About Us
Drona Gaddam, Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Drona Gaddam is a rising junior and the founder and host of The Real Returns Show. In and out of school, Drona involves himself in research and learnings about the economy. With accolades from the National Economics Challenge, Northwestern Economics Tournament and various other competitions, Drona brings analytical rigor and public engagement to meaningful conversations about the economy.
Lake Zhou, Chief Operating Officer and Head of Newsletter
Lake Zhou is a rising junior is the Chief Operating Officer of The Real Returns Show. He has earned recognition at the National Economics Challenge and the Northwestern Economics Tournament, and continues to explore economics through both competitive and independent pursuits. Through The Real Returns Show, Lake hopes to share his knowledge and passion for economics.
David Liu, Chief Marketing Officer
David Liu is a rising junior and is the Chief Marketing Officer of The Real Returns Show. He has earned awards at the National Economics Challenge and Northwestern Economics Tournament, and aims to bring his dual passion for STEM, particularly in sustainable practices, and economics, to communications for The Real Returns Show.
Jake Lifer, Chief Economic Policy Correspondent
Jake Lifer is a rising junior and is the Chief Economic Correspondent for the Real Returns Show. He has competed in FBLA and earned 1st in the state in the Economics. Out of school he spends time keeping up with current social, political, and economic trends. He hopes through the Real Returns Show to help bring complex economic concepts and happenings to a wider audience in a more accessible format.
Mission
Drona started The Real Returns Show in 6th grade to share his insights into the stock market and make financial concepts more understandable for everyone. What began as a personal project has grown into a nationally aired, award-winning platform that now covers larger macroeconomic topics and analysis. Over time, the depth of the show has grown, but the goal remains the same: democratizing economic education and empowering people with such knowledge. Through the show, Drona aims to break down complex ideas and make economic thinking more accessible, engaging, and impactful for listeners of all backgrounds.
How to Listen
Today, The Real Returns Show airs on the RadioNyra network in three channels across the country: 99.9 FM, 101.9 FM, and 1490 AM. Episodes are also uploaded to Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, HubHopper, RedCircle, and right here on our website!