• Tectonic Shifts in TV with Doug Shapiro
    Jan 27 2025

    This week let’s settle back to our sofas, grab our remote controls and work out what to watch with Doug Shapiro, among the most prominent voices in the world of television and its tech disrupters. His clear and concise work, all available to watch and read on his website is the go to for thousands.


    For more on Bubble Trouble, including transcripts of the show, visit us online at http://bubbletroublepodcast.com

    You can learn more about Richard at https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-kramer-16306b2/

    More on Will Page at: https://pivotaleconomics.com

    (Times below correspond to the episode without considering any inserted advertisements.)


    In this episode of Bubble Trouble, hosts delve into the intricacies of media disruption with Doug Shapiro, a prominent voice in TV, economics, and tech. Celebrating over a century of their show's success, they explore topics such as the supply and demand curve changes, the potential of AI in content creation, and the future of media companies amidst technological advancements. Shapiro offers insights into the tectonic shifts affecting the industry, from the rise of new media over traditional formats to the economic implications of infinite content in a world of fixed demand. The discussion also touches on intellectual property, the ethics surrounding AI, and the challenges faced by incumbents in adapting to rapid innovation.


    00:00 Introduction

    00:42 Part One

    00:49 Guest Introduction: Doug Shapiro

    01:12 Doug Shapiro's Career Journey

    02:12 The Evolution of Media Consumption

    03:50 Supply and Demand in Media

    07:19 Generative AI and Content Creation

    10:32 The Future of Media Distribution

    23:09 The Creator Economy and Power Laws

    27:13 Part Two

    27:30 Hollywood vs. Big Tech

    30:00 AI's Impact on Hollywood: A Double-Edged Sword

    30:44 Disruption in the Entertainment Industry

    31:23 The Future of High-End Content

    32:06 AI as a Productivity Tool in Hollywood

    32:46 The Rise of AI-Enabled Studios

    33:43 Introducing Sora: The Future of Content Creation

    35:14 The Turing Test in Video Content

    38:22 Local Content vs. Global Tent Poles

    40:21 The Copyright Conundrum

    41:56 The Dirty Deal: Media and Tech Collusion

    48:06 The Fair Use Debate

    50:59 Disruption is Hard: Lessons from Netflix

    54:22 Concluding Thoughts and Future Outlook

    55:42 Credits



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

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    56 mins
  • Mapping the Terrain w/ Dror Poleg
    Jan 20 2025

    In this episode of Bubble Trouble, hosts Richard Kramer and Will Page return with guest Dror Poleg, an expert in real estate and economic history. They discuss the volatility expected in 2025, reflections on the work-from-home trend, and the dynamic interplay between geopolitics and everyday life. With insights into real estate bubbles, economic predictions, and the evolving nature of productivity, Dror offers a deep dive into how technological advancements shape our physical and economic world. The conversation also covers topics such as the challenges in the housing market, defense spending, AI investment, and the impact of geopolitical shifts. This episode is packed with thought-provoking discussions and forecasts for the near future.


    00:00

    00:00 Introduction

    00:52 Part One

    01:00 Guest Introduction

    03:34 Real Estate Market Insights

    06:15 Challenges in Urban Development

    11:46 Rethinking Productivity and Inequality

    19:38 Future of Work and Education

    24:06 The Flaw of GDP and Productivity

    24:23 Discussing the Book: Mismatch Between Economy and World

    26:31 Part Two

    26:49 Encouraging Success and Taxing It

    28:47 Innovation and Public Investment Funds

    33:33 US Government and Defense Spending

    43:28 AI and the Future of Compute

    46:48 Closing Thoughts and Upcoming Book

    49:54 Credits


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

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    50 mins
  • All Your Eggs in One Big Tech Basket [Repeat]
    Jan 14 2025

    This week we get into portfolio theory, or lack of, as for many the rush to big tech and wilful ignorance of everything else Wall Street has to offer seems to be the rule as opposed to the exception. Why is that, and is it sustainable? [Repeat from February, 2024]


    For more on Bubble Trouble, including transcripts of the show, visit us online at http://bubbletroublepodcast.com

    You can learn more about Richard at https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-kramer-16306b2/

    More on Will Page at: https://pivotaleconomics.com

    (Times below correspond to the episode without considering any inserted advertisements.)

    The Magnificent Seven: Unpacking the Impact of Big US Tech Stocks


    In this episode, Richard Kramer and Will Page, analysts specializing in financial markets, discuss the 'Magnificent Seven', a term referring to the big US tech companies and their significant market impact. Kramer eloquently illustrates the concentration of wealth within these tech giants and their extensive media coverage, which contributes to their continual growth. They discuss the concept of long tail distributions and how it correlates with a constraint in attention leading to invested interest in just a few companies. They scrutinize the implications of concentrated wealth and potential future industry shifts, emphasizing the need for cautious investment strategies, despite the allure of being swept up in booming tech sectors.


    00:01 Introduction

    00:48 Part One

    00:48 The Role of Big US Tech in Portfolio Theory

    03:30 The Magnificent Seven: Who Are They?

    07:28 The Long Tail Effect in Financial Markets

    22:56 The Investment Thesis: Backing Big Tech

    23:13 Part Two

    23:25 The Geographic Disparity in Big Tech

    38:09 Smoke Signals: Indicators of Market Shifts

    41:41 Conclusion: The Future of Big Tech Investments

    41:54 Credits



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

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    42 mins
  • Taking Stock Before a Bubbly Year
    Dec 30 2024

    We have had over 30 episodes of Bubble Trouble this year, and had some real highlights along with a mad world we are living in. And now after a predictions show with Benedict Evans last week, we move on to our own look back to highlight the must-listen shows of 2024 and turn to the top troubles with bubbles to watch out for in 2025.


    Will’s favorite shows of 2024:

    Law Without Lawyers: A Conversation with Damien RiehlThe Meltdown of Credit Suisse w/ Duncan MavinYou Can't Lead If You Don't Know Where You're Going


    Richards favorite shows of 2024:

    AI Supremacy and Ethical Dilemmas: A Conversation with Parmy OlsonKill the Chicken to Scare The Monkey with guest Linda YuehThe Meltdown of Credit Suisse w/ Duncan MavinFiscal Drag QueenThames Water gets Whacked with guest Feargal Sharkey


    Will’s folder of research reports: HERE


    For more on Bubble Trouble, including transcripts of the show, visit us online at http://bubbletroublepodcast.com

    You can learn more about Richard at https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-kramer-16306b2/

    More on Will Page at: https://pivotaleconomics.com

    (Times below correspond to the episode without considering any inserted advertisements.)

    Bubble Trouble Year-End Review: Top Episodes and Predictions for 2025


    00:00 Introduction and Year in Review

    00:33 Part One

    00:41 Predictions and Highlights of 2024

    01:16 Memorable Moments and Listener Feedback

    02:44 Bronze Medal: Bill Raduchel’s Insight

    04:58 Silver Medal: Duncan Maven and Credit Suisse

    07:43 Gold Medal: Law Without Lawyers

    11:09 Richard's Oscar Categories

    13:48 Social Impact: Fergal Sharky on Water Management

    17:36 Market Bubbles and Fiscal Policies

    22:13 Closing Thoughts and Part Two Teaser

    22:38 Part Two

    22:59 Predictions and Skepticism

    23:32 AI and the Rationalization of Apps

    24:47 Winners and Losers in the AI Era

    25:57 The Future of Review Platforms

    28:28 Emerging Companies to Watch

    35:13 Market Trends and Volatility

    40:36 The Crisis in Journalism

    44:40 AI Hype vs. Reality

    45:57 Closing Thoughts and Reflections

    47:14 Credits


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    48 mins
  • Into the Future with Benedict Evans
    Dec 23 2024

    Back by popular demand, returning guest Benedict Evans to help us work out where we’ll be a year from now. This is our first predictions show, and Benedict has been brave enough to lead from the front with his latest presentation AI Eats the World. Will it? And if it does, what sort of indigestion will it bring? We double down on what the next twelve months will bring given the avalanche of “events-dear-boy-events” we’ve witnessed in the last twelve.

    For more on Bubble Trouble, including transcripts of the show, visit us online at http://bubbletroublepodcast.com

    You can learn more about Richard at https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-kramer-16306b2/

    More on Will Page at: https://pivotaleconomics.com

    (Times below correspond to the episode without considering any inserted advertisements.)


    Join hosts Richard Kramer and Will Page in one of the final episodes of 2024 as they team up with independent analyst Richard Kramer and economist and author Will Page, alongside returning guest Benedict Evans. In this prediction-packed episode, the trio dives into the year-long buzz around AI. They dissect the concept of 'AI Eats the World' — exploring if AI truly has the transformative power it's touted to have and what potential pitfalls could arise. From decoding AI trends to the proliferation of machine learning across industries, this episode provides a candid discussion on the future of AI, its impacts, and the upcoming challenges. Plus, they explore legal implications, the role of consultancy giants like Accenture in the AI wave, and the future landscape of professions impacted by AI innovations. Don't miss this insightful deep dive into what technology and AI advancements might hold for the year ahead.

    00:00 Introduction and Show Setup

    00:46 Part One

    01:19 Understanding AI and Machine Learning

    03:46 AI's Practical Applications

    07:06 AI in the Legal Profession

    15:58 Jevons Paradox and AI's Future Impact

    21:01 Part Two

    25:01 Creative Brainstorming with AI

    25:11 The Value of Unique Perspectives

    25:53 Skepticism Towards Big Consultancies

    26:55 Accenture's Role in AI

    28:33 Generative AI in Business

    31:37 The Democratization of AI

    34:02 AI's Impact on Various Industries

    41:19 Future of AI in Media and Entertainment

    45:51 Closing Thoughts and Reflections

    46:38 Credits



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

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    47 mins
  • Why Stocks Get Whacked
    Dec 16 2024

    When markets get fooled, stocks get …well, WHACKED, to quote a famous Kramerism. Our audience deserves to know more about volatility - for all the PhDs, MBAs and CFAs working on Wall Street, for all the compliance rules and regulations, why is it that a stock can go from hero to zero so quickly? Why is stability in itself destabilizing? [Repeat from May, 2024]


    For more on Bubble Trouble, including transcripts of the show, visit us online at http://bubbletroublepodcast.com

    You can learn more about Richard at https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-kramer-16306b2/

    More on Will Page at: https://pivotaleconomics.com

    (Times below correspond to the episode without considering any inserted advertisements.)


    Understanding Market Volatility: The Seven Deadly Sins That Get Stocks Whacked


    In this episode of Bubble Trouble, hosted by independent analyst Richard Kramer and economist Will Page, the duo delves into the intricacies of stock market volatility and the factors that lead to significant drops in stock values, often referred to as getting 'whacked.' They explore why financial markets remain volatile despite compliance rules and thorough analysis by Wall Street's experts. Using recent examples like Duolingo and Double Verify, they highlight how sentiment, market expectations, and artificial intelligence fears influence stock performance. They introduce the concept of the seven deadly sins—ranging from expectations management to fake it till you make it—that companies and analysts commit, causing stocks to tank. The discussion covers essential themes like the role of credibility, influence of peer performance, external market factors, and the impact of fear and greed. They also touch on larger market dynamics, such as the dominance of tech giants and the influence of algorithmic trading. The episode is both an educational dive into market mechanics and a cautionary tale for investors, emphasizing the importance of understanding broader market sentiments and the potential pitfalls of speculative trading.


    00:00 Introduction

    01:18 Part One

    02:30 Recent Examples of Stocks Getting Whacked

    06:08 The Role of Expectations in Market Behavior

    10:53 Credibility and Its Impact on Stocks

    16:17 The Influence of Peer Groups and Market Share

    18:19 Mathematical Models and Black Swans

    23:09 Part Two

    24:15 The Sheer Size of Companies and Market Impact

    25:13 Big Companies and Revenue Growth Challenges

    26:33 Market Dynamics and Money Managers

    27:04 Thought Experiment: Market Crowding

    28:53 Taxing Market Capitalization

    34:18 Fear and Greed in Financial Markets

    40:11 Unprofitable IPOs and Market Distortions

    42:47 Seven Deadly Sins of Stock Trading

    46:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    46:53 Credits



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

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    47 mins
  • How Much Is Copyright Worth?
    Dec 9 2024

    In the last couple episodes, we've looked at the property market, we've looked at the demise of Credit Suisse, but now we're gonna go one-on-one with Will Page, talking about his latest work: How much is copyright worth and the way in which music is having its own, getting back at cinema.


    For more on Bubble Trouble, including transcripts of the show, visit us online at http://bubbletroublepodcast.com

    You can learn more about Richard at https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-kramer-16306b2/

    More on Will Page at: https://pivotaleconomics.com

    In this episode of Bubble Trouble, Richard Kramer and economist Will Page dive into the fascinating world of music copyright. They explore the market value, currently pegged at $45.5 billion, and discuss what this number entails, including the roles of record labels, collecting societies, and publishers. They delve deep into the growing significance of vinyl records, the influence of streaming services, and the striking impact of globalization on music trade flows. Additionally, they discuss new market opportunities, the potential for further growth, and the future of direct artist-to-fan engagements. Join the conversation to understand the changing dynamics of the music industry and the economic forces shaping it.


    00:00 Introduction to Bubble Trouble

    00:35 Part One

    01:10 Exploring the Value of Copyright

    02:23 The Economics of Music Copyright

    07:12 Streaming vs. Cinema: A Shift in Consumption

    17:08 The Vinyl Revival

    19:31 Part Two

    19:31 Global Impact of Music Copyright

    22:32 The Global Impact of Reggaeton

    22:47 Economic Disparities in Music Streaming

    23:25 The Big Mac Index and Media Trade

    24:50 K-Pop's Global Dominance

    26:20 The Role of Government in Music Industry Success

    28:36 Canada's Multicultural Music Scene

    30:06 The Rise of Punjabi-Canadian Artists

    33:12 The Future of Music Copyright and Streaming

    37:41 Direct Artist-to-Fan Relationships

    40:50 Emerging Markets and the Future of Copyright

    41:51 Conclusion and Future Episodes



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

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    43 mins
  • Learning From A Doer: A Conversation with Roger Madelin
    Dec 2 2024

    Today we are going deep with a real creator. No, not one of the avatars of AI influencers in the creator economy, but someone who builds things that take 20 years to complete, Roger Madelin, CBE, the name behind the scenes in making London's Kings Cross a reality.


    For more on Bubble Trouble, including transcripts of the show, visit us online at http://bubbletroublepodcast.com

    You can learn more about Richard at https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-kramer-16306b2/

    More on Will Page at: https://pivotaleconomics.com

    (Times below correspond to the episode without considering any inserted advertisements.)

    Transformation and Challenges with King's Cross Visionary Roger Madeline


    In this episode of Bubble Trouble, co-hosts Richard Kramer and Will Page delve into urban development with Roger Madelin, CBE. Known for his transformative work at London's King's Cross, Roger shares insights on large-scale urban projects, navigating economic cycles, and the intricacies of aligning diverse stakeholders' interests. The discussion also covers the controversial HS2 rail project, the importance of integrating cultural elements in city planning, and the current political landscape influencing housing policies. Roger emphasizes the need for a strong vision, the significance of public spaces, and the necessity of balancing private and public sector efforts to create vibrant, inclusive urban environments.


    00:00 Introduction

    00:48 Part One

    02:16 Transforming King's Cross

    03:56 Reflecting on Urban Development

    05:48 The Impact of Smartening Up Train Stations

    08:45 Navigating Economic Cycles in Urban Projects

    15:20 The Future of Workspaces Post-COVID

    20:09 Balancing Luxury and Community in Property Development

    24:48 Preview of Part Two: HS2 and Urban Planning Challenges

    25:34 Part Two

    26:50 Challenges of High-Speed Rail in the UK

    29:43 The Flaws in High-Speed Two's Business Case

    32:08 Comparing High-Speed One and High-Speed Two

    34:00 The Importance of Comfort Over Speed

    36:03 The Role of Arts and Culture in City Development

    42:09 Political and Economic Challenges in Urban Development

    52:24 Closing Remarks and Reflections

    53:17 Credits




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

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    53 mins