Catholic Economics

Improving economic policy is a key component of building a just society. Though Catholic Social Teaching has a lot to say about economic policy, there are relatively few outlets discussing the rich and beautiful tradition of economic theory and policy provided to us by the Church. Join economist Dr. Levi Russell as he discusses economic concepts and current events through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching.

Our Economy This Week | Ep. 7

This is the first episode back! I'll publish an episode every weekend covering the most important economics stories. Below you'll find sources you can read yourself. Please leave any suggestions or questions in the comments! You can also find the show in audio format on Spotify or (coming soon) on your favorite podcast app. Atlanta Fed GDPnow Forecast https://www.atlantafed.org/cqer/research/gdpnow The Net Zero Agenda Threatens Your Future Clothing Purchases https://www.realclearmarkets.com/articles/2024/06/29/the_net_zero_agenda_threatens_your_future_clothing_purchases_1041046.html BP halts hiring, slows renewables roll-out to win over investors https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/bp-halts-hiring-slows-renewables-roll-out-win-over-investors-2024-06-27/ Numbers Don't Lie (on the energy transition that isn't) https://www.zerohedge.com/energy/numbers-dont-lie 46% of EV owners want to go back to gasoline cars https://x.com/4AmericanEnergy/status/1806001308207616479 The Chevron Doctrine Runs Out of Gas https://www.newsweek.com/chevron-doctrine-runs-out-gas-opinion-1919028 Most Employment Growth Since Pandemic Has Gone to Immigrants https://cis.org/Camarota/Most-Employment-Growth-Pandemic-Has-Gone-Immigrants Housing Market Update: Monthly Payments Set New Record https://www.redfin.com/news/housing-market-update-mortgage-payments-record-high-inflation-report/ Tractor Supply and consumer sovereignty https://x.com/robbystarbuck/status/1806423481283924210

07-02
47:07

Beef Markets & A Bad Jobs Report | OETW Ep. 8

This week I cover the current dynamics in the beef market and the most recent US jobs report. Links below! https://www.fb.org/market-intel/u-s-cattle-inventory-smallest-in-73-years https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/Maps/CompareTwoWeeks.aspx https://x.com/VanceGinn/status/1809226331873529904 https://x.com/DontWalkRUN/status/1809218363966599242 https://x.com/zerohedge/status/1809209312922759236 https://www.atlantafed.org/cqer/research/gdpnow

07-08
25:27

Building the Gen Z Household - Live Presentation

This is a talk given in February of 2025 to Catholic college students. The talk focuses on the growing popularity of traditional gender roles in the household and defends them from Catholic theological and practical perspectives. Some financial education on home buying and dual vs single incomes is offered at the end. The speaker's wife is also present and gives some commentary.

02-24
01:19:42

Scottish Social Credit | Ep. 79

https://www.socred.org/s-c-theory/what-is-social-credit https://www.youtube.com/@douglassocialcredit7812

08-11
23:54

Unemployment Moves UP | OETW Ep. 12

https://x.com/zerohedge/status/1818621440926658650 https://adpemploymentreport.com/ https://x.com/RealEJAntoni/status/1818643853445841159 https://x.com/disclosetv/status/1819355343824023926 https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/EMRATIO https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/UNRATE https://fred.stlouisfed.org/graph/fredgraph.png?g=1rhfv https://www.atlantafed.org/cqer/research/gdpnow https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/SAHMREALTIME https://www.cmegroup.com/markets/interest-rates/cme-fedwatch-tool.html

08-05
25:49

Immigration Econ & Harris Policy | OETW Ep. 11

https://thehill.com/latino/4790170-undocumented-immigrants-southern-border-economy-deficit-cbo/ https://www.zerohedge.com/political/more-ngos-aiding-illegal-aliens-come-under-scrutiny-texas https://freebeacon.com/democrats/inside-kamala-harriss-plan-to-make-bidens-unpopular-ev-mandate-even-more-aggressive/ https://www.breitbart.com/economy/2024/07/24/harris-cast-deciding-vote-for-inflation/ https://www.bea.gov/data/gdp/gross-domestic-product

07-28
30:32

Taxes, Tariffs, and Energy | OETW Ep. 10

https://www.aei.org/economics/the-economic-consequences-of-a-second-trump-term/ https://www.atlantafed.org/cqer/research/gdpnow https://robertbryce.substack.com/p/breaking-wind https://justthenews.com/politics-policy/energy/american-oil-and-gas-hits-record-production-despite-attacks-opec-activists https://www.autoblog.com/2024/07/18/ford-will-build-super-duty-trucks-in-canada-in-pivot-from-ev-plan/

07-23
29:19

Housing Market & ESG Decline | OETW Ep. 9

Gen Z housing issues https://www.theepochtimes.com/article/laden-with-debt-gen-z-faces-daunting-housing-market-5678453 House market data https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/CSUSHPISA https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/MORTGAGE30US https://x.com/nickgerli1/status/1810708874699190421 https://x.com/nickgerli1/status/1812833751547654449  https://x.com/wolfofwolfst/status/1811116115462082824 GDPnow forecast https://www.atlantafed.org/cqer/research/gdpnow ESG in decline in board rooms https://www.ft.com/content/1089ff59-47b9-41a2-83b1-98a205587b23

07-15
29:05

Council for Inclusive Capitalism & an Announcement | Ep 78

What is the "Council for Inclusive Capitalism with the Vatican?" I give my thoughts and announce the end of the podcast. As always, please let me know if you have comments or questions.  Follow Me on Social Media! https://gab.com/LeviARussell https://www.facebook.com/Catholic-Economics-100261271752942 Check out the Leonine Institute for Catholic Social Teaching! https://leoinstitute.org/    https://twitter.com/leoinstituteCST    https://www.facebook.com/Leonine-Institute-for-Catholic-Social-Teaching-110045363806857 Contact me via email: lrussell[at]leoinstitute[dot]org

03-04
12:28

Interview on Distributism with John Fisher 2.0 | Ep 77

I hope you enjoy this interview with John Fisher 2.0! He's a sharp guy just getting his YouTube channel started. Check out his channel for some great interviews and debates! Support the Show! Patreon: http://patreon.com/catholiceconomics Subscribestar: http://subscribestar.com/Catholic-Economics-Podcast Follow Me on Social Media! https://gab.com/CatholicEcon https://twitter.com/CatholicEcon https://www.facebook.com/Catholic-Economics-100261271752942 Check out the Leonine Institute for Catholic Social Teaching! https://leoinstitute.org/    https://twitter.com/leoinstituteCST    https://www.facebook.com/Leonine-Institute-for-Catholic-Social-Teaching-110045363806857 Contact me via email: lrussell[at]leoinstitute[dot]org

02-07
01:16:17

Review of Catholic Econ Roundtable | Ep 76

Recently the Reason and Theology podcast hosted a roundtable discussion on Catholic economics. Anthony Fernandez, the director of the Leonine Institute for Catholic Social Teaching joins me to discuss! Support the Show! Patreon: http://patreon.com/catholiceconomics Subscribestar: http://subscribestar.com/Catholic-Economics-Podcast Follow Me on Social Media! https://gab.com/CatholicEcon https://twitter.com/CatholicEcon https://www.facebook.com/Catholic-Economics-100261271752942 Check out the Leonine Institute for Catholic Social Teaching! https://leoinstitute.org/    https://twitter.com/leoinstituteCST    https://www.facebook.com/Leonine-Institute-for-Catholic-Social-Teaching-110045363806857 Contact me via email: lrussell[at]leoinstitute[dot]org

01-28
32:23

What to Expect from Yellen at the Helm of the Treasury | Ep 75

Now that Janet Yellen is back in the halls of power, what policies will she be pushing from her post at the Treasury? Summary of Seattle $15 min. wage study Support the Show! Patreon: http://patreon.com/catholiceconomics Subscribestar: http://subscribestar.com/Catholic-Economics-Podcast Follow Me on Social Media! https://gab.com/CatholicEcon https://twitter.com/CatholicEcon https://www.facebook.com/Catholic-Economics-100261271752942 Check out the Leonine Institute for Catholic Social Teaching! https://leoinstitute.org/    https://twitter.com/leoinstituteCST    https://www.facebook.com/Leonine-Institute-for-Catholic-Social-Teaching-110045363806857 Contact me via email: lrussell[at]leoinstitute[dot]org

01-21
23:06

Can Cooperatives Run Healthcare? | Ep 74

I discuss the possibility for cooperatives to reform healthcare in the U.S. Support the Show! Patreon: http://patreon.com/catholiceconomics Subscribestar: http://subscribestar.com/Catholic-Economics-Podcast Follow Me on Social Media! https://twitter.com/CatholicEcon https://www.facebook.com/Catholic-Economics-100261271752942 Check out the Leonine Institute for Catholic Social Teaching! https://leoinstitute.org/    https://twitter.com/leoinstituteCST    https://www.facebook.com/Leonine-Institute-for-Catholic-Social-Teaching-110045363806857 Contact me via email: lrussell[at]leoinstitute[dot]org

01-14
19:59

Jesus Wasn't a Socialist | Ep 73

Was Jesus a socialist? This oft-shared meme is dead from the neck up. I explain from the perspective of political theory and economic policy. Support the Show! Patreon: http://patreon.com/catholiceconomics Subscribestar: http://subscribestar.com/Catholic-Economics-Podcast Follow Me on Social Media! https://twitter.com/CatholicEcon https://www.facebook.com/Catholic-Economics-100261271752942 Check out the Leonine Institute for Catholic Social Teaching! https://leoinstitute.org/    https://twitter.com/leoinstituteCST    https://www.facebook.com/Leonine-Institute-for-Catholic-Social-Teaching-110045363806857 Contact me via email: lrussell[at]leoinstitute[dot]org

01-07
14:17

Teaching CST in CCD? | Ep 72

Should we be teaching concepts like solidarity, subsidiarity, common good, the universal destination of goods, and other components of Catholic Social Teaching to Catholic youth? If so, how do we do it? What challenges might such a CCD teacher face?  I put these questions to you and give my brief thoughts. I also explain my recent absence from the show.

11-28
15:46

Thoughts on Fratelli Tutti | Ep 71

I give my brief thoughts on Pope Francis' latest encyclical Fratelli Tutti. Washington Examiner piece Support the Show! Patreon: http://patreon.com/catholiceconomics Subscribestar: http://subscribestar.com/Catholic-Economics-Podcast Follow Me on Social Media! https://twitter.com/CatholicEcon https://www.facebook.com/Catholic-Economics-100261271752942 Check out the Leonine Institute for Catholic Social Teaching! https://leoinstitute.org/    https://twitter.com/leoinstituteCST    https://www.facebook.com/Leonine-Institute-for-Catholic-Social-Teaching-110045363806857 Contact me via email: lrussell[at]leoinstitute[dot]org

10-28
23:15

Essential Reading: The Industry Council Arrives in America - RJ Ederer

I read a short paper by economist Rupert J. Ederer, the man who translated Pesch's work into English. Writing in 1961, Ederer discusses the spontaneous creation of so-called industry councils that bind together the interests of management and labor.  Support the Show! Patreon: http://patreon.com/catholiceconomics Subscribestar: http://subscribestar.com/Catholic-Economics-Podcast Follow Me on Social Media! https://twitter.com/CatholicEcon https://www.facebook.com/Catholic-Economics-100261271752942 Check out the Leonine Institute for Catholic Social Teaching! https://leoinstitute.org/    https://twitter.com/leoinstituteCST    https://www.facebook.com/Leonine-Institute-for-Catholic-Social-Teaching-110045363806857 Contact me via email: lrussell[at]leoinstitute[dot]org

10-24
31:00

Critics of Pope Francis on Usury | Ep 70

Pope Francis has emphasized usury to a greater degree than recent popes. How are liberal capitalists coping with this? What lessons can we learn about our own ideology and the social teaching of the Church from their responses? Leonine Institute paper on usury Acton blog post on Pope Francis & usury Pope Francis on usury 1 & 2 Pope Benedict on usury Support the Show! Patreon: http://patreon.com/catholiceconomics Subscribestar: http://subscribestar.com/Catholic-Economics-Podcast Follow Me on Social Media! https://twitter.com/CatholicEcon https://www.facebook.com/Catholic-Economics-100261271752942 Check out the Leonine Institute for Catholic Social Teaching! https://leoinstitute.org/    https://twitter.com/leoinstituteCST    https://www.facebook.com/Leonine-Institute-for-Catholic-Social-Teaching-110045363806857 Contact me via email: lrussell[at]leoinstitute[dot]org

10-21
22:15

Essential Reading: My Journey into Solidarism - R.J. Ederer

What brought economist Rupert J. Ederer to Heinrich Pesch's solidarism? What motivated him to translate the Lehrbuch? I read his short note on the effect Pesch's work had on his life as an economist. My Journey into Solidarism - R.J. Ederer, Catholic Social Science Review, Vol. 3, 1998, pages 79-88 Support the Show! Patreon: http://patreon.com/catholiceconomics Subscribestar: http://subscribestar.com/Catholic-Economics-Podcast Follow Me on Social Media! https://twitter.com/CatholicEcon https://www.facebook.com/Catholic-Economics-100261271752942 Check out the Leonine Institute for Catholic Social Teaching! https://leoinstitute.org/    https://twitter.com/leoinstituteCST    https://www.facebook.com/Leonine-Institute-for-Catholic-Social-Teaching-110045363806857 Contact me via email: lrussell[at]leoinstitute[dot]org

10-15
28:18

Dr. E. Michael Jones on Reason and Obedience | Ep 69

Dr. Jones joins me to discuss the use of our reason as it relates to obedience to the Church and the State. We cover several recent topics including the 'rona, Pope Francis, and international trade. Check out Dr. Jones' latest book Logos Rising Support the Show! Patreon: http://patreon.com/catholiceconomics Subscribestar: http://subscribestar.com/Catholic-Economics-Podcast Follow Me on Social Media! https://twitter.com/CatholicEcon https://www.facebook.com/Catholic-Economics-100261271752942 Check out the Leonine Institute for Catholic Social Teaching! https://leoinstitute.org/    https://twitter.com/leoinstituteCST    https://www.facebook.com/Leonine-Institute-for-Catholic-Social-Teaching-110045363806857 Contact me via email: lrussell[at]leoinstitute[dot]org

10-12
34:53

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