

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 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.

Aug 18, 2023 • 15min
PayPal Makes Big Entry into Stablecoins
PayPal's entry into stablecoins presents potential benefits and concerns. The podcast discusses the performance and adoption of stablecoins worldwide. It also explores the worries regulators have regarding pegged values and tech companies. The chapter delves into the concerns surrounding stability and the role of regulators, including a bill passed by the House Financial Services Committee. Additionally, it highlights PayPal's stablecoin launch and its impact on the FinTech industry. Finally, the podcast addresses skepticism towards cryptocurrencies and the importance of regulatory clarity.

Aug 17, 2023 • 12min
The Promise of a Special Economic Zone in Honduras
Explore the benefits of special economic zones in Honduras, including a light tax burden and friendly regulations. Learn about the unique legal framework that allows for private company autonomy and the potential for expansion globally. Discover the innovative features in the Prospera community, such as robotic construction and sustainable timber office spaces. Find out about the government's support and legal protections for the physical expansion of the special economic zone.

Aug 16, 2023 • 17min
Do Pot Smokers Have Second Amendment Rights?
A recent court ruling raises the question of whether Americans who use illegal drugs in states where they are legal have the right to possess firearms. The podcast explores the ambiguity surrounding the definition of an unlawful drug user and the impact on Second Amendment rights. It also discusses the inconsistency in disarming intoxicant users, the potential consequences of a Supreme Court hearing, and the implications of a past Supreme Court case on cannabis regulation.

Aug 15, 2023 • 13min
New Trump Indictment: Georgia Edition
Clark Neily discusses the indictment of former president Trump and his co-defendants in Georgia for allegedly attempting to subvert the will of Georgia voters in the 2020 election. They explore Trump's defense, disappointment in senators, the issue of cameras in courtrooms, and the complexities of the indictment process.


