Wharton Business Radio Highlights

Kevin Werbach, Wharton Professor of Legal Studies and Business Ethics, explores the goals, limits, and broader national context of California's newly enacted AI child-protection bill and what it signals for future regulation and industry responsibility. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ezekiel Hernandez, Wharton Management Professor, explains new research co-authored with Britta Glennon revealing how limits in the H-1B visa program push companies toward targeted M&A activity as a strategic response to skilled labor shortages. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Itay Goldstein, Wharton Professor of Economics and Finance, analyzes Coinbase's $375 million acquisition of blockchain capital-raising platform Echo, exploring how reduced regulatory uncertainty, renewed interest in Initial Coin Offerings, and innovations like stablecoins are influencing the next stage of crypto market evolution. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kent Smetters, Wharton Professor of Business Economics and Public Policy and Faculty Director of the Penn Wharton Budget Model, explains the economic realities behind the United States' $38 trillion national debt, discussing options for increasing revenue, reforming entitlements, and fostering bipartisan approaches to secure the nation's fiscal future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefano Puntoni, Wharton marketing professor and co-director of Wharton Human AI Research, discusses findings from a multi-year study on how companies are implementing generative AI, examining its impact on entry-level jobs, return on investment, and the growing intersection between human expertise and emerging technology. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jeremy Siegel, Emeritus Professor of Finance at the Wharton School and Senior Economist at WisdomTree, analyzes the Federal Reserve's latest rate decisions, the evolving U.S. labor market amid AI-driven changes, and the global economic implications of renewed U.S.-China trade negotiations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rob DiGisi, Lecturer in Legal Studies and Business Ethics at the Wharton School, joins the show to discuss how recent gambling indictments involving NBA figures reveal the complex intersection of legality, ethics, and integrity in professional sports—and why issues like prop bets, player vulnerability, and federal cooperation continue to shape the future of regulated sports wagering. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ben Keys, Wharton Real Estate Professor, discusses the renewed interest in adjustable-rate mortgages, outlining how these products can offer short-term savings for homebuyers facing steep housing costs and elevated interest rates, while also exploring the long-term risks and strategic considerations involved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gad Allon, Wharton Professor of Operations, Information, and Decisions, explores the current state of global supply chains—from the lingering effects of the pandemic and industrial disruptions to the trade-offs between cost efficiency and resilience—and explains how emerging technologies like AI and digital twins are reshaping how companies prepare for and manage risk in an increasingly volatile world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Judd Kessler, Wharton Professor of Business Economics and Public Policy, discusses his research examining how the framing of organ donor registration questions—such as opt-in versus yes/no formats—impacts real-world donor sign-ups, revealing surprising insights about what truly drives people to say “yes” to saving lives. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Angela Duckworth, Wharton Professor of Operations, Information, and Decisions, shares findings from her national Phones in Focus survey, revealing how stricter school cell phone policies correlate with improved student attention, teacher satisfaction, and social engagement while exploring the broader implications for learning and youth well-being. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Philip Nichols, Wharton Professor of Legal Studies, Business Ethics, and Social Responsibility in Business, discusses how growing executive authority and government involvement in companies like Intel reflect a historic transformation in the U.S. business landscape—one that leaves corporate leaders navigating unprecedented legal and social uncertainty. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Burcu Esmer, Senior Lecturer in Finance at the Wharton School and Co-Director of the Harris Family Alternative Investment Program, joins to discuss Electronic Arts' proposed $55 billion acquisition involving Silver Lake, Affinity Partners, and the Saudi Public Investment Fund—exploring its implications for private equity, the gaming industry, and the future of global entertainment investments. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Zaring, Wharton Professor of Legal Studies and Business Ethics, explores the legal complexities, historical precedents, and potential reforms shaping the Federal Reserve's independence as tensions grow between central bank autonomy and presidential authority. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefano Puntoni, Wharton Marketing Professor and Co-Director of Wharton Human AI Research, explores the latest developments in artificial intelligence, including massive vertical integration deals, high-profile copyright settlements, and new frontiers in synthetic data that are transforming how businesses understand consumers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jeremy Siegel, Professor Emeritus of Finance at the Wharton School and Senior Economist at WisdomTree, discusses the Federal Reserve's latest rate cuts, divisions within monetary policy, inflation and employment trends, and how artificial intelligence is shaping long-term economic growth and market performance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cait Lamberton, Wharton School Vice Dean and Professor of Marketing, explains how businesses can balance enthusiasm for new technologies, such as AI, with historical lessons, market fundamentals, and strategic analysis to identify sustainable innovation and avoid costly missteps. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kent Smetters, Faculty Director of the Penn Wharton Budget Model and Professor of Business Economics and Public Policy at the Wharton School, explores the potential impacts of artificial intelligence on productivity, GDP, and federal debt, offering data-driven insights that challenge assumptions about AI as a fiscal solution. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Herbert Hovenkamp, Wharton Professor of Legal Studies and Business Ethics, discusses the recent antitrust decision requiring Google to share its search index data, exploring how this ruling may impact market competition, consumer behavior, and the evolving role of artificial intelligence in shaping the future of online search. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Burcu Esmer, Senior Lecturer in Finance and Academic Director of the Harris Family Alternative Investments Program at the Wharton School, explores the policy, regulatory, and investor considerations surrounding the White House's proposal to introduce private equity and other alternative assets into 401(k) retirement portfolios. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joseph Gyourko, Wharton Professor of Real Estate, Finance, and Business Economics and Public Policy, explores 50 years of housing market data, highlighting how local regulation, slowing construction, and regional demand shifts are reshaping affordability across the U.S., particularly in high-growth Sunbelt cities. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Patrick Harker, former Philadelphia Federal Reserve President, and current Rowan Distinguished Professor at the Wharton School, shares his perspective on interest rates, inflation risks, labor force dynamics, and the critical role of maintaining Fed independence in shaping the U.S. economy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefano Puntoni, Wharton Marketing Professor and Co-Director of the Wharton Human AI Research Program, explores the evolving strategies behind monetizing AI platforms, the implications of sponsored chatbots for consumer trust, and the critical role of energy efficiency in ensuring AI's sustainable future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jeremy Siegel, Wharton Emeritus Professor of Finance and WisdomTree Chief Economist, shares his perspective on the Federal Reserve's policy direction, the potential for rate cuts, the impact of tariffs, labor market dynamics, and the critical importance of central bank independence. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Musto, Wharton Finance Professor and Director of the Stevens Center for Innovation in Finance, explores the importance of teaching financial literacy to students, the progress made in recent years, and why early education in personal finance is essential for preparing future citizens and voters. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gideon Nave, Wharton Associate Professor of Marketing, discusses his research on the role of AI tools like ChatGPT in creative problem-solving, examining how they can boost individual innovation while also raising concerns about homogenization of ideas across society. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lori Rosenkopf, Management Professor and Vice Dean of Entrepreneurship at the Wharton School, discusses the value of introducing entrepreneurship in high school curricula, highlighting how it builds critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills that prepare students for future challenges in business and beyond. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lindsey Cameron, Wharton Assistant Professor of Management, examines Uber's pilot program allowing women drivers and passengers to avoid pairing with men, exploring its implications for safety, driver availability, consumer trust, and the future of ride-hailing services. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hamsa Bastani, Associate Professor of Operations, Information, and Decisions at the Wharton School, examines the opportunities and risks of integrating AI into K–12 education, emphasizing the need for foundational skills, guardrails, and human connection to ensure technology enhances—rather than undermines—student learning and motivation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kent Smetters, Faculty Director of the Penn Wharton Budget Model, discusses recent research revealing how deportation—especially over long periods—can lower GDP and reduce wages for high-skilled workers, challenging assumptions about who truly benefits or suffers from such policies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Maurice Schweitzer, Wharton Professor of Operations, Information and Decisions, joins the show to explore the challenges organizations face when high-performing employees clash with leadership, drawing on real-world examples from sports and business including Steve Jobs, Jamie Dimon, and Sheryl Sandberg. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Emilie Feldman, Wharton Professor of Management, explores how recent M&A activity—such as Ferrero's acquisition of WK Kellogg—reflects a recurring trend where companies separate high-and low-growth assets only to later reintegrate them, drawing parallels to past moves by Kraft, Heinz, and other consumer goods giants.Ask ChatGPT Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manav Raj, Wharton Assistant Professor of Management, shares insights on how AI is transforming job roles, challenging traditional degree models, and pushing both students and educators to rethink skills development in a shifting labor market. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jeremy Siegel, Wharton Emeritus Professor of Finance and WisdomTree Chief Economist, shares his outlook on economic growth, inflation, interest rates, and market resilience, addressing the impact of tariffs, the rise of AI, and the uncertain future of Federal Reserve leadership. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John Zhang, Wharton Professor of Business Economics and Public Policy, discusses how firms use tariff-induced economic conditions to raise prices and explore dynamic pricing strategies, balancing profit motives with consumer perceptions and competition. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Peter Cappelli, Management Professor at the Wharton School and Director of the Center on Human Resources, explains why bold predictions about AI-driven job loss often miss the mark, how financial pressures are influencing executive behavior, and why uncertainty—not automation—should be guiding future workforce strategies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greg Shea, Adjunct Professor of Management and Senior Fellow at the Wharton Center for Leadership and Change, outlines how Boeing's long-term shift away from its engineering roots has led to widespread reputational damage and organizational dysfunction—and what its leadership must do to repair both internal culture and external credibility. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kent Smetters, Faculty Director of the Penn Wharton Budget Model and Professor of Business Economics and Public Policy at the Wharton School, discusses the newly passed reconciliation bill—highlighting its projected $3.6 trillion increase to the national debt, minimal near-term economic growth, and long-term GDP decline, along with how the legislation may reduce resources for lower-income households.Ask ChatGPT Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Olivia Mitchell, Professor and Executive Director of the Pension Research Council at the Wharton School, joins the show to discuss Fidelity's latest data showing record-high retirement saving rates, explore the policy and psychological factors driving increased 401(k) participation, and examine how generational trends, employer incentives, and concerns over Social Security and national debt are shaping the future of retirement preparedness. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leon Musolff, Wharton Assistant Professor of Business Economics and Public Policy, discusses findings from a recent field experiment showing how default search engine settings significantly influence user choice, highlighting the implications for antitrust policy and competition between Google and Bing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Zaring, Wharton Professor of Legal Studies and Business Ethics, explains how the long-standing First Sale Rule allows U.S. companies to reduce tariff costs by structuring international transactions strategically and maintaining thorough supply chain documentation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jeremy Siegel, Wharton Emeritus Professor of Finance and Senior Economist at WisdomTree, discusses how markets are reacting to global instability, the possibility of renewed tariffs, and the Federal Reserve's stance on interest rates, while highlighting how artificial intelligence could help offset economic challenges. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Christian Terwiesch, Wharton Professor of Operations, Information and Decisions, discusses the evolving role of AI in customer service—highlighting the tension between cost reduction and service quality, the growing expectations of consumers, and the challenges of fully automating support without losing the human element. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gideon Bornstein, Wharton Assistant Professor of Finance, discusses how ongoing tariff uncertainties and fluctuating consumer confidence are impacting retailers' pricing strategies, supply chains, and economic outlooks, offering insights into what this means for the broader macroeconomic picture. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rob DiGisi, Lecturer in the Sports Marketing Department at the Wharton School and Founder of Iron Horse Marketing, discusses the implications of the House v. NCAA settlement, including direct athlete compensation, the evolving role of NIL collectives, and the far-reaching consequences for non-revenue sports, program structures, and the traditional identity of college athletics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paul Nary, Wharton Assistant Professor of Management, discusses the recent merger between Capital One and Discover, highlighting the strategic motivations behind the deal, the integration challenges ahead, and why the move could ultimately benefit consumers by increasing competition in the payments network space. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Santiago Gallino, Associate Professor of Operations, Information and Decisions, and of Marketing at the Wharton School, discusses the growing presence of self-checkout in retail, its intended operational benefits, and the unintended consequences—including theft, customer friction, and strategic recalibration—that are prompting retailers to rethink their approach. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Josefy, Visiting Associate Professor of Management at Wharton and Associate Professor of Strategy and Shoemaker Faculty Fellow in Entrepreneurship at Indiana University, discusses how IPOs affect company longevity, leadership decisions, and the often-overlooked human consequences for employees during and after the transition to public markets. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cade Massey, Practice Professor in the Operations, Information and Decisions Department at the Wharton School and host of the Wharton Moneyball podcast, discusses the growing influence of big data and artificial intelligence in sports—from game-day strategies to injury prevention and referee evaluation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Burcu Esmer, Senior Lecturer of Finance and Academic Director of the Harris Family Alternative Investments Program at the Wharton School, explores how ongoing tariff fluctuations and economic unpredictability are prompting private equity firms to slow deal activity, reassess portfolio risks, and reconfigure supply chains. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ben Sprung-Keyser, Wharton Assistant Professor of Business Economics and Public Policy, explains his research on how the IRS can maximize revenue through audits—highlighting that audits of high-income taxpayers yield significantly greater returns and have long-term behavioral impacts that may inform smarter tax policy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.