The Human Action Podcast

Join Josh Hendrickson, Chair of the Economics Department at the University of Mississippi, as he delves into Trump's controversial tariff strategy outlined in a recently surfaced document. He examines the economic theories behind these tariffs and their potential impact on trade and job sustainability. The discussion reveals the complexities of the U.S. dollar's reserve status and critiques traditional economic notions. Hendrickson advocates for informed dialogue over mockery, urging listeners to think critically about the implications of current economic policies.

Erick Brimen is the CEO of Honduras Próspera, which is described as a "start up city" that offers choice in regulatory treatment. It is an exciting application of libertarian theory to the messy real world of existing States.Find Out More about Honduras Próspera: Mises.org/HAP486aJoin the Mises Institute on April 26 in Phoenix, Arizona, as we expose the danger and waste of bureaucracy: Mises.org/Phoenix25The Mises Institute is giving away 100,000 copies of Murray Rothbard’s, What Has Government Done to Our Money? Get your free copy at Mises.org/HAPodFree

The podcast dives into Trump's bold idea of substituting income tax with tariffs. It examines historical data, revealing that tariffs have traditionally generated far less revenue than income taxes. The discussion addresses the significant cuts to federal spending required for this shift. Various economists weigh in on the potential benefits for domestic workers versus broader economic implications. The complexities and misconceptions surrounding tariffs in economic policy provide a rich backdrop for understanding this controversial proposal.

Murphy recently squared off against Nathan Tankus in a ZeroHedge debate focusing on Austrian economics vs. Modern Monetary Theory (MMT). Jonathan Newman watched the debate and selected three clips highlighting key areas of dispute. Jonathan and Bob elaborate on the issues and anticipate possible MMT replies.Bob's ZeroHedge Debate with Nathan Tankus: Mises.org/HAP484aBob and Jonathan's Tag-Team Mises University Lecture on MMT: Mises.org/HAP484bBob's Quarterly Journal of Austrian Economics Paper on The Deficit Myth: Mises.org/HAP483cWilliam Hutt's The Theory of Idle Resources: Mises.org/HAP484dUse code Action25 to get 10% off your ticket to Educating for Liberty Mises Circle in Tampa on February 22: Mises.org/Tampa25The Mises Institute is giving away 100,000 copies of Murray Rothbard’s, What Has Government Done to Our Money? Get your free copy at Mises.org/HAPodFree

Lawrence McQuillan from the Independent Institute joins Bob to delve into the regulatory failures and mismanagement behind the wildfire crisis in California. They discuss the environmental policies that exacerbate risks, offer practical solutions to firefighting and prevention shortcomings, and examine the role of private stewardship in mitigating future disasters. This episode overall sheds light on how California’s political landscape and approach to wildfires continues to fuel a recurring tragedy.Lawrence's 2017 Article Detailing the CA's Fire Prevention Problem: Mises.org/HAP483aLawrence’s 2019 Golden Fleece Report Submission on Mismanagement in CA: Mises.org/HAP483bLawrence’s 2020 Interview on the Reasons Ca’s Fires Keep Happening: Mises.org/HAP483cLawrence’s 2024 Article on Lessons From the Lahaina Wildfires:: Mises.org/HAP483dUse code Action25 to get 10% off your ticket to Educating for Liberty Mises Circle in Tampa on February 22: Mises.org/Tampa25The Mises Institute is giving away 100,000 copies of Murray Rothbard’s, What Has Government Done to Our Money? Get your free copy at Mises.org/HAPodFree

The discussion delves into the misconceptions surrounding GDP accounting, revealing its misleading portrayal of economic health. It highlights critical differences between government and private spending, emphasizing that the latter often promotes more efficiency. The podcast argues against the simplistic view that increased government spending automatically leads to growth. Additionally, it challenges traditional views on trade deficits and their impact on GDP, showcasing how imports can significantly influence economic measurements. A thought-provoking critique of a widely accepted metric!

Bob walks through diagrams from Hayek's famous LSE lectures to explain the Austrian view of the boom-bust cycle.The Diagrams Referenced in this Episode: Mises.org/HAP481aHayek's Prices and Production: Mises.org/HAP481bRothbard's Man, Economy, and State: Mises.org/HAP481cBob's Study Guide to Man, Economy, and State: Mises.org/HAP481dRoger Garrison's PowerPoint on the Hayekian Triangle: Mises.org/HAP481eThe Mises Institute is giving away 100,000 copies of Murray Rothbard’s, What Has Government Done to Our Money? Get your free copy at Mises.org/HAPodFree

Matt McCaffrey is a former Mises Institute research fellow with an expertise in the American economist (and Austrian fellow-traveler) Frank Fetter. He joins Bob to discuss his newly published journal article exploring the dispute Fetter had with the august British economist Alfred Marshall over the theory of rent.Dr. McCaffrey's Journal Article: Mises.org/HAP480aFrank Fetter's Capital, Interest, and Rent: Mises.org/HAP480bMatt McCaffrey, “Frank Fetter and the Austrian Tradition in the United States”: Mises.org/HAP480cFor just $25, you can receive our December Bundle, including three essential reads:Tom DiLorenzo's Axis of Evil: America’s Three Worst Presidents, Per Bylund's How to Think About the Economy,and Murray Rothbard's What Has Government Done to Our Money?. Claim your bundle now at Mises.org/HumanAction24

Keith Smith, MD is an anesthesiologist and founder of the cash-price Surgery Center of Oklahoma. In the wake of the shooting of UnitedHealth CEO Brian Thompson, Keith explains why US health care is so expensive and how to fix it. The Surgery Center of Oklahoma: Mises.org/HAP479aThe Story of the $100 Hospital Aspirin: Mises.org/HAP479bPrimal Prescription: Surviving the 'Sick Care' Sinkhole: Mises.org/HAP479cFor just $25, you can receive our December Bundle, including three essential reads:Tom DiLorenzo's Axis of Evil: America’s Three Worst Presidents, Per Bylund's How to Think About the Economy,and Murray Rothbard's What Has Government Done to Our Money?. Claim your bundle now at Mises.org/HumanAction24

Using the heavily marketed movie "Wicked" as his news hook, Bob explains that the beloved Wizard of Oz movie involved an allegory of the bimetallism debates of the late 1800s, including William Jennings Bryan's famous "Cross of Gold" speech. Bob fills in the details about the Wizard of Oz lore, and then explains the economics of bimetallism in the United States.Bob's Book, Understanding Money Mechanics: Mises.org/HAP478aThe Wikipedia Article on the Political Interpretations of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: Mises.org/HAP478bThe Wikipedia Article on the Wicked Novel: Mises.org/HAP478cFor just $25, you can receive our December Bundle, including three essential reads:Tom DiLorenzo's Axis of Evil: America’s Three Worst Presidents, Per Bylund's How to Think About the Economy,and Murray Rothbard's What Has Government Done to Our Money?. Claim your bundle now at Mises.org/HumanAction24