The Human Action Podcast

The discussion tackles the fear that price deflation could stifle lending and investment. It emphatically argues that recent trends in cryptocurrencies and precious metals, like Bitcoin and gold, offer a different perspective. Examples such as wine production illustrate how falling prices can still lead to robust returns. The conversation also prompts a reassessment of traditional economic views, suggesting that a shrinking monetary supply could coexist with viable investment opportunities.

Bob first reviews the standard libertarian case for legalizing drugs as the way to neutralize the Mexican drug cartels. Then he plays a recent clip where Dave Smith argues that drug prohibition leads to violence because (among other factors) you can't call the cops if someone steals your product. Bob argues that libertarians should stop making this (invalid) argument.Bob's Lessons for the Young Economist: Mises.org/HAP490aPart of the Problem Episode 1233: Mises.org/HAP490bThe 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/HAPodFreeJoin the Mises Institute on April 26 in Phoenix, Arizona, as we expose the danger and waste of bureaucracy: Mises.org/Phoenix25

Grove City College has recently digitized its collection of post-war materials—including photos, correspondence, and manuscripts—from the great Austrian economist, Ludwig von Mises. Mises' biographer, Guido Hülsmann, joins Bob to discuss some of the treasures that have been made available online.Explore the Grove City College's Digital Mises Archive: Mises.org/HAP489aDr. Hülsmann's Biography of Mises, The Last Knight of Liberalism: Mises.org/HAP489bMurray's 99th birthday is March 2. Please share pictures of yourself (hashtag #happybirthdayrothbard) reading a Rothbard book or wearing a Rothbard t-shirt. The Mises Institute is celebrating with its Murray99 campaign: Everyone who donates $26 or more using the mises.org/murray99 link will receive a copy of Economic Depressions: Their Cause and Cure, originally published in 1969, and Nations by Consent, originally published in 1994.   The first 26 donors will also receive the Rothbard lapel pin. All donations will fund student scholarships.Join the Mises Institute on April 26 in Phoenix, Arizona, as we expose the danger and waste of bureaucracy: Mises.org/Phoenix25

Some have proposed that the spending cuts identified by DOGE be directed towards a $5000 tax rebate for Americans who pay federal taxes. Critics warn it could be inflationary, just like the COVID-era stimmies. Bob disagrees, explaining that the DOGE spending cuts offset the impact.Rothbard's Making Economic Sense: Mises.org/HAP488aBob's Understanding Money Mechanics: Mises.org/HAP488bJoin the Mises Institute on April 26 in Phoenix, Arizona, as we expose the danger and waste of bureaucracy: Mises.org/Phoenix25

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!