This week on Exchanges, Merriden Varrall Special Advisor Geopolitics at KPMG South ASPAC and Head of geopolitical insights outfit Vantage Geopol joins us to explore the rise of populism and its far-reaching implications for markets, trade, and institutional trust.

We unpack how populism’s anti-establishment sentiment and ‘us versus them’ mentality are driving a new wave of protectionism, reshaping global politics and economic policy. Merriden shares insights into the growing challenges faced by international institutions, and the critical role businesses must play in rebuilding public trust.

The exchange also dives into Australia’s position in global trade, what rising populism means for economic diplomacy, and how politics, policy, and perception are converging to define the next era of global cooperation.

Follow Merriden here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/merriden-varrall-phd-maicd-ab96024/

Website: http://www.vantagegeoopl.com/

Follow Evan here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-lucas-44a25316/

Website: www.evanlucas.com.au

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Populism and Its Impact

05:20 The Rise of Protectionism in Global Trade

12:02 Challenges for International Institutions

17:53 The Role of Business in a Populist Era

20:00 Tariffs and Economic Coercion

24:42 Strategic Economic Interventions

28:06 Future of Politics in a Populist Landscape

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Season 3 of Exchanges

This Week’s Episode: Sarah Hunter on Inflation, Productivity, and Australia’s Economic Outlook from the inner thinking of the RAB

Sarah Hunter, Assistant Governor (Economic) and Chief Economist at the RBA, joins Exchanges to unpack the current state of inflation in Australia and what it means for households, businesses, and policymakers.

We discuss the RBA’s transition to monthly economic data, how AI is reshaping economic analysis, and the key productivity and growth challenges facing the nation. Sarah also shares insights into consumer confidence, monetary policy decisions, and why keeping a close eye on multiple indicators is crucial to balancing inflation control with sustainable growth.

To follow Sarah click here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-hunter-42526541/

Website: https://www.rba.gov.au/about-rba/people/ag-economic.html

To follow Evan click here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-lucas-44a25316/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/

Website: www.evanlucas.com.au

Chapters

00:00 Inflation Transition and Economic Outlook

06:13 Housing Market and Rental Inflation Concerns

12:49 AI's Role in Economic Analysis

15:11 Understanding Productivity in Australia

20:22 Growth Projections for the Australian Economy

27:03 Consumer Confidence and Economic Perceptions

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Betsy Westcott, financial coach and former banker, joins us to share her journey from the world of banking to financial coaching—and what she’s learned about the psychology of money along the way.

We dive into the disconnect between wealth and personal happiness, the dynamics of Australia’s housing market, and our cultural addiction to debt. Betsy explains why financial education is critical to breaking unhealthy money cycles and empowering individuals to make better choices.

We also explore the growing role of finfluencers in shaping financial behaviour, and Betsy shares her vision for a more financially confident and empowered society.

To follow Betsy click here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/betsywestcott/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betsywestcott/

Website: https://www.betsywestcott.com/

To follow Evan click here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-lucas-44a25316/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evanlucas_/

Website: www.evanlucas.com.au

Chapters

00:00 From Banking to Financial Coaching

03:02 Understanding Money Psychology

05:49 The Value Trap and Self-Worth

08:49 Housing Market Dynamics and Debt Addiction

12:04 Cultural Attitudes Towards Wealth

14:54 The Role of Influencers in Financial Education

17:51 Navigating Investment Strategies

20:56 The Risks of Negative Gearing

24:02 The Need for Financial Literacy

26:59 A Vision for Financial Education

29:57 Betsy’s Ideal Financial Revolution

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.