Peter Goodman talked about his book Past Due: The End of Easy Money and the Renewal of the American Economy (Times Books; September 15, 2009). In his book he chronicles the roots and consequences of the Great Recession, exploring the technology bubble of the 1990s, China's breakneck development, and the American real estate bubble, while considering how the nation may construct a new, more sustainable economy, perhaps focused on renewable energy and the life sciences. Peter Goodman argued that Americans have been on a spending binge, financed by a continuous flow of cheap money, for the past two decades. He profiled Americans who have been affected by the economic bubble and its eventual collapse in 2008. He talked about the need for reform of financial regulation. Mr. Goodman responded to questions from members of the audience.

"The End of Easy Money," part of Public Policy Lecture Series 2009, was held Thursday, November 19, 2009, at 7:00 p.m. PT in Vollum lecture hall of Reed College.