the first step toward a robot apocalypse?

On this episode of Happy Hour Econ, comedian Lou Perez and economist Phil Magness dive into how machines still can’t think like humans (or write a good term paper), how creative destruction has always reshaped the economy, and why nuclear power is suddenly back in the conversation. AI is already impacting jobs in research, education, and graphic design. Is there more to come?

WTF is the World Economic Forum—and why does it feel like every James Bond villain vacations there?

From global elites and technocrats to climate change policy, net zero, and the infamous “you’ll own nothing and be happy” slogan, we unpack the biggest ideas—and strangest headlines—coming out of Davos. Topics include credit card interest rate caps, usury, central planning, AI-driven technocracy, climate hypocrisy, private jets, buying Greenland, and yes… eating bugs instead of burgers.

How much should you tip a bartender, waiter, delivery driver, or barista—and why does tipping feel so awkward now? In this episode of Happy Hour Econ, comedian Lou Perez and economist Phil Magness break down the economics of tipping, America’s tipping culture, why tip screens seem to be everywhere, and how that iPad that definitely judged you.

Cuddling in a warm blanket with your family…to prevent yourself from freezing in your rent controlled apartment. Is this the “Warmth of Collectivism” that everyone is talking about? Join your hosts as the break down the economic reality on NYC’s latest craze.

What are you REALLY buying with that gym membership to ring in the New Year? From limiting social media to working out, your New Year’s resolutions have both economic and social impacts. What are they? Find out on the latest episode of Happy Hour Econ.

No more Black Friday stampedes…humbug!

Let Comedian Lou Perez, and Economist Phil Magness guide your sleigh though the surprising economics of the Christmas season. From the downfall of Black Friday madness to dealing with cheap gifts and the signals they send, pull up a stool, pour a drink, and have a shot of economic reality with the debut episode of Happy Hour Econ.