Marginal Babble

Max Dorey

Home of the Marginal Babble Podcast, hosted by Maxwell Dorey. Max takes Economists, Scientists, Businessmen and more, on an exploratory journey of their work and fields. We hope you enjoy the show, or at least don't burst your bubble... Youtube: @maxwelldorey

  1. FEB 11

    History of the Russian Economy | Marginal Babble Ep.28 with Professor Richard Ericson

    Explore the intricate evolution of Russia's economy, from Tsarist infrastructure to Soviet command systems to Russia’s modern-day challenges. Economist Richard Ericson delves into the sustainability of Russia's resource-driven growth, the impact of geopolitical tensions, and the looming risks of its current economic model. This episode offers a rare glimpse into the forces shaping one of the world's most consequential nations, perfect for those interested in geopolitics and economic resilience.   Professor Richard Ericson:https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=UOLZdsYAAAAJ&hl=en   “The Classical Soviet-Type Economy: Nature of the System and Implications for Reform”: https://www.aeaweb.org/articles?id=10.1257/jep.5.4.11   Timestamps: 00:00: Intro 00:41: Context for the Russian Economy of Today 02:29: Soviet Era Economics 14:36: Structure of the Soviet System 18:21: Soviet Economy: Comparisons to Other Economies 25:05: Imperial (Tsarist) Russian Economy 30:17: Transition to Communism 38:26: What People Misunderstand About the Soviet Union 41:48: Collapse of the Soviet Union 48:50: The Modern Russian Economy 56:35: Russian Economy too Resource Dependent? 59:30: Wartime Economy (Ukraine War) 01:10:30: The Future of the Russian Economy 01:16:24: Richard’s Final Thoughts   Socials: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marginalbabble Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marginalbabble/ X: https://x.com/marginalbabble Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/marginalbabble.bsky.social/ Website: https://marginalbabble.co.uk/

    1h 19m
  2. FEB 4

    Impact of Chinese Imports on Indian Industry | Marginal Babble Ep.27 with Dr Pavel Chakraborty

    In this episode, we explore the impact of trade openness on India's economy with economist Pavel Chakraborty. Discover how Chinese imports have lowered prices but challenged Indian firms' profits. Learn about the effects of tariffs, the role of India's manufacturing sector, and the strategic implications for future growth. Perfect for those interested in trade policy and economic development   Professor Pavel Chakraborty https://pavelchakraborty.weebly.com/   ‘Chinese Import Competition and Prices: Evidence from India’: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/obes.12632   Timestamps   00:00: Intro 00:41: India’s Manufacturing Sector 06:16: Why Has China Dominated Global Manufacturing Instead of India? 14:50: India’s Trade Openness 18:00: Tariff Rates (Developed VS Developing Economies) 22:03: Effects of Cheap Chinese Imports on India Manufacturing 34:38: Effects of Cheap Chinese Imports on the Wider Indian Economy 39:40: Why ‘Stand Alone Firms’ Responded Stronger than Other Firms 42:35: The Impact on Other Asian Countries 46:42: Changing Global Tarriff Policies 49:28: Future of Indian Trade Policy 57:02: What Future Research Needs Conducting?   Socials: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marginalbabble Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marginalbabble/ X: https://x.com/marginalbabble Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/marginalbabble.bsky.social/ Website: https://marginalbabble.co.uk/

    1 hr
  3. JAN 28

    Transforming Education in Peru | Marginal Babble Ep.26 with Professor Panu Pelkonen

    In this episode, I sit down with general education economist, Professor Panu Pelkonen, to explore the evolution of Peru's education system, focusing on the challenges and reforms from 2010 to 2016. The discussion highlights urban-rural disparities, the impact of increased public spending, and the shift in educational outcomes. Key topics include the role of political stability, privatization in education, and the link between educational improvements and economic growth. Professor Panu Pelkonen: https://profiles.sussex.ac.uk/p258681-panu-pelkonen ‘Public Gains, Private Strains: Public Investment and Private Schooling in Peru’: https://users.sussex.ac.uk/~saef20/BA_Privatisation.pdf Timestamps: 00:00: Intro 00:38: Background on Peru's Education Sector 03:27: Regional Education Disparities 06:59: Peru Ramps Up Public School Investment 12:53: Comparisons to Other Countries 15:36: Outcomes of Public School Investment 22:55: What Happened to the Private Schools? 29:30: Education Spending & Economics 35:24: Did The Investment Reduce Regional Inequality (Internally & Externally)? 40:08: What Needs Improving? 45:04: What Future Research Could Capitalize on the Findings of Panu's Research Socials: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marginalbabble Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marginalbabblepodcast/ X: https://x.com/marginalbabble Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/maxdorey96.bsky.social Website: https://marginalbabble.co.uk/

    52 min
  4. JAN 21

    The Economy of the Roman Empire | Marginal Babble Ep.25 with Professor Kimberley Bowes

    In this episode, we delve into the complexities of the ancient Roman economy with expert insights from Kimberly Bowes. Discover how ordinary Romans navigated a world of intricate financial systems, from the use of financial instruments to the role of slave labor. We explore the surprising similarities and stark differences between ancient and modern economies, shedding light on the economic lives of the Roman 90%. Join us for a fascinating journey through history, economics, and the enduring human spirit. Professor Kimberley Bowes: https://www.classics.upenn.edu/people/kim-bowes Surviving Rome: The Economic Lives of the Ninety Percent Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Surviving-Rome-Economic-Ninety-Percent/dp/0691273332 Audible: https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Surviving-Rome-Audiobook/B0G1N5R6Q2?qid=1768054226&sr=1-1&ref_pageloadid=not_applicable&pf_rd_p=c6e316b8-14da-418d-8f91-b3cad83c5183&pf_rd_r=D5KPXVBHTT8F3GXM4WT2&plink=PqJXKKoVo8FtuPZm&pageLoadId=9d4eSDx5OCB7RJGL&creativeId=41e85e98-10b8-40e2-907d-6b663f04a42d&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_1 Timestamps 00:00: Intro 00:42: The Economy of Ancient Rome 06:17: Tax Mix of the Roman Empire 12:23: How Similar is the Ancient Roman Economy to the Modern Day? 17:33: Is the Past a 'Foreign Country'? 20:38: How Can We Measure the Roman Economy? 25:39: Why Britain, Pompeii & Egypt? 29:30: Does Commercial Construction Facilitate Archaeology? 36:01: Was There Social Mobility in the Roman Empire? 40:58: Slavery in the Roman Economy 48:46: Currency in the Roman Empire 54:19: Did the Military Collapse the Roman Economy? 01:00:19: 'Rifling Through the Pockets of the Dead' 01:03:40: Closing Remarks Socials: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marginalbabble Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maxdorey96/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaxDorey1 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxwell-dorey-7958a4128/ Website: https://marginalbabble.co.uk/

    1h 4m
  5. JAN 13

    Is Banking Dead? | Marginal Babble Ep.24 with Professor Kent Matthews

    Kent Matthews delves into the evolution of banking, exploring whether traditional banks are becoming obsolete in the face of technological advancements and fintech innovations. From the historical roots of banking to the impact of the 2008 financial crisis, Kent discusses the challenges and transformations within the industry. He also examines the role of regulation, interest rates, and the rise of ESG in shaping the future of banking. Tune in to understand how banks are adapting to a rapidly changing financial landscape. Professor Kent Matthews: https://profiles.cardiff.ac.uk/emeritus/matthewsk 'Trends in Domestic and International Banking': https://www.worldscientific.com/doi/pdf/10.1142/9789811275067_0001 Timestamps: 00:00: Are Banks Dead? 01:26: The History of Banking 05:09: Has Banking Improved Post Breton Woods? 08:33: What Caused the 2008 Financial Crisis? 13:18: What Banking Regulation Has Slowed Growth? 18:00: Why Banking in America Is More Profitable? 22:11: Is FinTech a Threat to Traditional Banking? 29:33: Will AI Replace Bankers? 33:28: Best Country for Banking Regulation 36:31: Encouraging Lending to Small Businesses 43:00: How Interest Rates Affect the Economy 49:02: Covid Pandemic's Impact on the Economy 51:14: How Will Banking Change Over Time? 56:13: How ESG is Changing Banking 01:00:13: Kent's Closing Thoughts Socials: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marginalbabble Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maxdorey96/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaxDorey1 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxwell-dorey-7958a4128/ Website: https://marginalbabble.co.uk/

    1h 2m
  6. JAN 1

    Indian Healthcare Industry | Marginal Babble Ep.23 with Professor Chirantan Chatterjee

    Economist Chirantan Chatterjee delves into the complexities of India's healthcare system, highlighting the duality and inequality that persist across regions. With a focus on health equity, Chatterjee discusses the challenges faced by the elderly in accessing insurance and the impact of out-of-pocket expenses on poverty. The conversation also explores the role of entrepreneurship and government programs in improving healthcare outcomes, while addressing the need for preventive measures against non-communicable diseases. Tune in to understand the intricate dynamics of healthcare in India and the potential lessons for other developing nations. Professor Chirantan Chatterjee: https://profiles.sussex.ac.uk/p535606-chirantan-chatterjee https://www.linkedin.com/in/chirantanchatterjee/?originalSubdomain=uk 'Financial vulnerability of the elderly population undergoing cataract surgery within a distributed eye care delivery system in India (2011–2022): a multicentre, retrospective cohort study': https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lansea/article/PIIS2772-3682(25)00111-8/fulltext Timestamps: 00:00: Background on the Indian Healthcare System 05:45: Chirantan's Research (Insurance Coverage) 11:03: Why Aren't the Elderly Covered by Health Insurance? 17:20: How Health Affects the Economy 24:59: Are the Research Findings Applicable to the Wider Healthcare Industry? 28:48: What Health Programmes Have Led to India's Improved Health Outcomes? 33:03: Health Inequality in India Socials: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marginalbabble Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maxdorey96/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaxDorey1 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxwell-dorey-7958a4128/ Website: https://marginalbabble.co.uk

    39 min
  7. 12/18/2025

    How Mafia Networks Allow Them to Thrive | Marginal Babble Ep.22 with Dr Pasquale Accardo

    In this episode, we delve into the intricate world of mafia networks with Dr Pasquale Accardo. Discover how these organizations operate within and outside the law, their historical roots, and their complex relationships with formal institutions. Pasquale shares personal insights from growing up in Naples, the heartland of the Camorra, and discusses his research on the socio-economic impacts of organized crime. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation on the hidden dynamics of power and influence. Pasquale Accardo: https://researchportal.bath.ac.uk/en/persons/pasquale-accardo/ 'The good connections: A Network Analysis of organized crime, patronage, and local elites': https://researchportal.bath.ac.uk/en/publications/the-good-connections-a-network-analysis-of-organized-crime-patron/ Timestamps: 00:00: Why Research Mafia Networks? 03:24: What is Network Analysis? 04:37: Data Used for the Research 08:18: The Shadow Economy 14:25: The 'Anti-Mafia' Commission 16:47: Research Methods & Results 28:40: Can Network Analysis Stop Crime? 35:07: Are the Findings Applicable to Other Countrys? 43:17: Mafia Infiltration of the State! 46:45: How AI & Automation Can Improve Research 51:10: Further Reading On Crime Economics & Network Analysis 57:50: Pasquale's Other Research Socials: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marginalbabble Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maxdorey96/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaxDorey1 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxwell-dorey-7958a4128/ Website: https://marginalbabble.com/

    59 min

About

Home of the Marginal Babble Podcast, hosted by Maxwell Dorey. Max takes Economists, Scientists, Businessmen and more, on an exploratory journey of their work and fields. We hope you enjoy the show, or at least don't burst your bubble... Youtube: @maxwelldorey