Cato Podcast

After months of protest, counterprotest, and administrative overreaction over the last school year, the protection of free speech on college campuses seems less certain than ever. Angela Erickson of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression discusses their new College Free Speech Rankings. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In The Islamic Moses, Mustafa Akyol provides a theological and historical exploration of the connection between Islam and Judaism through the single most-mentioned character in the Quran. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What will/should conservatism look like after this election year? John Hood of the John William Pope Foundation comments. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Justin Callais, a representative from the Archbridge Institute, dives into the often-overlooked advantages of economic growth. He discusses how growth enhances job quality and boosts overall life satisfaction. The conversation explores the correlation between wealth and personal happiness, highlighting how economic stability leads to better life choices. Additionally, Callais delves into the contentious degrowth movement, arguing that economic growth is vital not only for societal improvement but also for addressing environmental challenges.

David Inserra, a commentator on digital platforms and government regulation, discusses the recent ban of X (Twitter) in Brazil. The ban, stemming from judicial requests to limit critical content, raises serious free speech concerns. Inserra explores the clash over internet access involving Elon Musk's Starlink and the potential consequences for rural communities. He highlights authoritarian trends in Brazil’s judiciary and the need for a strong U.S. response to protect free expression while navigating global tensions with tech companies.

Patrick McLaughlin, a researcher at the Mercatus Center, dives into state-level regulatory burdens and their economic impacts. He introduces a new index that highlights inefficiencies in regulations, moving beyond traditional methods. McLaughlin compares states like heavily regulated California and New York with Idaho, which aims to attract business through lighter regulations. He underscores the significant effects of these regulations on job creation, poverty rates, and small businesses, advocating for thoughtful deregulatory efforts to enhance economic growth.

Jacob Huebert, a legal expert from the Liberty Justice Center, dives deep into the contentious issue of public school officials using taxpayer money to fight against school choice initiatives in Kentucky and Texas. He highlights two key legal cases showcasing this electioneering, raising critical questions about accountability and ethical boundaries. The discussion also touches on the implications for free speech, pushing for greater awareness about the fine line between government advocacy and lawful communication.

Jeff Singer, an advocate for prescribing psychologists, discusses their transformative potential in addressing the mental health care crisis. He highlights the serious physician shortage and the benefits of allowing psychologists to prescribe medications. Singer delves into recent legislative advancements that could enhance access to care, while also examining the challenges and resistance faced from traditional medical organizations. The conversation sheds light on the real-world struggles individuals face in obtaining mental health medications, illustrating a critical gap in patient care.

Scott Lincicome, an expert on economic policies in grocery operations, delves into Kamala Harris's plan to combat corporate price gouging. He questions the practicality of the proposal, highlighting a disconnect between policy intentions and grocery market realities. The discussion covers why concerns about price gouging may be overstated as grocery inflation declines. Lincicome warns of the unintended consequences of price controls, emphasizing how government actions can lead to reduced availability and increased prices, reflecting the perils of populism in economic policy.

Parents in West Virginia have new education options thanks to the Hope Scholarship. It's also dramatically expanded education entrepreneurship in the state. Jessi Troyan of the Cardinal Institute explains what it means for other efforts to broaden the range of choices available to families. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.