Inside The System Episodes
All the Inside the System Episodes are done in partnership with the Youth Economics Initiative (YEI)
Markets Are Weird: A Conversation with Matt Levine
Matt Levine is a columnist at Bloomberg Opinion and the author of the popular newsletter Money Stuff, where he has become one of the most distinctive voices in modern finance. In our conversation, he reflected on his unusual career path from law and investment banking to writing about the industry, and how that shift has shaped his perspective on markets. Mr. Levine discussed why finance is often less about math than about people making strange choices, what his “Everything is Securities Fraud” series reveals about regulation, and how innovations like SPACs and meme stocks blur the line between creativity and absurdity.
The Economics of Information: Lessons from Laura Veldkamp
Laura Veldkamp is a Columbia Business School professor and a leading scholar on how information shapes markets and the broader economy. In our interview, she reflected on the experiences that drew her to study information as an economic force and how her research connects theory to real-world questions, from financial crises to the rise of the data economy. She discussed the challenges of interpreting information in noisy, fast-moving markets, the role of data as a new kind of economic asset, and how AI is changing the way investors and policymakers process uncertainty. Drawing on her work with the Federal Reserve, she also shared insights on how central banks communicate and what lessons from past crises can guide us in navigating risk and decision-making in the future.
From Theory to Practice: Nobel Laureate Paul Milgrom on Auctions and Market Design
Paul Milgrom is a Nobel Prize–winning economist, Stanford professor, and one of the world’s leading voices on auctions and market design. In our interview, he traced the experiences that shaped his path into economics and reflected on how his research has bridged theory and practice, from spectrum auctions to broader market mechanisms that influence competition and efficiency. He explained what makes an auction well-designed, how human behavior challenges traditional models, and shared practical lessons on risk, negotiation, and smarter decision-making in everyday life.
Real Change in America: Lessons from Law, Policy, and Innovation with Quentin Palfrey
Quentin Palfrey is the Director of Federal Funds and Infrastructure of Massachusetts, leading efforts to secure transformative federal investments in infrastructure, climate, and economic development. In our interview, Mr. Palfrey reflected on lessons from a career spanning the Obama White House, leadership at J-PAL North America, and equity-driven crisis response work. We discussed how grassroots engagement and high-level policy design intersect to drive real change, the challenges of translating rigorous research into large-scale implementation, and how digital innovation can expand trust and access in government. His perspective highlights how law, policy, and innovation can work together to build a more equitable economy. Enjoy our conversation!
Building the Future: Joseph Kane on Infrastructure, Workforce, and Climate
Joe Kane is a fellow at Brookings Metro and a leading voice on the future of infrastructure and regional policy. In our interview, Mr. Kane traced his path into the field and shared insights from working with local leaders nationwide. We discussed the risks of misalignment between federal investment and local workforce readiness, the need to treat infrastructure as an adaptive system rather than a one-off project, and how water systems can build resilience in the face of climate challenges. His perspective highlights the often-overlooked connections between national policy and local capacity. Enjoy our conversation!
Planning for People: Dowell Myers on Why Demographics Drive Public Policy
Dowell Myers is a professor of policy, planning, and demography at USC and the leading voice on the intersection of population trends and public policy. In our interview, Professor Myers explored how shifting demographics—particularly aging Boomers, immigration, and falling birth rates—are reshaping the economy, housing market, and the American Dream. We discussed the "Peter Pan" problem of delayed adulthood, the generational handoff underway, and why narratives around immigration must evolve to reflect long-term needs. His insights reveal the hidden forces behind today's biggest policy debates. Enjoy our conversation!
AI and the Future of Medicine: Dr. Alvin Liu on Healthcare and the Economy
Dr. Alvin Liu is an endowed professor, practicing physician, venture partner, and the inaugural director of the Gills AI Innovation Center @ Johns Hopkins. In our interview, Dr. Liu discussed AI's potential to boost access and efficiency, while raising economic and ethical challenges. His work highlights how innovation shapes both medicine and the broader economy—and why these shifts matter for everyone, from patients to policymakers. Enjoy our conversation!
Making Sense of Money: Jeff Kreisler on Financial Choices
Jeff Kreisler is the Head of Behavioral Science at JP Morgan, author of Dollars and Sense, and speaker known for his insights into consumer behavior and financial decision-making. In our interview, Jeff shared key takeaways from his book and discussed what consumers need to understand about managing their finances in today’s complex economic landscape. His expertise sheds light on the psychological factors behind spending and saving, helping listeners make smarter financial choices. Enjoy our conversation!
Navigating Innovation and Growth: Parker MacDonell on Market Tailwinds
Parker MacDonell is a venture capital leader at Rev1 Ventures with a deep background in entrepreneurship, investing, and startup mentorship. In our interview, Mr. MacDonell drew on his experience to share larger market tailwinds shaping the innovation economy—and why they matter for everyone. From job creation to emerging technologies, his insights reveal how venture trends influence the broader economy and daily financial realities. Enjoy our conversation!