Pop Culture & Economics with Dr. Matthew Rousu

Lessons about Non-Compete Agreements from HBO's Hacks

Two clips from HBO's hit show

May 4 • Matthew Rousu

April 2026

Jay-Z Provides a Personal Finance Lesson

"I’m not a businessman; I’m a business, man"

Apr 27 • Matthew Rousu

2

March 2026

What are the Externalities from Fossil Fuels?

The hit TV show Landman illustrates the answer is complicated

Mar 16 • Matthew Rousu

4

February 2026

Economic Lessons from La La Land

The movie musical is now ten years old - what can we learn from it?

Feb 10 • Matthew Rousu

1

When the Rational Choice Isn’t Rational: A Love Triangle in Bridgerton

Anthony has to choose between Kate and Edwina and Game Theory Helps Us Analyze

Feb 2 • Matthew Rousu

3

January 2026

Economic Lessons from the Super Bowl (Beyond Tickets and Ads)

A Look at Value of the Game to Society, Sports Betting, and More

Jan 26 • Matthew Rousu

5

2

Is NIL a "Ridiculous Free-for-All"?

Or is it a market that gives buyers and sellers opportunities?

Jan 19 • Matthew Rousu

5

3

Game Theory in Netflix's Bridgerton

Daphne and Simon hatch a fake relationship using real strategies

Jan 12 • Matthew Rousu

1

December 2025

Using Game Theory to Win at Clash Royale

Stopping the Hog Rider using randomized strategies

Dec 29, 2025 • Matthew Rousu

5

1

Apples and Oranges? Comparing Human and AI Bids in Experimental Auctions for Food Products

My research looks into how well AI systems can perform in auctions

Dec 22, 2025 • Matthew Rousu

1

3

November 2025

Better Economic Instruction Will Restore Economic Freedom

My latest article in Real Clear Markets

Nov 17, 2025 • Matthew Rousu

1

October 2025

Implications of a Potential Broadway Strike

Everyone wants more. The problem? There’s less to go around

Oct 17, 2025 • Matthew Rousu