Shows
Chaufa with Ethan KnechtChaufa - Don't Go Fighting in My BackyardCheck out cpsi.media for the full transcript or head to cpsi.org for our full library of amazing podcasts and publications.2025-06-2015 minChaufa with Ethan KnechtChaufa - Faster and CheaperCheck out cpsi.media for the full transcript or head to cpsi.org for our full library of amazing podcasts and publications.2025-06-0722 minChaufa with Ethan KnechtChaufa - Even 15,000KM Can't Keep Us ApartCheck out cpsi.media for the full transcript or head to cpsi.org for our full library of amazing podcasts and publications.2025-05-2421 min
She Talks Tech44 - Legacy Over Titles: Lydia Sebokedi on Leading Tech Differently in GovernmentWelcome back to She Talks Tech with Hlulani, where we amplify the voices of women making waves in technology and STEM. In today’s episode, I sit down with Lydia Sebokedi, Acting Executive Director at the Centre for Public Service Innovation (CPSI), to explore a powerful story of purpose, public service, and quiet transformation.Lydia's journey spans decades in South Africa’s public sector — from dietetics and healthcare to national innovation and digital transformation. We dive deep into how she leads innovation in government without a traditional tech background, her passion for developing young talent, and why sh...2025-05-141h 05Chaufa with Ethan KnechtChaufa - Right Under Our NoseCheck out cpsi.media for the full transcript or head to cpsi.org for our full library of amazing podcasts and publications.2025-05-1019 minChaufa with Ethan KnechtChaufa - Charitable ExchangesCheck out cpsi.media for the full transcript or head to cpsi.org for our full library of amazing podcasts and publications.2025-04-2516 min
The Capitalismo PodcastSpain’s Open-Borders Bet: Immigration Boom—Miracle or Meltdown?🚨 This podcast episode is a celebration of Liberalism and Cosmopolitanism: a real-world demonstration that open markets and open minds can deliver prosperity. 🔑 In 1990 less than 1% of the Spanish population were foreign residents.The foreign-born population was even smaller, with immigrants accounting for about 0.5% of residents As of January 1, 2025: 14% of residents in Spain are foreign nationals.18.2% of Spain’s population was born outside the country.1 in 7 residents of Madrid were born in Latin America. Spain flipped from near-zero immigration in 1990 to Europe’s most dynamic melting-pot today. We unpack how free-market r...2025-04-241h 02The Capitalismo PodcastBolivia Bank-Run 2025: 72 Hours to Default?Bolivia was once celebrated as South America's economic success story—rich in natural gas, flush with exports, and rapidly reducing poverty. Today, it's spiraling into crisis: crippling fuel shortages, disappearing reserves, soaring debt, and political chaos threaten total collapse. In this no-holds-barred breakdown, we expose:The Gas Boom Turned Bust: How did Bolivia lose half its gas production and become trapped importing fuel it can't afford? Fiscal Catastrophe: Public debt skyrocketing from 38% to 85% of GDP, reckless subsidies, and deficits spiraling out of control—what went wrong? Currency Collapse: Fo...2025-04-1150 minChaufa with Ethan KnechtChaufa - Sheer SmearCheck out cpsi.media for the full transcript or head to cpsi.org for our full library of amazing podcasts and publications.2025-04-1111 min
The Rasheed Griffith Show52. Taiwan's Vanishing Caribbean Friends - Sebastian Naranjo RodriguezSend us a text"Taipei won't have any formal western diplomatic ties in 5 years." This ominous prediction underscores the shift of trade and soft power in the Americas. On this episode we explore Taiwan's dwindling influence in the Caribbean and America's reactionary tactics to its own international relations complacency which has left the door wide open for its largest rival.How does America plan to counteract China's foothold on its doorstep and what do these knee jerk policies mean for the vulnerable economies of Latin America and the Caribbean?2025-04-041h 16The Capitalismo PodcastSpain’s "Rocket Economy": Out of Fuel and Falling Fast🚨 The Economic Boom Propaganda has to END 🚨 Ever heard about the "economic rocket" the Spanish government is bragging about? It is a hoax. Instead of soaring upward, Spain is spiraling into debt, joblessness, and misery— faster than ever! Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sánchez keeps tightening his grip, silencing judges and the press. Did you realize Spain now leads Europe's misery index BY A MILE? We're at 14.4 points, while the EU average is just 8.8. And that's WITH their statistical games! If we cut through their lies (like the infamous "fijos discontinuos" trick), the real misery numb...2025-04-0253 minChaufa with Ethan KnechtChaufa - Collateral DamageCheck out cpsi.media for the full transcript or head to cpsi.org for our full library of amazing podcasts and publications.2025-03-2818 minThe Capitalismo PodcastJavier Milei is Wrong about the Culture War and Libertarianism🔴 Is Javier Milei a genuine libertarian, or is he drifting dangerously close to populist conservatism? In this episode, we dive deep into the ideology of Argentina's self-identified anarcho-capitalist President, Javier Milei, unpacking the critical differences between true modern liberalism (for our European audience) and authentic libertarianism (for those tuning in from the USA).We critically examine Milei's recent ideological shifts and explain why his heavy focus on culture war topics might ultimately undermine his libertarian principles and political effectiveness. From his increasing alignment with traditionalist thinkers like Agustin Laje to his concerning ties with conservative populist groups suc...2025-03-2658 minChaufa with Ethan KnechtChaufa - Paying Special AttentionCheck out cpsi.media for the full transcript or head to cpsi.org for our full library of amazing podcasts and publications.2025-03-1514 minThe Rasheed Griffith Show51. Is Javier Milei Really Libertarian - Carlos Rodríguez BraunSend us a textIn this no-nonsense conversation, Professor Carlos Rodríguez Braun — author of El Pensamiento de Milei — helps us decipher the often confusing worldview of Argentina’s president, Javier Milei. We go through the philosophical paths that took Milei from admiring Chicago-school thinkers to openly praising Rothbard’s anarcho-capitalism, and we examine the often jarring contradictions revealed by his alliances with figures like Bolsonaro, Abascal, and Meloni.Key Points Anarcho-Capitalist or Just Radical?How Milei’s shifting stances on economic policy blur the lines between classical liberalism, minarchism, and outright anarchism.2025-02-2749 minChaufa with Ethan KnechtChaufa - Nope, No Brinkmanship HereTune in to the latest on cpsi.media where you can also find full transcripts for each episode.2025-02-2609 minChaufa with Ethan KnechtChaufa - Let's Be PragmaticRead the full transcript for this episode at cpsi.media. 2025-02-1415 minThe Rasheed Griffith Show50. Dancehall Music is Absurd, and We love ItSend us a textNostalgia can be a powerful force. This is extremely evident in the musings of our discussion on Jamaican Dancehall. Join us for a tea-time chat on Reggae’s vulgar, and culturally rebellious cousin.Dancehall is a rather vibrant and colorful subgenre of Reggae rooted deeply in Caribbean culture, but the similarities are surface-level at best. The genre is criticized for its overt vulgarity, hypersexualization, and at times, problematic lyrics which have exported varying levels of lawlessness from Jamaica to its neighbors and beyond. Besides its lasting impact on language thr...2025-01-1741 minChaufa with Ethan KnechtChaufa - Small Islands, Big Islands, Same CourtesiesCheck out the full transcript for this episode at cpsi.media.2025-01-1613 minChaufa with Ethan KnechtChaufa - Lovingly IllegalSee the full newsletter at cpsi.media.2025-01-0311 minThe Rasheed Griffith Show49. We Are Black Britain - Lord SewellSend us a textIn this episode, Rasheed is joined by Lord Sewell of the British House of Lords, for an insightful discussion on education, race, and the socio-political dynamics in the UK and the Caribbean. They explore the myths of systemic discrimination, and the evolving narratives surrounding immigration, colonialism, and identity.Mind the GapLord Sewell highlights the challenges Afro-Caribbean students face in the UK, emphasizing the impact of family structure and socioeconomic conditions on academic performance. His program, Generating Genius, seeks to address gaps in STEM education by providing long-term...2024-12-3149 minThe Rasheed Griffith Show48. Why Dollarization Works in Ecuador - Francisco ZallesSend us a textFull transcript at www.cpsi.mediaFrancisco Zalles, Ecuadorian Economist and Professor gives us an in-depth account of Ecuador’s journey to dollarization. A series of unfortunate events…The economic crisis of the late 1990s, marked by a banking collapse due to external shocks (El Niño triggered the underperformance of the banana industry), poor fiscal policies, and mismanagement by the Central Bank, paved the way for drastic monetary reform in Ecuador.A good policy is a good policyPresident Jamil Mahuad...2024-12-211h 07Chaufa with Ethan KnechtChaufa - Don't Tell Me What To DoPrefer to read instead? See the full edition at cpsi.media. 2024-12-1812 minThe Rasheed Griffith Show47. Blueprint for Development: Housing in Madrid - Diego Sánchez de la CruzSend us a textWhile Barcelona scapegoats tourism for its housing shortage, Madrid is setting the standard for development with initiatives to improve its housing stock. The “capital of capitalism” is once again employing proven liberal governance techniques to position itself as a premier city in Europe. Diego Sanchez de la Cruz returns to the show to discuss policies being enacted to expand living options for the fastest-growing city in Spain. By abolishing oppressive rent controls, improving mortgage accessibility, and unlocking new zoning for construction, Madrid is acknowledging the challenges that come with being the city...2024-12-081h 12Chaufa with Ethan KnechtChaufa - Engine Of ProgressPrefer to read instead? See the full edition at cpsi.media. 2024-11-2816 minThe Rasheed Griffith Show46. The Philosophy Of Reggae - A Guided TourSend us a textIt's not all love, peace and brotherhood and if you're looking for Bob Marley, you're out of luck there too. Join CPSI director Rasheed Griffith and podcast producer Shem Best for an unfiltered foray into reggae, its historical starting point, political ramifications and cultural proliferation throughout the region and the world. Reggae is first and foremost a vehicle of protest. We explore the societal context which forced the hands of the Rastafarians, producing anthems of anti-establishment sentiment that resonated with a growing movement which was finding itself increasingly at odds with a...2024-11-2550 minChaufa with Ethan KnechtChaufa - The Closest FriendsPrefer to read instead? See the full edition at cpsi.media. 2024-11-1515 minThe Rasheed Griffith Show45. The Politics of Panamá (I) - José Pérez BarboniSend us a textAt 25 years of age, José Pérez Barboni is one of the youngest members of Panama’s National Assembly. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on the intricate state of politics and governance on the isthmus and the peculiar system of elections that continues to shape the development of one of Latin America’s most pivotal economies.More than a canal…Panama, the proverbial (and literal) bridge of the Americas, is not defined simply by the infamous trans-oceanic marvel that is the Panama Canal. The country of just over 4 million...2024-11-151h 00The Rasheed Griffith Show44. Britain's Misguided Shame - Alexander ChulaSend us a textThe role of the Church in dismantling the slave trade must not be understated. This is just one of many hard truths we examine on this episode featuring British writer and medical doctor, Alexander Chula. From his book "Goodbye Dr Banda: Lessons for the West from a Small African Country", Dr. Chula guides us through harmful misconceptions on Western culture.Western culture, the Classics and many of its trappings were not simply tools of subjugation. To frame them solely as such is to apply a reductionist view of a much broader...2024-11-011h 01Chaufa with Ethan KnechtChaufa - Out of Many, OnePrefer to read instead? See the full edition at cpsi.media. 2024-10-3012 minChaufa with Ethan KnechtChaufa - The Heart Of DiplomacyPrefer to read instead? See the full edition at cpsi.media. 2024-10-1711 minChaufa with Ethan KnechtChaufa - Colonialism's Defeat Prefer to read instead? See the full edition at cpsi.media. 2024-10-0211 minChaufa with Ethan KnechtChaufa - Fundamental InterestsPrefer to read instead? See the full edition at cpsi.media. 2024-09-1812 minThe Rasheed Griffith Show43. Henry Oliver - The Common ReaderSend us a textWould V.S. Naipaul have made a good venture capitalist? Join us for a whirlwind episode with prolific British writer, Henry Oliver as we tackle thought-provoking inquiries surrounding the age of heroes, cities as imaginary spaces, the tragedy of unique talent and, the late bloomer. Imaginary CitiesTo best describe a place you hold dear, you must leave it. Or perhaps you find it oppressive to your ideas. Again, you must leave it. Henry describes cities written by icons like Joyce as meta-physical spaces, distinct from their geographical...2024-09-1851 minChaufa with Ethan KnechtChaufa - A Need To LearnPrefer to read instead? See the full edition at cpsi.media. 2024-09-0516 min
The Rasheed Griffith Show42. The End Of Gay RightsSend us a textFull transcript on cpsi.media.The gay “movement” in the Caribbean has stalled and we think it’s because they haven’t done their due diligence. The various rights groups throughout the region have skipped the necessary steps in the evolutionary progression of gay concepts in the Caribbean. They’ve hastily pushed to emulate their more developed American and European colleagues and now risk a paralyzing backlash that could set gay rights in the region back for generations. How have we arrived at this critical impasse? We think the gay drain i...2024-08-2745 minChaufa with Ethan KnechtChaufa - Neither Right Nor Moral Prefer to read instead? See the full edition at cpsi.media. 2024-08-2211 minChaufa with Ethan KnechtChaufa - Great Asymmetries Prefer to read instead? See the full edition at cpsi.media. 2024-08-0708 minThe Rasheed Griffith Show41. Rethinking Sovereignty in the Caribbean - Ivelaw GriffithSend us a textThe traditional definition of sovereignty is not afforded to the small island states of the Caribbean and should be redefined in our newly evolved and globalized world. Ivelaw Griffith joins us for another insightful discussion of the political balance of the Caribbean, this time in the context of true independence versus perceived independence."Who is really paying the bills?" Dr. Griffith brings attention to the honesty of politicians and their willingness to have difficult talks with the population on the true nature of financing and governance in a region that is...2024-08-021h 01The Rasheed Griffith Show40. Ghost Economy: What Now For Venezuela? - Parsifal D'SolaSend us a textEconomic collapse, the largest native exodus in Latin American history, and border woes with Guyana. In this episode, we sit with political analyst Parsifal D'Sola to unravel the last three decades of Venezuela's tumultuous history and the path ahead for the embattled former juggernaut of South America. Venezuela has fallen from its prized position as the most influential economy on the continent. Its financial influence is now only felt in the massive burden imposed by the mass migration of its citizens away from their homeland. 30% of the country has now fled, l...2024-07-2344 minChaufa with Ethan KnechtChaufa - A Little SuspiciousPrefer to read instead? See the full edition at cpsi.media. 2024-07-2311 min
The Rasheed Griffith Show39. Rihanna is Deeper Than YouSend us a textAnd we mean that. Rihanna's cultural relevance (despite her foray into cosmetics and fashion) remains deeply rooted in Caribbean society. Behind the generic summer beats and a few questionable lyrics, lies a regional thinker who has created 8 memorable albums, each chronicling her own evolution and development as an artist. Join us for another frank musical discussion, journeying from "Pon De Replay" to "Work", as we cover Rihanna's cultural influence and contributions to the Caribbean's sociopolitical landscape.This episode contains some adult language and references. Listener discretion is advised. 2024-07-1155 minChaufa with Ethan KnechtChaufa - Equally Ancient Civilizations Prefer to read instead? Check out the full episode rundown on cpsi.media.2024-07-1020 minChaufa with Ethan KnechtChaufa - Diplomatic Brothers Prefer to read instead? Check out the full episode rundown here.2024-06-2715 minThe Rasheed Griffith Show38. Milei and the Libertarian Populist Experiment - Iván CarrinoSend us a textHow do we categorize the Milei administration and its policies? Today on the show, we're joined by Argentinian economist Iván Carrino in a deep dive into political movements throughout the country's history, from the authoritarian economics of Juan Domingo Perón to the controversial interventionism of the Kirchners. Can Milei's own brand of Libertarian populism work to revitalize Argentina? Argentina has fallen from lofty heights, and all eyes are on Javier Milei to right the ship. Once having the highest GDP per capita in Latin America, Argentina is now eclipsed by...2024-06-2347 minThe Rasheed Griffith Show37. The 'Avatar' Effect: Charter City Do's and Don'ts - Patri FriedmanSend us a textOn this episode, we're joined by Patri Friedman of Pronomos Capital to discuss the more practical facets of building a charter city. What are the building blocks of a viable charter city project? At what milestone can a charter city be deemed successful, and what common mistakes can a nascent city stumble upon? Friedman himself is in favour of corporate governance, but also expands on and compares alternative methods of administration and explores the pitfalls that could lead to the undesired discontent or even rebellion of a charter city, what he c...2024-06-1338 minChaufa with Ethan KnechtChaufa - A Vital Business PartnerPrefer to read instead? Check out the full episode rundown at https://cpsi.media/p/a-vital-business-partner.2024-06-1317 minThe Rasheed Griffith Show36. Spain's Fractured Politics - Daniel LacalleSend us a textIn a previous episode (Madrid: the Capital of Capitalism), we explored the nature of governance in Spain's capital. However, the bigger picture for the largest country on the Iberian peninsula is one of political turmoil and deadlock. Economist Daniel Lacalle joins us for a thought-provoking discussion and a somewhat cautionary tale for the Caribbean region.The current political stalemate stems from the 2017 Catalonia Declaration of Independence, which Lacalle describes as more of an unconstitutional pantomime of an actual coup d'état. Despite having no legal or even historical basis for independence, L...2024-06-1146 minThe Rasheed Griffith Show35. Caribbean Debt Restructuring and Climate Finance - Thomas LaryeaSend us a textOn this episode of the show, Rasheed is joined by international lawyer Thomas Laryea, who specializes in the mediation process for sovereign debt restructuring. As a senior lawyer with the IMF, Thomas holds a unique vantage point at the tables of the negotiation between state debtors and creditors when financial instability requires a reevaluation of ongoing agreements.The Caribbean is no stranger to Laryea's field, with several members having undergone their own restructuring processes. Of particular note is Suriname's own recent restructuring, which came under scrutiny in the public eye for...2024-05-2928 minThe Rasheed Griffith Show34. Tea Time Discourse: The Rise of Chairman Mottley - Shem BestSend us a textNavigate the Barbadian political landscape with Rasheed Griffith and CPSI Podcast Producer Shem Best. In this episode, we discuss the evolution and decline of governance on the island, starting with one of its most prolific Prime Ministers, Owen Arthur. What tipped the scales for the David Thompson administration's rise after over a decade of BLP rule? What disastrous decisions paved the way for Mottley's landslide victory in 2018? Barbados' Westminster-style government structure has created one of the world's most stable democracies with over three centuries of an uninterrupted parliament (the 3rd oldest in...2024-05-131h 49The Rasheed Griffith Show33. The Caribbean's Technical Debt - Niel HarperSend us a textWhere does Caribbean tech infrastructure stand today? Join Cybersecurity expert Neil Harper as we investigate the slowdown in innovation and standards adoption that could further erode the region's competitiveness and digital integrity. Could 5G benefit the Caribbean? Neil says yes, outlining the surface benefits of the latest in cellular data technologies and how they could provide resilience in a disaster-prone region. 5G offers the opportunity to bolster telecommunications infrastructure with a smaller footprint that is less susceptible to natural phenomena like hurricanes.What about security? The Caribbean has become a...2024-04-2635 minChaufa with Ethan KnechtChaufa - Grateful for the OpportunityWelcome to Chaufa, a China-Western Hemisphere Newsletter by CPSI. Today’s Edition covers March 18th to March 31st.Headlines:- Pres. Xi meets PM Skerrit on 20th anniversary - Peru annuls COSCO exclusivity on Port of Chancay - China defends Caracas amid election tensions - Paraguay to continue soybean exports to China2024-04-1512 minThe Rasheed Griffith Show32. America's Tech Advantage and the Dangers of Regulatory Overstep - Shane GlynnSend us a textWhat lessons can we learn from the current tech regulation climate in the United States? CPSI Director Shane Glynn joins us for a great discussion on efforts to reign in the juggernauts of the technology sector and the market factors driving the latest wave of scrutiny over household brands like TikTok and Amazon.The Caribbean may not be a major player in global information and technology, but it is a notable customer and beneficiary. Social media proliferation in the region facilitates the dissemination of news and politicians have jumped on the...2024-04-0356 minThe Rasheed Griffith ShowHow to Dollarize Argentina, Exactly - Nicolás CachanoskySend us a textIn this fascinating episode, we dive into a more nuanced discussion for implementing dollarization in Argentina. Nicolás Cachanosky joins our Executive Director, Rasheed Griffith, for a detailed and technical rundown of the steps needed to transition the beleaguered economy to the US Dollar. Firstly, there's the equilibrium rate. How many pesos would be needed to redeem one US dollar? How would this price be established? The government could remove the country's capital controls, which have been used to maintain an inflated and unsustainable rate. This would allow the market to de...2024-03-2052 minThe Rasheed Griffith ShowThe Golden Passport - Kristin SurakSend us a textCitizenship by Investment or CBI programs tend to get a bad rap due to the misconceptions surrounding how they work and how they came to be. Dr Kristin Surak shares some valuable insights on the origins of "passports for sale" and goes into more depth on the true meaning of citizenship through the eyes of the people and the state. Several islands in the Caribbean offer prominent CBI opportunities. It is estimated that more than 40% of Dominica's government revenue is derived from their own CBI program, financing wide-scale infrastructure projects across t...2024-03-0241 minThe Rasheed Griffith ShowStabilizing The Future — John CochraneSend us a textShould Canada dollarize? Should sovereign debt be modeled as risk-free? Why is monetarism unfit for modern financial markets? John Cochrane, Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institute and blogger at The Grumpy Economist, joins Rasheed on the podcast. They discuss core themes in macroeconomics and why financial tools are underutilized in stabilizing economies to make them more conducive for growth.Links and RecommendationsToward a Run-free Financial System by John H. CochraneFiscal Histories by John H. CochraneThe Fiscal Theory of the Price...2024-02-2646 minThe Rasheed Griffith ShowMadrid: the Capital of Capitalism — Diego Sánchez de la CruzSend us a textIf you were asked to rank cities based on their level of libertarian policy implementation, it is very unlikely that at the top of the list, you would intuitively put Madrid. Of course, liberalism, classical liberalism, libertarianism, or capitalism are not usually thought of as being abundant in European cities. But on today's episode, we are going to be discussing with Diego Sánchez de la Cruz his newest book, "Liberalismo a la Madrileña" (Madrid-style Liberalism). How and why Madrid has become the region in Spain that grows the most, generates the mos...2024-02-1553 minThe Rasheed Griffith ShowThe Inside Story of Dollarization in El Salvador — Manuel HindsSend us a textFormer Minister of Finance Manuel Hinds joins us for an eye-opening account of how El Salvador dollarized. We get down to the nitty-gritty of monetary policy and prudent governance in what should serve as a poignant lesson for the Caribbean region. Dollarization in Latin America is back in the economic headlights. The policy is simple. Encourage the use of US dollars as a unit of an account in a country other than the USA to aid the fiscal stabilization and long-term growth of that country, yet from all corners, you have p...2024-02-071h 08Chaufa with Ethan KnechtChaufa - Sovereignty ViolationsWelcome to Chaufa, a China-Western Hemisphere Newsletter by CPSI. Today’s Edition covers January 22 to February 4.PM Browne in China, Xi's South America travel, Wang Yi's support for Kenya's Haiti mission. Plus: the PRC's possible new FM and Jake Sullivan on U.S.-China competition.2024-02-0512 minThe Rasheed Griffith ShowChaufa 2023 ReviewSend us a text2024-02-0547 minChaufa with Ethan KnechtChaufa - Alternate OptionsToday’s Edition covers January 15 to January 21. PRC Attorney General and foreign ministers visit LAC, Antigua and Barbuda PM off to Beijing, new lithium investment in Bolivia, PLA delegation in Peru.Prefer to read this podcast? View the written newsletter here:https://cpsi.media/s/chaufa2024-01-2606 minThe Rasheed Griffith ShowGuyana, Oil and the Resource Curse - Collin ConstantineSend us a textTalent will make or break a band, a company, and even a country. We're joined by Dr Collin Constantine to explore the requirements for successful growth, primarily in the context of Guyana, the region's potential rising star economy. Does Georgetown possess the necessary talent to bolster its social and political institutions or will they languish beneath a wave of uneven wealth distribution, similar to the likes of West African oil states?Guyana's political history and economy are in a complicated state of disrepair. Racial and class tensions have resulted in unsteady l...2024-01-2634 minThe Rasheed Griffith ShowThe Northern Silence — Andrew MellorSend us a textThis episode takes us deeper into the idea of art as part of the welfare state. Music journalist and critic, Andrew Mellor is our guide to the historical nuances that fuel the Nordic's ongoing domination of the classical music space. Finland boasts the highest number of conductors per capita in the world. This has not happened by chance. The unique way of talent selection at the Sibelius Academy plays a large role in this. The country exports its prowess to almost every corner of the classical music space. In the UK...2024-01-2539 minThe Rasheed Griffith ShowThe Dilemma of Reform in Argentina — Bruno BinettiSend us a textA return to Argentina. On this episode of the Rasheed Griffith Show, we focus again on the beleaguered South American economy and discuss Javier Milei's meteoric rise to claim victory in the recent elections. Our guest, Argentinian political analyst Bruno Binetti, explores the socio-economic conditions that paved the way for Milei's win and the harsh recovery journey ahead for what was once one of the continent's financial powerhouses. The name of the game is change. Binetti posits that the electorate grew tired of policies, particularly under "Kirchnerism", which...2023-12-2950 minThe Rasheed Griffith ShowBetter Money in Latin America — Lawrence WhiteSend us a textFrom gold to Bitcoin. In this episode, we are joined by Professor Lawrence White to explore a comparative history of money, starting with the era of the gold standard. We trace the origins of bank notes, private money, and the underpinnings (and shortfalls) of monetary systems across Latin America and the Caribbean. Our discussion begins with dollarization rumblings across Latin America, namely Argentina. "In a way, dollarization is a bit like going back to the gold standard in the 19th century. You're adopting external money that's a world currency. This has...2023-12-2248 minThe Rasheed Griffith ShowHow Iceland Changed The World — Egill BjarnasonSend us a text"1 in 10 Icelanders write books." This curiously repeated statistic, (accuracy notwithstanding) stems from Iceland's proud literary heritage. The North Atlantic island nation is renowned for its contributions to the arts, gender norms, and governance. This episode's guest, Egill Bjarnason (a writer himself) gives us some insight into the origins of this cultural dynamism, the modern policies that foster its continuation, and the resulting influence beyond Iceland across the globe. At just over 370,000, Iceland's population is surpassed by some Caribbean countries (Trinidad & Tobago is 1.3 million). Like the Caribbean, in the art world, the...2023-12-2024 minThe Rasheed Griffith ShowAnalysing the Guyana-Venezuela Border Crisis — Ivelaw GriffithSend us a textWhy is Venezuela on the verbal offensive and threatening to carve off more than two-thirds of Guyana's land area? The answer is wrapped in a tale almost 200 years in the making. Dr. Ivelaw Griffith takes us on an insightful journey from the nascent years of the Bolivarian Republic and its then-colonial neighbor, right up to today's war of words and saber rattling.Venezuela's initial claims to the Essequibo, the disputed territory, began as far back as 1841. During this period of nation-building, we see a fresh new republic eager to settle the...2023-12-1834 minThe Rasheed Griffith ShowGrowth and Talent in East Africa — Daniel YuSend us a textPicture this: a tropical island, white sand beaches, bustling outdoor markets, and a burgeoning tech hub. It's not the Bahamas or Barbados. Instead, this episode takes us 11,000 kilometers away from the Caribbean, to Zanzibar, an autonomous archipelago of Tanzania and home of our guest Daniel Yu. The CEO of Wasoko, Africa's fastest-growing company in 2022, sits with Rasheed to discuss the ongoing political and social conditions that are positioning Zanzibar as a prime destination, not just for tourism but business as well.Talent is everything. The right people can make or break...2023-12-1536 minThe Rasheed Griffith ShowColonialism: A Moral Reckoning — Nigel BiggarSend us a textThe British Empire was more than just colonialism and slavery. Framing it as such does a deep disservice to history, impedes progress in the present, and is an attempt to rewrite history in a manner that could endanger a stable future. Professor Nigel Biggar joins Rasheed for a thought-provoking discussion to give some ethical clarity to a tumultuous and complex period in the West's past. Slavery was not unique to the British Empire. They weren't the first, but they certainly made a concerted effort to be the last. The Empire would...2023-12-1340 minThe Rasheed Griffith ShowThe Techniques of Market Access — Federico SequedaSend us a textWhat does it actually mean to "restructure" debt? Federico Sequeda, a portfolio manager at Morgan Stanley, discusses the intricacies of default with our CEO Rasheed Griffith. No two restructurings are the same and we get to the bottom of the how and why behind the hard conversations Caribbean governments find themselves in to attempt fiscal correction.The region is no stranger to default. A dearth of foreign investment and a glaring lack of projects to invest in may be to blame. Coupled with a faltering reputation due to lapses in accountability an...2023-11-181h 03The Rasheed Griffith ShowDollarization: A Solution For Argentina with Emilio OcampoSend us a textArgentina is gearing up to make one of the most pivotal decisions in its economic recovery: dollarization. The country heads to the polls this weekend, and a win for presidential hopeful Javier Milei means a vote for the shift to an officially dollarized financial system. Emilio Ocampo is the man tasked by the potential new president to coordinate and execute the transition to the dollar. In this episode, he discusses the implications of this controversial move and the conditions that have brought one of Latin America's most culturally and economically significant...2023-10-2036 minThe Rasheed Griffith ShowUS Financial Sanctions and Dollar Dominance with Daniel McDowellSend us a textIs US Dollar dominance going away? No. Let's get that out of the way immediately. Rasheed Griffith and Daniel McDowell sit down for a much more serious and interesting conversation, grounded in the reality of economic and political history. The US dollar has been the reserve currency of the world since Bretton Woods in the 1940s. How did that come to be and what effects do sanctions have on the global standing of the greenback? "Demise of the dollar" predictions are nothing new, often surfacing during periods of economic turmoil and...2023-10-1747 min