Bob Murphy Show

Adam Haman returns for another crossover, this time discussing the daycare fraud in Minnesota, and how a free market would handle these issues.Mentioned in the Episode and Other Links of Interest:The YouTube version of this conversation.This episode’s sponsor, the Scott Horton Academy.Adam Haman's substack posts on MN fraud and LARPing.The HamanNature substack.Help support the Bob Murphy Show.

NOTE: THIS IS FICTITIOUS. I am trying to "steelman" the Administration's policies, to try to retroactively make sense of various moves they have made, that initially surprised me. I thought it would be more entertaining to present the material in this way; I didn't realize people might think it was an actual leak.Bob relays leaked audio of a presentation that was apparently given recently to President Trump, outlining various military and economic considerations especially as relates to the China threat. It is essential for understanding the Administration's recent and future moves.Mentioned in the Episode and Other Links of Interest:The YouTube version of this episode.Dominic Frisby's interview on the InFi podcast, spelling out his case that China holds much larger gold reserves than the official statistics indicate.Help support the Bob Murphy Show.

In this discussion, film and literature reviewer Adam Haman delves into Stanley Kubrick's often underappreciated work, 'Barry Lyndon.' He highlights the film's stunning visuals and technical achievements while exploring Barry's complex character arc as he navigates betrayal and societal pressures. The conversation also touches on Kubrick's distinctive storytelling style, the film's historically critical reception, and the nuances of class and morality. Haman argues why 'Barry Lyndon' deserves another look from modern audiences.

Abigail Hall, an associate professor of economics at the University of Tampa and an author on U.S. foreign policy, dives into the tumultuous history of U.S. interventions in Latin America. She critiques the Venezuelan regime-change operation, highlighting knowledge problems and historical ignorance that plague policymakers. Through examples like Libya and El Salvador, she reveals how interventions often lead to long-term destabilization. Hall also discusses the implications of these foreign actions on domestic policy, suggesting a troubling overlap between foreign counterinsurgency tactics and local enforcement.

Adam Haman, a returning commentator known for his critical insights on Venezuelan affairs, joins to dissect the complexities surrounding Nicolas Maduro's situation. They delve into the inconsistent rhetoric from conservatives and liberals regarding U.S. actions. Haman critiques claims about securing U.S. interests, while discussing the implications of foreign investment proposals from Maria Corina Machado. The duo also explores the legal ironies of Maduro's indictment and the potential consequences of U.S. intervention, cautioning about risky precedents in international relations.

Dive into an engaging exploration of John 3:1-12, where Jesus tells Nicodemus about the necessity of being born again. Discover who Nicodemus is and the significance of his secret visit to Jesus. Unpack the concept of spiritual rebirth and its implications for understanding righteousness. The discussion also touches on the complexity of Jesus' analogy of wind and spirit while contemplating the fulfillment of Old Testament law. Get ready for intriguing insights leading into the next discussion on John 3:16!

Elon Musk's staggering net worth of $749 billion sparks deep economic discussions. The host tackles public reactions and the true meaning of 'worth.' Exploring net worth as financial assets, he highlights the misconception of unlimited purchasing power. Unique examples illustrate the challenges of converting wealth into tangible goods. The conversation dives into the nuances between liquid and illiquid assets, emphasizing Musk’s stock ties to his ongoing role. Ultimately, the discussion reveals how his wealth impacts investment and philanthropy.

Adam Haman, a commentator on technology and culture, joins to explore a panel featuring Elon Musk and Jensen Huang discussing AI investment in Saudi Arabia. They delve into Musk's bold claims about a future where work could be optional and money may lose its significance. The conversation includes debates on whether AI can eliminate poverty, the potential abundance of goods, and the role of currency in an AI-driven world. Haman and the hosts also question the implications of robotics on labor and the geopolitical strategies of tech investments.

Pontus Rendahl, a neoclassically trained economist with a rich academic background, shares insights from his outreach to heterodox economists. He describes his experiences at Cambridge and frustration with hostility during events. Pontus addresses the divide over financial models and radical uncertainty, exploring claims of Modern Monetary Theory. He illustrates how small changes in model assumptions can drastically affect outcomes. His reflections on communication and the value of heterodox ideas in light of the 2008 financial crisis add depth to the conversation.

In a thought-provoking review, Bob and Adam dissect Eric Weinstein's innovative application of gauge theory in economics. They explore past reactions to his ideas and the potential impact on both neoclassical and Austrian schools. Key discussions include the relevance of path dependence, the critique of stable-preference assumptions, and the shift from aggregate to individual price measures. With hints at a possible theoretical revolution, they contemplate whether Weinstein's framework can reshape our understanding of economic dynamics.