

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

Sep 11, 2023 • 14min
The Local Tradeoffs That Can Address the Housing Crisis
This podcast discusses the American housing crisis and the need for local solutions. It explores factors affecting the housing market, such as low mortgage rates and housing policies. The speaker advocates for local political solutions and a policy framework to address resistance to new housing developments. They also explore small lot reform and simplifying zoning as potential solutions. The episode highlights the inefficiencies of current zoning codes and suggests a shift towards planning to address the housing crisis.

Sep 8, 2023 • 14min
Are Lifetime Bans on Firearm Ownership 'Cruel and Unusual' Punishment?
The podcast discusses the implications of a recent court decision deeming a lifetime ban on voting rights for felons as 'cruel and unusual punishment'. It explores the challenges surrounding lifetime bans on firearm ownership, the stance of gun rights groups on the issue, and the importance of advocating for the rights of all individuals. The podcast argues that lifetime bans on firearm ownership can be considered cruel and unusual punishment due to the broad range of people affected, including those convicted of non-violent offenses.

Sep 7, 2023 • 12min
State-Level Handouts to the Middle Class
Discussion on the negative effects of expanding benefit programs to the middle class, examining various subsidies on different socioeconomic groups, exploring the role of school choice programs for low-income individuals, and the expenses and difficulties of expanding welfare programs to the middle and upper classes.

Sep 2, 2023 • 14min
NatCons vs. FreeCons
Examining the emergence and transformation of national conservatism, assessing the successes and drawbacks of national conservative candidates, exploring the rise of Freedom Conservatives with a focus on limited government and individual liberty, discussing the division between national conservatism and free market conservatism within the larger conservative movement, and examining national conservatives' pursuit of influence and their attraction to illiberal ideas.

Sep 1, 2023 • 17min
Montana's Bipartisan Housing Turnaround
Explore Montana's housing policy turnaround, highlighting the trade-offs and importance of density in housing policy. Discover the impact of zoning regulations on cities and potential implications for Montana. Delve into the use of door hangers to advocate against California-style zoning. Learn about challenges and reforms in property development, including 'shall issue permits' and zoning statute scrutiny.

Aug 31, 2023 • 8min
Contradictions of the Farm Bill
The Farm Bill and food subsidies are at odds with healthy eating. The flaws in the food stamp program and the contradiction between addressing health issues and allowing the purchase of unhealthy food are discussed. The role of the federal government in low-income food aid is debated, with arguments for its removal due to complexity and ineffectiveness. Senator Marco Rubio's proposal to eliminate junk food from the food stamp program is presented as a potential solution.

10 snips
Aug 28, 2023 • 15min
Setting the Table for Medicare's Drug Price Negotiations
This podcast discusses the upcoming announcement by the Biden administration on drug price negotiations in Medicare, the potential consequences of lower drug prices on those not covered by Medicare, the impact on physician prescription behavior, the effectiveness of government negotiation in drug pricing, and the partisan divide in Congress over drug price reductions.

Aug 23, 2023 • 18min
Building Confidence and Competence through Montessori Education
Jesse McCarthy, Founder of MontessoriEducation.com, discusses the principles of Montessori education, the challenges of implementing it in public schools, and the importance of nurturing children's development. He also criticizes the incompetence and ideology of the education system.

Aug 22, 2023 • 25min
Teaching Kids How to Learn from the Past
Author Connor Boyack discusses the problem with how history is taught and the launch of his history books aimed at young people. The podcast explores different perspectives on teaching history and the importance of critical thinking. It also discusses the negative impact of government involvement in school curriculum and emphasizes the importance of deep conversations about history and ideas.

Aug 21, 2023 • 26min
Psychedelics and the Advance of Cognitive Liberty
This podcast explores the concept of cognitive liberty and its connection to psychedelics, discussing their potential benefits for mental health and personal growth. It also delves into the evolution of free speech, the overlooked concept of cognitive liberty and the right to self-medicate, the importance of protecting freedom of thought, and the current state of psychedelics in Congress and federal agencies.