Rethinking economics: From ‘homo economicus’ back to ‘homo sapiens’ - Risk and Return #1

What happens when we move beyond the idea of perfectly rational decision-makers and instead focus on how people really behave? In this episode of Risk and Return, we explore behavioral economics and finance — a field that brings psychology, culture, and social factors into economic thinking. Featuring Esade Associate Professor Anna Bayona , we reflect on how these perspectives are reshaping research, teaching, and real-world applications, from financial crises to public policy and even climate change. Hosted by Esade Associate Professor Omar Rachedi , member of the Group for Research in Economics, Finance and Accounting (GREF) , Risk and Return is a podcast that brings research in economics, finance, and accounting to life. We strip away jargon to explore how markets, businesses, and policies shape our world. Each episode features conversations with leading scholars and practitioners, connecting academic insights with real-world challenges in business, policy, and everyday decision-making. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.