Ep 7. Is Money Bullshit?

In the seventh episode of This Giant Beast That is the Global Economy's first season, titled "Is Money Bullshit?," host Kal Penn examines the concept of money- its value, purpose, and meaning- and how it has evolved over time. In previous episodes, Penn has traveled around the world to explore different aspects of the global economy, but in this episode, he takes a more introspective approach.

The episode begins with a brief history of money, reminding viewers that it was only a few thousand years ago that humans switched from bartering goods to using coins and paper money. Penn then poses the question, "what makes money valuable?" He interviews several experts in economics and finance who provide various answers- from the idea that money is valuable because we trust it to the fact that it can be used to purchase goods and services.

Penn also explores the concept of cryptocurrency, a relatively recent innovation that challenges traditional notions of money. He speaks with entrepreneurs who have embraced crypto and believe it could revolutionize the way we think about and use currency. On the other hand, he also talks to skeptics who worry that crypto is just another speculative bubble that could burst at any moment.

Another topic covered in the episode is the debate surrounding whether money can buy happiness. Penn interviews psychologists and economists who have studied the relationship between money and well-being. While it's clear that having enough money to meet our basic needs is important for happiness, the experts suggest that beyond a certain point, more money doesn't necessarily lead to more happiness. In fact, some studies have shown that people who prioritize money over other important aspects of life, like relationships and personal growth, are actually less happy.

Throughout the episode, Penn asks thought-provoking questions and provides witty commentary. He even takes part in a social experiment where he tries to give away money to strangers on the street, to see how people react. The experiment raises interesting questions about the ethics of giving and receiving money, and the values that underlie our economic system.

Overall, "Is Money Bullshit?" is a fascinating exploration of one of the most fundamental aspects of the global economy. It challenges viewers to think critically about why we place such value on money, and whether there are alternative ways of organizing our financial systems that could better serve our collective well-being.