Episode 4: Profit maximisation, PS5, and Bullshit Jobs

We are back! Our initial format ended in 2020 with our (iconic?) episode about moral hazard. But the new curfew announced by Quebec government made us feel obligated to take back our mics and to give our opinions on it! Thus, Everyday Economics is now back for a few episodes where we will continue to relate economic concepts and strategies to news surrounding us. Stay safe and happy new year!

In this episode, we first discuss about Vancouver’s economic strategy to decrease congestion in the city. We also talk about the reason of the current PS5 and Xbox Series X shortages and its implications (which was also the occasion for Lanny to talk about secondary market!). For the main microeconomic topic of the day, we will talk about moral hazard through different anecdotes of our everyday life. This week, we also answer to, not one, but two voice messages: Sanna and her economic development question; and Jared from Texas (our very first fan!) with his truck's question. Thank you for listening to this first season of Everyday Economics. Stay safe and good luck for your finals!

In this episode, we first discuss about the idea of canceling existing student loans in the US, a topic which have been pretty controversial lately. We also discuss about Verily, Google’s health care company, and its ethical implications regarding data. For the main microeconomic topic of the day, we will talk about adverse selection through different anecdotes of our everyday life. If you want to react and be a part our podcast (as Geneviève did today), send us a voice or a text message at one of the following addresses: @gregoire_mld on Instagram, or with the function message on Anchor.Stay safe and see you next week!

In this episode, we first discuss about strategic interactions happening between the government and its population in order to control the covid transmission. Then we talk about the news of the week (if it’s not the news of the decade), the announcement of a vaccine by Pfizer and its implication on markets. For the main microeconomic topic of the day, we will discuss about oligopoly. If you want to react and be a part our podcast (as Émerick did today), send us a voice or a text message at one of the following addresses: @gregoire_mld on Instagram, or with the function message here https://anchor.fm/everydayeconomics, or e-mail. Stay safe and see you next week!

In this episode, we go back to the basics this podcast because Lanny will talk about what’s going on in the NHL from an economist point of view and Justin will talk about the concept of crunching in the video game industry. For the main microeconomic topic of the day, we will discuss about game theory, or in other words about strategic interactions. If you want to react and be a part our podcast (as Özgür did today), send us a voice or a text message at one of the following addresses: @gregoire_mld on Instagram, or with the function message here https://anchor.fm/everydayeconomics, or e-mail. Stay safe and see you next week!

In this episode, we discuss about IKEA’s new initiative with second handed furnitures and if it should be considered as green washing or not. For the main microeconomic topic of the day, we will talk about risk and uncertainty through different anecdotes of our everyday life. In the end, we will react about a an article published in La Presse in October and talk about how the pandemic is changing the university experience for students and staff. If you want to react and be a part our podcast (as Eugénie did today), send us a voice or a text message at one of the following addresses: @gregoire_mld on Instagram, or with the function message here https://anchor.fm/everydayeconomics, or e-mail. Stay safe and see you next week!

In this episode, we discuss about how both Airbnb and the covid crisis are impacting housing in big cities recently. Also, back in march 2020, you may remember a boom in plane’s tickets prices; Lanny and Justin discuss about if it should be considered under the demand or the price discrimination scope. During the main microeconomic topic of the day, we will try do answer the question: Is price discrimination ethical? Among multiple examples, we will try to understand the three types of price discrimination which exist. If you want to react and be a part our podcast, send us a voice or a text message at one of the following addresses: @gregoire_mld on Instagram, or with the function message here https://anchor.fm/everydayeconomics, or e-mail. Stay safe and see you next week!

In this episode, we discuss about why China is planning to build 3 millions of elevators in its country, how it could be a relief for its economy after the Covid crisis, and some consequence of its previous natality policies. We also discuss how companies can influence natality policies by talking about theses companies which are now covering the cost of eggs freezing for women. Finally, we try to explain what is the role for economists in the fight against climate change. If you want to react and be a part our podcast (as Oneka did today), send us a voice or a text message at one of the following addresses: @gregoire_mld on Instagram, or with the function message here https://anchor.fm/everydayeconomics, or e-mail. Stay safe and see you next week!

In this episode, we discuss about the Climate Clock which appeared in Manhattan last week and why it can be counter-productive in order to fight climate change. We also discuss about the recent letter sent by many economists asking Justin Trudeau to reevaluate the Trans-Mountain pipelines project. After that we debate about the gig-economy and what is going to change for companies such as Uber. Finally, we try to understand why the healthcare in the U.S. is so expensive! If you want to react and be a part our podcast (as Maïlys did today), send us a voice or a text message at one of the following addresses: @gregoire_mld on Instagram, or with the function message here https://anchor.fm/everydayeconomics, or e-mail. Stay safe and see you next week!

In this episode, we discuss about why Sony chooses to offer two different models (and thus two different prices) for their new game console: the PS5! The main microeconomic topic of the day is: profit maximisation; we see a profit maximisation example through the OPEC, we also discuss about the concept of Bullshit Jobs (from an essay written by David Graeber), and still many other ramblings! If you want to react and be a part our podcast (as Alex did today), send us a voice or a text message at one of the following addresses: @gregoire_mld on Instagram, or with the function message here https://anchor.fm/everydayeconomics, or e-mail. Stay safe and see you next week!