The Political Orphanage
Andrew Heaton
Politics minus bile plus jokes. Comedian and avowed independent Andrew Heaton interviews authors and thought leaders about policy and big thinky stuff.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 9, 2020 • 1h 1min
What the Hell is Happening with Iran?! Featuring: Matt Welch
Ep. 27 So are we going to war with Iran or not? Why did we blow up some guy, and was it a good idea to do so? What about legal? Matt Welch, host of "The Fifth Column" and Reason editor-at-large joins Heaton to sort out our foreign policy. Interview at 15:30
Jan 2, 2020 • 48min
John McAfee Is On The Lam!
Ep. 26 John McAfee is a cybersecurity expert, international fugitive, and political activist. He joins Heaton to discuss his 2020 presidential campaign, and more. Much more. Lots more.
Dec 23, 2019 • 35min
Another Snuffy's Christmas
The Political Orphanage's oldest and most enthusiastic show sponsor, Snuffy's Off Route 44, has kindly offered to pay for this year's Christmas special. On the condition that the staff of Snuffy's write it in its entirety. Merry Christmas! Featuring: Josh Jennings, Austin Bragg, Justin Robert Young, and Brian Brushwood. Season 2, Ep 25
Dec 18, 2019 • 1h 4min
How to Fix American Healthcare in Under an Hour - Featuring: Rick Ungar
Is it better to use the government to expand coverage, or rely on markets to lower prices? Rick Ungar joins Heaton for a policy discussion about problems and solutions for American health care. Season 2, Ep 24
Dec 11, 2019 • 1h 7min
The Future of Space Exploration - Featuring: Astronaut Tom Jones
Dr. Tom Jones is an astronaut and the author of "Sky Walking: An Astronaut's Memoir" and joins Heaton to discuss what life is like in space and what the future holds for NASA and the private sector. Season 2, Ep 23
Dec 4, 2019 • 1h 16min
The Trump Impeachment is Basically Caddyshack - Featuring: Michael Baranowski
On this episode we take a big picture view of impeachment--what's it's role in government and what's the nature of the presidency? Michael Baranowski of The Politics Guys podcast joins to discuss, and also, to point out the similarities between the impeachment proceedings and the immortal film "Caddyshack." Season 2, Ep 22
Nov 25, 2019 • 1h 15min
Popehat: Speech That Gets You Tossed in Prison - Featuring: Ken White
Ken White is a First Amendment litigator, lawblogger at Popehat.com, and the hilarious Twitter personality Popehat. He joins Heaton to talk about Free Speech: what's legally protected and what will prompt the cops to come knocking? How do public decency laws work? Interview at 5:30 Season 2, Ep 21
Nov 19, 2019 • 1h 12min
I Am Betting Money Hillary Doesn't Run - Featuring J. M. Jennings
There have been three headlines this last week hinting at a resurgent Hillary Clinton campaign in 2020. Heaton thinks it's balderdash. His friend and former producer Jennings is certain she's in. They bet money on it, and discuss. Season 2, Ep 20
Nov 14, 2019 • 52min
Taxing Billionaires into Extinction - Featuring: Josie "The Red-Headed Libertarian"
Notable billionaire and possible Keebler elf Michael Bloomberg has thrown his hat into the presidential ring as a Democrat. Meanwhile Bernie Sanders wants to outlaw billionaires, and Elizabeth Warren wants to slowly deflate them, like cash balloons. Josie "The Red-Headed Libertarian" joins the show to discuss billionaires, wealth taxes, the Laffer Curve, and where to hide in a nasty political climate.
Nov 6, 2019 • 1h 11min
A Comedian Runs for Congress - Featuring: Mike Larsen
Mike Larsen is a former writer for The Drew Carey Show and Real Time with Bill Maher. He also worked for Congress as the press secretary for Representative Jackie Speier. Now he's running for congress himself in Ohio against incumbent Jim Jordan. He joins Heaton to talk about standup, his campaign, how puppets can influence democracy, and gerrymandering. Season 2, Ep 18
