The Lab With Brad

Tall ships and troubled trips

After a rocky start, the Dutch managed to build enough wooden ships to take over the world, despite having no trees to speak of.

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Here’s an article that outlines the Dutch economy during what is called their golden age.

The Dutch Economy in the Golden Age

Here’s a video about the Dutch East India Company.

The Dutch East India Company: The Richest Company In The World

Here’s a paper on what was learned about Dutch ship building from the wreck of one of their ships.

Batavia shipwreck timbers reveal a key to Dutch success in 17th-century world trade

And here’s a video on 17th century Dutch ship building.

17th century Dutch Shipbuilding

How stock markets began

We take a look at the historical beginnings of stock trading and stock markets, with a side order of the Dutch.

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Here are a couple of articles about how stock markets began.

History of Stock Market: Everything to Know How it All Started

A Brief History of the Stock Market

7 years of the lab, and some upcoming changes

Join us to celebrate 7 years of this show, and hear about new projects we’ve begun.

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Technical issues!

We’ve been having some trouble with one thing and another, so here’s a short apology to let you know we haven’t quit, and don’t plan to.

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What are stocks and bonds?

I’m sure you’ve at least heard of stocks and bonds, but, what in the 9 hells are they?

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Here’s a site on stocks and stock trading.

The Basics of Investing In Stocks

And here’s a site on bonds.

Bonds: How They Work and How To Invest

When gold and silver don’t deliver

It’s all about central banks this time, their roll and historical roots.

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It worked, until it didn’t

Join us for the Mississippi bubble, when a Scottish gambler and convicted murderer gain control of virtually all French finances.

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Here’s an article about John Law and the Mississippi bubble.

John Law and the Mississippi Bubble: 1718-1720

Here’s a video on the same thing.

John Law and the Mississippi Bubble

And here’s a much longer, and more detailed video.

John Law - The First Financial Engineer - A History of Paper Money and The Mississippi Bubble

It’s the beginning of banks baby!

Join us for the start of banks and banking, with a side trip to how US money is printed.

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Here’s an article about the printing of money in the US.

Journey to Circulation

Here’s a bit about how the federal reserve decided how much new money to order for 2024.

Federal Reserve Board - Currency Print Orders

Here’s a nice outline of the history of banking.

The history of banking from ancient times to now

And here’s a video, obviously meant for children, about how banking got started.

HISTORY OF BANKS

Pick a card

Join us for the beginnings of paper money and fiat currency.

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Check out our latest attempt at Episode One.

Take 159 of Episode One: Got Milk?

Here are a couple of articles about the use of playing cards as money.

A Good Deal

Playing-Card Money

And here’s a video about the invention of paper money.

Inventing Paper Money

Coin flips and clips

Join us as we attempt to figure out where the first coins came from.

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Here are a couple of things on Roman coins.

Coin Production in the Roman World

Ancient Roman Coins: More Than Just Money

Rome: A Thousand Years of Monetary History

And here’s a bit about what might be the first ever coins.

The Coinage of Ephesus