This week we had a fantastic opportunity to interview Dr. Matt Lowe, an Assistant Professor at the Vancouver School of Economics, who shared his perspective on topics such as the intersection between different fields of economic research, what life is like as a Researcher and Professor, and the mysterious world of multi-level marketing.

In this episode, we discuss...

The inspiration behind pursuing his degree in economics (0:54)

Views on the intersection between various fields in economics (4:16)

How to have a meaningful impact as an economist (6:03)

How to balance teaching and research (13:04)

Economic research on the caste system in India (16:58)

Why it is important to learn from setbacks (20:27)

Differentiating between political economy and political science (24:42)

The economics of multi-level marketing (27:05)

The difficulties of regulating multi-level marketing (34:21)

The real-world consequences of multilevel marketing (37:35)

Transcription: Coming Soon!

With the rise in anti-Asian sentiments throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, this week Matt and Lindsay discuss a few facets of anti-Asian and Pacific Islander racism, including:

For those feeling impacted by these current events, we have compiled a list of resources for support:

Asian Mental Health Collective

International Mental Health and Crisis Hotlines

Sources:

Biden condemns 'skyrocketing' hate crimes against Asian Americans in wake of deadly shooting

Atlanta Spa Shootings: What Is Known About the Victims

Reports of Anti-Asian hate crimes are surging in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic

Canadian MPs vote to condemn Atlanta mass shooting, anti-Asian racism

How Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Contribute to the US Economy

A Brief Chronology of Chinese Canadian History

Music: Dyalla - Randy Butternubs  [No Copyright Music]

Transcription

Much of the recent debate in America has surrounded what policies should be adopted to help people struggling through the COVID-19 pandemic.

On this week’s episode, Lindsay and Matt give you the essentials on:

Sources:

Biden on brink of passing historic $1.9tn boost to US economy

House Gives Final Approval to Biden’s $1.9 Trillion Pandemic Relief Bill

A Pandemic May Be a Risky Time for a Higher Minimum Wage

Music: Dyalla - Randy Butternubs  [No Copyright Music]

Transcription

Have you ever wondered how economic concepts might relate to shopping? How the choices we make might be powered by subconscious economic thinking? This week, the Education Team discusses how simple economics ties to our shopping habits and everyday decision-making!

Sources:

Diminishing Marginal Returns

JP Morgan: COVID Consumer Trends

McKinsey: Behavioural Economics

Transcription: Coming Soon!

The international community has commonly used economic sanctions to hedge the threat of nuclear states. How do these sanctions impact the economies of nuclear powers, such as Iran and North Korea? Additionally, are these sanctions even effective at curbing nuclear technology?

Matt and Lindsay try to answer these questions in this week’s episode by discussing:

Sources:

New satellite images reveal North Korea took recent steps to conceal nuclear weapons site

Banyan - Is North Korea's dictator losing his touch? | Asia

What to Know About Sanctions on North Korea

Iran Suggests It May Seek Nuclear Weapons, in New Escalation of Threats

Iran's Nuclear Program Timeline and History | NTI

The double jeopardy of sanctions and COVID-19

Music: Dyalla - Randy Butternubs  [No Copyright Music]

Transcription

Recommend yourself or another UBC Economics Alum: Here!

-> https://forms.gle/S2b7XQiCc5AZH1Pn6

Summary:

Pietro Montanarella, a former BIE student at UBC, shared his experience as an undergraduate research assistant in economics and his career path. In this episode, we discuss…

0:32:  Introduction of Pietro.

1:05:  What his job is about?

2:23:  What is the best part of his career?

3:25:  Why is data an important part of his job?

4:25:  How does his education background impact his career path?

6:20:  Best parts of being a research associate.

7:35:  Pietro’s research assistant experience with UBC professors.

9:15:  Advice on how to become a working research associate for an economic undergraduate.

11:40: Misconceptions about being a research professional.

12:42: Advice for undergraduates.

Sources:

Music Credits: Dude - Patrick Patrikios (https://youtu.be/Ox8fcUshX3s)

Protests and civil unrest have been spreading around the globe like wildfire. However, many of these important events largely 'fly under the radar' due to a lack of coverage and media attention.

On this week’s episode, Matt and Lindsay discuss the economics of several protests around the world, including:

To stay up to date on active protests, visit Global Protest Tracker.

Sources:

Why are Indian farmers protesting?

Farmers' protest could set back India's economic recovery from Covid, says minister

Myanmar coup: What is happening and why?

Military coup likely to damage Myanmar's economy

Pro-Navalny Protests Sweep Russia in Challenge to Putin

Russian rouble feels the heat over Navalny pressure

Music: Dyalla - Randy Butternubs  [No Copyright Music]

Transcription

How do economic concepts relate to everyday life? This Valentine’s Day, our Education Team focuses on how love ties to basic economic concepts. We are grateful to have had the wonderful opportunity to sit down (virtually) and discuss the economics of love with Dr. Marina Adshade. Dr. Adshade is an Assistant Professor at UBC, as well as the author of “Dollars and Sex: How Economics Influence Sex and Love.”

(1:11) How can we use economics to explain love?

(4:00) What are some basic economic concepts that are relevant to the study of human relationships?

(5:50) Marriage systems, changing relationship norms, and companionship.

(9:19) The Austin Institute, divorce rates, and traditional ideas of sex and marriage.

(15:00) Thin and thick markets, and dating.

(18:18) Tinder and dating apps in terms of markets.

(20:34) Robots, sex, and relationships: economic concepts in a high-tech future.

(25:55) Outro: the importance of economic structures in our everyday lives.

If you want to learn more about Dr. Adshade and her research on the economics of sex and love, here is her website and here is her TED Talk!

Transcription: Coming Soon!

This series breaks down economic news - which can often come across as confusing and convoluted. Here, we ditch the jargon and get down to the facts, aiming to make economic concepts in the media accessible to everyone.

On this week’s episode, Matt and Lindsay discuss:

We’ll be back with a new episode in a few weeks, but in the meantime watch out for more episodes from the careers, education, and professors divisions of IonaAsks!

Sources:

Bitcoin surges above $38,000 after Musk adds to Twitter profile,

NerdWallet What Is Cryptocurrency? Beginners Guide to Digital Cash,

Is the US on Its Way to Becoming a Cashless Society?,

Why a Cashless Society Is Still a Long Way Off,

Is Bitcoin Legal?

Music: Dyalla - Randy Butternubs

Transcription

We had the amazing opportunity to interview Dr. Jonathan Graves, who shared his perspective on teaching, conducting research, and how the field of economics is shifting.

In this episode, we discuss...

How economic undergraduate degrees have changed - 1:12

Music - "Stairway" by Patrick Patrikios

Transcript