Words & Numbers

In this episode, we examine new polling on tax policy and the debate over taxing the rich, analyzing how effective tax rates and government spending affect deficit reduction. We discuss a breakthrough in medical innovation that has helped restore sight to patients with macular degeneration, and highlight the growing problem of political crassness in this week’s foolishness. We address a listener question on state pension reform and the inefficiencies of public bureaucracy, and explore how economic incentives influence behavior in areas such as conservation, resource management, and everyday decision-making. 00:00 Introduction and Overview 00:25 Taxing the Rich to Reduce Federal Debt 09:06 The Problem with Corporate Taxes 11:22 The Only Solution to the Spending Problem 12:33 A Cure for Blindness 15:25 Karoline Leavitt’s “Your Mom” Joke 18:03 Trump’s No Kings Protest AI Video 19:57 Municipal Workers Held Captive by State Pension Systems 23:16 Perverse Incentives Sustain Bureaucratic Systems 29:33 The Human Drive to Utilize vs. Cultivate Resources 35:38 The Consequences and Dangers of Internet Dependence 38:57 The Fragility of Internet Infrastructure 41:20 Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, we examine the effectiveness of political protest in the wake of the No Kings demonstrations, new polling regarding Trump’s approval rating among different voting demographics, and the prospects of the president’s removal from office. We discuss a case under consideration by the Supreme Court regarding marijuana usage and gun ownership, and the implications that arise from infringement on liberties. We also dive into a case regarding a Karen who sued her neighbor over the smell of marijuana, and relate it to many other problems currently plaguing our society. 00:00 Introduction and Overview 00:29 The Effectiveness of Protests 05:54 The No Kings Protests 07:01 Removing Trump From Office 10:44 Trump’s Approval Rating Poll 14:35 Supreme Court Considering Case on Marijuana Use and Gun Ownership  17:12 Rights and Limits in The Constitution 20:58 The Potential Implications of a 2nd Amendment Ruling 23:23 Karen Sues Over Marijuana Smell 29:37 Masks and Other Petty Civil Disagreements 34:22 The Pronoun Debate 36:32 Making Demands of Our Neighbors 39:11 The Value of Community and the Necessity of Integration 40:39 The Benefits of Compromise 44:26 Human Respect and Conclusions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Words & Numbers Live is a members only series exclusive to CiVL.com in which Antony and James discuss politics, philosophy, and economics, and invite listeners for a live Q&A session. To participate, subscribe at CiVL.com, where you can see what lectures we have coming up, and access all of our Words & Numbers content. The foundation of a healthy society, regardless of the economic or political structure is human respect. When people respect each other because we are all equal in dignity, institutions emerge that reflect and promote that respect. We believe that societies that embrace human respect will necessarily also tend toward political and economic freedom. Taken to the extreme, a society in which each person truly embraces respect for himself and for every other person may find no need for government at all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, we examine the complexities of opting out of social security, the implications of the US passport's changing status, and the potential consequences of AI policy shifts. We explore the historical context of economic policies, and the role of government in market distortions, comparing and contrasting the current administration’s policies with those of former administrations. 00:00 Introduction and Overview 00:28 Opting Out of Social Security 07:31 US Passport and International Travel 13:35 AI Policy Shifts and Implications 26:40 Historical Perspectives on Nixon’s Presidency31:09 Price Controls and Economic Impact 41:15 Trade War with China and Tariffs 44:10 Comparing Nixon’s Economy to Today’s 51:07 The Political Benefit of Higher Tax Rates and The Tax Code 53:49 Comparing Trump to Nixon, Reagan, and FDR 57:42 Lessons About Market Distortions 59:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Explore the rising gold prices and their economic implications alongside a disconnection between financial markets and real-life consumer sentiment. Hear about Trump's proposal for stimulus checks and the controversy surrounding Chicago's safety rhetoric. Delve into Bari Weiss's new position at CBS News, her ten core journalistic principles aimed at restoring trust, and the mixed reactions from CBS staff. The discussion raises questions about the future of journalism and whether real change can occur in media institutions.

In this episode, we discuss the latest advancements in Alzheimer's research, the societal implications of Social Security, and the unexpected turns life can take. We explore the balance between freedom and responsibility, the evolving nature of folk wisdom, and the importance of resilience and courage in navigating life's challenges. We also break down the role of government in personal savings and the impact of societal norms on individual choices. 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:28 Response to Our Social Security Proposal 02:16 Social Security and Personal Responsibility 12:12 Alzheimer's Research Breakthroughs 14:26 AI-generated Lawsuits for Outsourced OnlyFans Responses 20:31 Life's Unexpected Turns and Necessity of Resilience 23:44 The Virtue of Courage 24:51 Embracing Change and Personal Growth 31:19 Evolving Folk Wisdom and Societal Norms 35:00 Re-evaluating Homeownership 41:24 Conservatives, Liberals, and Societal Progress 44:49 The Golden Rule and Ethical Living 46:38 The Need to Preserve Our Nearly Just Society 49:54 The Importance of Civil Discourse Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, we discuss the implications of hope and agency through the lens of a rat experiment, the collapse and economic realities of the NFT market, and a proposed plan to reform Social Security, exploring the urgent need for a sustainable solution to its impending insolvency. 00:00 Introduction 00:27 Lessons from a Rat Experiment 06:05 The Impact of Hope on Human Agency 10:59 Cultural Shifts and Racism in America 15:20 The Rise and Fall of NFTs 20:15 Social Security: A Looming Crisis 24:22 Inequities in Social Security Returns 26:00 The Death Tax of Social Security 27:12 Proposed Changes to Social Security 33:17 Transitioning Away from Social Security 37:24 The Long-Term Financial Outlook 40:38 Political Challenges and Realities 45:07 The Inevitable Consequences of Inaction 50:21 What Should We Do? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, we explore the complexities of the housing market, comparing the cost of housing today with that of the 1980s. We also examine the broader economic implications of these trends and the psychological perceptions of average living standards. Our main focus is how social media shapes public opinion and creates ideological echo chambers, and why it’s important to understand diverse perspectives. 00:00 Introduction 00:26 The Cost of Housing: A Historical Perspective 06:38 Analyzing Trends in Household Wealth 09:13 Is The Rapture Upon Us? 13:44 Ideological Bubbles 18:54 The Role of Social Media in Creating Echo Chambers 22:12 The Consequences of Ideological Isolation 25:13 The Financial Incentives of Echo Chambers 28:34 The Role of AI in Social Degeneration 30:30 The Uniqueness of YouTube 32:05 The Importance of Humanization in Online Spaces 34:16 The Virtue of Sympathy 36:23 How to Leave Your Echo Chamber 38:32 Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, we examine the surprising homelessness rates in Germany and what’s being done about it, as well as the recent interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve, analyzing their potential impact on inflation, consumer behavior, and the broader economy. We discuss societal perceptions of obesity, the role of government policy in shaping economic outcomes, and the challenges of balancing economic growth with social welfare. Finally, we reflect on the importance of understanding economic indicators and their real-world implications. 00:00 Introduction 00:27 Homelessness and Poverty in Germany 12:20 New Study on Obesity 18:07 Foolishness of the Week: Pam Bondi on Hate Speech 27:13 The Fed Cuts Interest Rates 33:12 The Role of the Federal Reserve 38:41 The Fed’s Inflation Problem 41:47 The Government’s Borrowing Problem 46:16 Inflation is a Tax 48:20 The Effects of Political Influence on the Fed 49:37 Long-term Economic Impacts of Inflation 52:24 New Currency and the Value of Money 57:58 The Dangers of Centralized Digital Currency 01:01:43 Our Grim Economic Predictions 01:04:45 What Should We Do? 01:09:11 Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, we discuss the themes of justice and forgiveness, the alarming rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, the absurdities of homeowners association regulations, the implications of language and identity in societal discourse, and the importance of fact-checking political statements. We explore the complexities of crime and punishment, the unintended consequences of COVID-19 on healthcare, and the challenges of accurately measuring economic indicators like inflation. We also break down the numbers of various economic indicators, including inflation trends, stock market performance, and consumer spending. We analyze the implications of tax cuts and foreign investment, while also exploring cultural perspectives on social cohesion and accountability, highlighting the complexities of economic data and the importance of accurate representation in political discourse. 00:00 Introduction 00:24 Justice vs. Forgiveness 02:41 The Role of Society in Justice 09:31 Consequences of COVID on Antibiotic Resistance 16:42 The Absurdity of HOA Regulations 23:03 England’s New Phrase for Women 26:11 The Impact of Headlines on Public Discourse 28:51 Navigating News Bias and Sources 32:01 Trump’s Skill as a Public Speaker 34:26 Fact-Checking Trump's UN Address 38:58 Understanding Economic Indicators 45:55 Analyzing the Stock Market Performance 54:49 Investment Trends Under Different Administrations 58:17 Tax Cuts and Their Impact on the Economy 01:00:02 Comparing Economic Policies: Trump vs. Reagan 01:03:26 Analyzing the U.S. Economic Landscape 01:05:39 The Importance of Accurate Economic Messaging 01:08:00 The Role of Truth in Political Discourse 01:11:32 Cultural Perspectives on Forgiveness and Accountability Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices