Can stepping out of our own little bubble make us better or at least more accepting people? To bubble-hop is to meet and connect with people whose backgrounds, knowledge, opinions, or beliefs differ from our own. In today’s episode of Sound Economy we speak to Emma Stenström, Associate Professor at the Stockholm School of Economics, about her research on bubble-hopping. She believes that in today’s polarized society, bubble-hopping can serve to bridge divides between people. 

Does wealth make you happier and healthier? What lifestyle changes do people make when faced with a sudden increase in wealth? In this episode of Sound Economy, host Emma Johnson speaks to Professor Robert Östling about his journey to become an economist (rather than a bus driver), his research on Swedish lottery winners, and about the joys and frustrations of the academic field of Economics.

Increasing life expectancy and a lower birth-rate means the world’s population is aging rapidly. The demographic shift in the ratio between old-age and work-age means new policies to provide for the retired need to be considered. But what policies and changes will have the best outcome for what countries? Professor Johanna Wallenius talks about her research on retirement policies using dynamic structural life models that allow researchers to simulate the effects of, for instance, raising the retirement age. 

Host: Emma Summer Johnson.

What is the relationship between academics and policy makers, especially in a time of crises? What can we do to support Ukraine? And what is needed for a successful reconstruction of a country devastated by war? Director of SITE, Torbjörn Becker joins the Sound Economy podcast to discuss his most recent research on macroeconomic policies and a blueprint for the reconstruction of Ukraine.

Host: Emma Summer Johnson.

This episode was recorded in February, 2023.

Why do highly skilled migrants encounter difficulties getting a skilled job? And at what point does being benevolent become discrimination? Professor Laurence Romani visits the podcast Sound Economy to talk about her research on skilled migrants in the workplace and cultural norms and practices that cause companies to miss out on talent on the job market.

Host: Victor White

How does the financial system work, what risks and stressors are affecting the economy and what can we do to avoid a financial crisis? In this episode of Sound Economy, Professor Bo Becker at the Swedish House of Finance at SSE talks about his role his role on the European Systemic Risk Board (ESRB), which helps the EU measure financial risk, and how academic research can help guide policy in the EU.

Host: Victor White.

With climate change looming large, how can retailers and consumers work towards a more sustainable consumption? What are retail companies doing when it comes to environmental, social and governance (ESG) challenges? Learn more in the latest episode of Sound Economy, where Professor Sara Rosengren talks about communicating social innovation, marketing, transforming demand and changing customer behaviors – both before and after purchase. Host: Victor White.

When the market goes down and inflation goes up, which financial risks can be reduced, and which are unavoidable? How should you think about saving and borrowing money over a lifetime? And who is really better at investments – women or men? On this episode we talk to Professor Paolo Sodini, an expert on household finance, about his research on Swedish households and their assets and liabilities, cleaning microdata and why the rich get even richer. Host: Victor White

What programs and initiatives actually make a difference for integration, education and health? How do we know what works so we can put our effort and money where they are the most effective? That’s what Associate Professor Martina Björkman Nyqvist’s work is all about. Using a Nobel Price-winning method (randomized control trials) she is evaluating social inclusion programs such as Kompis Sverige (Buddy Sweden), education programs and health programs in India and a number of African countries. Together she and host Victor White discuss how research can contribute to a better world, and how to help without imposing your own culture and values on those you are trying to help.  

Topics: Development economics, health economics, public service delivery, and economics of education.

Can governments and states be entrepreneurial? What does it mean to be innovative? Can you artificially produce or reproduce a spontaneous process? Professor Karl Wennberg is the first guest on SSE’s new podcast, Sound Economy. Together with host Victor White, he talks about his new book, Questioning the Entrepreneurial State, and the very nature of innovation and creativity.