Words & Numbers

In this episode, we are joined by Clark Neily, Senior Vice President for Legal Studies at the Cato Institute, to discuss the weaponization of the Department of Justice and the broader implications of plea bargaining and charge stacking in the U.S. legal system. We dive into the erosion of jury trials, the impact of coercive plea deals, and the challenges of maintaining justice and human dignity in a system increasingly reliant on non-public procedures. We also touch on the historical context of these issues and the potential for reform. 00:00 Introduction 00:31 The Efficacy of Acupuncture for Chronic Back Pain 04:54 Charlie Kirk Memorial Service 07:59 Foolishness of the Week 10:47 Clark Neily Introduction 12:38 Trump Truth Social Post 17:23 Plea Bargaining and Charge Stacking 22:44 Weaponization of the DOJ 26:00 Public Trust in DOJ Waning 28:41 The Constitution Right to a Jury Trial 30:45 The Role of the Supreme Court 36:39 Grand Jury Indictments 41:11 What’s Next for the DOJ 45:59 Historical Context and Legal Reform 49:10 The Importance of Jury Duty Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, we discuss rising food prices, new breakthroughs in autism research, AI foolishness, and the societal and economic implications of these issues. We also celebrate Deficit Day, and dive into the issues of government spending, fiscal responsibility, and budgets. Finally, we offer a variety of solutions on how to solve the debt crisis. 00:00 Introduction and Overview 00:32 Rising Food Prices: Economic Impacts of Tariffs and Immigration 04:09 The Role of Labor in Society 06:02 Autism Research Breakthroughs 10:38 Foolishness of the Week: Artificial Intelligence 16:18 Deficit Day and Government Spending 23:19 Fiscal Responsibility and Government Budgets 27:10 How Can the Debt Crisis Be Solved? 32:53 The Mystery of the Budget Surplus 36:30 Taxing the Rich Isn’t the Solution 37:23 How We Lower the Deficit 41:14 Interest Rates and Inflation 44:17 Conclusion and Reflections Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, we discuss the implications of quarterly reporting on corporate behavior, the innovative approach of traffic cameras in Sweden, and the societal impact of Charlie Kirk's murder. We explore the role of social media in shaping public discourse, the subjective nature of truth, and the consequences of cancel culture. We emphasize the importance of respectful dialogue and the need for new institutions to address the challenges of modern communication. 00:00 Introduction 02:22 The Role of Incentives in Traffic Regulation 05:45 Quarterly Reporting and Corporate Behavior 08:51 The Impact of Stock Market Regulations 11:18 The Foolishness of the Week: NFL and Sex Toys 14:19 Reflections on Violence and Society 19:19 The Subjectivity of Truth and Its Consequences 26:35 Cancel Culture and Accountability 28:52 First Amendment and Consequences 30:34 Celebrating Death and Losing Individual Respect 33:39 Debate and Respectful Discourse 36:54 Rhetoric and Violence in Politics 37:35 The Role of Social Media in Society 42:20 Turning Down the Heat 46:15 Context Matters: Debunking the Lies About Charlie Kirk 49:56 What Comes Next? 52:20 Human Respect Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, we discuss the contrasting ideologies of capitalism and socialism, exploring the implications of government intervention, market solutions, and the importance of incentives. We delve into the story of Howard Buffett's efforts to incentivize Colombian farmers to switch from cocaine to coffee, highlighting the effectiveness of market-driven solutions over government spending. The conversation also touches on the rise of socialism in America, the issue of cronyism, and the impact of regulations on market dynamics. We critique Portland's new fines on vacant properties and analyze the latest jobs numbers in the context of economic policies, particularly tariffs. We conclude with a call for civil discourse and action to hold Congress accountable for its responsibilities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, we discuss the implications of tariffs, the state of free speech in the UK, and the ongoing lawsuit between Newsmax and Fox News. We also explore migration trends across states, the right of exit concerning taxation, and the effects of progressive taxation on economic mobility. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Supreme Court’s conservative majority may be the only thing standing in the way of legislative tyranny, and not in the ways you might think. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, James and Antony explore the frontiers of spinal cord implants and what breakthroughs in the field could mean for the future. They dive into the surprising link between the world’s two smallest countries and share the story behind a notorious “orgy dome” that’s captured a lot of attention. The conversation then turns to the main focus: the difference between being productive and generating real economic productivity, and why recognizing that distinction could change the way you work, make decisions, and measure success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, James and Antony cover how to bring political discussions back into everyday life without descending into hostility, why nearly half of Americans are now ordering from children’s menus at restaurants, and Donald Trump’s latest attacks on the First Amendment from threats against television networks to talk of banning flag burning. They also dive into the federal government’s purchase of a ten percent stake in Intel, raising questions about cronyism, socialism, and the separation of the economy from the state. The conversation wraps with practical advice on how consumers can push back against corporate government entanglements and ends on a lighter note with the infamous story of Antony’s disastrous experiment with nicotine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, James and Antony explore the evolution of media and technology, from vinyl to streaming, and what the future might hold in the age of AI and digital ownership. They discuss shifts in media, marketing trends, and listener questions about U.S. debt, the strength of the dollar, and global economic changes. Along the way, they touch on how structural issues in finance, politics, and business can impact progress. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, James and Antony kick things off with a wild story out of New York City: ATMs spitting out millions in cash thanks to a government blunder. From there, they turn to political absurdities, including a congressman who thinks presidential term limits are optional. Finally, the guys dive deep into recession talk—what it really means, how it’s measured, and why even the experts can’t agree. Along the way, they cut through media spin, call out political nonsense, and remind listeners why economic reality is always more complicated than the headlines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices