Understanding America’s $38 Trillion Debt and the Path Forward

Jeremy Siegel, Professor Emeritus of Finance at the Wharton School and Senior Economist at WisdomTree, offers his perspective on Fed decision-making amid data gaps, evolving consumer trends, AI-driven market competition, and the broader economic implications of shifting U.S.–China relations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Pauly, Professor Emeritus of Healthcare Management at the Wharton School, examines Senator Bill Cassidy’s new health savings account–based proposal, evaluates its relationship to existing ACA tax credits, and offers broader insights into the persistent economic and political challenges of U.S. health care reform. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mina Fader, Managing Director of the Baker Retailing Center at the Wharton School, offers insights on how inflation, inventory strategy, consumer spending habits, and the renewed importance of in-store experiences are shaping the outlook for holiday retail performance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kevin Werbach, Wharton Professor of Legal Studies and Business Ethics, explores the goals, limits, and broader national context of California’s newly enacted AI child-protection bill and what it signals for future regulation and industry responsibility. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ezekiel Hernandez, Wharton Management Professor, explains new research co-authored with Britta Glennon revealing how limits in the H-1B visa program push companies toward targeted M&A activity as a strategic response to skilled labor shortages. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Itay Goldstein, Wharton Professor of Economics and Finance, analyzes Coinbase’s $375 million acquisition of blockchain capital-raising platform Echo, exploring how reduced regulatory uncertainty, renewed interest in Initial Coin Offerings, and innovations like stablecoins are influencing the next stage of crypto market evolution. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kent Smetters, Wharton Professor of Business Economics and Public Policy and Faculty Director of the Penn Wharton Budget Model, explains the economic realities behind the United States’ $38 trillion national debt, discussing options for increasing revenue, reforming entitlements, and fostering bipartisan approaches to secure the nation’s fiscal future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefano Puntoni, Wharton marketing professor and co-director of Wharton Human AI Research, discusses findings from a multi-year study on how companies are implementing generative AI, examining its impact on entry-level jobs, return on investment, and the growing intersection between human expertise and emerging technology. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jeremy Siegel, Emeritus Professor of Finance at the Wharton School and Senior Economist at WisdomTree, analyzes the Federal Reserve’s latest rate decisions, the evolving U.S. labor market amid AI-driven changes, and the global economic implications of renewed U.S.-China trade negotiations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rob DiGisi, Lecturer in Legal Studies and Business Ethics at the Wharton School, joins the show to discuss how recent gambling indictments involving NBA figures reveal the complex intersection of legality, ethics, and integrity in professional sports—and why issues like prop bets, player vulnerability, and federal cooperation continue to shape the future of regulated sports wagering. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.