Cato Podcast
Cato Institute
Each week on Cato Podcast, leading scholars and policymakers from the Cato Institute delve into the big ideas shaping our world: individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace. Whether unpacking current events, debating civil liberties, exploring technological innovation, or tracing the history of classical liberal thought, we promise insightful analysis grounded in rigorous research and Cato’s signature libertarian perspective. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jul 23, 2024 • 29min
Hannah's Children: The Women Quietly Defying the Birth Dearth
Catherine Pakaluk, author of 'Hannah's Children', discusses why women choose to have more than replacement-level children. The podcast explores the challenges, societal norms, and impact of age on motherhood decisions, alongside the historical decline in fertility rates and the role of government policies and market dynamics in shaping individual choices.
Jul 22, 2024 • 16min
J.D. Vance on Immigration
David Bier discusses the shifting views on immigration within the Democratic Party, criticizing Biden's restrictive approach. The podcast delves into the interplay between immigration and housing costs, advocates for a reformed immigration system, and analyzes Trump's mixed messages on immigration policies.
Jul 20, 2024 • 11min
Free Trade in the Name of National Security
Colin Grabow discusses the importance of balancing industry protection and free trade for national security. Strategies include deregulation, immigration reform, and collaboration with allies like Japan and South Korea to strengthen US manufacturing and address protectionism effects on the shipbuilding industry.
Jul 19, 2024 • 11min
The Ever-Expanding Definition of 'Public Health'
The podcast discusses how public health advocacy expands definitions to justify interventions in Americans' lives, covering topics like junk food, gun violence, and the history of the Surgeon General's Office. It explores the evolving scope of public health agencies and raises concerns about mission creep and the potential influence of unelected medical elites.
Jul 18, 2024 • 10min
Two Problems That Vanish with the End of Cannabis Prohibition
Paul Best, an expert in cannabis policy, discusses the banking challenges faced by marijuana businesses due to federal prohibition. Ending prohibition could ease banking issues and enable more research on cannabis.
Jul 18, 2024 • 14min
Regulating AI and Free Expression
David Inserra discusses the implications of regulating AI on free expression, covering threats like job loss and harmful speech, the balance between technology and regulation, and the impact on industries such as art and movies.
Jul 16, 2024 • 22min
Social Security Still Poses Massive Fiscal Risks
Experts Romina Boccia and Brian Riedl discuss the dire fiscal situation of Social Security in the US, highlighting the transition from surpluses to deficits and the impact on the national debt. They explore reform options, financial intricacies, and propose solutions such as simplifying benefit calculations and creating an independent fiscal commission to address the growing deficits and prevent a fiscal crisis.
Jul 15, 2024 • 9min
What about the Feds’ Junk Fees?
Policy expert Nick Anthony from Cato Institute discusses the problematic 'junk fees' imposed by the federal government. The podcast explores examples of government late fees, challenges individuals face with incorrect fees, and the need for oversight of government fees similar to the CFPB.
Jul 13, 2024 • 18min
More Thoughts on Trump v. United States
Legal expert Walter Olson discusses the presidential immunity established by SCOTUS in Trump v. United States, highlighting the invented nature of these protections. The podcast explores the challenges in proving unofficial actions of the president, the difficulties faced by Congress in overseeing the executive branch, and the ongoing debate surrounding presidential immunity and executive power.
Jul 11, 2024 • 11min
The NetChoice Cases Deliver Win for Freedom of Speech
Policy analyst Jennifer Huddleston discusses the Supreme Court's rulings on state laws regulating social media companies. Topics include scrutiny of Texas and Florida laws, common carrier responsibilities for platforms, the impact on online speech, and the need for states to be cautious with such laws.
