Presented as part of the Hurst Lecture Series.
Featuring Kyla Scanlon, financial educator, creator, and author of “In This Economy? How Money and Markets Really Work” in conversation with Rachel Wolfe, economics reporter at The Wall Street Journal. The economy isn’t just numbers—it’s a story we tell ourselves. Scanlon breaks down the hidden forces shaping financial markets, challenges outdated economic assumptions, and explores how public perception drives policy and prosperity. From debunking common myths to reimagining systems that foster inclusive growth, Scanlon offers fresh insights into how money and markets really work—and how they could work better for everyone.
Paepcke Auditorium, doors at 5:30 pm

While attendance at the event is free and open to everyone, registration is required, and capacity is established on a first-come, first-served basis. Register here.

Parking
Parking is very limited. Please carpool, walk, bike, or ride RFTA.

You can purchase her latest book “In This Economy? How Money and Markets Really Work” here. Books will also be available for purchase at the event. Book signing to follow.

An illustrated guide to the mad math and terrible terminology of economics, from one of the internet’s favorite financial educators.

“Few people can communicate how the economy actually works better than Kyla Scanlon.”—Morgan Housel, author of The Psychology of Money

Kyla Scanlon is the founder of the financial education company, Bread. Her first book, “In This Economy?” was published in May 2024 by the Currency imprint of Penguin Random House. She posts almost daily on social media, across TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

She has been published in The New York Times, Bloomberg Opinion, The Wall Street Journal, The Financial Times and more. She has spoken at Harvard, MIT, and Berkeley as well as many other institutions. Her main goal is to conduct human-centric economic analysis.

Rachel Wolfe is a reporter covering the economy for The Wall Street Journal. Her stories focus on the changing American family, including declining marriage and birth rates, young men’s economic struggles and the conservative push to return to traditional gender roles.

From her perch in New Orleans, she’s also covered natural disasters, tourism and her neighborhood peacock, Mr. P. She’s a graduate a graduate of Medill school of journalism, and you can frequently find her hunting for treasure at estate sales.

Support Aspen Community Programs

Did you know that we host more than 70 days of public programming each year? If you appreciate what we do for the Aspen community, we invite you to become more involved with the Institute by joining as an Aspen Community Donor today. Your contribution will support affordable year-round programming for the Roaring Fork Valley and beyond, as well as scholarships for those in need. Learn more here.