

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

May 22, 2024 • 1h 36min
The Difference Between Psychopaths and Sociopaths
Licensed psychologist Daniel J. Fox explores the distinctions between psychopaths, sociopaths, and narcissists. The discussion delves into empathy, manipulation tactics, and the impact on interpersonal dynamics. Highlights include healthy narcissism, selective attention techniques, and the nuances of empathy in individuals with antisocial disorders.

May 16, 2024 • 1h 12min
How Nations Escape Poverty
Dr. Rainer Zeitelmann, author of 'How Nations Escape Poverty', discusses the efficacy of development aid, contrasting Asia's growth with Africa's. Emphasizes market reforms over aid, showcasing Vietnam and Poland as success models. Explores Venezuela's decline due to socialism and lessons from history on poverty alleviation.

May 8, 2024 • 1h 8min
Cicero and the Founding Fathers
Legal scholar Jeffrey Rosen discusses the influences of philosophers on the founding fathers, emphasizing virtues, self-government, and the pursuit of happiness. The podcast delves into the contrasting campaign styles of Andrew Jackson and John Quincy Adams, touches on Jefferson's philosophical evolution, and explores early rising and mindful habits inspired by historical figures.

May 1, 2024 • 1h 19min
College Campuses Are So Very Very Passionate (WSPN)
Andrew Heaton, Dr. Andrea Jones-Rooy, and Michael Ira Kaplan discuss the heated protests over Israel and Hamas on college campuses, emphasizing evolving activism, free speech complexities, shifting political affiliations, financial complexities, and humorous banter on campus security incidents.

Apr 24, 2024 • 1h 6min
Understanding Immigration Through Circus Folk
Former circus performer turned visa agency owner, James Judkins, shares insights on working in the circus and how temp visas benefit seasonal workers. Topics include circus acts, regulatory challenges, circus communities, complexities of temporary international workers, and navigating illegal labor and immigration policies.

Apr 19, 2024 • 2h 44min
Was Life Easier in the Fifties?
Exploring the pros and cons of the 1950s versus the present day, including economic stability and social issues. Contrasting household budgets and dining habits, manufacturing economies, and labor unions. Analyzing health care costs, retirement scenarios, and college education across different decades. Reflecting on the transformation through generations and embracing a positive outlook.

Apr 10, 2024 • 1h 25min
What People Get Wrong About A. I.
Tech expert Tom Merritt discusses common misconceptions about AI and Large Language Models, debunking historical hoaxes and exploring the creative capabilities of AI in podcasting. The conversation also delves into AI's limitations in generating comedy and music, as well as its impact on the music industry and content creation.

Apr 3, 2024 • 1h 14min
Why Violent Crime is Up
Jennifer Doleac, EVP of Criminal Justice at Arnold Ventures, discusses crime trends, deterrence strategies, and cost-effective safety measures. Topics range from prison conditions' impacts on deterrence to exploring progressive prosecutor policies and economic factors on crime rates.

Mar 27, 2024 • 1h 23min
Just How Much Fraud is in Government?
Adam Andrzejewski, CEO of Open The Books, discusses uncovering government waste and fraud. Topics include fraudulent court reporting, police overtime practices, and financial irregularities at the Friars Club. The conversation emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability in combating corruption.

Mar 20, 2024 • 54min
Totalitarianism and the Gays
Exploring the Lavender Scare in American history, discussing the atrocities faced by the LGBTQ+ community during a totalitarian period. Highlighting the discrimination, persecution, and lack of accountability for victims. Also delving into recent controversies over LGBTQ+ education restrictions and how different countries handle problematic statues.