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
May 15, 2024 • 9min
Rent Control: Another Bad Idea That Never Dies
Economist Jeff Miron discusses the negative impacts of rent control on housing affordability. He debunks the misconception that rent control is a simple solution, highlighting how it reduces rental housing availability, affects apartment owners in NYC, and hinders mobility in the rental market. Miron advocates for income transfer to low-income individuals for affordable housing, emphasizing the importance of stimulating housing supply.
May 14, 2024 • 12min
The Pink Tax and The War on Prices
Ryan Bourne, Editor of The War on Prices, discusses the misconception of the pink tax, gendered pricing disparities, impacts of legislation, consequences of gender product restrictions, and the role of the pink tax in conveying market information.
May 13, 2024 • 10min
The Punishing Effects of Credit Card Interest Caps
Nick Anthony discusses the proposal to cap credit card interest rates, highlighting the drawbacks for credit card users. The podcast explores how credit card rewards are subsidized and the implications of a proposed 36% annual rate cap. It delves into the impact of interest rate caps on credit card debt and the potential limitations on credit availability.
May 10, 2024 • 15min
What Should We Learn from New Data on Price Gouging Laws?
Economist Gavin Roberts from Weber State University discusses the impact of price gouging laws during the pandemic, exploring how regulations affect consumer behavior and market efficiency. Insights on preventing hoarding and unintended consequences of regulations are also revealed.
May 9, 2024 • 8min
Will AI Power a Better Future for Local Journalism?
AI enthusiast Paul Matzko discusses how AI can revolutionize local journalism by making news more accessible and innovative. They explore the impact of digital news startups, the transition to subscription models, and the potential for AI to personalize newspaper content.
May 8, 2024 • 10min
Exploring Tensions among the US, China, and Europe
Doug Bandow, an expert on US-China-Europe relations, discusses the contrasting viewpoints of the US and Europe towards China, highlighting security threats, economic challenges, and differing approaches to relations. The podcast explores tensions among the US, China, and Europe regarding Chinese relations with Russia, emphasizing the challenges in managing complex relationships to avoid conflicts while pursuing strategic interests.
May 7, 2024 • 12min
Discrimination and Identity Politics Have No Place in Medical Education
Erec Smith and Jeff Singer discuss the troubling evolution in how medical education is delivered in the US, highlighting the importance of prioritizing patient care over ideological commitments. They emphasize the risks of allowing societal biases to influence medical judgments and address the historical discriminatory practices in medicine.
May 6, 2024 • 13min
Trump and Biden Aren't Free Traders, so What's the Difference?
Exploring similarities and differences in trade policies between Trump and Biden, especially focusing on tariffs and protectionism. The implications for international trade and high-tech manufacturing are discussed, highlighting the complex nature of bilateral agreements and global competitiveness.
May 3, 2024 • 21min
Medicare Can't and Won't Go on Like This
Brian Blase, chief of Paragon Health Institute, and Michael Cannon from Cato discuss the fiscal challenges of Medicare. They explore funding issues, lobbying dynamics, and propose reforms for cost control and quality care. The podcast highlights the resistance to cutting Medicare spending, misconceptions about the Medicare Trust Fund, and the impact of recent legislation on rising debt levels.
May 2, 2024 • 12min
Will Your Financial Advisor Soon Have to Snitch on You?
Financial expert Jennifer Schulp discusses proposed regulations that could require investment advisors to comply with elements of the Bank Secrecy Act, affecting advisor-client relationships. The podcast explores the unique challenges faced by investment advisors, the impact on reporting suspicious activities, the conflict between fiduciary duty and regulatory mandates, and the implications for individual investors and privacy concerns.
