Volala: Volatility is the life of our party

One Big Bill, A Lot of Fine Print: An Update on the Economic Numbers - Ep. 108

Does Ayeh think the One Big Beautiful Bill will fix anything or just move the pain around? This week, we dig into the One Big Beautiful Bill—a massive budget proposal that promises growth while quietly shifting costs, benefits, and uncertainty across the economy. Whether you’re trying to buy a home, pay down student loans, plan for retirement, or just make sense of where the economy is heading, this episode connects the dots. We cover: * A $1,000 “baby bonus” and the new Trump Account for kids * Why some students could see loan balances grow by 15% * Stricter Pell Grant rules that leave behind working students, part-timers, and anyone with “family assets” on paper but not in real life. * Benefits in the tax plan for high earners, mid-income seniors, LLCs, and self-employment income * Cuts to Medicaid and SNAP that shift financial responsibility for social programs to states * Clean energy rollbacks that could shake up jobs, investments, and emissions targets * A steep new tax on university endowments—and what that means for innovation hubs and research jobs And if you’re wondering how all of this ties into what you’re feeling day to day? We also walk through the latest numbers: * Recession risk has dropped but hasn’t disappeared—market estimates range from 25% to 40%, this year * Home sales are mixed, with builder incentives driving short-term bumps but long-term weakness in the pipeline * Consumer confidence is up slightly, but still sits below neutral, especially when people look ahead * Global growth looks stronger on paper, but a lot of it is front-loaded, driven by companies rushing to beat tariffs * Treasury yields are spiking, revealing deeper worries about U.S. stability and long-term debt It’s a wide-ranging conversation, but it comes back to one question: how do we make steady decisions when the rules keep changing? Ayeh and Jenni unpack the headlines with calm, clarity, and a little side-eye for duct tape economics.

#ItsEconomic: The Economics of DEI

“When there’s a feeling, there’s a bottom line.” While it’s easy to blame DEI budget cuts on politics, Ayeh argues they’re more a casualty of economic whiplash. Between 2020 and 2025, wild swings—from pandemic stimulus to inflation to investor pressure—reshaped what companies can fund and what they expect in return. Many DEI programs weren’t built to weather that volatility. But those same shifts have opened up new opportunities for diversity strategies that align with today’s tighter budgets, workforce changes, and bottom-line pressures. 🎙️ In this #ItsEconomic edition of Volala: Volatility is the Life of Our Party, Ayeh and Jenni get candid about their own journeys navigating DEI in corporate and policy spaces. We also share our 7-question framework for building affordable, high-impact diversity strategies—ones that go beyond performative moves and actually boost resilience, revenue, and reach. 📊 Consider this: companies with diverse leadership are 36% more likely to outperform financially. Cities like San Antonio and Wilson, NC, have grown tax bases and attracted investment by embedding equity into infrastructure and broadband. DEI isn’t dead. It’s just evolving. Let’s discuss. Drop us a line at hello@volascope.com [hello@volascope.com], and we’ll cover it in our next listener episode. #economy #dei #macroeconomy #diversityequityinclusion #policy #government

Pressure Points: Tariffs, Treasuries, and Tacos

In this listener-fueled episode, Jenni and Ayeh skip the script and dive into the economic questions buzzing in inboxes, group chats, and grocery store checkout lines alike. If it feels like policy is being made on the fly, that's because... it kind of is. From tariff whiplash to unexpected stock market rebounds, we unpack the pressure points shaping today’s economic reality—and what might come next. You’ll hear: * Why the US Treasury market proved it was the big boss in policymaking this week * What signals to watch for and when it's likely to call the shots again * What shifting global trust in the U.S. dollar actually means (yes, even for your mortgage) * Why companies are pulling back on R&D, and what that signals for jobs and innovation * How long it really takes to build new manufacturing facilities—and why that matters for the future of “Made in America” * Whether it’s time to rethink retirement (or just redefine it) * And why taco trucks are just one of our favorite economic indicators. (Listen for more of ours and tell us where you see telltales coming up in your life!) We also talk Target foot traffic, Costco hoarding, and the quiet pullback happening in cities and states across the country. We’re focusing our wide-angle lens on where the economy’s heading, and how you can keep your footing.

Into the Fog: Tariffs, Inflation, and What’s Next - Ep. 105

In this episode of Volala, we unpack the economic "dense fog" that’s clouding business and consumer decision-making in 2025. From spiking inflation expectations to surprising shifts in jobs data, tariffs making everything from solar panels to furniture more expensive, and a deep dive into why housing plays such a huge role in inflation—this one has it all. You’ll hear why economists are worried about a possible recession, how businesses are reacting to policy uncertainty, and what history (specifically 2018) might tell us about what’s ahead. Plus, Ayeh breaks down how Fed rate hikes are driving up housing costs in some cases, and why the last mile of the inflation fight is proving so tricky. If you're trying to make sense of today’s economic headlines and what they mean for your wallet, your business, and your future, this episode is your map through the fog.

Navigating the New Battleground: How Economic Power Is Reshaping Our World - Ep. 104

Ever feel like the economy has turned into one giant tug-of-war? In our latest Volala: Volatility is the Life of Our Party, we explore how everything from federal budget cuts to high-speed news cycles is changing the very meaning of “economic power”—both globally and right in our own communities. Here’s a quick look at what’s on the menu: • The Economy as the New Battleground While conflicts on real battlefields remain a harsh reality, economic power has taken a leading role in today’s struggles—from trade negotiations and AI ownership battles to “debt firepower.” We discuss how these shifts influence everything from military spending to control over the technology that shapes our daily lives. • The Fast-Spinning News Cycle From inflation to tech layoffs, each day brings a new “urgent” headline. With polls showing that the economy, healthcare, and immigration all vie for top concern, many of us feel pressured to micromanage every issue. We talk about why that’s overwhelming, the real scope of voter responsibility, and how Volya aims to make digestible analysis that helps people stay engaged—without drowning in updates. • DC’s Difficult Times Federal layoffs, buyouts, and a cloudy job market have created a real sense of unease in the Capitol. But neighbors and small businesses are stepping in to help, showcasing how people can rally when big systems feel shaky. We tackle why “breaking things down” (like agencies or budgets) is easier than rebuilding—and how that reality ripples out to everyone else. • Knowledge Workers, Gather Your Lego Sets What if planning your career felt more like collecting and rearranging Legos? We share our “Lego Theory” to help you identify the skills you already have (and the ones you’d like to build), so you can craft a path that’s flexible and future-friendly—whether you’re in government, tech, or somewhere in between. • Federal Agency Cuts Agencies like NOAA and NIH aren’t just bureaucratic acronyms; they shape critical weather forecasts, medical research, and beyond. We break down why these proposed cuts might look like a quick way to save money, but can carry deeper, long-term costs for innovation, education, and even everyday community life. If you’re looking for a friendlier, more accessible take on today’s headline frenzy, this episode is for you. Send your feedback and ideas for future episodes to hello@volascope.com. We’d love to hear what keeps you awake at night—so we can turn it into something a little more hopeful.