Decode Econ

Abdullah Al Bahrani
  • 5.0 (7)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

About Decode Econ: The Podcast The economy touches everything — from the price of your morning coffee to the decisions shaping our future. Decode Econ breaks it all down. Hosted by Dr. Abdullah Al Bahrani (“Dr. A”), economist, educator, and storyteller, this podcast makes economics personal, practical, and easy to understand. Each episode explores the trends behind the headlines — inflation, jobs, technology, policy, and the everyday decisions that drive them. Through stories, data, and conversations with thinkers, entrepreneurs, and community leaders, you stay informed.

  1. The Jobs Report Nobody Celebrated

    5D AGO

    The Jobs Report Nobody Celebrated

    115,000 jobs. Unemployment unchanged. And almost nobody feels good about it.The April jobs report came in more than double what economists expected — and the labor market still feels fragile to most people. That gap isn't a vibe problem. It's a data problem.In this episode, Dr. Abdullah Al-Bahrani and Jack Marx break down what the headline number misses: a 445,000-person spike in part-time workers who wanted full-time jobs, 348,000 federal workers gone since October, and a warehousing sector that had a good month but is still 105,000 jobs below its 2025 peak.They also get into GameStop's bid to buy eBay — and what Ryan Cohen's CNBC appearance reveals about how markets actually process information. Plus: why Decode Econ is changing its format this summer, and what that means for you.📩 Get the full written analysis — free — every Monday, and Wednesday at Decode Econ: www.DecodeEcon.com Paid subscribers get Friday's deep dive: What you should know about economics.Timestamps 00:00 — The jobs number everyone saw 04:20 — What the headline misses: part-time, federal, warehousing 11:45 — Why the vibes and the data keep diverging 18:30 — GameStop bids for eBay. Ryan Cohen biffs the CNBC interview. 25:10 — Why we're changing the format Decode Econ translates economic data into clear, responsible analysis — without jargon, hype, or partisan framing.#economics #jobsreport #labormarket #decodecon #theweeklyrap

    25 min

  2. MAY 2

    Is the U.S. Economy Built on an AI Bubble? Debt Hits 100% GDP & Fed Pressure Explained

    Subscribe to www.DecodeEcon.comIs the U.S. economy actually strong—or just riding an AI bubble?In this episode, Dr. Abdullah Al Bahrani and Jack Marx break down GDP growth, rising U.S. debt (now at 100% of GDP), Federal Reserve pressure, and whether AI investment is artificially propping up the economy.We also discuss inflation, wages, oil prices, and what history (like Japan’s zero interest rate policy) tells us about what could happen next.🔍 What You’ll Learn* Why GDP growth is being driven by AI investment* The risks behind a 100% debt-to-GDP ratio* How Federal Reserve independence impacts markets* Whether the AI boom is sustainable* What rising oil prices mean for inflation* Lessons from Japan’s economic policies* The mindset students need to succeed today⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – U.S. debt hits 100% of GDP 00:41 – GDP growth breakdown (2%)01:20 – AI driving the economy?02:12 – Strong economy despite global turmoil03:23 – Why this feels unsustainable04:10 – The AI bubble explained05:18 – Will AI companies actually profit?06:00 – Jerome Powell & the Fed08:23 – Japan’s zero interest rate warning09:42 – Gas prices & geopolitics11:16 – Debt crisis risks12:29 – Can we fix government spending?15:19 – The “Last Lecture” mindset19:01 – Life advice: curiosity & resilience22:27 – Final thoughts

    23 min

  3. APR 27

    The Hidden Reason Young People Can't Get Ahead

    In this episode of Decode Econ Podcast, Dr. Abdullah Al Bahrani and Jonathan Marx break down why starting your career feels harder than ever—and why it’s not just in your head. Subscribe now From real conversations at Eggs & Issues to insights from the Notes app, this discussion connects what students are experiencing with what’s actually happening in the economy. We also have some important questions for you. Make sure to watch and tell us what you think.  We cover: Why “entry-level” now means experience required How rising expectations are reshaping the job market What income inequality (yes, the Gini coefficient) has to do with your career Insights inspired by Kyla Scanlon and Gary Hoover What students and graduates can actually do to adapt What is the American Dream, and how is it changing? If you’re a student, recent graduate, or just trying to understand today’s economy, this conversation is for you. You’re not falling behind—the system is changing. 00:00 Intro02:00 The Notes App & Thinking Process05:30 Are Entry-Level Jobs Disappearing?10:00 Eggs & Issues: What Leaders Are Saying14:30 Inequality & the Gini Coefficient18:00 The Broken First Rung22:00 What Students Should Do Next Share NKY Chamber of Commerce events - Next Eggs ‘N Issues event  Scott Galloway on Gini Coefficient. NBER Paper INCOME AND WEALTH INEQUALITY IN THE UNITED STATES: AN UPDATE INCLUDING THE 2022 WAVE BE NKY Report on Productivity.  Leadership program at Haile Graduate Programs. Applications are open for the 2026 cohort. Master of Business Leadership and Innovation. The first rung is broken.  My Notes app has 1,461 entries. That’s where I write down ideas, save random images, and drop links to videos I want to return to. It is not organized. Join us this Friday for the Haile Research Lab Senior Sendoff and to welcome next year’s cohort.  The big idea: the first rung of the ladder is breaking

    23 min

  4. APR 13

    The Lecture That Made Students Applaud

    What does a donut have to do with monetary policy—and why did it earn a round of applause? In this week’s Decode Econ Weekly Rap, we unpack what makes a “perfect lecture,” rethink how we teach economics (hint: fewer multiple-choice exams, more real thinking), and break down the surprisingly doable path to saving $2 million starting from your first paycheck. Along the way, we tackle a deeper issue: why comparison—especially in school, careers, and money—is quietly undermining how we measure success. If you’ve ever felt behind, this episode will challenge how you think about progress, purpose, and your own path. Subscribe to Decode Econ on YouTube 00:00 – 02:30 | Names, Identity, and Professional Signals Why “Jonathan vs. Jack” matters more than it seems—and how naming reflects identity in professional spaces. 02:30 – 06:00 | The “Perfect Lecture.” A monetary policy lecture that landed—storytelling, student engagement, and ending with a donut analogy. 06:00 – 10:30 | Rethinking Econ Education Moving away from multiple-choice finals toward research, writing, and economic thinking. 10:30 – 14:30 | The $620 Question Can students realistically save $2 million? Breaking down the math behind early-career saving. 14:30 – 17:00 | Can You Live on $3,600/month? Cost of living, geography, and how Cincinnati compares to major cities. 17:00 – 21:00 | Comparison Is the Thief of Joy From social media to the classroom—how relative thinking distorts well-being and decision-making. 21:00 – 24:00 | Student Pressure and “Figuring It Out.” Why students feel behind—and when the “click” actually happens. 24:00 – End | Trusting the Process Growth, mentorship, and why your path doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s.

    24 min

  5. APR 5

    How to Save Capitalism

    n today’s fast-moving world, economics can feel confusing and overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be.In this video, we break down 5 powerful insights from the Decode Econ podcast to help you better understand how the economy works and how it impacts your everyday life.Founded by Dr. Abdullah Al Bahrani, Decode Econ is all about making economics simple, accessible, and relevant. Through podcasts, newsletters, and events, the platform helps everyday people cut through the noise and build real economic understanding.🔑 Here’s what you’ll learn in this video:Why Economic Basics MatterUnderstanding core concepts like supply, demand, and inflation can help you make smarter financial decisions and feel more confident navigating economic conversations.Economic Literacy & CapitalismWhen people don’t understand the system, they lose trust in it. Improving your economic literacy empowers you to make informed choices and better understand how markets work.The Power of Data in EconomicsData analytics plays a huge role in shaping economic decisions. Learning how to interpret data can give you a clearer picture of trends and outcomes.Why Community MattersLearning economics doesn’t have to be a solo journey. Engaging with others helps deepen your understanding and makes the process more enjoyable.The Future of Economic EducationEconomic knowledge should be accessible to everyone. Platforms like Decode Econ are leading the way by simplifying complex ideas into easy-to-digest content.📌 Whether you're new to economics or just looking to sharpen your understanding, this video will give you practical insights you can actually use.👉 Want to go deeper? Check out the full Decode Econ podcast for more conversations that make economics make sense.💬 Let us know in the comments: What economic topic do you want explained next?

    19 min
  6. The Economic Incentives in Healthcare with Beth Munnich

    MAR 15

    The Economic Incentives in Healthcare with Beth Munnich

    Healthcare is full of good intentions. It is also full of incentives. In this episode of the Decode Econ Podcast, we sit down with Beth Munnich, Associate Professor of Economics at the University of Louisville, to discuss her research published in the American Economic Review on physician ownership of outpatient surgery centers. The question is straightforward: When doctors own the facilities where they operate, does behavior change? The answer, as in most markets, comes down to incentives. Outpatient (ambulatory) surgery centers have expanded rapidly over the past two decades. Advances in medical technology now allow many procedures to be performed safely without overnight hospital stays. This shift matters for three reasons: * Cost: Outpatient centers typically operate at lower overhead than hospitals. * Access: Patients benefit from shorter stays and quicker turnaround. * Market Structure: Increasingly, physicians are not just providers; they are also the owners. Ownership changes the economic equation. We also discuss teaching and advice for students and economists starting their academic journey. Key Takeaways * Physician ownership changes financial incentives in outpatient surgery markets. * Incentives influence referral patterns and potentially spending. * Healthcare markets are deeply shaped by ownership structure and insurance design. * Rigorous empirical research is essential to move beyond speculation. * Mentorship and persistence are critical in academic careers. This episode is about how markets respond when incentives change. And as Beth reminds us, incentives are always the key Our goal is to amplify research and the people behind it, help us spread the word about Beth’s Research Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Decode Econ and Guest Beth Munnich 00:12 Guest introduction and research overview 01:06 Why Beth Munnich was drawn to healthcare economics 01:35 The rise of outpatient surgery and its implications 03:22 The importance of data and research questions 05:18 Incentives and physician ownership in surgery centers 07:44 Potential outcomes of ownership incentives 08:31 Research findings on ownership and healthcare costs 10:40 Doctor behavior and the principal-agent problem 12:06 Insurance and patient financial incentives 12:38 Research process and data collection challenges 15:41 Long-term research journey and data acquisition 20:46 Economic lesson: Always incentives 22:06 Aligning incentives for better patient care 23:22 Beth Munnich’s teaching philosophy and course design 28:33 Target audience and topics of her new course 30:00 Flipping the classroom: Relevance first in economics education 31:35 Favorite subfields: Labor economics and social issues 32:42 Impact of research on teaching and curriculum 33:31 Career advice for students and early professionals 35:44 Path to a PhD and career in economics 38:02 Skills needed in modern economics 39:44 Misconceptions about academic life 41:38 Advice to younger self and career reflections 45:05 Mentorship and networking in academia 45:26 Connecting with Beth Munnich 46:37 Closing remarks and gratitude resources Beth Munnich’s website https://www.bethmunnich.com/ Get full access to Decode Econ at www.decodeecon.com/subscribe

    47 min
  7. “Illegal tariffs should be refunded.”

    FEB 28

    “Illegal tariffs should be refunded.”

    Join Dr. Abdullah Al Bahrani and Jack Marx for a wide-ranging conversation on economic policy, leadership, and personal growth. From Supreme Court tariff rulings to Kentucky’s long-term tax strategy, this episode breaks down what recent policy changes mean for consumers and households. The discussion also moves beyond economics into the role of emotional intelligence in leadership—because understanding policy is important, but understanding people is essential. Episode Summary This episode begins with reflections on midterms and the importance of engagement in learning. From there, the conversation turns to recent tariff rulings and the constitutional questions surrounding trade policy. Dr. Al Bahrani explains how tariffs work, who legally pays them, and who actually bears the economic burden. The discussion explores what “refunds” would really mean for consumers—and why the answer may be more complicated than headlines suggest. The episode then shifts to Kentucky’s gradual transition away from income taxes toward a broader consumption-based system. The conversation unpacks the strategy behind revenue triggers, the trade-offs involved in tax reform, and the long-term implications for households. Finally, the discussion closes with a powerful reminder: economics is about incentives, but leadership is about people. Emotional intelligence, reflection, and passion are not soft skills—they are performance skills that shape both economic outcomes and personal growth. Key Topics * Tariffs and their constitutionality * Statutory vs. economic incidence * Kentucky’s tax policy transition * Inflation and supply chain dynamics * Emotional intelligence in leadership * Reflection as a tool for growth Notable Sound Bites * “Illegal tariffs should be refunded.” * “Passion drives understanding and motivation.” * “Reflection is key to emotional growth.” Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Midterm Reflections05:38 Kentucky’s Budget and Tax Strategy11:00 Emotional Intelligence and Personal Growth Keywords Economics, Tariffs, Kentucky Tax Policy, Emotional Intelligence, Leadership, Public Policy, Supply Chain, Inflation, Midterms, Economic Education This week’s Posts * Can Kentucky Cut Taxes and Still Compete? * If Tariffs are Unconstitutional, Who Gets the Refund? * Trump’s “Liberation Day” to Judgement Day * Can You Read the Room? From Income Tax to Sales Tax: What Kentucky Is Really Changing Are you a supporter of our efforts? Help us by sharing this podcast with others on your socials. Get full access to Decode Econ at www.decodeecon.com/subscribe

    19 min

  8. FEB 21

    Why Research Might Be the Most Underrated Career Advantage

    In today’s economy, intelligence isn’t enough. Employers aren’t just hiring credentials — they’re hiring people who can think under pressure, navigate uncertainty, and solve problems no one has clearly defined yet. In this episode, we explore the one skill that quietly separates top performers from everyone else — and why research may be the most underrated competitive advantage in the modern job market. What if the most powerful career advantage isn’t technical skill — but the ability to think clearly when the answer isn’t obvious? In this episode, alumni and faculty from the Haile College of Business share how research transformed their careers — not by preparing them for academia, but by sharpening the one capability employers consistently struggle to find: critical thinking under uncertainty. From government affairs to consulting to international economic research, our guests explain how research builds confidence, adaptability, and the ability to tackle complex, ambiguous problems in real-world environments. You’ll learn: * Why research builds more than resumes — it builds decision-makers * How critical thinking becomes a long-term competitive advantage * Why discomfort and uncertainty are essential to professional growth * How students can position themselves to stand out in an AI-driven economy Whether you’re a student, professional, or leader developing talent, this conversation will change how you think about the value of research. In a rapidly changing economy, the winners aren’t just informed, they’re prepared. From Around the Web Here are some posts this week that made us think * When you get in your way! by Dr. Jeni Al Bahrani. How Forever 21 rose and eventually fell as a business. * Puerto Rico by the Numbers by Monday Morning Economist. I love economic data dives into regions and policies that shape economies. Given Bad Bunny’s recent half-time show and everyone’s interest in PR, this is timely. As are all of Monday Morning Economist posts. * Something is rotten in the state of … Economics- by Nominal News. I missed a fight. Economists are upset with Jon Stewart for dismissing the field of economics. * Buying Futures, Renting the Past: How Speculation and Nostalgia Became the Economy by kyla scanlon. Another example of how she connects the dots between our social and economic realities. Get full access to Decode Econ at www.decodeecon.com/subscribe

    1h 14m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

About Decode Econ: The Podcast The economy touches everything — from the price of your morning coffee to the decisions shaping our future. Decode Econ breaks it all down. Hosted by Dr. Abdullah Al Bahrani (“Dr. A”), economist, educator, and storyteller, this podcast makes economics personal, practical, and easy to understand. Each episode explores the trends behind the headlines — inflation, jobs, technology, policy, and the everyday decisions that drive them. Through stories, data, and conversations with thinkers, entrepreneurs, and community leaders, you stay informed.

Information

  • Creator
    Abdullah Al Bahrani
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    65
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Abdullah Al Bahrani
  • Show Website
    Decode Econ