Hardly Working with Brent Orrell (AEI Podcasts)
Explorez tous les épisodes de Hardly Working with Brent Orrell
| Date | Titre | Durée | |||||
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| 03 Aug 2023 | Workforce Futures Initiative Event Rebroadcast | 01:33:29 | |||||
In this episode, we invite you to listen in on a Workforce Futures Initiative (WFI) event from February 2023. WFI is a collaboration between the American Enterprise Institute, the Brookings Institution, and the Harvard Kennedy School Malcolm Wiener Center for Social Policy that analyzes the latest research on various aspects of the workforce development system to inform policy at the federal, state, and local levels. In this event, Brent Orrell is joined by leading workforce experts Harry Holzer, Greg Wright, and Rachel Lipson to discuss the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), sector-based training programs, community colleges and their connection to the workforce, and labor market data information. Mentioned in the Episode Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Trade Adjustment Assistance for Community College Program Matt Sigelman, Burning Glass Institute Anne Kress, Northern Virginia Community College | |||||||
| 21 Oct 2021 | Dr. Alex Ruder on Benefits Cliffs | 00:49:26 | |||||
When the Federal pandemic-related UI programs ended on September 6th, 2021, many Americans became aware of what low-income, government program-dependent Americans have long been aware of – a benefits cliff. This cliff occurs when public benefits taper off or phase out quickly, forcing beneficiaries to choose between earning more or maintaining what is often a vital subsidy. It is a classic Catch-22. These cliffs impact both short-term work incentives and long-term opportunities for growth in wages. On this episode of “Hardly Working”, am joined by Dr. Alex Ruder, the principal advisor of Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta’s Community and Economic Development team. We discuss Dr. Ruder’s vocational journey in workforce development policy, the Career Ladder Identifier and Financial Forecasting (CLIFF) tool that he helped develop, and the future of federal benefits and benefits cliffs post-pandemic. Mentioned During the Episode: AEI’s upcoming event on UI Reform St. Louis Federal Reserve Publication on 1918 Influenza Brent Orrell on how “Learning to Code” Isn’t Enough Alex Ruder on Understanding and Overcoming Benefits Cliffs Alex Ruder on Benefit Plateaus Childcare Benefits Cliff Florida Case Study Effective Marginal Tax Rate Series on Effective Tax Rates Alex Ruder on Benefits Cliffs and Career Pathways Entry-Level Healthcare Workforce Report Programs on Smoothing Out Benefits Cliff Effects | |||||||
| 11 Apr 2024 | Carol Graham on the Power of Hope | 01:33:27 | |||||
Contemporary differences between rural and urban areas in America have their roots in long-term demographic, economic, technological, and social factors. Brent and the Brookings Institution’s Tony Pipa are hosting conversations “On the Front Porch” with authors of recent research on issues facing rural America. These discussions explore the unique challenges and opportunities facing rural America and consider policy options to promote development and opportunity. Today, we bring you a recent conversation with economist Carol Graham. Graham’s recent book The Power of Hope: How the Science of Well-Being Can Save Us from Despair discusses the role that hope plays in supporting the development of individuals and communities in America. | |||||||
| 31 Oct 2024 | Kerry McKittrick on Education, Career Navigation, and Workforce Development | 00:47:15 | |||||
Kerry McKittrick, in her work as co-director of The Project on Workforce at Harvard, looks into different aspects of the relationship between workforce development and careers. In this episode of Hardly Working, we dive into three different reports that McKittrick has authored recently. Mentioned in the episode: The College-to-Jobs Initiative: Exploring the intersection of higher education and the workforce Unlocking Economic Prosperity: Career Navigation in a Time of Rapid Change Workforce Strategies for New Industrial Policies: Governors’ Emerging Solutions | |||||||
| 20 May 2021 | Does Job Corps work? A conversation with Anne Kim | 00:38:22 | |||||
Job Corps is a program that dates to President Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty. The initial goal — help young people develop the skills they need to succeed in the workforce — was laudable. However, as tends to happen with government programs, the results have fallen short of the vision. On this episode of “Hardly Working,” I’m joined by Anne Kim, who listeners may recognize from her first appearanceon the show. Kim talked about a recent article she wrote for Washington Monthly looking at the promise of Job Corps and the disappointment it has left in its wake. Show Notes: Anne Kim’s first appearance on ‘Hardly Working’ Anne Kim’s essay in Washington Monthly George Foreman repaying Job Corp Mathematica Job Corps evaluation On why doing nothing can be better than doing something On the wrong people benefiting from Job Corps Minding our workforce: The role of noncognitive skills in career successEconomic Mobility Pathways (EMPath) On Job Corps trouble in COVID-19 times 17 Oct 2024 | David Hernandez on Creating a Domestic Microprocessor Manufacturing Labor Force | 00:45:49 | | ||||
Description: This week on Hardly Working, Brent Orrell talks with David Hernandez, Vice President of Education at IPC, the Global Association for Electronics Manufacturing. Brent and David discuss domestic electronics manufacturing, workforce education and training, and the global supply chain. Mentioned During the Show: | |||||||
| 22 Aug 2024 | Addressing Rural Economic Development With Kevin R. Kosar | 01:27:17 | |||||
On July 22, Brent Orrell from AEI and Tony Pipa from Brookings hosted a discussion about Casa Grande Valley Farms, an agricultural cooperative from the New Deal era that faced challenges and eventually failed. AEI's Kevin R. Kosar, who has republished a book on the project, joined the conversation to discuss the lessons this historical case offers for modern federal rural economic development, especially in the context of recent legislative investments like the CHIPS and Science Act.
Mentioned in the episode: | |||||||
| 07 Oct 2020 | Humans versus machines: how technology is impacting the future of work | 00:43:32 | |||||
For many years it was thought that the only industries at risk of being automated were those that did not require human intelligence. Artificial intelligence is bringing automation to increasing numbers of tasks and forcing human beings to work in concert with technology. Some say, AI is actually rewriting the playbook of work altogether and may undermine the role as a source of meaning and purpose. Brent talks to Daniel Susskind, a Fellow in Economics at Balliol College, Oxford, and the author of “A World Without Work: Technology, Automation, and How We Should Respond”. They discuss technological unemployment and the role of work in personal fulfillment. Along the way, they sort the science of artificial intelligence from the science-fiction. | |||||||
| 28 Jul 2021 | Jamie Merisotis on the Future of Human Work | 00:47:50 | |||||
Twenty-first century automation is fueling an ongoing debate around the future of work. Is the end to human labor around the corner? Will robots replace us? The short answer is no. The longer answer is that work is changing fast and will likely require the capacity to adapt and constant upgrading of skills. In this episode of "Hardly Working", I was joined by Jamie Merisotis, president and CEO of the Lumina Foundation to discuss what automation means for work. We discussed his most recent book Human Work in the Age of Smart Machines, the connection between education and employment, the value of human abilities, and what the future workforce may look like and require of us. Mentioned During the Episode: Human Work in the Age of Smart Machines Twitter: @jamiemerisotis On Automation of Repetitive Tasks Minding Our Workforce: The Role of Noncognitive Skills in Career Success Brent Orrell on the Real Value of Work Brent Orrell on “Soft Skills” and University Education Ken Goldberg on Human-Machine Complementarity Hardly Working on Restoring the Dignity to Work Gallup Poll on Work That Matters James Merisotis On Universal basic income | |||||||
| 08 Aug 2024 | Russ Roberts on "Wild Problems" | 00:59:50 | |||||
Russ Roberts, President of Shalem College in Jerusalem and host of the Econtalk podcast, discusses his book, “Wild Problems: A Guide to the Decisions That Define Us. The book discusses Robert’s approach to problems that can’t be solved with normal economics analysis. In this episode, Brent and Russ also discuss the influences Russ had growing up and the advice he has for young people today. Mentioned in the Episode The Price of Everything by Russ Roberts Kentucky Community College Using AI to Train Peer Support Specialists | |||||||
| 01 Dec 2022 | Stephen Moret on Building Educational and Workforce Opportunities in States and Localities | 00:54:41 | |||||
Stephen Moret is a leading expert in the connection between education and work. In this episode, Dr. Moret shares lessons and successes from his many years leading state and local economic development efforts, educational fundraising efforts, and his new role as CEO of Strada Education Network, a social impact organization helping all students access and make the most of their educational opportunities. Mentioned in the episode Stephen Moret Student Body President Virginia Economic Development Partnership Virginia Talent Accelerator Program Louisiana Fast Start Program – Economist Article Virginia Office of Education – VOEE Strada Institute for the Future of Work – New Learning Ecosystem Non-technical skills in career development | |||||||
| 18 Mar 2020 | The Centuries Long Pursuit of “The Good Life” | 00:44:30 | |||||
Can the writings of an 18th century philosopher help the modern person find meaning and purpose? Before he wrote the Wealth of Nations, Adam Smith wrote another book, The Theory of Moral Sentiments, which helps us understand how a good life, one marked by both prosperity and personal happiness, is achieved. Join Brent Orrell and Ryan Hanley, a professor of political science at Boston College, for a discussion of his latest book “Our Great Purpose: Adam Smith on Living a Better Life (Princeton University Press, 2019)”. | |||||||
| 30 Sep 2020 | Untangling America’s Anti-Poverty Programs | 00:44:02 | |||||
America’s workforce development and anti-poverty programs are rife with complexity and bureaucracy. Looking for work is hard enough but the way we organize our welfare and workforce systems makes it even more difficult. To address this challenge and create a welfare system that works for people seeking self-sufficiency rather than against them, the State of Utah has developed a unique approach that consolidates services rather than fragmenting them which saves time, energy, and money while helping families make the most of the resources and opportunities they have to build a better future. Brent is joined by Mason Bishop, an Adjunct Fellow at AEI to discuss his recent report: “Utah Department of Workforce Services: A System Integration Model”. | |||||||
| 09 Dec 2021 | Joseph Fuller on Hidden Workers and issues in AI-based recruiting | 01:06:14 | |||||
Amidst today’s labor shortage, employers are learning an important truth: we have no “extra” people. Unfortunately, many qualified workers are “hidden” from real consideration for jobs by ineffective artificial intelligence hiring screens, overly strict credentialing requirements, or a narrowmindedness from companies on how seemingly disparate skills could might serve to strengthen business operations. These barriers contribute to the existence of 27 million “hidden workers” in the US, including mothers returning to the workforce, those with physical disabilities, neurodivergent workers, and veterans. To discuss this problem, I am joined by AEI non-Resident Fellow and Harvard Business School professor Joe Fuller. In addition to his work at AEI, Joe co-leads the Managing the Future of Work project, and has published reports through HBS as well as numerous popular press outlets. Mentioned During the Show Michael Porter’s Harvard Website Hidden Workers: Untapped Talent Report New York Times Article on Automated Hiring Young People Marry Later than Previous Generations IBM Commits to Skill 30 Million by 2030 | |||||||
| 04 Feb 2022 | Brent Orrell on Lessons from his Vocational Journey | 01:05:55 | |||||
In this episode of Hardly Working, Brent’s research staff turn the tables on the host and interview Brent. In the last 64 episodes, Brent has hosted guests to discuss everything from the welfare system to neuroscience to Waffle House. This episode is a long-awaited (by us!) window into the host behind the scenes. What is the elusive “vocation” that Brent talks about with guests? What is the core of Brent’s theory of workforce development research? How was this theory developed and who influenced it? All these questions and more are finally answered. You will hear about Brent’s own vocational journey, the people that guided it, his vocational and policy philosophy, and even a few of his favorite books. We also provide a sneak peek at our spring podcast line up. Enjoy getting to know the researcher and the research behind Hardly Working! - Jake Easter, Jessie Wall, and Hunter Dixon Mentioned During the Episode Faith Based and Community Initiatives Bush Administration Administration for Children and Families (HHS) 93% of parents would encourage their kid to pursue engineering Adam Smith, Theory of Moral Sentiments Iain McGilchrist (AEI page) “How our brains make the world” (condensed paper from Iain McGilchrist) McGilchrist event with John Cleese | |||||||
| 30 Nov 2023 | Michael Chui on Generative AI | 00:42:54 | |||||
Artificial intelligence (AI) is advancing at breakneck speed. Michael Chui, a partner at the McKinsey Global Institute (MGI), leads research on how this technology is reshaping business, the economy, and society more broadly. According to MGI, the next wave of AI-generated productivity improvements will send shockwaves through the labor market as it reaches–and surpasses–human-level ability across a wide range of skills but ultimately make the entire world wealthier and healthier. We hope you enjoy this conversation. Mentioned in this Episode McKinsey Global Institute (MGI) MGI report: The Economic Potential of Generative AI Accenture report: Strategy at the Pace of Technology | |||||||
| 08 Apr 2021 | Ted Hadzi-Antich on great books education in community colleges | 00:37:46 | |||||
The liberal arts have been having a rough time. The left tends to see them as part and parcel of a racist system that must be overthrown, and the right sees them as either a waste of time or part of the woke industrial complex. All this leads us to ask: Are they doomed? Should they be?
This week, I sat down with Ted Hadzi-Antich of the Great Questions Foundation for a conversation about the essential role the liberal arts and “great books” play in personal formation, career success, and long-term happiness.
Show Notes: | |||||||
| 08 Feb 2024 | Robert Schwartz and Rachel Lipson on Community Colleges and Economic Mobility | 00:57:10 | |||||
In recent years, confidence in higher education has plummeted. This decline has prompted a vigorous debate on the role of all types of post-secondary education. In their recent book America’s Hidden Economic Engines: How Community Colleges Can Drive Shared Prosperity, Robert B. Schwartz and Rachel Lipson make the case for the value of community colleges. Surveying five case studies across the US–in Ohio, Virginia, Arizona, Texas, and Mississippi–they argue that community colleges serve as “engines” of social mobility for individuals and communities. Their research shows that community colleges have proven remarkably effective at mitigating economic inequality and promoting social engagement and economic development. Today, Brent sits down with Lipson and Schwartz to discuss what their research means for students and policymakers. Mentioned in this episode Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Pathways to Prosperity Network | |||||||
| 25 Jan 2024 | Keith Sonderling on AI and the Workforce | 00:49:14 | |||||
As artificial intelligence (AI) bounds ahead, many are rightfully concerned about the risks and ethical issues it raises. Perhaps some of the most practical of these is the potential that AI will be biased against minority populations because of deficiencies in the data used to build it. If true, this would have serious implications for human resources and hiring. Today, Brent sits down with Keith Sonderling, a commissioner on the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or EEOC. Sonderling delves into the challenges and opportunities presented by the integration of AI into the workplace, particularly in hiring and employment decisions. And he emphasizes the complexity of AI and the difficulty – yet necessity – of regulating it so that it can benefit everyone. We hope you enjoy this conversation. Mentioned in this Episode Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Goldman Sachs on AI’s Impact on the Labor Market | |||||||
| 28 Oct 2020 | The American Dream: Alive, dead or just ailing? | 00:48:50 | |||||
Over the past five years, Americans have become more pessimistic about the nation’s economic future. We’ve weathered two recessions and now a pandemic that has put millions out of work. For some, these events have been a sign that free markets aren’t all they are cracked up to be and that stronger government interventions are needed. But does the data support this view? Brent talks to Michael Strain, a Resident Scholar and Director of Economic Policy Studies at the American Enterprise Institute, as well as the author of “The American Dream is Not Dead: (But Populism Could Kill It)”, about what the data tell us is really going on with employment, wages, and intergenerational economic mobility. | |||||||
| 03 Jun 2021 | Laurel Farrer on the remote work revolution | 00:49:56 | |||||
For America’s workforce, the past year has been, if not the worst of times, certainly one of the most challenging in the nation’s history. Pandemic lockdowns have been associated with not only burnout and stress but also the discovery of the potential benefits of remote work. Laurel Farrer, a remote work consultant and strategist, joined us on “Hardly Working” to explain how the pandemic has accelerated a transition that was already underway and how to distinguish between the challenges of remote work and the problems created by the pandemic. Mentioned during the show: Defining virtual work jobs: Here's what each term means Infographic: The impact of remote working on talent acquisition Remote work for economic development: A conversation with Laurel Farrer On remote work and social isolation On work from home and change management On remote work and its effect on operations The environmental benefits of remote working On how remote working is changing attitudes On why remote work (as practiced) is illegal Legal problems with remote work | |||||||
| 06 Jul 2023 | Joseph Fuller on Delivering on Degrees | 00:44:43 | |||||
Joe Fuller, a Nonresident Senior Fellow at AEI and Professor at Harvard Business School, discusses two new reports, Delivering on Degrees and The Partnership Imperative. The first examines the effectiveness of programs that facilitate the transition from postsecondary education to employment and finds programs such as career coaching and experiential coursework can improve persistence in training and employment outcomes. The second report explores how partnerships between community colleges and employers can help address the skills gap. Mentioned in the Episode Managing the Future of Work Project at Harvard Business School Delivering on Degrees Report Workforce Futures Initiative Prof. Raj Chetty’s Work on Economic Mobility The Partnership Imperative: Community Colleges, Employers, and America’s Chronic Skills Gap | |||||||
| 11 Nov 2020 | Finding purpose behind bars (with Chris Wilson) [REBROADCAST] | 00:42:26 | |||||
Are prisons designed to punish, rehabilitate, or a combination of the two? At age 17, Chris Wilson was sentenced to life in prison, but he developed a list of goals — his “master plan” — to help him become the man he knew he wanted to be, despite being behind bars. Sixteen years later, Chis was granted parole. Since then, he has dedicated his life to giving back to his community, building multiple businesses, and supporting returning citizens. In this rebroadcasted episode, Chris joined Brent to discuss COVID-19 in prisons, prison culture, and Chris’ new book, “The Master Plan: My Journey from a Life in Prison to a Life of Purpose.” | |||||||
| 06 May 2021 | Liya Palagashvili on the Gig Economy | 00:48:52 | |||||
Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash all represent a new kind of company — one that seeks to connect individual workers to fluid market demands. These electronic gig networks have not only spread prosperity but also made it clear how important people’s talents are to the economy as a whole. They also hold promise in providing people with ways to develop new skills and business opportunities and to become their own bosses rather than working for someone else. But the gig economy is imperfect and has uncertainties regarding paychecks and health care. Dynamism, and the mobility and opportunity it provides, has always been a hallmark of a US economy that has delivered unprecedented wealth and well-being to more people than ever before in human history. How do we retain this dynamism without leaving ever larger numbers of workers exposed to unpredictable economic trends and events? To help understand some of these trade-offs and how to maximize the benefits of the gig economy, we’re joined by Liya Palagashvili of the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. Palagashvili has published several new papers looking at women in the gig economy, the importance of this sector during and after the pandemic, and what the future of gig economy regulation might look like. Show notes: Employee vs. independent worker: A framework for understanding work differences by Liya Palagashvili and Paola Suarez
Women as independent workers in the gig economy by Liya Palagashvili and Paola Suarez
A grand gender convergence: Its last chapter by Claudia Goldin
Independent contractors in the US: New trends from 15 years of administrative tax data by Katherine Lim et al.
Startup innovation: The role of regulation in entrepreneurship by Liya Palagashvili
ABC Test | Wex | US Law | LII / Legal Information Institute
New Upwork study finds 36 percent of the US workforce freelance amid the COVID-19 pandemic
Liya Palagashvili’s Mercatus Center website
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| 18 Jul 2024 | Sally Satel and Keith Humphreys on the Opioid Epidemic | 00:56:22 | |||||
On July 8, AEI’s Brent Orrell hosted the fifth event in the “On the Front Porch” series with the Brookings Institution’s Tony Pipa featuring Stanford University Professor Keith Humphreys and AEI’s Sally Satel, two experts in opioid treatment and the societal effects of drug abuse in rural areas. They discuss the factors that led to the opioid crisis and the challenges in resolving it. Mentioned in the Episode Origins of the Opioid Crisis and its Enduring Impacts by Abby Alpert et. al Death in Mud Lick Book by Eric Eyre Deaths of Despair and the Future of Capitalism by Anne Case and Angus Deaton | |||||||
| 25 Mar 2022 | Dirk Van Velzen on his transition from crime to founding a nonprofit | 01:23:43 | |||||
Incarcerated and justice-involved individuals are people with desires, goals, dreams and gifts, just like those of us “on the outside.” Dirk van Velzen, the founder and CEO of the Prison Scholars Fund, knows first-hand what it takes to discover and actualize the potential of people who are involved in our criminal justice system. In this episode, Dirk dives into the factors that led to his incarceration, and how his education in prison and in re-entry led to starting PSF, a nonprofit that helps other incarcerated and justice-involved individuals to build on their unique educational and vocational interests, skills, and abilities. Through the work of PSF, lives are changed and cycles of incarceration, recidivism, crime and poverty that hamper families and communities are being broken. Mentioned in the Episode History of the Prison Pell program Penn State Organizational Leadership University of Colorado Boulder Psychology | |||||||
| 17 Feb 2022 | Ryan Streeter and Dan Cox on the State of American Communities | 00:55:56 | |||||
Throughout America’s history, its people formed churches, social and fraternal organizations, and neighborhood groups at an astonishing pace. When we talk about “American exceptionalism” this is what we’re really talking about: the self-organizing community that solves its own problems. In second half of the 20th century, however, scholars and pundits have pointed to a decline in American neighborliness and propensity for joining civic organizations. Church attendance is down, social organizations are dissolving, and two-parent families are declining. What can the data on American attitudes toward community tell us about why this is happening? Today, I am pleased to welcome Ryan Streeter and Dan Cox to discuss the state of American communities. Streeter is a Senior Fellow and Director of Domestic Policy Studies at AEI. He studies topics of civil society, community, localism and religion. Dan Cox is the Senior Fellow in Polling and Public Opinion at AEI and the Director of the Survey Center of American Life. He specializes understanding American attitudes toward politics, youth culture, identity, and religion. We discuss highlights from AEI’s fall American Community survey, which can be found on the AEI website. We’ll also discuss their vocational journeys and professional lives and the role of civic engagement in building a happy and fulfilling life. Mentioned During the Episode Public Religion Research Institute | |||||||
| 31 Mar 2022 | Prison Scholars Part 2: Robert Wood on his journey to desistance through education | 00:32:16 | |||||
The choices we make and who we make them with are the primary factors shaping how we live. Few people know this better than Robert Wood. In the final episode of our March miniseries on criminal justice topics, Robert and I dive into how his perspectives, priorities and choices changed during his stint in prison, and how his association with the Prison Scholar Fund led to new beginnings. Mentioned in the Episode UNICOR Federal Prison Industries – Scholarship California Board of Governors Grant for prison education Allenwood, PA Medium Security Prison | |||||||
| 06 Oct 2022 | Nick Eberstadt on Men Without Work | 00:56:41 | |||||
Amidst widespread talk of income inequality and the rise in working women, many American men have retreated from the labor force steadily since 1965. Nicholas Eberstadt, AEI’s Henry Wendt Chair in Political Economy, noticed this trend in 2014 and began work on a project tracking men who lie outside the reach of traditional measures of unemployment since they are not working or looking for work. That project culminated in Men Without Work: America’s Invisible Crisis. In 2022, Eberstadt released a Post-Pandemic Edition of Men Without Work, which forms the backbone of today’s discussion. We discuss who the men without work are, how they spend their time, and how to convince society that work as an institution is a worthy investment of time. Mentioned in the Episode Men Without Work: America’s Invisible Crisis Men Without Work: Post-Pandemic Edition NILF (Not in Labor Force) Rate BLS Definition of Employed - 1 hour per week US Family Structure 1965 to now | |||||||
| 22 Jun 2023 | Matt Continetti on American Conservatism through the 20th Century | 00:57:14 | |||||
The Republican Party has been the main political vehicle for American conservatism over the past 100 years. Periods of tension between the intellectual/elite faction and the grassroots faction have defined the party’s history. Matt Continetti, senior fellow at AEI, has spent his career studying the Republican Party and the American conservative movement in the 20th century, in particular the tug-of-war between the party’s factions and how this has shaped national politics. Mentioned in the Episode The Right: The Hundred-Year War for American Conservatism The Politics of Rage: Why do They Hate Us? George Wallace 1968 Presidential Campaign Trump: “I love the poorly educated.” | |||||||
| 26 May 2022 | Leon Cooperman on the True Value of Billionaires | 00:37:20 | |||||
What would you do if you had a billion dollars? You may have a good idea, but if you don’t, looking to the example of Leon Cooperman wouldn’t be a bad start. After a lengthy, successful career at Goldman Sachs and running his own wealth management company, Leon Cooperman has focused his attention on philanthropy, making daily decisions to benefit the lives of others. In this episode, Cooperman and I discuss how his career and philanthropic efforts illuminate the value of billionaires to society. Mentioned During the Show Leon Cooperman Washington Post University of Pennsylvania School of Dentistry | |||||||
| 08 Jan 2020 | Welcome to 'Hardly Working' | 00:02:03 | |||||
Whether you are working hard or hardly working, join AEI Resident Fellow Brent Orrell as he explores national trends and public policies affecting the vitality of the American workforce and how to prepare yourself for success in our rapidly-changing economy. And whatever else happens, we promise it will take your mind off of your job. Join Brent as he introduces the newest addition to the AEI Podcast Network: "Hardly Working." | |||||||
| 28 Apr 2022 | First Workings Alums on their journeys from New York to New Beginnings | 00:53:06 | |||||
The First Workings mentoring program is a unique experience for disadvantaged high school students from New York City. First Workings helps students access paid internships, training, and mentoring relationships at major finance, media, health, or law firms. The skills, experience, and social capital resulting from these opportunities are crucial for building access to well-paid career opportunities. In this second episode of the Mentorship Miniseries, three First Working alumni reflect on their vocational pathways and the benefits afforded to them through their involvement with First Workings. We also discuss “code-switching”, work culture, and social capital. Mentioned in the Episode Kevin Davis on his Finance Career and the Impact of First Workings Viacom CBS (now Paramount Global) Girl Scout Leadership Institute
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| 19 Feb 2020 | The family advantage | 00:35:49 | |||||
Family is the seedbed of skill development for young children: relationships within the family influence a child’s development in all areas of their life. Furthermore, as family structure has morphed and shifted over the past few decades, so have the economic outcomes for children. In this episode, Brent Orrell hosts Alan Hawkins of Brigham Young University and W. Bradford Wilcox of AEI to discuss marriage, family life, and the economics of family formation. Join us as they discuss the impact of family structure on long-term outcomes for kids. | |||||||
| 11 Jan 2024 | Elizabeth Currid-Halkett on Rural America | 00:53:14 | |||||
Many urban Americans have come to believe that there’s a growing chasm separating urban and rural America. While urban America bounds ahead, rural America, many assume, is being left behind, struggling with material and spiritual impoverishment, and cultural confusion. This week on Hardly Working, Brent talks with University of Southern California professor Elizabeth Currid-Halkett, who dispels some of the myths about the so-called urban-rural divide. Currid-Halkett and Brent discuss her fantastic book The Overlooked Americans: The Resilience of Our Rural Towns and What it Means For Our Country, which Brent reviewed for the Dispatch in September. As you’ll hear, rural America is doing a lot better than you might think. Mentioned in this episode University of Chicago General Social Survey Times/Siena Poll on Trump's advantage in battleground states | |||||||
| 08 Sep 2022 | Tyler Cowen on Talent and Hiring in the Twenty-First Century | 00:50:29 | |||||
How can employers find workers that fit and elevate their organizations? Where are the “diamonds in the rough” that everyone else is missing? In his book Talent: How to Identify Energizers, Creatives and Winners Around the World, Economist Tyler Cowen and entrepreneur Daniel Gross point out helpful strategies for hiring managers to find job seekers to who aim to be noticed by the right people. Tyler also dives into his journey into economics, sharing his takes on AI, skills, modern hiring practices, and the many projects that occupy his day-to-day. Mentioned in the episode Talent: How to Identify Energizers, Creatives, and Winners Around the World Henry Hazlitt - Economics in One Lesson Hayek – Use of Knowledge in Society Adam Smith - Wealth of Nations, Theory of Moral Sentiments Walter Grinder - Center for Libertarian Studies, Institute for Humane Studies | |||||||
| 09 Dec 2020 | Building pathways to career success for entry-level workers (Part 1) | 00:35:28 | |||||
Entry-level workers face a myriad of obstacles to finding, keeping, and advancing in their careers that can hamper progress toward achieving family-sustaining employment. These obstacles inhibit company productivity and company efforts to reduce turnover and strengthen and diversify workforces. Employer Resource Networks are a potential solution to this problem. This episode of Hardly Working is the first in a two-part sequence of a recent event hosted at the American Enterprise Institute, entitled “Employer Resource Networks: Improving employment retention and building career opportunities for low-wage workers”. | |||||||
| 04 Mar 2020 | Workforce of tomorrow: How early child care shapes adult employment | 00:50:32 | |||||
Babies begin learning from the moment they are born, absorbing and processing the world around them. However, their ability to process and understand large quantities of information diminishes over time. Research shows that if a child enters kindergarten behind, they are unlikely to catch up to their peers. Because of this, the early years of life are crucial to human capital development and our nation’s ability to maintain an efficient and productive workforce. In this episode, AEI Scholar Katharine Stevens and Brent discuss how quality child care is a form of workforce preparation. | |||||||
| 15 Jan 2020 | The divided brain: Perception, social life, and interpersonal neurobiology | 00:36:53 | |||||
Most people know that the human brain is divided into two hemispheres: the left brain and the right brain. But what purpose does this division serve, and how does it influence perception, behavior, economics, and culture? In this episode of "Hardly Working," host Brent Orrell is joined by Dr. Iain McGilchrist, author of "The Master and His Emissary," to discuss how the makeup of our brain influences our work and social lives. Dr. McGilchrist is a psychiatrist and professor of literature residing on the Isle of Skye in North West Scotland. | |||||||
| 30 May 2024 | Scott Winship on the Wage-Productivity Paradox | 00:46:36 | |||||
Americans’ views on the economy have soured in recent years, often seemingly disconnected with the realities of work and growth in incomes. One particularly pernicious meme, found on both the left and the right, is that economic growth has not translated into higher wages for American workers. This week on Hardly Working, Brent sits down with Scott Winship, who dispels this myth in his recent report, “Understanding Trends in Worker Pay over the Past 50 Years.” Brent and Scott discuss the changing dynamics of the economy, the shifting demand for skills, and how we can expand opportunity within the world’s largest and most dynamic economy. Mentioned in this Episode | |||||||
| 18 Mar 2021 | David Deming on noncognitive skills | 00:43:08 | |||||
Nontechnical skills — communication, creativity, and teamwork — are important to career success. Unfortunately, they often aren’t well-defined, and we have trouble “teaching” them in a classroom. David Deming of the Malcom Wiener Center on Social Policy at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government has spent several years researching the role noncognitive and nontechnical skills play in workforce success. On this episode of “Hardly Working,” I sat down with Deming to learn more about his career and the impact of job outcomes. He also spoke about the launch and development of the new Harvard Skills Lab and how state and local workforce agencies, training organizations, community colleges, and others can gain access to more information about what works in workforce preparation.
Items mentioned during the podcast: STEM without fruit: How noncognitive skills improve workforce outcomes Early childhood intervention and life-cycle skill development: Evidence from Head Start Malcom Wiener Center on Social Policy David Deming’s 2017 paper on noncognitive skills David Deming’s 2020 paper on team players David Deming’s personal website
Scholars mentioned during the podcast:
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| 13 Jun 2024 | Daniel Susskind on the Growth Dilemma | 00:44:59 | |||||
Americans are grappling with the complexities of economic growth, technology, and their impacts on society. This week, Brent talks with Oxford University economist Daniel Susskind, who explores these themes in his latest book Growth: A Reckoning. Together, Brent and Susskind discuss the historical context of growth, the role of technological advancements, and Susskind’s views on the need for policies that better align economic incentives with social values. Mentioned in this Episode | |||||||
| 20 Jul 2023 | 100th Episode Special: Hardly Working Highlights | 00:30:11 | |||||
For our 100th episode, we look back at some favorite moments in our podcast's history. You'll hear clips from conversations about the future of work with Jamie Merisotis; male worklessness with my colleague Nicholas Eberstadt; happiness and civic engagement with my colleague Ryan Streeter; thinking for yourself with author and Harvard lecturer Vikram Mansharamani; and identifying talent with renowned economist Tyler Cowen. Whether you're a new member of our community or you've been with us since the start, we know you'll love these clips. We hope this look-back inspires you to revisit episodes or dive into them for the first time. One hundred episodes in the books; here's to 100 more! | |||||||
| 14 Mar 2024 | Vikram Mansharamani on Why to Be a Generalist | 00:47:09 | |||||
In a world of specialists, generalists sometimes seem like people without a country. That may be changing. In an age of specialized–and increasingly powerful– AI tools, going broad rather than narrow may increasingly be valuable. Today on Hardly Working, Vikram Mansharamani returns to the podcast to discuss his personal and professional journey as a self-described generalist. His recent memoir The Making of a Generalist narrates his journey from a kid curious about everything to one of the nation’s most sought-after thinkers and advisors on questions of calling and career. We hope you enjoy this conversation. | |||||||
| 18 Aug 2022 | Rebroadcast: Ryan Streeter and Dan Cox on the State of American Communities | 00:55:56 | |||||
Throughout America’s history, its people formed churches, social and fraternal organizations, and neighborhood groups at an astonishing pace. When we talk about “American exceptionalism” this is what we’re really talking about: the self-organizing community that solves its own problems. In second half of the 20th century, however, scholars and pundits have pointed to a decline in American neighborliness and propensity for joining civic organizations. Church attendance is down, social organizations are dissolving, and two-parent families are declining. What can the data on American attitudes toward community tell us about why this is happening? Today, I am pleased to welcome Ryan Streeter and Dan Cox to discuss the state of American communities. Streeter is a Senior Fellow and Director of Domestic Policy Studies at AEI. He studies topics of civil society, community, localism and religion. Dan Cox is the Senior Fellow in Polling and Public Opinion at AEI and the Director of the Survey Center of American Life. He specializes understanding American attitudes toward politics, youth culture, identity, and religion. We discuss highlights from AEI’s fall American Community survey, which can be found on the AEI website. We’ll also discuss their vocational journeys and professional lives and the role of civic engagement in building a happy and fulfilling life. Mentioned During the Episode Public Religion Research Institute | |||||||
| 07 Oct 2021 | Nicholas Bloom on the Future of Remote Work | 00:52:38 | |||||
In March of 2020, the remote workforce skyrocketed from just 7 percent of the working population to nearly 40 percent at the height of the pandemic. The pandemic is winding down but it appears remote work is here to stay. In this episode of Hardly Working, I’m joined by Stanford economist Dr. Nicholas (Nick) Bloom to talk about the future of remote work, the worker-employer contest over returning to the office, and the productivity gains from different work arrangements: entirely remote, in-person, or some form of hybrid work. After nearly a decade of researching remote work, Dr. Bloom brings with him extensive quantitative knowledge of the subject and a clear, logical framework for understanding what remote work means for workers and businesses. Mentioned During the Episode: Brent’s Recent Report: Looking back on a year of remote work to see the way forward Institute of Fiscal Studies (IFS) The Productivity Boost from Remote Work Workers Would Take a 6 Percent Pay Cut to WFH J.P. Morgan Requires Employees to Return to the Office Deutsche Bank Unveils Hybrid Work Model Patent for Technologies that Support WFH Increased during COVID-19 Michael Strain: COVID-19 Taught Me to Stay Home When Sick Bloom: Don’t Let Employees Pick Their WFH Days COVID-19’s Impact on City Centers Companies Raising Wages during COVID-19 | |||||||
| 22 Dec 2022 | Eric Reinhart on Accompaniment and the Limits of Empathy in Modern Community | 01:00:36 | |||||
Turn on the news, and you’ll be accosted with narratives of societal decline and tempted to despair. Dr. Eric Reinhart is one voice fighting for hope in the disadvantaged communities of Chicago, Illinois. With a kaleidoscope of degrees and credentials, Dr. Reinhart works to address both the symptoms of poverty and disadvantage by addressing their root causes. In this episode, he explains the factors that influenced his multifaceted career, how he views the empathy and the nihilistic impulses of society, and how restoring public trust through accompaniment could help us reconnect with one another. Mentioned in the Episode Harvard History of Science – Charles Rosenburg, Allan Brandt, Jeremy Greene Community health worker systems 68,000 people die per year due to lack of health coverage | |||||||
| 01 Mar 2022 | Introducing the National Criminal Justice Month Miniseries | 00:01:46 | |||||
Mentioned in the trailer | |||||||
| 17 Aug 2023 | Does Big Tech Need a Reboot? | 01:34:36 | |||||
In this episode, we invite you to listen in on a recent AEI event on the book System Error: Where Big Tech Went Wrong and How We Can Reboot (Harper Academic, 2021). On June 22, 2023, AEI’s Brent Orrell and Shane Tews were joined by Rob Reich of the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence and Jeremy M. Weinstein of the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies to discuss their book, which they co-authored along with their fellow Stanford professor Mehran Sahami. The panelists discuss the challenges that Big Tech in the 21st century—particularly artificial intelligence—poses to democracy. They explore the dangers of the "optimizing" mindset that competition in technology encourages; the trade-offs between the values of privacy, safety, agency, and productivity; the rise of misinformation and disinformation; and issues of power concentration and regulatory capture in the technology sector. Mentioned in the Episode System Error: Where Big Tech Went Wrong and How We Can Reboot Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies Stanford Institute for Human-Centered AI “Get Rich U.” in the New Yorker DoNotPay - Your AI Consumer Champion Facebook “Connect the World” Memo Sen. Schumer’s SAFE Innovation Framework | |||||||
| 13 Apr 2023 | Liya Palagashvili on benefits for non-traditional workers | 00:46:13 | |||||
In this episode of Hardly Working, I speak with Liya Palagashvili, Senior Research Fellow at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University as she walks us through her professional journey and research into nontraditional workers. Also known as independent workers, nontraditional workers can be defined as workers who make income outside of traditional employment and who are legally classified as independent contractors or self-employed. She describes different aspects of this rapidly expanding sector of the economy and what its future could be. Our conversation also explores what Palagashvili calls the two policy buckets often used to address challenges for independent workers and their possible repercussions. Mentioned in the Episode The Rise of the Creative Class AB-5 Worker status: employees and independent contractors Department of Labor regulatory guidance on worker classification rules | |||||||
| 20 Jan 2023 | Matt Sigelman on Predicting and Analyzing Work in America | 00:58:21 | |||||
As President of Burning Glass Institute and former CEO of Emsi Burning Glass (now Lightcast), Matt Sigelman is a leading expert in real-time labor market information. This makes him particularly able to speak to workers preparing for an uncertain future with the skills required to rise in the modern economy. In this episode, Sigelman provides insight from his career in data and business, as well as findings from Burning Glass’ new American Opportunity Index to give workers a realistic picture of what they can do to advance in their careers. Mentioned in the episode | |||||||
| 13 Jan 2020 | Why 'Hardly Working'? | 00:04:41 | |||||
We know... do we really need another podcast in this world? How will this actually help us in our careers and lives? Host Brent Orrell explains what drove him to create Hardly Working, what this podcast provides, the experience he brings, and how he believes this podcast will make you a better worker, a better citizen, and a better person. | |||||||
| 13 Apr 2022 | Introducing the Mentorship Miniseries | 00:01:17 | |||||
For college students, professionals young and old, and career changers across the nation and the world, graduation season is filled with hopes, dreams, and a search for direction. Access to mentors, professional networks, and job opportunities is often an essential step in these new vocational journeys. To commemorate this season of life, Hardly Working will spotlight First Workings, an organization showcasing an innovative approach to mentorship and vocation with underserved youth in New York City. We’ll begin the series speaking with Kevin Davis, the Founder and Chairman of First Workings, about his own professional journey and the ideas behind the organization, followed by discussions with mentors and alumni of the program. Tying this all together is the theme of relationships, which are the key drivers in vocational discernment and career development. We hope that wherever you are in your vocational journey, you will find these episodes helpful as you discern your next move, contemplate the meaning of where you are, or help others find their direction during this graduation season. Mentioned in the episode | |||||||
| 05 Feb 2020 | Is success a sequence? How choices affect outcomes | 00:43:35 | |||||
The success sequence shows that people who finish high school, work full-time, and marry before having children have a low chance of experiencing poverty. Yet fostering and developing those behaviors is complex and affected by countless external factors. In this episode, host Brent Orrell joins Isabell Sawhill of the Brookings Institution and Ian Rowe, a visiting fellow at AEI and Fordham Institute and cohost of AEI's "Are You Kidding Me?" podcast. Together, they discuss ways to help young people find and maintain pathways to success as they enter adulthood. | |||||||
| 12 Oct 2023 | Harriet McDonald and Jennifer Mitchell on the Doe Fund | 00:51:45 | |||||
In cities across America, homelessness, poverty, crime, addiction, and mental illness are perennial, and deeply intertwined, problems. The New York City-based Doe Fund, however, has made real progress on these challenges. Emphasizing work and personal responsibility, the fund has served struggling and at-risk individuals for nearly 40 years. In this episode, Brent sits down with the Doe Fund’s outgoing President and CEO, Harriet McDonald, and its incoming leader, Jennifer Mitchell. They discuss the Fund’s model and track record of success, offering valuable lessons for government, nonprofits, and individuals who aspire to support vulnerable populations. Mentioned in this Episode | |||||||
| 14 Apr 2022 | Kevin Davis on his Finance Career and the Impact of First Workings | 00:57:44 | |||||
Social capital and internship experiences are crucial to finding opportunities in the labor market and building a successful career. However, many students from disadvantaged backgrounds often lack the networks that can help them find and successfully navigate early work experiences. First Workings is a non-profit organization that seeks to create access and support by connecting youth from disadvantaged New York City communities to paid internships, training, and mentors at firms looking for young, talented, diverse workers. In this episode, Kevin Davis, Founder and Chairman of First Workings, describes his career in finance and his vision for helping young people find the first rung of career ladders. Together, we discuss the inequalities in opportunity for the young people he serves, and the importance of social capital, relationships at work, diversity in the workplace, and vocation. Mentioned in the Episode Chicago Board of Trade (merged with the Chicago Mercantile Exchange in 2007) ED&F Man (Commodities division) Man Financial (Man Group brokerage division which was separated from Man Group in 2007) | |||||||
| 10 Nov 2021 | Paul Ryan on Poverty and Opportunity in 21st Century America | 00:39:48 | |||||
In the 1960s, President Lyndon B. Johnson began the so-called War on Poverty, expanding the federal government’s role in reducing poverty in the United States. At one level, this effort has been an overwhelming success: consumption poverty (the number of people who cannot afford basic goods and services) has fallen from 30 percent to 3 percent. At another level, the War on Poverty has failed, severe poverty continues to persist especially in terms of social dysfunction like unmarried births, educational failure, addiction and incarceration. The U.S. last reformed its welfare system in 1996, bringing significant new reductions to welfare dependency and child poverty. Some policymakers have begun to suggest that a new round of reform that seeks to shift public benefit programs more toward empowerment rather than maintenance of individuals and families. They hope to create opportunities for Americans by strengthening communities, increasing social capital, and spurring economic growth. On this episode of “Hardly Working”, I am joined by Paul Ryan, former speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives and founder of the American Idea Foundation. We discuss how Ryan reconciles his commitment to the free market with his Catholic faith, his efforts to advance evidence-based policies to fight poverty, and modern-day populism and the future of conservatism. Mentioned During the Episode: Theory of Moral Sentiments by Adam Smith Bowling Alone by Robert Putnam Study on Upward Mobility and Geographic Indicators | |||||||
| 07 Jul 2022 | Grassroots Approaches to Entrepreneurship | 01:34:46 | |||||
Mauricio Miller has spent years upending common beliefs and practices regarding poverty alleviation in the US and throughout the world, which has led him to question some of the central ideas of poverty alleviation. In his book The Alternative and his current work, Miller argues that that solutions to poverty are not actions done to or for the poor, but actions done with the poor. This change in attitude recognizes the innate talent and problem-solving abilities those in long-term poverty possess but are often unable to demonstrate in marketable ways. This week, Miller, other panelists, and myself discuss the value created by such informal economic activity and how to harness it to expand human potential. Mentioned in the Episode Articles Written by Mauricio Miller - The Alternative: Creating Upward Mobility by Tapping the Talents of the People Themselves and Investment Capital for All The Alternative: Most of What You Believe About Poverty Is Wrong Family Independence Initiative (Now known as UpTogether) Keller Center at Princeton University Community Independence Initiative | |||||||
| 04 Nov 2021 | Scott Winship on Tax Credits for Working Families | 00:47:26 | |||||
Expanding economic opportunity for working and middle-class families has been a policy priority for decades, but there are better and worse ways to approach this end-goal. In fact, policies of the past have at times ended up being counterproductive, putting further constraints on working-class families or discouraging healthy behaviors like two-parent child rearing. Understanding the interplay between policy prescriptions and incentive structures on the one hand and family formation, social capital, and intergenerational mobility on the other hand, is a key part of supporting workers and working families. AEI director of poverty studies, Scott Winship’s recent report, Reforming tax credits to promote child opportunity and aid working families, explores just this interplay when it comes to tax relief for families. In this episode of “Hardly Working”, Scott Winship and I discuss his recent findings, his policy proposals for tax credit reform, the current state and history of safety net programs, as well as how to support social capital development. The discussion centers on constructing a safety net that offering low-income families the support they need to achieve upwardly mobile life paths Mentioned During the Episode: Reforming tax credits to promote child opportunity and aid working families Democratic Strategist Magazine Pew Charitable Trusts – Economic Mobility Project $2.00 a Day: Living on Almost Nothing in America The Anti-Poverty, Targeting, and Labor Supply Effects of the Proposed Child Tax Credit Expansion Opinion: Why extending the current child tax credit would do more harm than good The Demise of the Happy Two-Parent Home Joint Economic Committee - Social Capital Project Love, Marriage, and the Baby Carriage: The Rise in Unwed Childbearing Zoning, Land-Use Planning, and Housing Affordability | |||||||
| 09 Jun 2022 | STEM Voices: The Experiences of Women and Minorities in STEM Occupations | 01:24:57 | |||||
| 12 May 2022 | First Workings Mentors on Discovering the Value of Mentorship | 00:56:42 | |||||
First Workings provides multifaceted support for disadvantaged students from New York City, including access to internships, mentorships, and trainings. These mentors often occupy senior positions at major finance, media, health, or law firms, and help participants master both work and the social connections that make advancement possible. But the benefits of these internships also extend to the host firms through the diversity and life perspective they provide. In this third and final episode of our graduation season Mentoring Miniseries, two First Workings mentors, Dr. Jamilia Sly of Mount Sinai Hospital and Matthew Lustig of Lazard, a leading financial services company, discuss their vocational paths and the benefits of these mentoring opportunities for the students, mentors, and sponsoring organizations. Mentioned in the Episode First Workings Mentees’ Experience | |||||||
| 01 Jul 2021 | The 'sansdemic': How declining fertility may be affecting the job market | 01:01:48 | |||||
The declining birth rate has come for most advanced countries, and the US is no exception. Now, we are starting to see what a labor market reshaped by years of low fertility looks like and what the future may hold. Ron Hetrick of Emsi and Rob Sentz, formerly of Emsi, joined me to discuss their report on what they’re calling a “sansdemic” — literally, “without people” — labor market. They focused on how this low fertility will affect the economy and what, if anything, the government can and should do in response to these developments. Show notes: What to expect when no one’s expecting On the strong labor market before the pandemic On the lower engagement with the workforce among some Americans On the April Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey report On the declining birth rate within the US On the issues with prime-age men National Bureau of Economic Research video games study On the young people who need jobs On the tight labor market today On why automation won’t take your job | |||||||
| 20 Oct 2022 | Glenn Hubbard on Protectionism and Economic Opportunity | 00:53:37 | |||||
Economic changes bring prosperity, but not without cost. The globalization of how we produce and consume has left many American workers in dead end jobs without prospects for advancement. Some critics of this change have argued for the necessity of walls to protect American industries from global competition and labor exploitation. In his new book The Wall and The Bridge: Fear and Opportunity in Disruption’s Wake, Glenn Hubbard argues for bridges to economic opportunity. We discuss themes from his book in today’s episode. The Road to Serfdom by F. A. Hayek The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith Adam Smith Works - Liberty Fund The Theory of Moral Sentiments Smith’s Idea of Mutual Sympathy Dignity at Work by Brent Orrell President Bush's High Growth Job Training Initiative Block-Granting Entitlement Programs Growing Fairly by Stephen Goldsmith and Kate Markin Coleman One Counselor for Every 1,000 students - Northern Virginia Personal Reemployment Accounts Mexican Truck Drivers Situation Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) Program | |||||||
| 03 Mar 2022 | Jeremy Travis on prisoner re-entry and his storied career in criminal justice | 01:07:40 | |||||
Where do prisoners go when released? How can policy create a better framework and process to prevent a quick return to incarceration? How can policy humanize the incarcerated while upholding standards of justice? Few people are more qualified to answer such questions than Jeremy Travis. To kick off our Hardly Working March miniseries for Criminal Justice Reform Month, Brent and Travis dive deep into the past, present and future of re-entry and criminal justice reform. Travis’ wealth of experience in legal aid, at NYPD, clerking for future Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and his multiple contributions in criminal justice research brought forth seminal re-entry texts like But They All Come Back: Facing Challenges of Prisoner Re-entry that changed the way we look crime, criminal behavior, and the justice system. Mentioned During the Show But They All Come Back: Facing the Challenges of Prisoner Reentry 2004 State of the Union note on reentry | |||||||
| 14 Sep 2023 | Samuel Gregg on the Next American Economy | 00:44:49 | |||||
From Elizabeth Warren to former president Trump, actors on both the political left and right show increasing willingness to expand the role of government in the country’s economic affairs. Skepticism of free markets, long confined to the left, is now in vogue across the political spectrum, fueling a renewed interest in industrial policy and trade protectionism. Samuel Gregg, a distinguished fellow in political economy at the American Institute for Economic Research and an Affiliate Scholar at the Acton Institute, pushes back against these trends and what he calls “state capitalism.” In this episode, Gregg joins Brent to discuss his recent book The Next American Economy, which is a forceful defense of free markets and the moral and historical foundations of economic policy in the broader context of American values and history. Mentioned in this Episode Adam Smith’s moral and political philosophy | |||||||
| 02 Mar 2023 | David Adams on Improving Education through Social Emotional Learning | 00:56:30 | |||||
Workforce preparation is a crucial task that all community institutions – from families, to schools, to civic organizations – contribute to. It takes a village to make a good employee. However, few organizations, educational institutions, and nonprofits have adopted as well-rounded of an approach as the Urban Assembly, a nonprofit that equips schools to deliver social-emotional learning to students. In this episode of Hardly Working, I speak with David Adams, CEO of Urban Assembly as he explains his journey of moral and vocational formation, including how it sparked his passion for the social-emotional and educational success of students. In doing so, he describes some of the unique initiatives that have made Urban Assembly successful, despite the numerous challenges public education experiences today. Our conversation also illuminates policy options for improving opportunity and equity across racial and socioeconomic divides. Mentioned in the Episode Social and Emotional Learning – The Urban Assembly Theory of Moral Sentiments by Adam Smith White House Recognizes International Social Emotional Learning Day SELday – Social Emotional Learning Day Urban Assembly School for Collaborative Healthcare Enlightenment Now by Steven Pinker | |||||||
| 14 Oct 2020 | Freeing the mind: how liberal arts in prison supports the rehabilitation of offenders | 00:51:36 | |||||
The accessibility of a college-level education in prison has been a controversial topic for decades. While some view it as an innovative solution to reduce recidivism and help prisoners better understand themselves and the world around them, others see it as a waste of taxpayer funded resources. Brent talks to Max Kenner, the founder and Executive Director of the Bard Prison Initiative, a fully-accredited college program in the New York State correctional system, about the importance of educational equity, the history of education in prison, and how the liberal arts can set prisoners up for success in the modern workforce. | |||||||
| 21 Jul 2022 | Victor Dickson on First Chances, the Success Sequence, and Safer Foundation | 00:57:07 | |||||
We all deserve a second chance. But what if you never got a first? Victor Dickson leads the Safer Foundation, which supports the social and economic reintegration of formerly incarcerated people. The Foundation’s diverse services, including workforce development and mental health counseling, help people who are held back by violence, substance abuse, and poverty build the habits of happy and prosocial life. In this episode, I talk with Victor about the barriers and solutions to prisoner reentry and about the role models that supported him in his own professional journey. Mentioned During the Show Southwestern Bell Telephone Co. (now AT&T) Economic Mobility Pathways (EMPath) Sequential Intercept Model (SIM) Race Health Disparities in Chicago Mental Health Providers by Area in Chicago Intergenerational Effects of Incarceration Digital Divide Across Income Groups | |||||||
| 27 Apr 2023 | Scott Lincicome on Empowering the New American Worker | 00:29:47 | |||||
Scott Lincicome is the Vice President of General Economics and Trade at the CATO Institute, where he works to keep the economy open to innovation and change while preserving safety and opportunity for families, communities and the economy. In this episode, we discuss the intra-conservative debate over how to balance the need for stability in the market with openness to the innovation and change that have been the hallmarks of American development and prosperity throughout the nation’s history. Lincicome discusses these and other themes as they are laid out in his recent edited volume, “Empowering the New American Worker”. Mentioned in the Episode Empowering the New American Worker CATO Institute – Scott Lincicome University of Virginia Law School CATO Trade Policy Bracket Challenge Scott Lincicome Atlantic column on the Jones Act | |||||||
| 14 Dec 2023 | Ben Wildavsky on the Career Arts | 00:58:42 | |||||
Regrettably, the debate about post-secondary education has devolved into just another culture war issue with one camp saying “everyone go to college” and another saying “skip college learn a trade.” Today, Brent sits down with Ben Wildavsky, a visiting scholar at the University of Virginia’s School of Education and Human Development, who challenges this false dichotomy. In his recent book “The Career Arts,” Wildavsky argues that education, job, and career success require integrating broad-based skills (such as those acquired through a liberal arts and social science education) with more narrow, technical skills (such as those acquired through credential programs). Such integration, Wildavsky contends, supports well-rounded and resilient workers who can more easily adapt to an unpredictable and rapidly changing economy. Mentioned in this Episode Georgetown Center on Education and the Workforce Point Loma Nazarene University Seth Bodnar, president, University of Montana | |||||||
| 23 Dec 2020 | Building pathways to career success for entry-level workers (Part 2) | 00:40:00 | |||||
Entry-level workers face a myriad of obstacles to finding, keeping, and advancing in their careers that can hamper progress toward achieving family-sustaining employment. These obstacles are inhibit company productivity and company efforts to reduce turnover and strengthen and diversify workforces. Employer Resource Networks are a potential solution to this problem. This episode of Hardly Working is the second in a two-part sequence of a recent event hosted at the American Enterprise Institute, entitled “Employer Resource Networks: Improving employment retention and building career opportunities for low-wage workers”. | |||||||
| 17 Nov 2022 | Clinton Smith on the Automated Future of Work | 00:43:42 | |||||
In their short, shared history, electrical and computing technology have fundamentally altered the way we live and work. Documents are sent in a flash, and goods are produced more efficiently than ever. While that efficiency tends to increase productivity, raise wages, and create new jobs, it also imposes costs in transitions for workers in affected industries. In this episode of Hardly Working, I am joined by Clinton Smith, co-founder of RIOS, a company that delivers robots-as-a-service to manufacturing companies. RIOS seeks to alleviate labor shortage and reduce human wear and tear, especially in fields like manufacturing. We discuss Clinton’s path to industry as well as the benefits and challenges created by his company’s product in on our increasingly-automated economy. Mentioned in the Episode Princeton Electrical Engineering McKinsey Report: A Future that Works Bernard Casse – RIOS Co-founder RIOS Case Study: Hit Promotional Products RIOS VULCAN Robot Workcell shows the possibilities of Pack Out to Box | |||||||
| 21 Oct 2020 | Restoring the dignity of work | 00:53:34 | |||||
For decades society has awarded social prestige and financial benefits to those who acquire a college degree and enter the so-called “knowledge economy”. Skilled manual labor and the caring professions, however, have too often been left behind. Why are these workers not as valued as they should be? And how do we create a more equitable labor force to ensure that all workers are respected for the value they provide to our society? Brent talks to David Goodhart, the author of “Head, Hand, Heart: The Struggle for Dignity and Status in the 21stCentury”, about the markers of a successful life, the value of skilled crafts and the caring professions, and the need to reconsider our priorities in training and educating students and workers. | |||||||
| 23 Sep 2021 | Part II of Minding our workforce: the importance of noncognitive skills in employment | 00:54:44 | |||||
In the age of rapid economic development and changing workforce demands, noncognitive skills are “master skills” which serve as a foundation for and amplify cognitive and technical skills. Communication, integrity, and organizational soft skills are in top demand by employers, and building and strengthening these characteristics is an essential part of preparing a strong workforce for the future. This episode of "Hardly Working" is a rebroadcast of an event surrounding the publication of AEI’s recently released edited volume “Minding our workforce: The role of noncognitive skills in career success.” This is Part II of a two-part podcast series of this event. You will hear from Harry J. Holzer of Georgetown University on the application of noncognitive skills to the labor market and the limitations of what we know about noncognitive skills and noncognitive skill development. Then, Elisabeth Babcock of Economic Mobility Pathways will discuss noncognitive skills, mentoring, and coaching for low-income, welfare-dependent families. Part I featured Albert Cheng of the University of Arkansas and Diane Whitmore Schanzenbach of Northwestern University. Mentioned During the Episode Minding our workforce: The role of noncongnitive skills in career success Minding our workforce live event at AEI Episode 54- Minding Our Workforce, Part 1 | |||||||
| 22 Sep 2022 | Benjamin Storey on Restlessness in the Modern Age | 01:10:27 | |||||
The unlimited choices we face in modernity make us restless, which is why Dr. Benjamin and Dr. Jenna Storey wrote Why We Are Restless: On the Modern Quest for Contentment. The book explores ideas by those who have thought about and written on contentment and the application of those ideas today. Benjamin also shares about his own quest for knowledge and how it culminated in this book. Mentioned in the episode University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Committee on Social Thought - The University of Chicago Social, Cultural, and Constitutional Studies Majoring in Fear by Mark Shiffman Permanent Crisis: The Humanities in a Disenchanted Age | |||||||
| 10 Mar 2022 | Identity Required: How pro-social identity fosters desistance from crime | 01:33:36 | |||||
Desistance, the decision to abandon criminal behavior, is one of the great puzzles in criminal justice policy. Shawn D. Bushway of the RAND Corporation argues that desistance depends on achieving a new, noncriminal, pro-social identity, which is often a long and arduous process supported by empirical evidence.
This rebroadcast of our December 14 event contains a discussion moderated by Brent on Dr. Bushway’s report “Reentry, desistance, and identity achievement.” The event features remarks from Dr. Bushway, followed by comments from Rashawn Ray of the Brookings Institution, Bret Bucklen of the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, and Julio Medina of Exodus Transitional Community. Mentioned During the Show Re-entry, Desistance and Identity Achievement Paternoster and Bushway 2009 Paper David Farabee: Rethinking Rehabilitation COMPASS: Correctional Offender Management | |||||||
| 16 May 2024 | John Tamny on the End of Work | 00:46:28 | |||||
In a world where the traditional boundaries of work are being redrawn, the interplay between work and personal satisfaction, a sense of purpose, and meaning is rapidly evolving. This week on Hardly Working, Brent sits down with John Tamny, editor of RealClearMarkets and president of the Parkview Institute. They discuss Tamny’s 2018 book The End of Work: Why Your Passion Can Become Your Job, which envisions a world where material abundance frees all of us up to pursue our passions at work. | |||||||
| 04 Nov 2020 | All in the family? How two-parent households influence economic outcomes | 00:45:42 | |||||
Children who are born and raised in two-parent families are significantly more likely to avoid poverty and other adverse social outcomes but how that happens is unclear. Brent talks to Scott Winship, Director of Poverty Studies at AEI and co-author of a new report on family structure in America entitled “The Demise of the Happy Two-Parent Home”. They discuss family stability, economic security, and how family structure contributes to the success for children. | |||||||
| 17 Jun 2021 | Worker retraining and transitions in a dynamic economy | 01:37:04 | |||||
Helping workers transition to new careers has taken on new importance during the COVID-19 recovery. This has led to special attention being given to worker transition systems and the existing inadequacies in our current programs, especially when compared to those from other countries. Rachel Lipson and David Deming recently wrote an AEI report that provides an overview of what we know about the opportunities and challenges in reforming worker transition programs. I was pleased to invite them and Visiting Fellow Mason Bishop for a discussion about these issues and where policymakers should go from here. This episode of “Hardly Working” is a recording of that discussion.
Show notes: The search for stability: A review of worker transitions Alienated America: Why Some Places Thrive While Others Collapse Men Without Work: America's Invisible Crisis Deaths of Despair and the Future of Capitalism
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| 27 Jun 2024 | Brad Wilcox on Marriage and Family Stability | 00:52:05 | |||||
This week on Hardly Working, Brent Orrell talks with AEI Senior Fellow Brad Wilcox. Wilcox’s recent book Get Married: Why Americans Should Defy the Elites, Forge Strong Families and Save Civilization explores the importance of marriage in society. Brent and Wilcox discuss how marriage promotes healthy families and why declines in marriage rates are so alarming. They also touch on how marriage and family structure impact the workforce and explore the particular challenges facing young men, such as family instability and low workforce participation. Mentioned in this episode Growing Up With a Single Parent Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) | |||||||
| 09 Sep 2021 | Minding our workforce: the importance of noncognitive skills in employment | 00:37:52 | |||||
In today’s rapidly changing economy, noncognitive skills development is the key to building a flexible, resilient, and strong workforce for today and in the future. Such skills include communication, integrity, and organization. They are in top demand by employers today, and uncovering how to develop them is an essential workforce policy area. This episode of "Hardly Working" is a rebroadcast of an AEI event on noncognitive skills this past summer. The event served as a follow-up to AEI’s recently released edited volume “Minding our workforce: The role of noncognitive skills in career success.” This is part I of a two-part podcast series of this event. Stay tuned for part II. Part I features several of the contributing authors to the volume, including Albert Cheng of the University of Arkansas and Diane Whitmore Schanzenbach of Northwestern University. In part II, you will hear from Harry J. Holzer of Georgetown University and Elisabeth Babcock of Economic Mobility Pathways. Mentioned During the Episode Minding our workforce: The role of noncognitive skills in career success STEM without fruit: how noncognitive skills improve workforce outcomes Stem perspective: Attitudes, opportunities, and barriers in America's STEM workforce | |||||||
| 16 Feb 2023 | Alissa Quart on Economic Hardship and Automation in Journalism | 00:54:11 | |||||
Economic mobility has been a trademark of the American Dream since its inception, but over time generations have found that social and economic mobility in the pursuit of such a Dream has gradually become more difficult. For writer and non-profit leader Alissa Quart, the problem of mobility is worthy of attention, as are the individual’s stories who are in pursuit of that American Dream. She has written numerous books and articles on the subject through the Economic Hardship Reporting Project, or EHRP. In this episode of Hardly Working, I talk to Alissa about her views on current state of the workforce, the struggles of economic mobility in America, the future of automation in journalism, and her upcoming book Bootstrapped. Mentioned in the episode: | |||||||
| 28 Sep 2023 | Tom Davenport and Steven Miller on Human-Machine Collaboration | 01:00:19 | |||||
From tech companies to healthcare providers and fast food services, organizations are deploying AI technologies to boost productivity and improve service. As these technologies filter into the economy and workplace, a host of questions are arising: will AI replace human labor? How will new technology affect the nature of work? How can we equip workers for the future and help them adapt to change? In their recent book Working with AI: Real Stories of Human-Machine Collaboration, management and technology experts Tom Davenport and Steven Miller explore these questions through real-world case studies. Pushing back against the growing anxiety over AI’s impact on work, Davenport and Miller contend that AI will not be a job destroyer, but a job-enhancer, a tool that will largely make work better–not only more productive but also more fulfilling and even more accessible–for most workers. In this episode, Davenport and Miller join Brent to discuss their book, offering a vision of the future of work in which AI and other “smart” technologies complement human labor–and make us richer and more productive in the process. Mentioned in this Episode AI life insurance underwriting | |||||||
| 23 Sep 2020 | How to stop outsourcing your opinions and re-learn critical thinking | 00:45:54 | |||||
We live in times marked by the omnipresence of the internet and instantaneous access to the accumulated knowledge of humanity. This leads us into relying on quick, narrow answers to large, complex questions. Are we going too far in our reliance on experts and, in the process, forgetting how to think for ourselves? Brent talks to Vikram Mansharamani, a lecturer at Harvard University and the author of “Think for Yourself: Restoring Common Sense in An Age of Experts and Artificial Intelligence”. They discuss the need to reduce our reliance on experts living in the silos of their own professional fields, the importance of a liberal arts education, and the importance of staying focused on your mission. | |||||||
| 18 Feb 2021 | Remote Work: What We've Learned, Part I | 00:28:44 | |||||
Remote work exploded in popularity due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A practice previously used by a fraction of the workforce suddenly became the new normal for many white-collar workers. Many businesses have already suggested they may never return to the "old normal." In this episode of "Hardly Working," we look at the pluses and minuses of life in the home office and how working from home is affecting employers and employees. It is a two-part conversation so stay tuned for the next episode to hear it all. | |||||||
| 18 Nov 2021 | Andrew Donaldson on American Culture, Writing, and Vocation | 01:13:02 | |||||
When we hear the word “vocation”, many people think vocational training and technical education. But, the word “vocation” has deeper roots in the idea of a calling or an occupation to which a person is especially drawn, suited, trained, or qualified. By no means is this calling obvious, and in fact finding vocation often means a series of unpredictable twists and turns until one finds themselves in a career they would never have imagined at the beginning of their journey. For this episode of Hardly Working, I am joined by Andrew Donaldson to discuss his own vocational journey. He is a writer at Ordinary Times magazine and “Yonder and Home” where he ties together politics, history, culture, food, faith, and place through words and stories. We discuss Andrews upbringing in West Virginia, his military career and vocational transition out of the military, the ongoing crisis of opioid addiction in Appalachia, and of course his writing on everything from Waffle House to the bifurcation of conservatism. Donaldson’s story reflects relentless perseverance, profound sense of place, and the sorts of connections – to family, food, and faith – that sit at the heart of what it means to be human. Mentioned During the Show Glenville Extension (State College) Yonder and Home- History of Waffle House Christmas in Appalachia (video) Study on Opioid abuse in coal and non-coal producing counties Midnight Mass: Nearer my God to Thee Yonder and Home- A Poem, A Prayer & A Promise: The Power of Take Me Home, Country Roads Hallelujah Chorus (not in WV) | |||||||
| 04 Aug 2022 | Vikram Mansharamani on how to stop outsourcing your opinions and re-learn critical thinking | 00:45:54 | |||||
This episode is a rebroadcast of one of our most popular episodes! We hope that bringing it back now will allow the content to find new listeners. Enjoy! ~Hunter Dixon (podcast producer, Hardly Working) We live in times marked by the omnipresence of the internet and instantaneous access to the accumulated knowledge of humanity. This leads us into relying on quick, narrow answers to large, complex questions. Are we going too far in our reliance on experts and, in the process, forgetting how to think for ourselves? Brent talks to Vikram Mansharamani, a lecturer at Harvard University and the author of “Think for Yourself: Restoring Common Sense in An Age of Experts and Artificial Intelligence”. They discuss the need to reduce our reliance on experts living in the silos of their own professional fields, the importance of a liberal arts education, and the importance of staying focused on your mission. | |||||||
| 04 Mar 2021 | Remote Work: What We've Learned, Part 2 | 00:32:18 | |||||
Remote work went from niche to mainstream due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A practice that was initially exclusive became the new normal for much of the white-collar workforce. Businesses and employees may not be keen to go back to the way things used to be. This episode of “Hardly Working” is a companion episode to the one that ran two weeks ago and contains the second half of AEI’s remote work panel discussion from last year. We finish the conversation by looking at the pluses and minuses of life in the home office and how working from home is affecting employers and employees. | |||||||
| 05 Dec 2024 | Stuart Andreason on Skills-Based Hiring | 00:53:26 | |||||
Stuart Andreason is the Executive Director of Programs at the Burning Glass Institute where he leads efforts in research and engagement on workforce innovation, higher education, and economic mobility. Through his personal experience and his work in skills-based hiring, we look at vocation in career, skills signals, and role of technology in the hiring process. Mentioned in the episode: Skills-Based Hiring: The Long Road from Pronouncements to Practice How Advanced Data Systems Can Do More to Drive Economic Mobility | |||||||
| 26 Oct 2023 | Aaron Renn on Appalachia | 00:53:25 | |||||
The media has told us a very straightforward, and depressing, story about Appalachia: it is a region that is being left behind as the rest of the U.S. economy chugs on; it’s a destitute, hopeless place without good jobs, and filled with communities in decline. In his recent report on the region, Aaron M. Renn, a senior fellow at American Reformer, a Protestant nonprofit, complicates this picture. Appalachia, Renn shows, is no monolith (it consists of a diversity of areas with their challenges and identities); it has a rich cultural heritage, especially in music and the arts and natural beauty; and, while it faces its share of problems, it has tremendous opportunities for growth and several trends working in its favor. Today, Brent speaks with Renn about this much-maligned region, offering an insightful perspective on a region that has a crucial role to play in boosting social mobility for millions of Americans. Mentioned in this Episode The Future of Appalachia by Aaron Renn | |||||||
| 17 Mar 2022 | Brett Tolman on his legal career and leading Right on Crime | 00:50:42 | |||||
The passage of the First Step Act in 2018 jolted criminal justice issues into the forefront of the public consciousness, and it has remained there since. As COVID ravaged prisons and unrest shook the country in 2020, the nation grappled with the role of the justice system in securing our society while bettering the lives of those all those affected by the burden of incarceration. Meanwhile, policymakers worked tirelessly to maintain bipartisan consensus around these important issues. To discuss these issues in context, I am joined Brett Tolman. Prior to his work with Right on Crime, Tolman worked in corporate compliance, white collar and government investigations. As a US Attorney in Utah, Brett worked on a range of apposite cases ranging from adoption fraud to national security issues. He has regularly testified before the US Congress and has been on the leading edge of drafting and advocating for numerous pieces of criminal justice legislation, including the First Step Act. | |||||||
| 28 Mar 2024 | Jim Pethokoukis on Conservative Futurism | 00:56:50 | |||||
As technology marches on, what kind of world are we moving towards? According to AEI senior fellow Jim Pethokoukis, it’s an abundant and prosperous one, at least potentially. So long as we play our cards right–and embrace what he calls an “UpWing” technology and growth policies we will reap the benefits of what many find to be destabilizing, disorienting change. This week on Hardly Working, Brent speaks with Pethokoukis about his book The Conservative Futurist: How to Create the Sci-Fi World We Were Promised and how we can best manage the steps toward the UpWing future. Mentioned in this episode | |||||||
| 02 Dec 2021 | Annie Murphy Paul on the Power of Thinking Outside the Brain | 00:47:46 | |||||
With automation changing the nature of work before our very eyes, it is more important than ever that we begin to re-think our approach to education, the workforce, and yes, even thinking itself. In this episode of Hardly Working, Brent is joined by journalist and acclaimed science writer Annie Murphy Paul to discuss how we can tap into our bodies, surroundings, and other people to think better in an increasingly complex economy and society. We discuss some of the insights from Murphy’s latest book The Extended Mind, including why thinking of the brain as a computer is problematic, the inherently social aspect of learning, and how to shape a world that works for the kind of thinking our brains evolved to do. Mentioned During the Show The Extended Mind – Annie Murphy Paul Origins: How the Nine Months Before Birth Shape the Rest of Our Lives The Cult of Personality Testing The Extended Mind – Andy Clark and David Chalmers How Our Brains Make the World - Iain McGilchrist Stanford University – Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence The Master and His Emissary – Iain McGilchrist The Liberal Sciences and the Lost Arts of Learning
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| 03 Feb 2023 | Joseph Politano (of Apricitas) on the Modern Economy and his Journalistic Career | 00:56:08 | |||||
Every day, thousands of decisions alter the course of our economy and the world. Economists are responsible for tracking these decisions analyzing them. Many endure long educational pathways to gain expertise to comment on economic affairs, but this expertise isn’t always necessary to gain a following or disseminate valuable information. For Joseph Politano, recent graduate of George Washington University and author behind the Apricitas.io Substack, has made the most of his undergraduate education to build a following of loyal subscribers. In this episode of Hardly Working, I talk with Joseph about his nascent career in Economics, building a following as an independent journalist, and his views on the most pressing issues facing our labor market. Mentioned in the Episode The George Washington University - Economics | |||||||
| 09 Nov 2023 | Chris Stirewalt on Appalachia | 01:07:09 | |||||
Today, we continue to explore Appalachia with Chris Stirewalt, a senior fellow at AEI. Stirewalt, who grew up in Wheeling, West Virginia, speaks to Brent about the unique culture and values of Appalachia, the role that strong families and institutions play in the region’s success, and potential solutions to the region’s challenges, from its opioid epidemic to educational “brain drain.” He also takes us through much of the history of the region, offering deep insight into the region’s identity. As you’ll hear, Stirewalt is optimistic about Appalachia and confident that the region can overcome its most difficult challenges. Mentioned in this Episode | |||||||
| 11 May 2023 | Evan Selinger on Tech, Surveillance, and Obscurity in Work and Society | 00:45:17 | |||||
Responses to the sudden emergence of widely available artificial intelligence tend to swing between those who believe these technologies will deliver a utopia of unlimited growth and opportunity or inflict a robot-dominated dystopia of human obsolescence. In the space between those two polls, some are engaged in serious ethical reflection that attempts to weigh out the possible impacts of AI in light of the preexisting social trends. One of the more thoughtful, and fair-minded critics of emerging technologies is Evan Selinger, a professor of philosophy at Rochester Institute of Technology. In his research, Dr. Selinger asks how technology has affected our personal obscurity in society (the right not to be known), and how mass surveillance and optimization affects human work. Mentioned in the Episode Digital doubles – in production and manufacturing | |||||||
| 25 Nov 2020 | The economic ramifications of COVID-19 | 00:46:27 | |||||
Cases of COVID-19 are rapidly accelerating around the country, diminishing hopes that life will return to a pre-pandemic normal anytime soon. Health concerns are not all the country has to worry about, though. To discuss the economic and financial impacts of COVID-19 in America and in emerging markets, Brent is joined by Desmond Lachman, a Resident Fellow in Economic Policy for The American Enterprise Institute. They discuss monetary policy, our economic future, and predictions for the months ahead. | |||||||
| 31 Mar 2022 | Prison Scholars Fund Part 1: Theresa Matheson on community education and work, in and out of prison | 00:41:16 | |||||
In this episode of Hardly Working, Theresa Matheson shares her story of crime, incarceration and change. She highlights the role of community within prison in helping her step away from the beliefs and behaviors of her criminal life and her pursuit of education as the primary means of building a new and better life after incarceration. This episode is also a window into the less-discussed world of corrections facilities for women and their unique challenges and opportunities. Mentioned in the Episode California COVID rental relief fund Sustainability program Washington Corrections for Women Freedom Education project of Pugeot Sound | |||||||
| 16 Mar 2023 | John Roy Price, Scott Winship and Robert Doar on Nixon’s Surprising Domestic Policy | 00:56:46 | |||||
The Nixon administration is renowned for their surprising consideration of differing social and welfare policies and the internal conflict and debate that this created within the Republican party it led. In this episode of Hardly Working, I am joined by John Roy Price, special assistant to President Nixon during the contentious time period of 1969-71 and author of “The Last Liberal Republican: An Insider’s Perspective on Nixon’s Surprising Social Policy.” We discuss, joined by Robert Doar (President of AEI) and Scott Winship (Director of the AEI Center for Opportunity and Mobility) perspectives on the Nixon Administration, social and welfare policy, the history of the Republican party, and learn a little more about John Doar, Robert’s esteemed father. Mentioned in the Episode The Last Liberal Republican: An Insider’s Perspective on Nixon’s Surprising Social Policy | |||||||
| 16 Dec 2021 | Thomas Chatterton Williams on Race, Identity, and a Writer’s Vocation | 00:53:26 | |||||
In this episode of Hardly Working, Brent Orrell is joined by AEI nonresident fellow and cultural critic Thomas Chatterton Williams. Williams’s two books Losing My Cool, published in 2010 and Self Portrait in Black and White, published in 2019, tie together personal memoir and philosophy to provide a fresh perspective on America’s history of racial discrimination and present reckoning with defining race and understanding its impacts. Williams discusses the importance of liberal arts education in shaping his own vocation, his motivation for writing, and importantly, his philosophy on race and identity in America. Mentioned During the Show Thomas Chatterton Williams’ AEI Webpage Self-Portrait in Black and White Chatterton on Searching for Plato with His Daughter Bard Prison Initiative Documentary France’s “Color-Blind” Race Policy The Common Ground of Human Dignity | |||||||