Author: Ken Ellzey

Jun 2, 2014

Can gray become green in rural regions?

Many older adults move when they retire, while many rural areas are lagging in economic growth. Host Mary Walden asks her husband, NC State University economist Mike Walden, “Can these two facts be put together to create economic improvement?” 

May 26, 2014

Why have gas prices jumped?

Gas prices rose about 40 cents a gallon between last November and this spring. There are always many theories explaining movements in gas prices, says host Mary Walden. Which one makes most sense to you, she asks her husband, NC State University economist Dr. Mike Walden. 

May 19, 2014

The most innovative times?

We’ve seen many changes in everyday living during the past two decades, with computers, the Internet and smart phones, says host Mary Walden. And more changes appear to be coming in information technology, robotics and even driverless cars. She asks her husband, NC State economist Dr. Mike Walden, “Have we ever seen so much dramatic change before in our history?” 

May 9, 2014

The Keynesian prescription

Though most people are unfamiliar with the names of economists, the name John Maynard Keynes may generate some interest, says host Mary Walden. Keynes is associated with government stimulus programs, which are very controversial. She asks her husband, N.C. State economist Mike Walden to give a thumbnail summary of Keynes’ ideas. 

May 2, 2014

The gender pay gap

Recently “equal pay day” was celebrated to highlight the continuing difference between average salaries of male workers compared to female workers. Females earn less, although the difference has been gradually shrinking over time. Host Mary Walden asks her husband N.C. State economist Mike Walden, why should there be a difference at all in what males and females earn? 

May 1, 2014

Psychology and Money

You obviously majored in economics in college, whereas my focus was education and psychology. Yet you and I had a recent conversation that brought economics and psychology together, and it involved money, says host Mary Walden, who tells her husband, N.C. State University economist Mike Walden, “Your comments fascinated me. Give our listeners a summary.” 

Apr 30, 2014

Will the Best Job Measure Stand Up?

Every month, when they are released, the job numbers receive a tremendous amount of scrutiny. Analysts focus on two measures: the unemployment rate and the number of jobs created. But some economists say neither is the best gauge of the job market, says host Mary Walden. “What do they say is?” she asks her husband, N.C. State University economist Mike Walden. 

Apr 29, 2014

Why Are We Driving Less?

For much of the last half century, one of the major trends in the country has been increased driving, says host Mary Walden. Vehicle ownership rose. Households moved to the suburbs, and road construction couldn’t keep up with the increased driving. But this hasn’t necessarily been the case in recent years, she tells her husband, N.C. State University economist Mike Walden, and asks, “What happened?” 

Apr 28, 2014

Where are the welders?

One of your cousins recently retired from a career as a welder. He told his children not to follow in his footsteps as a welder, arguing it was very hard work and was a dying occupation, says host Mary Walden to her husband, N.C. State University economist Mike Walden. She then asks, “Is he correct?” 

Apr 25, 2014

Growth through Efficiency

A long time ago, I learned that sometimes the simple things are the most important. Some are saying this should be the guiding principle for our economy, especially as it applies to using our resources, says host Mary Walden. She asks her husband, N.C. State University economist Mike Walden, “Please explain.”