Podcast · Business

This Week in Business

by The Wharton School · English · Business

Bringing together top leaders, innovators and renowned faculty from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania discussing topics that matter to consumers and the business world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 13 min
Latest: 7 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

7 Oct 2026 · 12 minNew

AI Safety Has Reached a Critical Point

AI safety concerns are no longer just hypothetical. As AI systems become increasingly capable, the risks involving cybersecurity, biosecurity and unintended behavior are becoming harder to ignore. Kevin Werbach, Professor of Legal Studies and Business Ethics at the Wharton School, explains the different categories of AI risk and why companies alone may not be able to manage them. Werbach argues that governments need to establish standards and safeguards for frontier AI, drawing comparisons to the way financial institutions are regulated to protect against systemic risks. Hosted on Acast. See…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

2 Oct 2026 · 12 min

The Hidden Cost of Competition in the Workplace

Competition can bring out the best in individuals, but can it actually make an entire team worse? New research suggests that rivalry may come with an unexpected cost. Henning Piezunka, Associate Professor of Management at the Wharton School, joins the show to discuss his research examining rivalry and performance through the lens of professional basketball. Using examples like Larry Bird versus Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant versus Michael Jordan, Piezunka explains why players facing individual rivals may score more while making their teams less effective. He also explores what these findings…
30 Sep 2026 · 16 min

The Surveillance Challenge Facing Prediction Markets

Prediction markets are exploding beyond elections into sports, geopolitics and major cultural events. But as these markets grow, so does the challenge of detecting insider trading and manipulation. Daniel Taylor, Wharton Finance Professor and Director of the Forensic Analytics Lab, explains how prediction markets have evolved and why their different types of contracts require different approaches to surveillance. The conversation explores sports betting, geopolitical markets, insider information, market manipulation and the role regulators should play in making prediction markets work over…
25 Sep 2026 · 15 min

What Strong Growth Means for the Fed and Markets

The economy remains strong, but inflation and higher energy prices could keep the Federal Reserve on alert. Jeremy Siegel, Wharton Emeritus Professor of Finance, discusses the Fed's latest rate increase and why additional hikes may still be ahead. He explores strong GDP and wage data, the effect of rising oil and diesel prices on inflation, and what the bond market is signaling about monetary policy. Siegel also examines U.S.-China trade negotiations, the potential market impact of a reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and why continued investment in AI could shape corporate earnings and…
23 Sep 2026 · 11 min

Why Retailers Are Rethinking Risk

Retailers face a fundamental problem: they often have to bet on what consumers will want before they actually buy it. Could changing who takes that risk transform the industry? John Zhang, Professor of Marketing at the Wharton School, explains why the traditional merchant model puts so much risk on retailers and how the store in store model changes that equation. Zhang discusses how manufacturers can take ownership of inventory, why this model has been widely used in Asia, and how platforms such as Amazon and Alibaba have adapted similar approaches. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for…
18 Sep 2026 · 20 min

AI Is Changing Jobs Not Eliminating Them

AI was supposed to eliminate huge numbers of jobs. So far, the reality looks much more complicated. Peter Cappelli, Wharton Professor of Management, discusses new research on how AI is actually affecting the workplace and why the technology is changing tasks more than eliminating entire jobs. The conversation explores AI agents, workplace management, programmers, organizational change, data management and why some of AI’s most valuable applications may involve work that companies simply could not afford to do before. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
16 Sep 2026 · 11 min

Why More Americans Are Filing for Bankruptcy

Consumer bankruptcies are rising, but does that mean Americans are facing a worsening economy? The answer is more complicated than you might think. Sasha Indarte, Wharton Associate Professor, joins the show to explain what is driving the increase in personal bankruptcies and why today's numbers may actually represent a return toward more normal levels. She discusses the stigma and misconceptions surrounding bankruptcy, the impact on credit scores, what the filing process looks like, and why bankruptcy can ultimately serve as an important financial safety valve for people overwhelmed by debt.…
11 Sep 2026 · 15 min

The FDNY's Transformation After 9/11

What happens when one of the world’s busiest fire departments faces a catastrophe unlike anything it has experienced before? Gregory P. Shea, Wharton Adjunct Professor of Management, and Author of Rising from Ground Zero , examines how the FDNY responded to the unprecedented challenges of 9/11. Shea explains how the department transformed its psychological support, leadership training, incident management, and collaboration with outside agencies. The conversation explores how the FDNY turned lessons from Ground Zero into lasting organizational change and became an all hazards department.…
9 Sep 2026 · 13 min

The Business of Shared Scooters

Shared bikes and scooters have transformed how people move through cities, but can the business model actually work? Gad Allon, Wharton Professor of Operations, Information and Decisions, explores the economics behind companies like Lime, including subscriptions, pay per trip models, utilization, and the challenges of operating across different cities. Allon also explains why cities have embraced and restricted scooters, how Lime emerged as a dominant player, and why building a culture around shared transportation may be just as important as the technology itself. Hosted on Acast. See…
4 Sep 2026 · 13 min

The Hidden Financial Risks of the AI Boom

The AI boom could transform the economy, but who is financing it and where the risks are building may matter just as much as the technology itself. Joao Gomes, Wharton Professor of Finance and Senior Vice Dean of Research, Centers, and Academic Initiatives, argues that the Federal Reserve is too focused on inflation and not focused enough on financial stability. Gomes discusses the opaque role of private credit, lessons from the housing crisis and internet boom, the potential impact of AI investment on long term productivity, and why the Fed needs better models for understanding the…
2 Sep 2026 · 17 min

When Teammates Become Competitors

We often think of competition and collaboration as opposites. But in reality, we frequently do both at the same time. Henning Piezunka, Wharton Associate Professor of Management, explains why competing with someone can fundamentally change how we view and work with them. Piezunka uses World Cup soccer to examine what happens when teammates become opponents, finding that players collaborated less after competing against one another. The research offers surprising lessons for managers dealing with promotions, bonuses and other competitive workplace dynamics. Hosted on Acast. See…
28 Aug 2026 · 13 min

Why Bond Yields Are Warning Washington

What do rising bond yields, new tariffs and soaring AI investment mean for the U.S. economy and financial markets? Wharton Emeritus Professor of Finance and WisdomTree Senior Economist Jeremy Siegel joins the conversation to assess the latest economic and market developments. Siegel discusses the impact of higher tariffs on Canada and Mexico, why rising Treasury yields are signaling concern about U.S. deficits, and why he believes Washington may eventually be forced to take action on fiscal policy. He also weighs in on the resilience of the stock market, the extraordinary performance of…
26 Aug 2026 · 11 min

The Bond Market Is Losing Confidence in the Fed

The bond market is sending a warning to the Federal Reserve. With long-term yields climbing to levels not seen in decades, questions are mounting about the Fed’s ability to control inflation while maintaining market confidence. Wharton Finance Professor Nikolai Roussanov explains why Kevin Warsh’s recent messaging has unsettled investors and why the Fed’s reaction function may matter more than its guidance on the path of interest rates. Roussanov also examines the tension between monetary and fiscal policy, including whether Treasury efforts to push down long-term yields could undermine the…
21 Aug 2026 · 12 min

When Food Safety Becomes the Family’s Responsibility

What happens when the systems designed to keep our food safe start to break down? Corinne Low, Wharton Associate Professor of Business Economics and Public Policy, argues that food safety is a public good—one that individuals and families simply can't provide for themselves. She explains how reduced staffing, weakened inspections and changes to disease surveillance can leave consumers more vulnerable to foodborne illness. Low also examines what happens when that responsibility gets pushed onto parents, and why trusting companies to regulate themselves isn't enough. The result is a larger…
19 Aug 2026 · 14 min

Should AI Companies Be Supervised Like Banks?

AI is advancing rapidly—but who is responsible when the risks become too big to ignore? Peter Conti-Brown, Professor at the Wharton School, explores whether the banking system offers a useful model for supervising powerful AI companies. Rather than relying solely on rules written years in advance, bank supervision involves ongoing conversations between public officials and private institutions to identify and manage emerging risks. Conti-Brown discusses how AI stress tests could work, what might happen if powerful models are hijacked or misused, and why consumers could ultimately end up…
14 Aug 2026 · 11 min

Why Gen Z Is Choosing Entrepreneurship Over Traditional Careers

Why are more young Americans turning to entrepreneurship, and what role will AI play? Lori Rosenkopf, Vice Dean of Entrepreneurship at the Wharton School, explores how Gen Z’s shifting expectations, a tougher entry-level job market, and the desire for flexibility are reshaping career paths. She also examines how AI tools are making it easier to turn ideas into products while intensifying competition, and what venture capital, failure, the creator economy, and programs like VentureLab can teach aspiring founders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
12 Aug 2026 · 14 min

Can AI Companies Regulate Themselves?

As AI becomes more powerful, who should be responsible for governing it? Kevin Werbach, Wharton Professor and Chair of Legal Studies and Business Ethics, explores the growing challenges of AI governance, from accountability and safety to the difficulty of creating effective regulations across countries. He explains why AI companies can't be expected to regulate themselves and why governments need to play a more constructive role in managing the risks of increasingly powerful AI. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
7 Aug 2026 · 18 min

Will the Government Bail Out Your 401(k) in a Market Crash?

What happens to your 401(k) if the stock market drops 25%, and would the government step in to help? Nikolai Roussanov, finance professor at the Wharton School, explains the real risks behind modern retirement investing and why volatility is built into the system. From the 1987 crash to COVID-19, he breaks down how markets recover, why long term investors tend to win, and why bailouts are more likely to support companies, not individual portfolios. If you’re relying on a 401(k), this episode will reshape how you think about risk, recovery, and protection. Hosted on Acast. See…
5 Aug 2026 · 13 min

Why AI Makes Collective Intelligence More Valuable Than Ever

Artificial intelligence is reshaping work, but human ideas remain essential. Henning Piezunka, Associate Professor of Management at the Wharton School, explains how organizations can combine AI with collective intelligence to accelerate innovation, improve learning, and help employees turn ideas into action. He also explores AI’s role as a substitute, collaborator, and training tool, along with the business case for adoption and the organizational changes leaders will need to make. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
31 Jul 2026 · 14 min

Oil, AI, and the Fed: What's Next for Markets?

Could rising oil prices, interest-rate uncertainty, and massive AI spending change the market outlook? Jeremy Siegel, Wharton Emeritus Professor of Finance, examines how energy supply disruptions could affect inflation and growth, what the Federal Reserve may do next on interest rates, why Wall Street is scrutinizing AI infrastructure spending, and how tariffs and demographic change could shape the broader economy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
29 Jul 2026 · 15 min

Why Prediction Markets Are More Than a Passing Trend

Prediction markets are becoming an increasingly visible part of sports, politics, business, and culture. But what makes them different from traditional betting? Abraham Wyner, Wharton Professor of Statistics and Data Science and Co-Director of the Wharton Sports Analytics and Business Initiative, explains the wisdom-of-crowds theory behind prediction markets, how these platforms make money, and why their structure creates a different relationship between bettors and the market. He also examines regulation, the risks of gambling, and whether prediction markets and sportsbooks can continue…
24 Jul 2026 · 12 min

The New Strategy Behind Revenue Growth

The chief revenue officer is no longer just a sales leader. Raghu Iyengar, Wharton Marketing Professor and Academic Director of Wharton’s Chief Revenue Officer Program, explains why companies are turning to CROs to align sales, marketing, product, finance, and growth around a single revenue strategy. He also discusses how AI is raising the stakes for revenue leaders, why a holistic view of the organization matters, and how the role will continue to evolve as new sources of revenue emerge. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
22 Jul 2026 · 12 min

What the World Cup Teaches Brands About Cultural Marketing

The biggest marketing wins at the World Cup did not always come from official sponsors. Americus Reed, The Whitney M. Young Jr. Professor of Marketing at Wharton and co-host of Marketing Matters, examines how brands connected with fans during one of the world’s largest cultural events. He discusses the power of iconic brands, social sharing, earned media, culturally relevant advertising, and creative ways companies can become part of the conversation beyond traditional sponsorship. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
17 Jul 2026 · 13 min

Social Security’s Funding Crisis and the Future of Retirement

Social Security’s main trust fund could be depleted by early 2033, leaving incoming payroll taxes sufficient to cover only about 86% of scheduled benefits. Kent Smetters, Wharton Professor of Business Economics and Public Policy and Faculty Director of the Penn Wharton Budget Model, explains why the program is approaching a critical funding deadline and what it could mean for current and future retirees. He also discusses the impact of falling birth rates and longer lifespans, why delaying reform makes the eventual solution more difficult, and the policy options Congress could consider to…
15 Jul 2026 · 13 min

Why Companies Are Rethinking the Rush to Implement AI

What happens when companies move AI from a promising experiment into everyday operations and the technology starts making costly mistakes? Santiago Gallino, Associate Professor of Operations, Information and Decisions and Associate Professor of Marketing at the Wharton School, examines why companies such as Starbucks and Ford have reconsidered AI-driven processes after accuracy and quality problems exposed the technology’s limitations. Gallino explains how unreliable systems can erode employee trust, why human judgment remains essential, and how implementation failures can affect customers…
10 Jul 2026 · 13 min

Why Big Companies Are Rethinking How They Work With Startups

Big companies need innovation, while startups need capital, customers and opportunities to prove their ideas work. Wharton Professor of Operations, Information and Decisions and Senior Vice Dean of Innovation Serguei Netessine explains how corporate venturing is evolving beyond traditional investment models. He explores the rise of venture building and venture clienting, why becoming a startup’s customer can be more valuable than simply investing in it, and how these partnerships can help established companies innovate faster while giving startups a path to scale. Hosted on Acast. See…
8 Jul 2026 · 13 min

Can Congress Fix America’s Housing Affordability Crisis?

A new bipartisan housing bill promises to tackle America’s affordability crisis, but will it actually make housing more accessible? Wharton Professor of Real Estate Ben Keys examines the Road to Housing bill and its potential to address the rising cost of buying and renting a home. He discusses proposals to streamline permitting and environmental reviews, expand manufactured housing and small dollar financing, and support home repairs and local innovation. Keys also explains why limits on corporate homebuyers could have unintended consequences and why funding constraints, tariffs, labor…
3 Jul 2026 · 13 min

Why America Leads the World in Innovation

Innovation isn’t just about breakthrough technologies. It’s about building the institutions that allow those breakthroughs to scale. David Hsu, Wharton Professor of Management, explores how the United States has repeatedly reinvented the way innovation works, from the patent system and Bell Labs to venture capital and today’s AI ecosystem. He explains why commercialization, institutional design, and effective regulation have been just as important as invention itself, and what lessons they offer for the future of artificial intelligence and entrepreneurship. Hosted on Acast. See…
1 Jul 2026 · 13 min

Navigating Competition and Collaboration in the AI Race

Henning Piezunka, Associate Professor of Management at the Wharton School, explores how competition in the AI industry can shift from healthy rivalry to destructive behavior, discusses the psychology behind executive decision-making, explains why successful organizations balance competition with collaboration, and shares insights from research spanning business, sports, and innovation ecosystems. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
26 Jun 2026 · 16 min

Evaluating Greenspan's Legacy and the Evolution of Monetary Policy

Jeremy Siegel, Wharton Emeritus Professor and Senior Economist at WisdomTree, discusses Alan Greenspan's lasting impact on monetary policy, reflects on the lessons of the 2008 financial crisis, analyzes Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh's early leadership, and explains why more forward-looking economic data could shape future interest rate decisions while also revisiting the long-term economic effects of Brexit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

About This Week in Business

This Week in Business is a English business podcast from The Wharton School. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: The Wharton School
Language: English
Category: Business
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 13 min
Latest episode: 7 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1147257638
Rights: 844532d0-25f8-11f0-975b-2d032272e5a5

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