Economic Update with Richard D. Wolff

Economic Update with Richard D. Wolff is a weekly nationally syndicated program produced by Democracy at Work and hosted by Richard D. Wolff. The program explores complex economic issues and empowers listeners with information to analyze not only their own financial situation but the economy at large. Beyond focusing a critical eye on the economic dimensions of everyday life - wages, jobs, taxes, debts, interest rates, prices, and profits - the program also explores systemic solutions to our economy's problems including alternative ways to organize production and distribution of the goods and services we all depend on.

Democracy at Work is a non-profit 501(c)3 that advocates for worker cooperatives and democratic workplaces as a key path to a different, stronger, democratic economic system. Generous contributions made from subscribers like you make our work possible. Economic Update is a collaborative effort, brought to you each week by the hard work and dedication of a team of workers. Your subscriptions fees help cover the cost of salaries and production costs. We are truly grateful for your support.

The subscription plan will give you access to all back catalogue and bonus episodes and interviews. We are committed to bringing you quality content with distinguished guests and the latest economic news that impacts all of our lives. All our shows are free of ads. The subscription service helps us pay for the costs of production. Please consider subscribing today.

Economic Implications of the U.S. War on Iran

Apr 14, 2026

This week on Economic Update, Professor Wolff discusses the 3800 Colorado meatpackers on strike before diving into a presentation on how the war on Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz have disrupted the production and transportation of oil and gas sufficiently to drive up oil and gas prices globally, while...

The Great U.S. Pension Crisis

Apr 7, 2026

On this week’s episode of Economic Update, Professor Wolff presents updates on European turmoil that include how the French municipal elections are revealing Macron’s weaknesses, Germany’s opposition of the war on Iran, the UK waffling on Iran and helping the U.S., and Europe's deepening subordination to the U.S....

Criticizing Pro-Capitalist Ideology

Mar 31, 2026

This week on Economic Update, Professor Wolff discusses the flaws in the argument that profit is an appropriate, just return to the risk taken by a capitalist who invests. The critique focuses on (1) what it means that a capitalist can withhold means of production from production, and (2) how workers, their families,...

Economic Update: The Reality, Hype, and Danger of A.I.

Mar 24, 2026

On this episode of Economic Update, Professor Wolff provides updates on job losses in February 2026 in the U.S. economy, how California unions are actively protecting immigrant workers from ICE, capitalist crashes and politics (1929 vs. today), and Europe's economic dead end. In the second half, Professor Wolff...

Trump’s Tariff Policies: A Critique

Mar 17, 2026

This week on Economic Update, Professor Wolff explains how and why Trump’s tariff policies add uncertainties to global trade that undermine the very benefits he promised tariffs would bring. He also explains why the United States has never truly been a democracy, but rather an authoritarian society whose current...