

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 22, 2024 • 11min
John Stuart Mill, Harriet Taylor Mill, and The Subjection of Women
Grant Babcock, a fan of John Stuart Mill's work and Harriet Taylor Mill's influence, discusses the relevance of 'The Subjection of Women' in liberalism. They explore women's potential, societal constraints, and revolutionary ideas in governance.

May 21, 2024 • 14min
A Guide to Content Moderation for Policymakers
David Inserra, an expert in content moderation, discusses the challenges policymakers face in understanding and regulating content moderation. The podcast explores the intricacies of balancing free speech and safety online, challenges in developing new social media platforms, and strategies for enhancing user experience in a competitive landscape.

May 20, 2024 • 13min
J.S. Mill, On Liberty, and How Liberals Think
Paul Meany from Libertarianism.org discusses the relevance of John Stuart Mill's 'On Liberty', highlighting free speech, individuality, and diversity. They delve into Mill's defense of free speech, his relationship with wife Harriet Taylor, and the influence of their partnership on his philosophy of individualism and pluralism.

May 18, 2024 • 15min
Congress Should Make No Law Setting Speech Rules for Universities
Education policy expert Neal McCluskey and Nico Perrino from FIRE discuss the limited role Congress should play in regulating speech on college campuses, highlighting the complexity of free speech obligations at public and private universities. They delve into the potential violations of First Amendment rights caused by government interventions and the challenges universities face in balancing free speech with safety concerns.

May 17, 2024 • 14min
Confront Errors in "Pandemic Inflation"
Exploring the impact of fiscal policy and government spending on post-pandemic inflation rates, analyzing factors driving the surge in 2021, public perception on inflation, consumer spending and corporate greed, and the importance of effective management by the Federal Reserve and government to prevent economic turmoil.

May 16, 2024 • 14min
The Wage Gap and The War on Prices
Vanessa Brown Calder discusses the gender pay gap, debunking myths and exploring factors like occupation and behavioral traits. Studies show a reduction in the wage gap when controlling for variables like driving speed and risk tolerance. Workplace discrimination is not the primary cause of the gap. A UK study on remote workers challenges stereotypes. Policy interventions should consider individual choices and preferences.

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.