Marginal Babble

Max Dorey
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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. 2d ago

    Can Rental Legislation Be Effective? | Marginal Babble Ep.42 with Professor Nikhil Datta

    The Tenant Fees Act 2019 did something rare in housing policy, it actually worked…   Tenants saved hundreds of pounds, letting agents absorbed the shock and the market did not collapse. If you care about renting, regulation, or why some policies deliver exactly what they promise, this conversation is for you.   Max and Nikhil break down the economics behind tenant fees, why the old system was a textbook case of opaque pricing, and how banning those charges changed behaviour across the rental market. They also get into drip pricing, market power, house-building targets, NIMBY politics, the Green Belt, devolution, and the renters' rights bill.   Professor Nikhil Datta: https://nikhil-datta.com/   “Successful caps on English letting agents’ fees disprove the idea that it’s unwise to meddle with free markets”: https://theconversation.com/successful-caps-on-english-letting-agents-fees-disprove-the-idea-that-its-unwise-to-meddle-with-free-markets-240708   “The Equilibrium Effects of Regulating Junk Fees: Evidence from the Rental Brokerage Market”: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=5200278   Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:05 Tenant Fees Act 2019 05:18 Can Regulation Make the Market More Efficient? 10:27 The Effects of the Tenant Fees Act 2019 12:16 Why Economic Theory Failed… 15:16 More Effects of the Tenant Fees Act 2019 20:43 Why Was THIS Policy Successful? (and not others…) 24:27 How to Design Better Housing Policy 33:12 Is Building New Towns the Answer? 41:04 Should New Towns Offer Financial Incentives? 45:28 The North-South Divide in Housing 48:45 Will De-centralisation Help? 54:46 Effects of the Renters Rights Bill 01:04:31 What Future Research Should be Conducted?   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/   #housingregulation #rentalmarkets #economics

  2. Sep 2

    Does Minimum Wage Reduce Investment... | Marginal Babble Ep.41 with Professor Matthew Gustafson

    In this episode, we dive into the world of labour economics, specifically, into how minimum wage policy affects business investment and productivity. Professor Matthew Gustafson and I unpack the real-world effects of minimum wage policy, from employment and capital expenditure to productivity, automation, and long-term economic growth.   Professor Matthew Gustafson: https://directory.smeal.psu.edu/mtg15   ‘Higher Minimum Wages Reduce Capital Expenditures’: https://pubsonline.informs.org/doi/10.1287/mnsc.2022.4430   Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:26 Why Study Minimum Wage Economics? 03:50 What is Minimum Wage Policy? 05:30 Does Minimum Wage Policy Work? 08:21 Does Minimum Wage Affect Investment? (Matthew’s Research) 17:58 Context Matters 21:38 The Data Behind Matthew’s Research 24:38 How Important is Private Investment to the Economy? 27:59 Can Minimum Wage Policy Be Improved? 33:55 Arguments For/Against a Minimum Wage 37:42 Future Research We Need 41:44 Common Misunderstandings About Minimum Wage 44:05 How Will Minimum Wage Rhetoric Change…   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/

  3. Aug 19

    The Economics of Sex Work | Marginal Babble Ep.40 with Professor Stefan Adriaenssens

    The global sex work industry generates an estimated $69 billion annually (worldmetrics.org, 2026) and provides income for millions of sex workers globally. In the UK alone, there are approximately 72,800 sex workers according to the English Collective of Prostitutes.   In this episode of the Marginal Babble podcast, we explore the economics of sex work, from global industry scale to how researchers estimate hidden populations. We discuss why data relating to sex work is so hard to measure, how legal status affects market size, and how internet platforms have changed safety, pricing, and regulation.   Professor Stefan Adriaenssens: https://www.kuleuven.be/wieiswie/en/person/00002299   SEX WORK BY NUMBERS: Bridging Economics and Social Sciences to Understand the Hidden World of Commercial Sex: Free: https://www.emerald.com/books/monograph/20949/Sex-Work-by-NumbersBridging-Economics-and-Social Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Sex-Work-Numbers-Understand-Commercial-ebook/dp/B0FV2QKM3D     Timestamps 00:00 Intro 00:40 Do You Make Sex Boring? 01:26 The Scale of the Sex Industry 06:08 How Do Economists Estimate Sex Work? 09:09 The Objectives of the Book (plus feelings…)         11:54 Does Sex Work Match Economic Theory? 20:31 Remuneration for Loss of Reputation 24:14 How the Internet Has Affected Sex Work 31:18 Affects of Legalisation/Criminalisation of Sex Work 36:34 Surprises in Writing the Book 38:29 Policy Recommendations 41:52 Misconceptions About Sex Industry 43:00 Where Do We Need More Research? 44:27 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/

  4. Jul 22

    How America Adopted Private Health Insurance | Marginal Babble Ep.39 with Professor Marcella Alsan

    Americans are paying more for healthcare than almost any other nation…   Yet the system remains flawed, shaped by a century of strategic battles, PR campaigns, and powerful interest groups. In this episode of Marginal Babble, we examine the roots of today’s high costs, uneven access, and entrenched privatization going back nearly a hundred years. Professor Alsan unpacks how the private healthcare system in America was built through a politically orchestrated campaign by the AMA and innovative PR firms like Whitaker & Baxter. Aggressive tactics turned a voluntary, doctor-led prepayment model into the foundation of today’s complex, profit-driven industry. This early battle set the stage for modern issues: lack of price negotiation power, skyrocketing costs, and persistent inequalities.   “Why Doesn’t the United States Have National Health Insurance: The Role of the American Medical Association”: https://academic.oup.com/qje/article/141/3/2147/8669893?login=false   Professor Marcella Alsan: https://alsan.scholars.harvard.edu/   Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:41 American Healthcare Before WWII 06:02 Influence of the AMA (American Medical Association) 10:43 Whitaker & Baxter (the First Political Consultants) 16:12 Introduction of Health Insurance 22:33 How Private Healthcare Changed Over Time 27:30 Was Private Healthcare Possible Without Whitaker & Baxter 29:41 Legacy of Whitaker & Baxter 31:14 Challenges of Private Health Insurance   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/

  5. Jul 15

    6 Kings That Made England | Marginal Babble Ep.38 with Dr. Caroline Burt & Dr. Richard Partington

    This episode explores how six medieval kings helped shape the English state. From John and the Magna Carta to Edward III’s reforms and Richard II’s downfall. Professor Caroline Burt & Professor Richard Partington explain how war, taxation, common law, Parliament, and the struggle for lawful rule turned kingship from a personal power into something more accountable and institutional. We unpack what made a “good” ruler during this period, why charisma and temperament mattered, and how Christianity and European politics influenced governance.   Arise, England: Six Kings and the Making of the English State: University of Cambridge Publications: https://www.hist.cam.ac.uk/publication/arise-england-six-kings-and-making-english-state Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Arise-England-Kings-Making-English/dp/0571311989   Professor Caroline Burt: https://www.hist.cam.ac.uk/people/dr-caroline-burt   Professor Richard Partington: https://www.joh.cam.ac.uk/research/academics/fellows/richard-partington   Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:45 Early ‘English’ Governance 05:57 Synopsis of English Kings (1199 to 1399) 16:43 What Constitutes a Good King? 22:45 Is John Over Villainised? 28:07 The Importance of Charisma 31:28 Did John’s Cruelty Lead to Magna Carta? 36:27 The Surprising Success of Henry 3rd 42:24 How Christianity Influenced the English State 50:00 A Great & Terrible King: Edward 1st 55:40 Do Bad Rulers Follow Good Rulers? 58:51 The Reign of Edward 3rd 01:06:19 The Tragedy of Richard 2nd 01:12:45 Were the English Kings…English? 01:19:20 What 7th King Would they Add? 01:23:19 What Lessons Can we Learn?   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/

  6. Jun 24

    Health Consequences of Cousin Marriage | Marginal Babble Ep.37 with Professor Munir Squires

    Uncover the surprising truths behind cousin marriage and its global prevalence. Shocking data shows consanguinity occurs in approximately 10% of marriages worldwide, with some countries like Pakistan occurring in at least half of all marriages. But what are the real health and societal impacts? In this eye-opening episode, economist Munir shares groundbreaking research using 40 million genealogical histories from the US, revealing that children of cousin marriages face a five-year reduction in lifespan, with effects extending throughout life, not just childhood. You'll discover how cultural, economic, and societal factors sustain these practices, even in wealthy nations with strong education systems, challenging common assumptions.   Professor Munir Squires: https://economics.ubc.ca/profile/munir-squires/   “Health Effects of Cousin Marriage: Evidence from US Genealogical Records”: https://www.aeaweb.org/articles?id=10.1257/aeri.20230544   Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:41 How Common is Cousin Marriage? 05:24 Health Effects of Cousin Marriage (Academic Literature) 10:52 Munir’s Research 24:46 Results of Munir’s Research 30:19 Navigating Cultural & Religious Sensitivity 32:31 Broader Social & Economic Implications 43:43 Why Industrialisation Changed Marriage Patterns 54:26 Why cousin marriage persisted historically 57:22 Future Research? (Economic & Social Impacts)   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/

  7. Jun 2

    The Unexpected Reality of Small Economies | Marginal Babble Ep.36 with Professor Robert Read

    Small economies often defy expectations, thriving despite limited resources and geographic challenges. This episode explores their surprising resilience and unique strategies, revealing lessons that could transform larger nations' approaches to growth. Discover how globalization, digital trade, and strategic specialization propel these nations to success, and learn about their governance agility and stability.   Despite facing global shocks, many small economies have shown remarkable resilience. Join us for insights from development economist Robert Read, as we uncover the real drivers of economic success and the future of small nations.   Professor Robert Read: https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/lums/people/robert-read   “Growth volatility and resilience in small economies: The impacts of the 2008 financial crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic”: https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9781032703893-5/growth-volatility-resilience-small-economies-harvey-armstrong-robert-read   Timestamps: 00:00: Intro 00:39: Why Study Small Economies? 08:06: What is a Small Economy? 14:29: Robert’s Research 26:18: Why Have Small Economies Been Successful? 35:50: Are Natural Resources a Curse? 43:57: Why Have Large Economies Done Badly? 49:50: Economic Policy & Money in Small Economies 59:42: Strong Small Economies During Financial Crisis 01:05:34: Lessons for Small Economies 01:14:52: Climate Change Impacts on Small Economies 01:17:15: Future Research on Small Economies & Takeaways   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/

  8. May 20

    Can Political Quotas Improve Governance? | Marginal Babble Ep.35 with Professor Patrick Francois

    Most countries focus on the political virtues of representation, but what if quotas actually change the quality of governance? I sit down with Professor Patrick Francois to uncover how strategic use of political quotas, especially in India, can break the grip of identity-driven politics and elevate governance standards. As ever, please like and subscribe if you enjoy! 😊   Professor Patrick Francois: https://economics.ubc.ca/profile/patrick-francois/   ‘Reservations and the politics of fear’: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0047272723001457   Timestamps: 00:00: Intro 00:42: What are Political Quotas? 02:42: Political Quotas in India 08:25: Are Political Quotas D.E.I? 13:50: How Common are Political Quotas? 16:57: Political Quotas & Socialism 23:37: Patrick’s Research & the ‘Politics of Fear’ 32:48: How Political Quotas Improve Governance 37:08: Are Political Quotas Needed in Strong Liberal Democracies? 44:03: How Do You Measure Governance Quality? 51:34: Are Political Quotas Pragmatic to Implement? 58:17: Future Research to Build Upon Patrick’s Findings   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/

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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

Information

  • Creator
    Max Dorey
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    42
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Max Dorey
  • Show Website
    Marginal Babble