Capitalism moves mountains, sometimes literally. It’s unchallenged as the world’s dominant economic system. And yet, in its current form, capitalism is on trial as it hasn’t been for at least half a century. People across the political spectrum are questioning the status quo. Millions, young people especially, now see capitalism as the problem, not the solution. Others fear throwing out the baby with the bathwater. 

In Scene on Radio Season 7, Capitalism, host and producer John Biewen and co-host Ellen McGirt—longtime business and economics reporter and Editor in Chief of Design Observer Magazine—outline the history of capitalism, from its emergence in Europe 500 years ago up to the present. And they explore alternatives, from reforms of capitalism as we know it to more radical transformations.

The Story Editor for Capitalism is Loretta Williams.

Season 7, Episode 1: Market Failure – Download a PDF of the transcript

Season 7, Episode 2: Before Capitalism – Download a PDF of the transcript