This past semester in my microeconomics elective, seniors investigated a current issue or topic that related in some way to concepts studied in the course. Inspired by National Public Radio’s Planet Money, the students presented their findings in a podcast.

Here are the classes’ podcasts for your listening pleasure...

"Will Robots Take My Job?"

by Dhruv Krishna '20, Tom Griffith '20, & Neil Deshmukh '20

This podcast covers a variety of topics, through the discussion of different markets, governments, and technologies. It delves into a background of past technological revolutions, the technology behind AI, and how one can effectively prepare for the changing marketplace in the 21st century.

"You're Being Influenced"

by Miranda Gibson '20, Max Demsky '20, & Darby deCastro '20

This podcast explores how tastes and preferences shift the demand for certain products, such as makeup, that are endorsed by influencers like YouTube’s Jeffree Star.

“Priceless Packaging”

by Kathrine Yeaw '20, Grace Moser '20, & Meghan Connors '20

This podcast discusses how the packaging of a product can affect consumer behavior. With interviews from product managers from Crayola and American Can, they gain an insiders look on the world of marketing.

“The Power of the Popular Vote”

by Rhea Malhotra '20, Logan Maniscalco '20, & Quinn O’Connor '20

This podcast analyzes the economic theme of “the wisdom of the crowd” and its relation to the accuracy of the popular vote. The students interview Dr. Mallory SoRelle and Dr. John Kincaid of Lafayette College.

“The World of Fashion & Sunk Costs”

by Tom Smith '20, Gabe Ytkin '20, & Gianna Carosella '20

This podcast relates fashion branding to economics. Our podcast features Shaylan Patel '18, a young fashion designer in New York and an alum of Moravian Academy.

“The Superhero Effect”

by Tom Fegley '20, Navin Ferrari '20, & Jared Gill '20

This podcast delves into the effect superhero movies have on the film industry as a whole. Featuring movie producer Josh Church, we explore the history of superhero films, the influence of new technologies like surround sound and CGI, and much more.

“Not In My Backyard”

by Jack Blobe '20, Ethan Buck '20, & William Werner '20

This podcast discusses the positive and negative externalities of landfills by examining the impact of the Bethlehem Landfill in Steel City.

“Two for a Dolla”: How Companies Maximize Their Profit

by Abe Atiyeh '20, Taylor Busch '20, & Tyler Joseph '20

This podcast studies marketing strategies that businesses use to maximize their profits by focusing on the apparel company, lululemon.

Read this article and other content in the Spring 2020 Moravian Academy Journal.