Cato Podcast

Norbert Michel, director at Cato's Center for Monetary and Financial Alternatives, and Jennifer Schulp, director of financial regulation studies at the Cato Institute, dive into the vital role of financial markets in America's economic growth. They debunk myths surrounding financial markets, emphasizing their key role in capital allocation and risk management. The discussion also touches on the regulatory challenges small businesses face, arguing increased regulation may undermine, rather than enhance, market stability and individual choices.

Peter Boettke, a distinguished professor of economics and philosophy, joins Bruce Caldwell, a research professor at Duke, to celebrate F.A. Hayek's remarkable impact fifty years after his Nobel win. They delve into Hayek's critiques of conventional economic models, emphasizing the importance of individual knowledge and decision-making. The discussion covers Hayek's warnings against scientism in economics and his unconventional path that shaped his theories. Key insights from his seminal works, like 'The Use of Knowledge in Society,' highlight his lasting legacy in the field.

Brent Skorup, a legal fellow at the Cato Institute, and Nico Perrino, executive vice president of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, tackle the troubling views on free speech from various political candidates. They dissect Democratic VP nominee Tim Walz’s misunderstanding of the First Amendment and Donald Trump's threats against Google. The conversation also highlights the dangers of censorship, the misuse of the 'shouting fire' analogy, and the need to protect First Amendment rights in an evolving digital landscape.

Michael Cannon, an expert on health care policy, discusses the growing issue of government overreach in the healthcare sector. He critiques the lack of substantial reform plans from both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, pointing out their failure to address the inefficacy of current government interventions. The conversation dives into the opaque nature of healthcare pricing and the importance of consumer empowerment to foster transparency and lower costs. Cannon emphasizes that without meaningful change, fiscal burdens will only increase.

Robert Alt, the President of Ohio's Buckeye Institute, discusses the IRS's controversial practice of collecting information on nonprofit major donors. He highlights the implications for constitutional rights and donor privacy, connecting it to landmark cases such as NAACP v. Alabama. Alt delves into the potential misuse of sensitive information and the risks posed by IRS data leaks. He emphasizes the chilling effect on free speech and associational rights, advocating for stronger protections for donor anonymity amidst ongoing legal challenges.

Marc Joffe, an expert on economic development strategies, shares insights into how states can rethink their approach to business subsidies. He tackles the detrimental effects of competitive subsidies that burden taxpayers and outlines the role of site consultants in this system. Joffe discusses potential reforms that promote transparency and interstate cooperation, drawing on rivalries like that between Kansas and Missouri. He encourages lawmakers to reevaluate subsidy models, advocating for a more thoughtful approach to attract businesses without unsustainable costs.

Erec Smith, an advocate for reforming political debates, dives into the flaws in current presidential debate formats. He critiques the focus on entertainment over meaningful discourse and suggests a shift towards a more conversational style reminiscent of ancient philosophical dialogues. Smith also reflects on the nostalgia for past debates, like the unrealized 1964 showdown between Kennedy and Goldwater. He discusses the impact of social media on debate dynamics and emphasizes the importance of direct engagement with the public.

Kyle Sweetland, a representative from the Pacific Legal Foundation, sheds light on the growing challenges property owners face with squatters. He discusses diverse legal frameworks in states like New York and Georgia, highlighting the frustrations of the eviction process. Sweetland emphasizes the need for modern reforms to address outdated squatting laws and explores the complexities that owners encounter amidst eviction moratoriums. With fascinating real-life cases, he reveals the significant legal and financial consequences for struggling homeowners.

Deirdre McCloskey, an economist and historian, joins fellow economist Art Carden to unravel the bizarre legacy of outdated laws originally aimed at brothels that now stifle boarding houses. They tackle how these restrictions contribute to socioeconomic segregation and limit affordable housing for students and immigrants. The duo also explores the shocking potential GDP boost from flexible migration policies, the historical roots of the current housing crisis, and the push and pull of community desires against the need for diverse housing solutions.

Patrick Eddington, a policy analyst at Cato focusing on surveillance and accountability, dives into the critical issues surrounding warrantless federal surveillance. He sheds light on the challenges of obtaining internal audits revealing unauthorized FBI queries on Americans. The conversation highlights the urgent need for transparency amid reauthorization efforts and discusses strategies to ensure accountability. Eddington advocates for restoring constitutional safeguards, stressing the importance of proper cause and warrants to protect individual rights against invasive surveillance practices.