Adam Smith’s Rubbish Bin (TM)
Professors Bill Keep and Nancy Lasher defend the benefits of competitive markets while exposing business behaviors that just might make Adam Smith turnover in his grave. As a reminder, Smith was the 18th century philosopher whose theory of supply and demand gave us the market economy
Podcasting since 2025 • 22 episodes
Adam Smith’s Rubbish Bin (TM)
Latest Episodes
Affordable America Disappeared While Politicians Fiddled
Affordability, or the lack there of, is neither a “hoax” nor a “con job.” In this episode we explore the real factors causing consumer confidence to drop. Affordability is not just about current prices; it is also about future expectations. But...
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27:13
What is the Future for Gen Z?
Bill and Nancy interview two Gen Z graduate students about their decision to go to graduate school, their outlook on jobs and careers, their thoughts on AI, and that for them the American Dream may be unachievable.
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Season 1
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Episode 21
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35:49
The Forever Gilded Age: 150 Years of Corporate Power
For 150 years, American democracy has tried—and repeatedly failed—to rein in corporate power. In this episode, Bill and Nancy trace the original Gilded Age to today’s billionaire class to ask a troubling question: Why does business keep win...
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Season 1
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Episode 20
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30:17
Women and Work: Has the Needle Moved?
Over the past few decades women have played a greater role in the workplace. Their increased involvement has not been without issues, for them and apparently for some men. In this episode I interview Nancy Lasher about her experiences as a prof...
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Season 1
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Episode 19
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27:38
Competition Comes at a Price
In this episode we describe how technology and competition drove dramatic changes in in-home entertainment. Consumers gained access and choices never before available. Now, after the “creative destruction” phase we wonder if the industry will b...
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Season 1
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Episode 18
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29:08