Trade Splaining

Trade Splaining

By Ardian Mollabeqiri & Robert SkidmoreBusinessNewsBusiness News
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Trade Splaining episodes

  • 2025 Predictions Episode

    Welcome to Trade Splaining, the podcast that makes sense of international trade, business, and expat life without putting you to sleep! In our first episode of 2025, Rob and Ardi dive into a new year of trade predictions, global trends, and some surprising insights about life, business, and...sausages?

    In This Episode:

    • 2025 Trade Predictions: What’s in store for global trade and why tariffs, insurance, and inflation will dominate discussions.
    • China’s Record Trade Surplus: How near $1 trillion exports reveal vulnerabilities in domestic demand and fuel trade tensions.
    • The Role of Insurance in Climate Economics: With the world heating up, we explore the escalating costs and the ripple effects of uninsurability.
    • Labor vs. Capital: As 2025 unfolds, who has the upper hand, and what does it mean for workers?
    • New Apps, Old Vibes: Michelle talks about the shifting digital landscape and why the U.S. government’s TikTok actions may have unintended consequences for cultural learning.

      • Other Highlights:

      • A look back at tantalum, the rare metal behind cutting-edge watches and electronics.
      • Sausage bars in Geneva? Yes, it’s a thing now!
      • Why Eurovision in Switzerland might just be worth your time (or not).

        • Fun Fact: This is episode 73, the atomic number of tantalum, tying it all back to international trade and rare resources!

        Listener Call-to-Action:

        Got predictions for 2025? Or thoughts on tariffs, tantalum, or Taylor Swift’s rumored climate anthem? Let us know!

        • Email us at [email protected]
        • Follow us on Twitter (@Tradesplaining) and Instagram (@trade.splaining)

          • Where to Listen:

          You can find Trade Splaining on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend (or a stranger).

          Listen Responsibly

          23 min
        • Predicting Economic Trends, Indigenous Art, and the Revival of Mercantilism
          Episode 72: Predicting Economic Trends, Indigenous Art, and the Revival of Mercantilism

          In this week’s episode of Trade Splaining, Rob and Ardian explore the latest quirks and complexities of global trade and economics, with a special focus on cultural preservation.

          🎙️ What You’ll Hear:
          • 💄 Lipstick Economics: How luxury consumer trends hint at economic uncertainty.
          • 🌍 Mercantilism Returns: Why nations are revisiting protectionist policies and what it means.
          • 🎨 Spotlight on Indigenous Art: Special guest James Johnson, Tlingit artist and carver, shares his journey of balancing cultural preservation with global market opportunities.
            • 🔑 Key Takeaways:
            • The luxury market is shrinking, signaling potential shifts in consumer confidence.
            • Mercantilist policies are reshaping trade and economic relations worldwide.
            • Indigenous artists like James Johnson are trailblazing pathways for cultural exchange and representation in global markets.
              • 🎧 Listen Now:

              Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or anywhere you get your podcasts.

              🔍 SEO Keywords:
              • Lipstick Economics
              • Mercantilism in Modern Trade
              • Indigenous Art in Global Markets
              • Tlingit Culture and Trade
              • Luxury Market Trends
              • Economic Forecasting
              • Global Trade Policy Podcast

                • Stay informed, stay curious, and, as always, listen responsibly! 🎙️

                46 min
              • Tarantulas, Tariffs, and Trade Wars: Ambassador Maria Pagan on Global Trade’s Future
                Episode 71: Tarantulas, Tariffs, and Trade Wars: Ambassador Maria Pagan on Global Trade’s Future

                In this week’s episode of Tradesplaining, Rob and Ardi tackle the unexpected, the essential, and the downright quirky in global trade and policy. Joined by Ambassador Maria Pagan, U.S. representative to the WTO, this episode offers insights and plenty of laughs as they explore:

                🎙️ What’s Inside:
                • Tarantula Smuggling Gone Wild 🕷️: A man caught with 300 tarantulas at customs? Learn how the global wildlife trade intersects with international regulations.
                • COP29 Climate Talks 🌱: From funding gaps to policy fatigue, we break down the major takeaways from the latest climate conference and what it means for global sustainability.
                • Cheese and Tariffs 🧀: Why Parmesan is being hoarded in response to shifting trade policies.
                • National Security in Trade 🛡️: Ambassador Pagan explains how national security exceptions are reshaping trade policy and the role of the WTO in dispute resolution.
                • Globalization Trends 🌍: Are new tech jobs like TikTok QVC hosts the latest iteration of globalization?
                  • 🔑 Key Takeaways:
                  • The U.S. perspective on the WTO’s role in dispute resolution.
                  • How climate goals are stalling at COP29 and what needs to happen next.
                  • Quirky stories that make trade more relatable, from smuggled wildlife to unusual customs cases.
                    • 🎧 Listen Now:

                    Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere you get your podcasts. Don’t forget to leave a review and share with friends who love global stories with a twist!

                    📌 Follow Us:
                    • Twitter: @Tradesplaining
                    • Instagram: @trade.splaining
                      • 🔍  Keywords:
                      • COP29 Climate Talks
                      • National Security Trade Policy
                      • Ambassador Maria Pagan WTO
                      • Tarantula Smuggling Stories
                      • Global Trade Podcast
                      • Parmesan Cheese Tariffs
                      • TikTok Globalization Trends
                      • Climate Finance Challenges
                      • Wildlife Trade Regulations
                      • Sustainable Trade Practices

                        • Stay informed, stay entertained, and as always—listen responsibly! 🎙️

                        45 min
                      • Diverging Economies: US vs. EU, Turkey’s BRICS Pivot, and New Globalization Narratives ft. Nicholas Lamp
                        Episode 70: Diverging Paths, Turkey’s BRICS Aspirations, and Narratives on Globalization ft. Nicholas Lamp

                        Welcome to Episode 70 of Trade Splaining! In this episode, Rob and Ardi are joined by Nicholas Lamp, Associate Professor at Queen’s University, to discuss diverging economic approaches, shifting trade narratives, and some unexpected trends.

                        Key Topics Covered:
                        • US vs. EU Economic Divergence: As the U.S. and Europe take increasingly different approaches to economic policy, what does this mean for a unified Western strategy?
                      • Turkey and the BRICS: Turkey’s aspirations to join the BRICS highlight a shift toward a multipolar global economy. How could this reshape alliances and influence trade?
                      • Narratives on Globalization: Nicholas Lamp offers fresh insights on how public and political perspectives on globalization are evolving, as seen in his book, Six Faces of Globalization.
                        • Special Guest:

                        Nicholas Lamp, an expert in international trade law, joins us to unpack the changing narratives around globalization and share his take on what the future holds for global trade.

                        Highlights:
                        • Insights into the U.S.-EU economic policy gap.
                      • Turkey’s pivot to BRICS and its implications for NATO and Western alliances.
                      • A deeper look at the forces shaping public and political discourse on globalization, from labor rights to climate concerns.
                      • A humorous dive into the quirky concept of the “selmelier” (salt sommelier) and other local news.

                        • 🔊 Tune in now for an episode packed with trade insights, policy debates, and some light-hearted moments!

                        Keywords:
                        • US-EU Economic Divergence
                      • Turkey BRICS Membership
                      • Globalization Narratives
                      • International Trade Podcast
                      • Nicholas Lamp
                      • BRICS Alliance
                      • WTO
                      • Global Trade Dynamics
                      • Trade Policy Trends
                      • Global Economic Shifts

                        • 📌 Call to Action: Stay informed—subscribe to Tradesplaining on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform. Share your thoughts and leave a review!

                        Follow us on social media for more updates and insights:

                        • Twitter: @Tradesplaining
                      • Instagram: @trade.splaining

                        • #GlobalTrade #TradePolicy #BRICS #Globalization #NicholasLamp #EconomicDivergence #TurkeyBRICS #Podcast #USTrade #EUTrade #SupplyChain #BusinessPodcast

                        48 min
                      • Re-Globalization, Chinese Stimulus, and Worker-Centered Trade Policy ft. Ambassador Maria Pagan

                        Welcome to Trade Splaining Episode 69!

                        In this episode, hosts Rob and Ardian are joined by Ambassador Maria Pagan, U.S. representative to the WTO, to discuss a wide range of timely topics in global trade.

                        Key Topics Covered:
                        • Re-Globalization: What does the post-pandemic world look like? We explore how trade rules must evolve to meet the needs of 2024 and beyond.
                      • China’s Economic Stimulus: As China pushes stimulus packages to revitalize its slowing economy, what will this mean for global trade dynamics?
                      • Worker-Centered Trade Policy: Ambassador Pagan breaks down what the U.S. means by "worker-centered" trade policy and why it’s critical in today’s evolving economic landscape.
                        • Special Guest:

                        Amb. Maria Pagan, who leads the U.S. mission to the WTO, shares her expert insight on how trade policy is shifting, addressing inequalities, and adapting to modern challenges like technology disruptions and geopolitical tensions.

                        Highlights:
                        • The importance of adapting trade rules in light of modern challenges.
                      • How China’s stimulus could impact global growth and trade.
                      • A detailed discussion on worker-centered trade policies and their long-term benefits.
                      • Amb. Pagan’s personal journey and what she’s learned from her extensive career in international trade.

                        • 🔊 Tune in now for thought-provoking discussions on the future of global trade!

                        📌 Call to Action: Don’t miss out on these timely insights—subscribe to Tradesplaining on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Be sure to leave a review and share with your network!

                        Follow us on social media for more updates and behind-the-scenes content:

                        • Twitter: @Tradesplaining
                      • Instagram: @trade.splaining

                        • #GlobalTrade #TradePolicy #WTO #ReGlobalization #ChineseStimulus #WorkerCenteredPolicy #Podcast #AmbMariaPagan #InternationalBusiness #USTrade #TradeNegotiations #GlobalEconomy #EconomicStimulus #TradeReform #SupplyChain

                        51 min
                      • Trade, National Security and the WTO Walk Into a Bar

                        Episode 68 – Trade, National Security, and the WTO Walk Into a Bar

                        Welcome to Trade Splaining – the podcast that makes sense of international trade, business, and expat life... without putting you to sleep.

                        In this special WTO Public Forum edition, your hosts, Rob and Ardian, dive deep into national security, global trade, and even kebabs. Episode 68 brings a lively discussion with special guests Dr. Mona Paulson from the London School of Economics and Professor Greg Messenger from the University of Bristol. This episode is packed with insights on the evolving dynamics of global trade, dispute resolution, and the intersection of trade and national security.

                        Episode Highlights:

                        - What’s New at the WTO Public Forum?: Mona and Greg give us the scoop from the heart of Geneva. From re-globalization to security exceptions, we get an insider look at what global leaders and policymakers are focusing on in 2024.
                        - National Security & Trade – A Growing Tension: Explore how national security is increasingly used as a rationale for trade decisions. Is it a legitimate concern or just an excuse for protectionism? Greg and Mona dissect the legal and political implications.
                        - Dispute Settlement Crisis at the WTO: With the U.S. absent from key discussions and a massive drop in disputes, is the WTO’s future in jeopardy? Our guests weigh in on the future of multilateralism and whether informal agreements are the new way forward.
                        - Climate Change and Trade: Developing countries are pushing for climate action within the WTO, but how do we reconcile economic security with environmental protection? Hear from our experts on how the global trade system is adapting to these urgent challenges.
                        - Is the WTO Appellate Body Done For?: With the U.S. blocking new appointments, how will trade disputes be settled? The rise of unilateral actions and side agreements points to a modular future, but what does that mean for global trade governance?

                        Key Quotes:

                        - "The WTO is at an inflection point – it's not about going back to normal, it's about moving forward with a new, inclusive vision for global trade."
                        - "National security has become the 'get-out-of-jail-free card' for trade restrictions. But is it really justified, or are we just seeing a rise in protectionism?"

                        About Our Guests:

                        - Dr. Mona Paulson: Assistant Professor at LSE, specializing in international economic law and trade policy. Her research delves into the intersections of trade, development, and economic security.
                        - Professor Greg Messenger: Trade law expert at the University of Bristol, co-director of the Trade and Public Policy Network (TAP), and advisor on trade and sustainable development issues in the UK.

                        Connect With Us:

                        - Don’t miss an episode – subscribe to *Tradesplaining* on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app.
                        - Follow us on Twitter: @Tradesplaining for the latest updates and trade jokes.
                        - Got questions or feedback? Drop us an email at [email protected].

                         

                        Listen, laugh, and learn – all in under an hour!

                        39 min
                      • Cheese Wars, Coal's Comeback, and Strava Jockeys (It’s a thing)

                        Episode 67: Cheese Wars, Coal's Comeback, and Strava Jockeys (It’s a thing)

                        Welcome to Episode 67 of Tradesplaining! In this episode, hosts Rob and Ardian dive into some of the most intriguing and unexpected topics in international trade, business, and expat life.

                        Here’s what’s on the agenda:


                        - The Cheese War: Explore the brewing conflict over cheese consumption guidelines. With the U.S. FDA recommending zero servings of cheese, is a dairy showdown between Switzerland and Wisconsin on the horizon?
                        - Coal’s Comeback: Despite global efforts to transition to renewable energy, coal consumption has surged to record highs. Find out why countries like China and India are doubling down on coal, and what this means for the future of the energy sector.
                        - Strava Jockeys: Discover the latest trend in outsourcing your exercise routine. Learn how Strava users are hiring others to log their miles and compete with friends without breaking a sweat.

                        Special Segments:

                        - Listener Feedback: Rob and Artie share insights and responses from the Tradesplaining community, including thoughts on their recent interview with Dimitri.
                        - The Vibe Shift: Michelle introduces us to the concept of Strava Jockeys and how globalization is creating new job opportunities in unexpected areas.
                        - Local News: Dive into some bizarre yet true local stories from Geneva, including a snowball fight turned legal case and the challenges of Swiss egg quotas.


                        Don't miss out on future episodes! Subscribe to Tradesplaining on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Be sure to leave a review and share the podcast with a friend. You can also find us on YouTube and follow us on social media: Twitter and Instagram.

                        For questions, comments, or just to say hi, drop us an email at [email protected].

                        Stay tuned, stay informed, and as always, listen responsibly!

                        34 min
                      • More EU Regulations, Shifting Summer Tourism and Uncovering Why Politicians Lie About Trade with Dimitry Grozoubinski

                        Tradesplaining Podcast Episode 66: More EU Regulations, Shifting Summer Tourism and Uncovering Why Politicians Lie About Trade with author Dimitry Grozoubinski

                        ---

                        Episode Summary

                        Welcome to Episode 66 of the Tradesplaining podcast! In this episode, hosts Rob and Ardi dive into the complexities of international trade, explore shifting tourism trends, and discuss why luxury watches may not be the investment they once were. This episode features a special guest interview with Dmitry Grozubinsky, author of "Why Politicians Lie About Trade."

                         

                        Key Topics Covered

                        1. EU Deforestation Regulation

                           - The episode kicks off with a discussion on the EU's new deforestation regulation, highlighting its potential impact on international trade and the challenges it poses for importers.
                           
                        2. Shifts in Tourism Trends
                           - Rob and Ardi explore why high-spending American tourists are now favoring the coast of Poland over traditional destinations like Greece. They discuss the economic implications of this shift and how climate change is influencing travel patterns.

                        3. Investment in Luxury Watches

                           - A lighthearted yet insightful segment on why watches have historically been a poor investment, complete with humorous anecdotes and market analysis.

                        4. Interview with Dmitry Grozoubinsky

                           - Dmitry Grozoubinsky, a renowned trade policy expert, joins the podcast to discuss his latest book, "Why Politicians Lie About Trade." Dmitry shares insights on the complexities of trade negotiations and the misinformation often propagated by politicians.

                        5. US Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum

                           - The hosts delve into the US's recent imposition of retroactive tariffs on steel and aluminum from Mexico, examining the broader implications for trade relations and the Republican platform's stance on tariffs.

                        6. Local News and Watch Industry Trends

                           - The episode concludes with a segment on local news, focusing on the plummeting value of luxury watches and the introduction of the Bloomberg Subdial Watch Index.

                        Quotes from the Episode

                        - Rob on EU Regulations: "If you don't have good data about where your coffee was grown, you could be excluded from the EU market."

                        - Ardi on Tourism: "High-spending Americans are driving economies across Southern Europe as vacationers take advantage of a strong dollar."
                        - Dmitry Grozubinsky: "If someone with a large public platform is communicating about an issue in a way that leaves the public with an incomplete or misleading picture, for me that is foundationally indistinguishable from lying."

                        Listener Engagement

                        - Subscribe and Share: Don't forget to subscribe to Tradesplaining on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube. Share this episode with friends or colleagues interested in international trade and business.

                        - Feedback:Reach out via Twitter @tradesplaining, Instagram @trade.splaining, or email [email protected].

                        Keywords

                        - International Trade

                        - EU Deforestation Regulation
                        - Tourism Trends 2024
                        - Luxury Watch Investment
                        - Dmitry Grozubinsky
                        - US Tariffs on Steel
                        - Trade Policy Podcast

                        ---

                        Join us for an informative and entertaining episode as we navigate the intricate world of international trade, dissect current economic trends, and share a few laughs along the way. Tune in now and stay informed on the latest in trade and business!

                        46 min
                      • AI, China(again) and Rethinking Supply Chains with Peter S. Goodman

                        Welcome to Episode 65 of Tradesplaining! This week, hosts Rob and Ardian dive into the intricacies of the U.S. borrowing its way to economic growth, the role of AI in trade, and, of course, the ever-relevant topic of China. They also sit down with Peter S. Goodman, Global Economic Correspondent for The New York Times, to discuss his latest book, "How the World Ran Out of Everything: Inside the Global Supply Chain." Tune in for listener feedback, a news roundup, and a few laughs along the way.

                         

                        Key Topics:

                        1. U.S. Economic Growth and Borrowing:

                           - Discussion on the U.S. borrowing strategy to fuel economic growth.
                           - Comparison with Europe's economic performance.
                           - Insight into global economic policies and their impact.

                        2. AI in Trade:

                           - Analysis of AI's potential and risks in global trade.
                           - Perspectives on AI-driven economic disruptions.
                           - Expert opinions on the future of AI in the trade sector.

                        3. China's Influence:

                           - Overview of China's role in global trade.
                           - Recent developments in Chinese trade policies.
                           - Impact of geopolitical tensions on trade dynamics.

                        4. Interview with Peter S. Goodman:

                           - In-depth conversation about his book, "How the World Ran Out of Everything."
                           - Exploration of global supply chain vulnerabilities exposed by the pandemic.
                           - Stories of real-world impacts on workers and businesses.
                           - Discussion on the future of supply chain management and resilience.

                        Segments

                        - Introduction:

                          - Hosts Rob and Artie set the stage for the episode with their trademark humor and insights.

                        - What Went Wrong This Week:

                          - IKEA's shift in production to North America.
                          - G7's unified stance on Chinese trade policies.

                        - Winning in America:

                          - Analysis of America's recent economic strategies.
                          - Comparative look at Europe's economic challenges.

                        - The Vibe Shift:

                          - Correspondent Michelle discusses the metaverse, IKEA's presence on Roblox, and the evolving landscape of virtual work.

                         

                        - Local News:

                          - Public service announcement from Maersk regarding early Christmas orders.
                          - Light-hearted commentary on current events.

                         

                        Special Thanks:

                        - Executive Producer: Michelle O'Geen
                        - Production Assistance: Armina Sinani

                         

                        Subscribe & Follow:

                        Don't miss out on future episodes! Subscribe to Tradesplaining on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and now on YouTube. Leave us a review and share with friends!

                         

                        Connect with Us:

                        - Twitter: [@Tradesplaining](https://twitter.com/Tradesplaining)
                        - Instagram: [@Trade.splaining](https://instagram.com/Trade.splaining)

                         

                        Listen Responsibly!

                        ---

                        Optimize your podcast experience by tuning in to Episode 65 of Tradesplaining, where international trade meets humor and insight. Dive deep into economic strategies, AI's impact on trade, and learn from industry expert Peter S. Goodman. Perfect for listeners passionate about global economics, supply chain management, and staying informed with a touch of wit.

                        50 min
                      • The Tariffs Keep on Coming, While Mexico is Stuck in the Middle

                        Episode 64 - "The Tariffs Keep on Coming, While Mexico is Stuck in the Middle"

                        Hosts: Ardian Mollabeqiri and Robert Skidmore

                        Guest: Lars Karlsson, Global Head of Trade and Customs Consulting at Maersk

                        ---

                        Episode Summary

                        Welcome to Episode 64 of Trade Splaining, the podcast that makes sense of international trade, business, and expat life without putting you to sleep—most of the time. In this episode, we dive into Mexico's strategic position in the ongoing US-China trade tensions, the rising trend of tariffs, and the surprising new role of TikTok in career development. Our special guest, Lars Karlsson, sheds light on navigating trade in an era of uncertainty.

                        ---

                        Key Segments

                        1. Introduction and Episode Overview

                           - Hosts: Ardian Mollabeqiri and Robert Skidmore
                           - Topics: Mexico's economic opportunities amid US-China tensions, the rise of tariffs, and TikTok’s role in career networking.

                        2. News Highlights

                           - Swiss Watchmaker's Success: Recep Recepi’s watch auctioned for $4.3 million.
                           - Listener Feedback: Germany's proposed price cap on kebabs.
                           - Tariffs Update: President Biden’s new tariffs on EVs, semiconductors, and solar cells targeting Chinese goods.

                        3. Main Discussion Points

                           - Mexico’s Economic Position:
                             - The impact of US-China trade disputes on Mexican manufacturing.
                             - Benefits from the USMCA trade agreement.
                           - Global Trade Conflicts:
                             - Turkey suspending trade with Israel due to the Gaza conflict.
                             - Security threats in the Red Sea causing shipping route changes and increased CO2 emissions.

                        4. Interview with Lars Karlsson

                           - Trade in an Uncertain World:
                             - Insights into global trade volatility.
                             - The importance of digitalization and resilience in supply chains.
                           - **Future Trends:**
                             - The impact of new trade compliance regulations.
                             - The balance between resilience and sustainability in trade.

                        5. Local News and Fun Segments

                           - Stolen Bike Recovery in Geneva: Innovative approaches to preventing bike theft.
                           - Migration Panic: Capturing female Asian wasps in Switzerland.
                           - Euro Mullet Competition: Details about the upcoming mullet competition in Valais.

                        6. Closing Remarks

                           - A reminder to subscribe, review, and follow the podcast on various platforms.

                        ---

                        Notable Quotes

                        - Lars Karlsson on Resilience: "We are getting more resilience. We are more accurate in what we do. And we are doing that in a more volatile and insecure situation for trade than ever before."
                        - Ardi on Trade Conflicts: "Trade is just sort of a passenger on the ship, and it's really not the one driving the car right?"
                        - Rob on Digitalization: "The digitalization of trade and the use of data in supply chains are accelerating, making it easier to handle new regulations and crises."

                        ---

                        Featured Links

                        - Maersk - Learn more about Lars Karlsson’s work and Maersk’s trade solutions.
                        - USMCA Trade Agreement - Explore the benefits and details of the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

                        ---

                        Connect with Us

                        - Twitter: @Tradesplaining 
                        - Instagram: @trade.splaining

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                        Subscribe & Review:

                        - Apple Podcasts
                        - Spotify
                        - Google Podcasts
                        - YouTube

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                        #InternationalTrade #Tariffs #MexicoEconomy #SupplyChain #TikTokCareers #TradeCompliance #Podcast #TradeNews

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                        Credits:

                        - Hosts: Ardian Mollabeqiri and Robert Skidmore
                        - Guest: Lars Karlsson
                        - Executive Producer: Michelle Olguin
                        - Production Assistance: Armina Sinani

                        ---

                        **Disclaimer:** Remember to listen responsibly and share this episode with friends and colleagues interested in the latest trends in international trade and business.

                        39 min

                      About Trade Splaining

                      From the publisher's feed

                      Trade, markets and geopolitics from Geneva - tariffs, chokepoints, energy shocks and supply chains, explained with the facts first and the jokes second.