Cato Podcast

Elizabeth Nolan Brown, Senior Editor at Reason, delves into the complex intersection of sex work and sex trafficking, focusing on the implications of Commonwealth v. Garafalo. She discusses how law enforcement often confuses consensual sex work with trafficking, leading to wrongful arrests. The conversation examines the problematic Nordic model, which sees sex workers as victims, and evaluates recent legislative efforts aimed at decriminalizing sex work, advocating for individual autonomy and clearer legal distinctions.

Judge Glock, a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute and expert on water regulation, dives into the complexities of EPA oversight on local water systems. He argues for ending federal control as the costs of compliance burden municipalities. Glock highlights the impending debate over water fluoridation, discussing its economic implications and the tension between clean water mandates and local accountability. He critiques the one-size-fits-all federal approach, noting it often ignores the unique circumstances of local communities.

Walter Olson, a Senior Fellow at the Cato Institute, dives into the Trump administration's contentious relationship with legal norms. He discusses how ongoing executive actions may not just be oversights but strategic moves against established laws. Olson highlights the potential implications on governance, especially regarding immigration and civil service protections. He raises concerns over the judiciary's role in mitigating these actions and suggests that this could lead to a constitutional crisis, testing the limits of executive power.

Jennifer Schulp, a financial regulation expert at the Cato Institute, and Norbert Michel, vice president and director of financial alternatives at Cato, dive into the urgent need for Congress to enhance financial privacy and innovation. They discuss a recent executive order benefiting digital assets and its implications for cryptocurrency policy. The pair also advocate for reforming the Bank Secrecy Act, improving Federal Reserve accountability, and the crucial micro-offering exemption, promoting small business growth while addressing the housing crisis with actionable recommendations.

Nicholas Reville, Director of CASPR and an expert in addiction medicine, discusses the promising use of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic in combating addiction. He argues for wider access to these medications, highlighting their potential to mitigate cravings linked to substance use disorders. The conversation touches on the off-label use of these drugs, the importance of ongoing research, and the role of compounding pharmacies in improving accessibility. Reville also calls for policy changes to encourage more pharmaceutical investment in addiction treatments, likening it to the impact of Narcan.

Jonathan Rauch, author of "Cross Purposes: Christianity's Broken Bargain with Democracy," passionately argues for a harmonious relationship between Christian values and liberal democracy. He discusses the declining influence of Christianity in American public life and critiques the rise of divisive ideologies in its absence. Rauch emphasizes the importance of character and moral education in governance. He also reflects on how political identities have overtaken religious affiliations, urging a return to principles like courage and dignity to foster civil discourse.

Political philosopher Matt Zwolinski, co-author of The Individualists, urges aspiring libertarians to explore diverse perspectives before settling on a specific ideology. He discusses the evolving strands of libertarianism, emphasizing the importance of self-ownership and its clash with state authority. Zwolinski critiques oversimplified libertarian views, advocating a nuanced approach to political and economic theories. He also addresses contemporary issues like climate change, highlighting the need for policies that balance individual rights with societal responsibilities.

David Inserra, a free expression and technology expert, and John Samples, the Vice President of the Cato Institute and a member of Meta's oversight board, delve into the complexities of content moderation on platforms like Facebook. They discuss the shifting practices influenced by political pressures and societal expectations. The conversation highlights how government regulations impact social media companies, the challenges of balancing free speech with hate speech moderation, and the evolving landscape of digital expression and censorship across different regions.

David Bier, the Immigration Studies Director at the Cato Institute, delves into the surprising implications of the Trump administration's immigration policies. He discusses how rhetoric surrounding illegal immigration often overshadows significant reductions in legal immigration. Bier highlights the economic consequences of these restrictions, the necessity to retain talented individuals, and the potential changes to birthright citizenship. He challenges the notion that legal pathways are straightforward, revealing the complexities that impact families and the economy.

Neil McCluskey, director of the Cato Institute's Center for Educational Freedom and an education policy expert, delves into the complexities of abolishing the Department of Education. He discusses the department's role in fund distribution and the misconceptions surrounding its removal. The conversation explores various strategies, legal implications, and public perceptions tied to the department's disbandment. McCluskey also highlights financial considerations and the constitutional debate over federal involvement in education.