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 1, 2024 • 11min
Descheduling Is Preferable to Rescheduling Cannabis
Jeff Singer, an expert on cannabis policy, explains why descheduling cannabis is a preferable approach over rescheduling. The podcast discusses the implications for medical accessibility, comparisons with other substances, contradictions in DEA scheduling, and the advantages of descheduling. It also explores a bipartisan bill proposal for complete descheduling and decriminalization.
Apr 30, 2024 • 12min
Feds Beat the Drum for Early Childhood Education Spending
Discussing the challenges and confusion surrounding federal funding for early childhood education, exploring the uncertainties in assessing the long-term impact of such programs, and debating the balance between parental choice and federal regulations in education
Apr 29, 2024 • 19min
Upsides and Risks of Increasing State Capacity
Professor Edwar Escalante of Angelo State University discusses the upsides and risks of increasing state capacity, focusing on how it can foster human flourishing. Topics include the impact of strong state capacity on investments and property rights, challenges in Latin America like high tax rates and resource misallocation, and the importance of government resource allocation for boosting productivity.
Apr 27, 2024 • 11min
Biden Continues Transferring Student Debt to Taxpayers
Educational policy expert Neal McCluskey discusses Biden's strategies for transferring student debt to taxpayers, exploring the limitations of the Heroes Act and the use of different executive authority. The podcast delves into recent student loan forgiveness initiatives, government failures, and the mishandling of student loan programs by the Biden administration.
5 snips
Apr 26, 2024 • 15min
How Much Immunity from Future Prosecution Is Due to Former Presidents?
Legal expert Clark Neily discusses the debate around immunity for former presidents, focusing on Trump's case before the Supreme Court. Topics include broad presidential immunity in criminal cases, the balance between accountability and immunity, and the implications for future presidencies.
Apr 25, 2024 • 9min
Reputation, Dynamism, and Strangers with Candy
Exploring the importance of reputation and trust in modern commerce, from the credibility of brands like McDonald's to the history of Duncan Hines. Discover how welcoming strangers can lead to wealth and better interactions, all in the context of economics and biblical insight.
Apr 24, 2024 • 18min
Congressional Fans of Warrantless Surveillance on Americans Win Another Round
Patrick Eddington, privacy expert at Cato Institute, discusses Congress's decision to extend warrantless surveillance on Americans. The podcast highlights the debate on privacy rights, concerns about surveillance authorities, and the push for reforms to ensure transparency and accountability in surveillance programs.
Apr 23, 2024 • 17min
North Carolina Made Big Promises to VinFast and Locals Are Paying the Price
Paul Best, an expert in economic development, discusses the clash between government incentives and property rights in North Carolina as residents are displaced for an electric vehicle plant. The use of eminent domain, challenges faced by homeowners, and negotiating incentives for the automotive industry are explored, shedding light on the repercussions of economic ventures on local communities.
Apr 22, 2024 • 12min
Wielding Federal Power with Accountability to Congress
Tommy Berry discusses the issue of federal appointments without congressional confirmation wielding federal power. Topics include constitutional concerns, strategies for agency vacancies, risks of executive appointments without oversight, and challenges of legal actions against temporary appointments.
11 snips
Apr 19, 2024 • 12min
Housing Wealth and Generational Wealth
Economist Jeremy Horpedahl discusses the bleak outlook for housing wealth. Topics include debunking generational wealth myths, analyzing wealth distribution trends, and the impact of housing on wealth accumulation and disparity.
