The Armchair Economist’s Apprenticeship is a weekly series documenting my progress throughout my journey in the apprenticeship module of the Praxis program. I’m currently a market research analyst apprentice for Economics for Business (E4B). My position is subject to change depending on the needs of my employer. At the request of my boss, I’ll still keep mostly quiet about the details of my employer for the time being.
Week 19: September 7, 2020 – September 11, 2020
My friends, I have exciting news to tell you!
I’m (somewhat) officially announcing who I work for! If you read the description above in italics, yes, I’m now working for Economics for Business (E4B) which is a project of the Mises Institute.
E4B was founded last year and it’s headed by Hunter Hastings of the Economics for Entrepreneurs (E4E) podcast. Our goal is to implement Austrian economics in a practical manner via entrepreneurship and to educate everyday people on how to start and sustain a business.
I’ll still keep news of my employer on the down low because I haven’t exactly gotten explicit permission to do so. When I just got hired back in May, my boss wanted me to keep quiet because he was getting inundated by emails asking him for a remote job. In the meantime I won’t be announcing this anytime soon on Facebook or LinkedIn, which means you are one of few privy to this information.
I’m thrilled and grateful to be on the E4B team!
What I’m Learning:
One cool thing I learned at work last week:
I learned how to set up audio equipment for podcasting purposes. My setup is basic and affordable, all of which can be found somewhere on Amazon:
- MLX 770 microphone with shock mount (this holds the mic in place) included
- pop filter to protect the sensitive mic from moisture damage and makes your recording sound more professional
- Tascam DR-40x audio interface and recorder. This is where your recording gets processed into a downloadable computer file that you can later edit.
- SD Memory card. The ones that you use for a DSLR camera can also be used for the audio interface.
- XLR cable to attach mic and audio interface
- USB AC adapter
For anyone interested in doing podcasting, I recommend an audio interface that can plug into your computer via USB. There are fancier audio interfaces that requires additional equipment but those are expensive and unnecessary if you’re just doing podcasting or Zoom calls.
However, if you’re recording music or need something for a high quality production like NPR then I recommend investing in higher end stuff.
One cool thing I learned outside of work last week:
A friend introduced me to an episode of Teen Titans Go, a popular superhero cartoon. Normally this show is about fighting bad guys and saving the day, the usual storyline for superheroes. But in this episode they teach about the gold standard in a hilarious way that’s easy for kids to understand.
I did not expect them to be dropping red pills like this. Watch until the end for my favorite part.
Here’s another clip of Teen Titans explaining the gold standard in a nutshell.
What I’m Creating:
One example of how I created value at work last week:
Last week I was interviewed the first group of contributors who will be writing articles for the non-profit I work for. I then uploaded my interview results to the shared spreadsheet.
What project I’m currently working on at my BP:
I’m still working on an action plan to implement our marketing plan. Right now, I’m hashing out a social media strategy and the sort of things we should post per day.
What I’m doing to become a better version of myself overall:
I’m getting back into staying in tune with politics instead of ignoring it like I usually do because it’s divisive and unproductive. The only time I pay attention to politics is whenever there is big news like the elections and the riots.
I’m also making a new habit of talking about politics with friends who are knowledgable on the subject. This also helps me practice public speaking skills.
I need to stay updated for the podcast I’m currently featured on called Radio Rothbard. The first episode of the newly revamped Radio Rothbard was recorded live at the Mises Orlando event and I spoke on a panel with Jeff Deist, Tho Bishop, and Dr. Patrick Newman.