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 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.
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.
