

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

Apr 28, 2025 • 10min
Best of Cato Daily Podcast: Women Are More Than Their Interactions with the State
In this insightful discussion, Anthony Comegna, Assistant Editor for Intellectual History at Libertarianism.org, explores the important yet often overlooked roles of women in the fight for liberty. He argues against a limited understanding of women's contributions, challenging the notion that their significance is confined to political engagement. Highlighting historical examples from 19th century America, Comegna illustrates how women's influence extended beyond the ballot, showcasing their agency in shaping societal change.

Apr 25, 2025 • 29min
Best of Cato Daily Podcast: Hannah’s Children: The Women Quietly Defying the Birth Dearth
Caleb O. Brown hosted the Cato Daily Podcast for nearly 18 years, producing well over 4000 episodes. He has gone on to head Kentucky’s Bluegrass Institute. This is one among the best episodes produced in his tenure, selected by the host and listeners.Why have five or more children? Hannah’s Children: The Women Quietly Defying the Birth Dearth by Catherine Pakaluk details the stories and reasoning of dozens of women who have gone well beyond replacement-level fertility. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

9 snips
Apr 24, 2025 • 9min
Best of Cato Daily Podcast: Smoot-Hawley 81 Years Later
Douglas Irwin, author of "Peddling Protectionism, Smoot Hawley, and the Great Depression," dives deep into the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act, discussing its disastrous effects on the economy and international trade relations during the Great Depression. He emphasizes the act's role as a cautionary tale against protectionism, linking it to current political dialogues about tariffs. Irwin warns of the potential resurgence of nationalist trade policies and advocates for a more thoughtful approach to global trade, drawing crucial parallels to today’s political climate.

Apr 23, 2025 • 34min
Best of Cato Daily Podcast: Asserting Liberty and the Power of ‘No’
Dive into the concept of liberty and the importance of individual conscience in resisting authority. Explore courage through the lens of Socrates, highlighting the need for open dialogue. Discover the legacy of intellectual independence through 17th-century activism and the importance of challenging norms. Learn about the transformative power of saying 'no' in affirming personal freedom and moral agency. Finally, be inspired to take action in defending freedom for future generations against today's threats.

20 snips
Apr 22, 2025 • 44min
Caleb O. Brown Bids Farewell to the Cato Daily Podcast
Caleb O. Brown has hosted the Cato Daily Podcast since 2007, CatoAudio since 2008, and all told has created several thousand interviews, videos, and other pieces for the Cato Institute. On his final episode, he is interviewed by Cato's Deirdre McCloskey about the art of the interview and his pending move to head Kentucky’s Bluegrass Institute. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 21, 2025 • 8min
Threats to Migrants' Speech Threaten Americans' Speech
The discussion highlights the erosion of free speech rights, showing how targeting non-citizens for their speech undermines everyone's freedom to speak. Experts David Bier and Tommy Berry delve into significant Supreme Court cases, emphasizing the interconnectedness of rights for citizens and non-citizens. They warn that immigration crackdowns based on speech can create broader implications, threatening the fundamental principles of free expression. This raises crucial questions about liberty and rights within a democratic society.

9 snips
Apr 18, 2025 • 10min
Court Orders and Administration Responses on Illegal Deportations
Ilya Somin, B. Kenneth Simon Chair in Constitutional Studies at the Cato Institute, dives into the complexities of deportation policies and their implications. He discusses a pivotal Supreme Court ruling that mandated the return of a Salvadoran man, raising questions about governmental overreach. The conversation highlights the intricate ties between U.S. foreign policy and domestic immigration law, as well as the risks these policies pose to citizens' rights. Somin emphasizes the importance of judicial compliance in the face of administrative actions regarding deportations.

8 snips
Apr 17, 2025 • 14min
Meta on Trial
Meta's trial for alleged monopolistic practices could change how mergers get done and if they get done. Cato's Jennifer Huddleston and CEI's Alex Reinauer comment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

16 snips
Apr 16, 2025 • 11min
A Lawsuit to End 'Liberation Day' Tariffs
Ilya Somin, B. Kenneth Simon Chair in Constitutional Studies at the Cato Institute and a law professor at George Mason University, dives into the contentious 'Liberation Day' tariffs. He explains their shaky legal foundation, using emergency powers without proper context. The discussion highlights the constitutional implications of delegating authority from Congress and the challenges posed during national emergencies. Somin also explores a lawsuit aimed at these tariffs, showcasing a rare cross-ideological alliance against trade measures.

11 snips
Apr 15, 2025 • 13min
End Federal Withholding to Clarify What Government Takes
Join Adam Michel, Director of tax policy studies at the Cato Institute, as he uncovers the hidden costs of federal tax withholding. He argues that this policy obscures the true burden of taxation, making it harder for taxpayers to grasp their financial obligations. The discussion ventures into alternative tax structures like a negative income tax and a simplified flat tax, aiming to empower citizens with clearer fiscal responsibilities. Michel also contemplates how ending withholding could prompt demands for a leaner government and greater accountability.