Episodes

  • The Rise of Capitalism and Modern Markets

    The Rise of Capitalism and Modern Markets
    May 13 2025
    "The Rise of Capitalism and Modern Markets" explores how the Industrial Revolution transformed commerce forever. Penny Powers unpacks Adam Smith's revolutionary "invisible hand" concept before examining how new technologies, organizational structures, and financial instruments created unprecedented wealth—and unprecedented inequality. Follow the evolution of stock markets from face-to-face trading under buttonwood trees to today's high-frequency digital platforms. Understand how capitalism's development intertwined with imperialism, how consumer markets reshaped social identity, and how various economic theories from Marx to Keynes to Friedman have tried to explain and influence market behavior. This comprehensive episode traces capitalism's complex journey from 18th century Britain to the 2008 financial crisis and beyond.

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    18 mins
  • The Birth of Markets in Human History

    The Birth of Markets in Human History
    May 13 2025
    In "The Birth of Markets in Human History," Penny Powers takes listeners on a captivating journey from ancient bartering systems to the first global trading networks. Discover how Mesopotamian merchants created the first written contracts, how Egyptian granaries functioned as early commodity exchanges, and how medieval guilds established commercial standards across continents. From the Greek agora to the Amsterdam Stock Exchange, explore how markets have shaped human civilization and how many modern financial innovations have surprising historical roots. This episode reveals markets not just as economic mechanisms but as sophisticated social technologies that have connected diverse communities across millennia.

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    32 mins
  • Understanding Markets - From Village Bartering to Global Finance Explained

    Understanding Markets - From Village Bartering to Global Finance Explained
    May 12 2025
    Penny Powers, your finance guru, breaks down the concept of markets in this engaging exploration of how we exchange goods and services. Starting with ancient bartering systems and moving to today's complex digital marketplaces, this episode explains the fundamentals of supply and demand, different market types, and how these systems shape our economy and daily lives. With Penny's signature wit and accessible explanations, you'll gain a deeper understanding of market forces that impact everything from your grocery shopping to your investment portfolio. Ready for more financial wisdom delivered with personality? Visit https://www.quietperiodplease.com/ for our complete library of engaging podcasts that make complex topics simple and entertaining. Head there now to discover your next favorite listen!

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    21 mins