Larry Sharpe Joins The Rational Egoist to Discuss His Candidacy for Governor of New York

In this episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael Liebowitz is joined by Larry Sharpe, a prominent libertarian voice and two-time candidate for Governor of New York. Sharpe brings a grounded, reality-based perspective to politics—one that treats individuals as adults capable of managing their own lives rather than subjects to be managed by the state.

The conversation explores why New York has become one of the most heavily regulated, expensive, and politically centralised states in the US—and what a fundamentally different approach would look like. Sharpe explains his opposition to top-down control, endless bureaucracy, and political promises that ignore incentives, consequences, and human nature.

Drawing on his experience as an entrepreneur, media host, and candidate, Sharpe makes the case for decentralisation, voluntary cooperation, and a politics that respects consent rather than obedience. He also discusses the practical challenges of running against entrenched party machines, the cultural resistance to liberty in large urban states, and why offering voters a real alternative matters—even when winning is not guaranteed.

This is a wide-ranging discussion about freedom, responsibility, political courage, and what it means to take ideas seriously in a culture addicted to power.

About Michael Liebowitz – Host of The Rational Egoist

Michael Liebowitz is the host of The Rational Egoist podcast, a philosopher, author, and political activist committed to the principles of reason, individualism, and rational self-interest. Deeply influenced by the philosophy of Ayn Rand, Michael uses his platform to challenge cultural dogma, expose moral contradictions, and defend the values that make human flourishing possible.

His journey from a 25-year prison sentence to becoming a respected voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities is a testament to the transformative power of philosophy. Today, Michael speaks, writes, and debates passionately in defence of individual rights and intellectual clarity.

He is the co-author of two compelling books that examine the failures of the correctional system and the redemptive power of moral conviction:

Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Corrections Encourages Crime

https://www.amazon.com.au/Down-Rabbit-Hole-Corrections-Encourages/dp/197448064X

View from a Cage: From Convict to Crusader for Liberty

https://books2read.com/u/4jN6xj

About Xenia Ioannou – Producer of The Rational Egoist

Xenia Ioannou is the producer of The Rational Egoist, responsible for overseeing the publishing, presentation, and promotion of each episode to ensure a consistent standard of clarity, professionalism, and intellectual rigour.

She is the CEO of Alexa Real Estate, a property manager and entrepreneur, and serves on the Board of Directors of the Ayn Rand Centre Australia, where she contributes to the organisation’s strategic direction and public engagement with ideas centred on reason, individual rights, and human freedom.

Xenia also leads Capitalism and Coffee – An Objectivist Meetup in Adelaide, creating a forum for thoughtful discussion on philosophy and its application to everyday life, culture, and current issues.

Join Capitalism and Coffee here:

https://www.meetup.com/adelaide-ayn-rand-meetup/

Follow Xenia’s essays on reason, independence, and purposeful living at her Substack:

https://substack.com/@xeniaioannou?utm_source=user-menu

Because freedom is worth thinking about — and talking about.

#TheRationalEgoist #LarrySharpe #Libertarianism #IndividualRights #PoliticalPhilosophy #FreedomOverControl #Decentralisation #ReasonAndLiberty #VoluntarySociety #LibertyInPractice

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