When physician Walter Freeman died in 1972, he still believed that lobotomies were the best treatment for mental illness. A pioneer in the method, he was a deeply confident and charismatic man who eagerly spread the technique in America, long after the rise of alternative treatments that were less destructive. Listen as journalist Megan McArdle and EconTalk's Russ Roberts discuss what McArdle calls the "Oedipus Trap": mistakes that no one can live with, even if they were innocently made, and how admitting such mistakes to ourselves is nearly impossible. They also discuss the complexity of the credo, "follow the science."

Megan McArdle, a columnist for The Washington Post, shares her keen insights on the political maneuvers by Republicans, particularly regarding firings as a political strategy. Mike Pesca, known for his engaging commentary, discusses the implications of Elon Musk's personal life on his public persona. Ben Dreyfuss adds depth, analyzing the potential return of Andrew Cuomo to New York politics. The trio humorously critiques the cultural implications of Disney's new 'Snow White' as they tackle serious issues with a lighter touch.

Josh Barro, a contributor to 'Very Serious,' dives into the complexities of political slogans and their different meanings across party lines. Megan McArdle from The Washington Post examines the shift in public trust toward universities and scientific research, especially post-COVID-19. Writer Ben Dreyfuss adds commentary on the growing polarization in politics and academia, emphasizing the need for unity in diversity of thought. They also touch on the implications of recent controversies in government and the critical role of inclusivity in political discourse.

Josh Barro, a former New York Magazine writer and economics expert, joins Megan McArdle, a Washington Post columnist, and Ben Dreyfuss, a political commentator, for a lively discussion. They analyze the shifting political landscape since Trump’s inauguration, reflecting on early activist fervor and disillusionment. The trio also dives into the complexities of political pardons post-January 6th and the growing normalization of political violence. Humor meets insight as they tackle U.S. energy policies and examine Gen Z's unique ideological landscape, revealing surprising perspectives on free speech and misinformation.

Megan McArdle, a columnist at The Washington Post, and Ben Dreyfuss, writer of the Substack newsletter "Calm Down," join the discussion on Donald Trump's recent address to Congress. They dissect his avoidance of crucial issues like inflation and his controversial tariffs. Megan shares her disdain for a particular moment involving RFK Jr., while Ben notes a noticeable change in Trump's political vibes. They also explore the tensions between U.S. and Canadian leaders and the dynamics of political discourse, highlighting the challenges of navigating public protest.

Washington Post columnist Megan McArdle joins Sarah, Kevin, and Steve to dissect Joe Biden's debate performance. They debate if Joe will remain the nominee, Trump's veeptakes, and Trump's shortcomings. They question Biden's mental acuity and discuss the importance of clear leadership during crises.

In this discussion, Megan McArdle, a columnist at The Washington Post specializing in economics, joins Drew Goins and Molly Roberts to dissect the fate of the penny. They explore why we produce a coin that costs more to make than it’s worth, the nostalgia attached to low-denomination coins, and the political hurdles to phasing them out. The trio also address the implications of moving towards a cashless society, particularly its impact on marginalized communities, and dive into the contrasting reliability of currencies versus cryptocurrencies.

Megan McArdle, a prominent commentator on economics, joins conservative voice Jonah and political analyst Sarah for a lively discussion. They dissect Tim Walz's vice presidential pick, debating whether his 'vibes' match Kamala Harris's. The trio explores the current state of conservatism, the challenges of engaging swing voters, and the rise of spiteful political rhetoric. They also engage in humorous banter over odd topics like dog perfume and reflect on modern feminism through the lens of 'Ballerina Farms.'

Megan McArdle is back on the Remnant to explore the Dobbs decision, the culture war over sex and gender, and America’s rising crime. Dingos and the innocence of childhood are also discussed, though you’ll have to tune in to see whether Jonah is willing to divulge more information about his youthful exploits as a supernumerary actor. How should the legislative and judicial branches balance their responsibilities? What does the future hold for the transgender movement? And what would Megan’s criminal justice reform agenda look like? Show Notes:- Megan’s page at the Washington Post- The Remnant with Jay Nordlinger- Jonah: “How Dobbs Might Shape the Future of Conservatism in Unexpected Ways”- GLoP: “Occasionally Masculine”- Megan: “The Left is Counting on an Abortion Backlash That May Never Come”- Megan: “Don’t Forget the Other Women in the Pool”- Megan: “A Better Way for Democrats to Talk About Rising Crime”- Bill James’ Popular Crime- Jon Ronson’s So You’ve Been Publicly Shamed- This week’s Dispatch Live Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Megan McArdle, a Washington Post columnist renowned for her economic and political insights, joins a vibrant discussion about President-elect Trump's provocative press conference. The conversation touches on serious journalism in the age of sensationalism and evaluates America's curious interest in purchasing Greenland. They also address the shift from traditional fact-checking to community-driven notes, highlighting potential biases. Finally, the impact of tech executives' political contributions and the tangled notions of free speech within the GOP round out a thought-provoking dialogue.