The Political Orphanage

Cass Sunstein, a legal scholar and behavioral economist, dives into the fascinating world of liberalism. He discusses its historical roots and its unexpected fragility in the modern era. Sunstein explores the internal debates within liberalism, touching on the contrasts between Mill and Hayek's views. He critiques the illusion of liberalism's inevitability and highlights the importance of communal values. The conversation also navigates the complex relationship between capitalism and liberalism, using FDR's New Deal as a lens to examine government roles in preserving individual freedoms.

A memorable trip to Britain leads to humorous discussions about American culture and serious reflections on a conservative activist's assassination. The podcast delves into the complexities of political violence, advocating for nuanced perspectives over group blame. It critiques the adversarial mindset in politics, promoting a broader understanding of issues. The conversation also tackles gun control and civil liberties following tragedies, emphasizing the need for civility and constructive dialogue amidst chaos.

What would happen if Iran’s Ayatollah fell? The podcast dives into the historical turbulence of Iran, from the Shah's modernization efforts to the pivotal 1953 coup. Discussions highlight the socio-political fallout from foreign intervention in the oil industry. There's a look at the Mujahideen's resistance and the chaotic transition to Khomeini’s rule. The potential for a secular democracy is explored, alongside Reza Pahlavi's controversial role. Humor and satire pepper the narrative, envisioning a hopeful future for a post-Ayatollah Iran.

Join Johan Norberg, a Swedish author and senior fellow at the Cato Institute, as he dives into the myths and truths behind Sweden's social safety net. He discusses what works, what doesn’t, and lessons for the U.S. from Sweden's unique governance and tax system. From the historical lessons of Sweden's economic struggles to the role of social trust in effective governance, Norberg uncovers how Sweden navigated socialism and emerged with a distinct social democracy. Plus, enjoy a whimsical mention of his trip to the ABBA Museum!

Discover why Finland tops happiness charts as the host explores vibrant Helsinki, chatting with locals about their remarkable social trust. Delve into how robust social safety nets and cultural attitudes shape the Finnish experience of contentment. Contrast community dynamics with American cities, examining the role of saunas in fostering social connections. Uncover the complexities of Finland's low fertility rates and ownership of the welfare system. Explore how trust in institutions influences everyday life, painting a picture of a uniquely happy society.

Adam Brandon, a senior advisor at The Independent Center and former president of FreedomWorks, dives into the shifting landscape of American politics. He highlights how young voters are increasingly disenchanted with traditional parties and explores the rise of independent candidates. Brandon discusses strategies for leveraging disillusionment into a powerful electoral force. He also touches on the transformative role of technology in campaigning and the importance of building coalitions among the growing independent electorate for meaningful reform.

Greg Lukianoff, President of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, dives deep into contemporary free speech issues. He discusses the decline of diverse viewpoints in academia and warns against conformity in higher education. The implications of Florida's Stop Woke Act and its effects on academic freedom are examined alongside the potential dangers of censorship. He also touches on the complexities of free speech laws, the evolving landscape influenced by AI, and critiques government control over media. It's a lively mix of humor and vital discourse!

Gene Epstein, a former economics editor at Barron's and libertarian thinker, takes a hard look at the Federal Reserve's role in the economy. He critically assesses whether it truly achieves its goals, raising questions about its effectiveness since 1913. The conversation dives into the dangers of monetizing debt and government overreach, as well as the chilling influence of political figures like Trump on the Fed. Epstein also explores alternative monetary systems, including gold and cryptocurrencies, igniting debates on financial independence.

Jeremiah Johnson, founder of the Center for New Liberalism and host of the New Liberal podcast, dives into the complexities of the Federal Reserve. He explains its independence and the significance of targeting 2% inflation. The discussion includes a fascinating metaphor using a babysitting cooperative to illustrate economic principles and the imaginary nature of money. Johnson also explores the dual mandate of the Fed, balancing inflation and employment, and critiques the effectiveness of economic interventions. Get ready for some enlightening insights and humor!

Scott Klug, a former congressman from Wisconsin and lobbyist, dives into the murky waters of political ethics. He discusses how ambitious individuals can exploit public trust for profit and examines the revolving door between Congress and lobbying. Klug shares insights on campaign finance rules for retired politicians and the ethical dilemmas of stock trading among lawmakers. With humor and candor, he unravels the complexities of bribery scandals and the pressures facing moderates in today's political landscape.