Best Thom Walters Podcasts (2025)

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Competing Visions on Trade: A Race to the Bottom Vs. Building the Middle Class (with Thea Lee featuring Todd Tucker) 40:38

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5d ago40:38

40:38

In the final episode of our Trade series, Nick and Goldy talk with Thea Lee, former Deputy Undersecretary for International Affairs at the U.S. Department of Labor, to challenge the core assumption behind decades of U.S. trade policy: That trade is about efficiency, not power. Lee explains how past trade deals were written to protect capital while …

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1770: The Moon Was Always There 10:14

6d ago10:14

10:14

In the stillness of a 3 a.m. drive, Thom reflects on how easily we can miss the beauty that's right beside us — until a simple turn brings it back into view. In this episode, The Moon Was Always There, he explores how calm often returns in the same way: quietly, faithfully, waiting for us to notice. It's a gentle reminder that light and peace are n…

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ZC 2128 - Meditation, Identity, and the Stories That Shape Us — with Christopher Rivas 50:26

9d ago50:26

50:26

In this episode, we sit down with multi-hyphenate storyteller Christopher Rivas — actor, writer, Buddhist practitioner, and host of the Brown Enough podcast. We dive deep into themes of identity, race, belonging, and what it means to "live in the middle space." Christopher shares his journeys into Buddhism, the stories behind his creative work (inc…

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South of the Border: A Mexican Perspective on the Free Trade Era (with Juan Carlos Moreno-Brid) 30:44

12d ago30:44

30:44

In the sixth episode of our trade series, Pitchfork Economics producer Freddy Doss talks with Mexican economist Juan Carlos Moreno-Brid about how NAFTA — and now the USMCA — reshaped Mexico’s economy in ways that those of us north of the Rio Grande almost never hear about. Yes, exports skyrocketed. But wages stagnated, domestic industry hollowed ou…

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North of the Border: A Canadian Perspective on the Free Trade Era (with Luke Savage) 30:42

19d ago30:42

30:42

In the fifth episode of our series on trade, journalist and author Luke Savage joins Pitchfork Economics Producer Freddy Doss to unpack how decades of “free trade” between the U.S. and Canada have reshaped both economies—entrenching corporate power, hollowing out manufacturing, and weakening democratic control over economic policy. Savage traces ho…

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Trade Wars Are Class Wars (with Matthew C. Klein) 49:28

25d ago49:28

49:28

By Civic Ventures

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1769: Why We Hide Our Joy — and How to Share It Openly 6:09

26d ago6:09

6:09

Joy is one of the most natural feelings we have — yet, strangely, one of the hardest to show. Somewhere along the way, many of us learned to keep it quiet, to tone it down, or to wait for "the right moment." But joy isn't meant to be contained. In this episode, we explore why we sometimes hide our happiness and how sharing it freely can bring calm,…

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1768: Nature's Lesson: The Beauty of Life's Steady Transitions 8:27

1M ago8:27

8:27

The thought of change is difficult for some people. In fact some people rail against change in any form. Ultimately though, they bring about uneasiness and stress trying to keep things the way they feel they should be. If only there were examples of how change happens every year and we barely notice it. Some even welcome it. Let's talk about natura…

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ZC 2127: Tricycle Week Fall - How to Meditate While Raising Kids 11:40

1M ago11:40

11:40

Believe it or not, consistency is one of the hardest parts of a meditation practice; setting time each day to sit in stillness. As a single man, it's easier for me, than say, a parent with young children. However, Tricycle would have you believe it's still possible for parents to keep up with their practice, as long as they adapt how they meditate.…

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You Can't Tariff Knowledge (with César Hidalgo) 41:51

1M ago41:51

41:51

Tariffs won’t save America’s economy—but knowledge might. In the third episode of our Trade series, Nick and Goldy sit down with physicist César Hidalgo to explore how prosperity really grows—not through tariffs or trickle-down promises, but through the accumulation of knowledge and know-how. Hidalgo explains why digital exports don’t show up in tr…

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How Economists Forgot the Real World and Led Us Astray (with Nat Dyer) 41:18

1M ago41:18

41:18

In the second episode of our Trade series, Nick and Goldy talk with author Nat Dyer about his book Ricardo’s Dream: How Economists Forgot the Real World and Led Us Astray. Dyer reveals how David Ricardo’s famous theory of comparative advantage—long touted as proof that free trade is always a win-win—was built on unrealistic assumptions and a false …

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Trade Wars, Class Wars & Globalization: Unpacking The Truth About Trade (featuring David Autor & Marc Palen) 47:52

2M ago47:52

47:52

In this kickoff to our special series on trade, Nick and Goldy unpack why trade policy isn’t just about tariffs and treaties—it’s about people, power, and priorities. For decades, the prevailing narrative has been that trade benefits everyone by lowering prices. But the real question is: who does it help, and who does it hurt? From the false promis…

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ZC 2126: Tricycle Week - Winter Light: Old age Brings an Intensity of Experience by Douglas Penick 22:24

2M ago22:24

22:24

While I don't know the exact demographic of Zen Commuter listeners, I have confidence in saying that many of you are my chronological peers. To that end, today's article from Tricycle will resonate with you as well. Even though I don't fully embrace all the sentiments of the article, it did resonate on the major points. What is the obfuscated topic…

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1767: The Selflessness of Self-Care: Why Caring for You Helps Everyone 6:39

2M ago6:39

6:39

One of the greatest challenges we face as a people is the misunderstanding that we must tend to the needs and suffering of those around us before we tend to our own. Often we are told to disregard our needs, to focus on others first, even exclusively. However, as I will talk about today, you are absolutely useless to anyone if you are not taking ca…

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1766: Where Your Attention Goes, Your Reality Grows 6:52

2M ago6:52

6:52

Here's something you might not know; your thoughts create your reality. Okay, if you're here then you have listened to Zen Commuter and you know that already. But what does that have to do with calm? What we focus on grows, good or bad. if we think the world is horrible, our brains actively look for evidence to support that belief. Well, the same i…

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1765: The Peace in Knowing Nothing Stays the Same 7:49

2M ago7:49

7:49

Many times, mostly when we are sad or lonely, we think things will never change. We think that the sorrow will remain forever. However, whether you are going through a good time or a tough one, it is certain that it will not remain the same. In challenging times this gives us hope that brighter times are ahead. In joyous times it is recommended to …

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Inflation: A Guide for Users and Losers (with Mark Blyth) 39:02

2M ago39:02

39:02

Political economist Mark Blyth joins Nick and Goldy to unpack the myths and realities of rising prices, from pandemic supply shocks and corporate profiteering to central-bank missteps and decades of bad economic theory. Drawing from his new book Inflation: A Guide for Users and Losers, Blyth explains why some narratives fall flat, why others reveal…

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ZC 2125: Tricycle Week: Blind Passions: Seeing What Holds Us Back 12:50

2M ago12:50

12:50

In this episode of Zen Commuter, I read Mark Unno's essay "Blind Passions," a powerful reflection on how unseen desires shape our lives and our practice. Together, we'll explore how passion can cloud our vision, but also how, when understood, it can become a doorway to deeper awareness and compassion. THANKS FOR LISTENING! Become a Super-Fan of the…

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Back to Basics Series: Homo Economicus Must Die (with Samuel Bowles) 32:34

2M ago32:34

32:34

What if the relentless drive to maximize personal gain isn't human nature, but just a flawed model we built? In this Back-to-Basics episode, behavioral economist Samuel Bowles helps us lay homo economicus—the myth of the perfectly rational, self-interested actor—six feet under. He shows how this caricature not only misrepresents human behavior, but…

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Back to Basics Series: Is the American Dream a Lie? (with Christian Cooper and Khiara Bridges) 42:47

2M ago42:47

42:47

The promise of the American Dream—work hard, play by the rules, and you’ll get ahead—is unraveling before our eyes. In this Back-to-Basics episode, Christian H. Cooper and law professor Khiara Bridges join Nick and Goldy to posit whether economic mobility has ever truly existed, or if the system was rigged from the start. As wages stagnate, homeown…

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1764: Your Most Utterly Serene Moment - Do You Remember it? 10:40

2M ago10:40

10:40

There are always calm moments, but fewer absolutely transcendent moments of utter serenity. Can you remember one? If you can't, then you have all the ingredients for making one. today I share with you one of mine, and encourage you to create yours. Thanks for Listening! If this episode helped you see your day in a different light, consider sharing …

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ZC 2124: Tricycle Week, Autumn Edition - Non-Self Storage by Christopher Rivas 16:56

2M ago16:56

16:56

While the days have yet to capture that wonderfully crisp Autumn breeze, my mailbox tells me that it is indeed Fall. Well, at least it's on its way; as evidenced by the latest edition of Tricycle Magazine. Without checking the author first, I selected the article that piqued my interest the most. What a wonderful surprise to know it was a familiar …

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Back to Basics Series: How Monopolies Feed Plutocracy (with Matt Stoller) 31:58

2M ago31:58

31:58

When a few giants dominate the economy, democracy is the first to go. In this back-to-basics episode, author and anti-monopoly expert Matt Stoller unpacks how concentrated corporate power doesn’t just warp markets—it tilts the political playing field toward plutocracy. Drawing from his book Goliath, Stoller shows how corporate giants from banks to …

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Back to Basics Series: Does the Market Really Pay You What You’re Worth? (with Marshall Steinbaum and Saru Jayaraman) 50:51

3M ago50:51

50:51

We’ve all heard the story: In a fair market, workers are paid exactly what they’re worth. Economists even have a name for it—marginal productivity theory. It’s neat, simple…and completely wrong. In this Back-to-Basics episode, economist Marshall Steinbaum and labor leader Saru Jayaraman dismantle the myth that the market fairly rewards labor. Stein…

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ZC 2123: Easing a Cancer Journey with Steve Olsen 30:49

3M ago30:49

30:49

In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Steve Olsen, a retired dentist who shares his powerful journey of healing and resilience. After facing a life-altering cancer diagnosis, Steve turned to meditation and the neuroacoustic app nuCalm as vital tools in his recovery. His story is a testament to the power of inner calm, mindset, and the body's a…

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Back to Basics Series: The Velocity of Money (with Ann Pettifor) 42:30

3M ago42:30

42:30

If you’ve ever wondered why the economy feels stuck, even when it seems like there's a lot more money in the system, this episode will blow your mind. Political economist Ann Pettifor joins Nick and Goldy to explain why money isn't flowing like it used to, and why that matters. Over the last century, the velocity of money (how quickly a dollar circ…

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Back to Basics Series: Is Economics Moral? (with Heather McGhee) 35:57

3M ago35:57

35:57

For decades, orthodox economics has treated morality as irrelevant—as if economic decisions happen in a vacuum, separate from our values and social bonds. But that approach has failed spectacularly, giving cover to policies that divide and exploit us. In this episode, Heather McGhee joins Nick and Paul to argue that morality must be central to how …

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Back to Basics Series: Where does economic growth really come from? (with W. Brian Arthur and Cesar Hidalgo) 46:51

3M ago46:51

46:51

Is economic growth just about money, trade, and GDP? Or is something deeper at play? In this episode, economist W. Brian Arthur and physicist Cesar Hidalgo join Nick and Goldy to reveal the real drivers of rising prosperity: human knowledge, know‑how, and innovation. They challenge the old assumptions of growth and argue that innovation isn't a byp…

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1763: The Power of Unfinished Moments 12:30

4M ago12:30

12:30

Not every moment in life ties up neatly. Some conversations trail off. Some endings never come. And yet, calm is still possible—even in the face of loose ends. In today's episode, I explore how we can find peace not by forcing closure, but by learning to rest in the unknown. Whether it's a lingering question, an unresolved relationship, or a dream …

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ZC 2122: Under Open Skies: How to Meditate Outside 16:26

4M ago16:26

16:26

In today's episode of Zen Commuter, we take our practice beyond four walls and into the wide embrace of nature. Meditating outside offers a unique opportunity to reconnect—not just with the present moment, but with the world around us. Whether it's a quiet park bench, a forest trail, or your own backyard, outdoor meditation invites you to soften yo…

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Back to Basics Series: Is Econ 101 a Lie? (with Eric Beinhocker and James Kwak) 39:29

4M ago39:29

39:29

Trickle-downers love to pretend that "Econ 101" is a convincing argument against policies like the minimum wage that invest in working Americans. But the truth is that mainstream economists are terrible at predicting how the economy will behave in the future…Is Econ 101 broken? In this key foundational episode for the podcast, we dismantle the myth…

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1762: From Me to We: Slowing Down to Connect 12:15

4M ago12:15

12:15

In today's episode of Calmer in 5, we explore something deceptively simple, but deeply powerful—the act of slowing down to truly connect with others. It's easy to get swept up in the current of our own to-do lists, inner chatter, and distractions. But when we pause—even for a moment—we open the door to meaningful human connection. When we release o…

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1761: Calm Comes From Community as Well 6:03

4M ago6:03

6:03

When we think of calm we often think about being alone, in the woods, at home alone or at the beach. But today I talk about how community, real community, can bring an even deeper sense of calm. Thanks for Listening! If this episode helped you see your day in a different light, consider sharing it with someone who might be needing a dose of calm. L…

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Back to Basics Series: What the hell are they talking about? Econ terms explained! (with Nick and Goldy) 14:48

4M ago14:48

14:48

Ever find yourself halfway through a Pitchfork Economics episode thinking, “Wait… what’s a monopsony?” You’re not alone. In this listener-favorite episode, Nick and Goldy break down some of the most important—and most misunderstood—economic terms we use on the show. From ‘neoclassical’ and ‘neoliberal’ to ‘monopoly’, ‘monopsony,’ ‘stock buybacks,’ …

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ZC 2121: Knowing the Voice of Your Higher Self 15:28

4M ago15:28

15:28

Inside all of us are many voices. Some uplift us, others cast doubt. How can we tell which one is our true guide? Today's episode helps you learn to distinguish the voice of your higher self from the more reactive inner dialogue. Through body awareness and subtle cues in language, we'll uncover how to better trust your wisest self. What we'll cover…

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1760: Love Without Fixing: Finding Calm in Acceptance 6:03

4M ago6:03

6:03

In today's episode, we explore a subtle but powerful truth: real love doesn't always come with advice, solutions, or action. Sometimes, the most calming and compassionate thing we can offer another person is simply our presence. When we stop trying to fix others and instead let them feel seen, heard, and accepted exactly as they are, we invite peac…

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ZC 2120: Mobile Mindfulness Studio: Meditating in Your Car 14:39

4M ago14:39

14:39

Many people feel like they don't have time to meditate, especially during a busy commute. But what if that commute became part of your practice? Today on Zen Commuter, we'll talk about how to use your car as a space for mindfulness. While safety must always be the priority, there are ways to incorporate stillness and presence even while driving. Wh…

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Back to Basics Series: Why do we call it Pitchfork Economics? (with Ganesh Sitaraman & Walter Scheidel) 33:16

4M ago33:16

33:16

In 2014, Nick Hanauer sounded the alarm: if economic inequality kept growing, the pitchforks would come—for him, and for the rest of America’s wealthy elite. Then 2016 happened. Donald Trump was elected president on a wave of economic populism that correctly identified massive inequality as a problem, but which offered all the wrong solutions. The …

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The Truth About Immigration and the American Worker (with Rogé Karma) 39:13

4M ago39:13

39:13

Conventional wisdom says immigration drives down wages and takes jobs from American workers. But what if that story is fueled by bad economics? Journalist Rogé Karma joins Nick and Goldy to challenge the Econ 101 logic that supercharges anti-immigrant rhetoric—and to explain what the data actually shows. Drawing on research from the U.S., Denmark, …

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1759: Boundaries Are Beautiful: Protecting Your Peace with Grace 5:54

5M ago5:54

5:54

IIn today's episode, we explore the calming power of boundaries—and why they're one of the kindest, most respectful ways to care for yourself and your relationships. Far from being walls, boundaries are invitations to connect with clarity and mutual understanding. When we set limits rooted in self-awareness and love, we create the space for calm to…

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ZC 2119: Divine Flow and Feminine Energy with Lillian Savoie 53:05

5M ago53:05

53:05

In today's inspiring episode of Zen Commuter, I sit down with Lillian Savoie, intuitive healer, spiritual teacher, and author of Fill Your Soul the Feminine Way. Together, we explore how tuning into divine feminine energy can help you move from striving to flowing—creating a more peaceful, purposeful life. Lillian shares her journey from corporate …