Oinkonomics

Former Secretary of Finance Steve Cummings explains how the Youngkin administration saved hundreds of millions of dollars a year through tighter financial controls: more internal audits, better cash flow management, stronger cyber-security, and attention to nuts-and-bolts financial management.

Jim Bacon chats with former Finance Secretary Cummings about former Governor Glenn Youngkin's budgetary achievements, Virginia's economic development track record, and how well positioned the commonwealth is to survive a federal financial meltdown.

James V. Koch, a former university president, prolific writer about college governance, and huge college sports fan, chats with Jim Bacon about the seismic changes in the college sports landscape. In his new book, "The Economic Impact of Intercollegiate Athletics on Former Students," Koch explores the pros and cons of college athletics for students and concludes that they are a net negative for graduates as measured by a variety of economic outcomes.

Jim Bacon chats with Matt Thornhill, founder of Cozy Homes Community.
Millions of aging Americans have too much money to get government assistance but not enough to move to an upscale independent-living community. In any case, most would like to age in place in their own home. If Thornhill's middle-market housing solution gets off the ground, it could revolutionize where and how older Americans live.

Jim Bacon interviews Republican lieutenant governor candidate John Reid about the controversy over Jay Jones' 2022 violent text messages, Democratic responses, and the broader concerns about political rhetoric and violence. They also discuss how this episode relates to recent national incidents, public safety, and the state of discourse in Virginia.
Reid outlines his campaign priorities—jobs, right-to-work protections, opposition to a $20 minimum wage, and restrictions on transgender athletes in girls' sports—while addressing his experience as an openly gay candidate and pledging fairness, decency, and law and order if elected.

Jim Bacon talks with novelist Scott Johnston about his satirical new book, "The Sandersons Fail Manhattan," which skewers elite Manhattan culture and explores how social pressure enforces the new rules of wokeness. Johnston explains the real-life inspirations behind the book’s farcical scenes, addresses the spread of critical theory into Virginia schools and universities, and discusses the implications for DEI and free expression.

Jim Bacon launches the Oinkonomics podcast with Neena Moorjani, an advocate for financial literacy who volunteers on tax preparation and teaches practical money skills to low‑income and military families in Virginia Beach. You don't have to be wealthy to build wealth in America, Neena says.
The episode covers Neena's immigrant background, the importance of starting savings and investing early, tax tips for lower‑income households, credit and debt pitfalls, negotiating medical bills, and simple steps parents can take to teach children good financial habits.