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."

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.

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.

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, a Washington Post columnist and author of "The Upside of Down," explores the intricate relationship between food culture and economics. She discusses how tariffs function like taxes, impacting food production and cuisine evolution. McArdle delves into American culinary history, from the luxury of gelatin desserts to modern convenience cooking. With humor, she shares insights on how technology and diverse cuisines shape today’s dining experiences, while reflecting on societal trends and personal food journeys.

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.

Megan McArdle is a keen commentator on political and economic issues, while David French offers a conservative perspective, and Jonah and Sarah provide unique insights on democracy and voting complexities. They dive into the muddled purpose of voting, debating the implications of endorsing Kamala Harris. Tensions rise as they discuss the difficulties of defining voter identity, the impact of neoliberalism on political parties, and the economic realities facing the Biden administration amidst rising inflation.

In this engaging discussion, journalist Caroline Frost explores media's shifting landscape post-Trump, while Edward Luce emphasizes the impact of social media on political narratives. Alex Horne reveals the secrets behind his hit show 'Taskmaster', discussing its unique format and international success. Megan McArdle offers insights on the challenges BBC faces following Gary Lineker's departure from 'Match of the Day', calling for a balance between tradition and modernization in sports broadcasting. The conversation is a vibrant mix of media analysis and creative storytelling.

Washington Post columnist Megan McArdle joins for a lively discussion on Biden's stance on Israel, Florida's abortion law, California's housing crisis, and the challenges of political coalitions. They delve into Biden's balancing act, the implications of the abortion law on the election, and the complexities of housing development in California.