WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Cato Institute today launched The Economics of It, a new weekly video podcast hosted by economist Ryan Bourne, Cato’s R. Evan Scharf Chair for the Public Understanding of Economics. The series will explore the economic forces behind the policies and headlines shaping everyday life, debuting with a conversation with Tarek Mansour, co-founder and CEO of Kalshi.
The first episode, “The Economics of Kalshi,” examines how prediction markets work, how they help businesses hedge risk, and the current legal battle over who should regulate them. Bourne and Mansour will consider whether these exchanges are simply gambling in financial clothing or serve a broader social role by bringing information together about uncertain events.
“Bad economics is back in fashion in Washington,” Bourne said. “Politicians are embracing protectionism, price controls, and government ownership, while some dismiss economics itself as ‘fake.’ The Economics of It will show why economics matters through lively weekly conversations with top thinkers, giving listeners the tools to understand the forces shaping their lives.”
Early, upcoming episodes (published each Thursday) include “The Economics of Main Street Millionaires,” featuring Owen Zidar and Eric Zwick; “The Economics of Rent Control,” with Alex Tabarrok; “The Economics of Inflation Anger,” with Erik Hurst; and “The Economics of Electricity,” with Travis Fisher.
Explore the podcast and find listening and viewing options here.
About the Cato Institute
The Cato Institute is a public policy research organization dedicated to the principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace. Founded in 1977, Cato works to create a free and open society in which liberty allows every individual to pursue a life of prosperity and meaning in peace.
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