Jennifer Burns is a historian focusing on U.S. economic, political, and social ideas, with notable biographies on Milton Friedman and Ayn Rand. In this engaging dialogue, she explores the contrasting philosophies of Friedman and Rand, highlighting their shared belief in individualism. The discussion delves into enduring economic theories, the evolution of American conservatism, and the complex interplay between capitalism and personal health. Burns also reflects on how these ideologies shape contemporary debates and influence modern economic policies.

Jennifer Burns, a Stanford historian and author specializing in libertarian politics, dives into the complex legacy of Ayn Rand. She unpacks Rand's tumultuous upbringing in Russia and her controversial rise as a figurehead of capitalism in America. Their conversation explores Rand's radical individualism and its implications in contemporary politics, drawing parallels to figures like Elon Musk. Burns also reflects on the emotional intricacies of Rand's personal life and the paradox of her ideology, revealing how these themes continue to reverberate in today's political landscape.

Jennifer Burns, biographer and Stanford professor, discusses the complex life and beliefs of economist Milton Friedman. They explore his understanding of prices in a modern economy, his collaborations with women economists, and the lasting impact of his ideas on public policy and economics.

Jennifer Burns, a professor of history at Stanford, discusses her biographies on Ayn Rand and Milton Friedman. They cover Friedman's impact in statistics, his shift from academic to public intellectual, and his views on friendship and fiction. They also explore Rand's work as a screenwriter, her novels and the lack of successful businesswomen in American fiction. They delve into the decline of the American conservative intellectual condition and the future of Friedman's intellectual legacy.

Stanford historian Jennifer Burns joins the hosts to discuss her biography of Milton Friedman, exploring his radical ideas, his variety of libertarianism, and his respect for women. They delve into Friedman's views on regulation, the Federal Reserve, and civil rights, as well as his role in the economic transformation of Chile. The chapter analyzes Friedman's legacy and his impact on economics.