The Reason Interview With Nick Gillespie

Join acclaimed journalist Lawrence Wright, author of influential works like 'Going Clear' and 'The Looming Tower,' as he discusses his new novel set in the Middle East. He delves into the enduring Israeli-Palestinian conflict and America’s complicated role in the war on terror. Wright also explores Texas's rising influence on national politics and reflects on societal moral panics, including the Satanic panic of the '80s. Through personal stories, he reveals the fascinating allure of belief systems like Scientology and their impact on individuals.

C. Bradley Thompson, a political philosopher and author of The Redneck Intellectual newsletter, and Jeremiah Johnson, co-founder of the Center for New Liberalism, dive into the rise of the 'MAGA Manosphere.' They explore the consequences of a feminized education system on young men and the appeal of traditional masculinity. The duo discusses the complex cultural identity of the MAGA movement, the paradox of prosperity leading to unhappiness, and the influence of social media on political discourse, highlighting the need for fresh solutions to engage younger generations.

Brian Brushwood, an Austin-based magician, podcaster, and professional skeptic, shares insights into the psychology behind scams. He emphasizes that being conned isn't about being stupid; it’s part of being human. The discussion includes fascinating tales from his podcast, including Disney's Epcot vision and Cold War psychic phenomena. Brushwood highlights how media monocultures have influenced truth and the need for evolving skepticism in today's chaotic internet landscape. He also reflects on the interplay between magic, deception, and our psychological vulnerabilities.

Robert Rosenkranz, author of The Stoic Capitalist and founder of Open To Debate, shares his journey from a modest New York upbringing to billionaire status. He discusses how Stoicism fosters personal and financial success through rational thinking. The conversation touches on the challenges of embracing change in capitalism and the necessity of civil discourse in political debates. Rosenkranz explores the connections between Stoic philosophy, resilience, and personal growth, highlighting its relevance in today's fast-paced world.

Richard Dawkins, an evolutionary biologist and author known for works like The Selfish Gene, discusses his new book, The Genetic Book of the Dead. He argues that science flourishes only in freedom and critiques contemporary gender ideologies, likening them to Soviet-era Lysenkoism. Dawkins emphasizes the importance of biological truths and delves into moral progress, exploring the tension between religious dogma and scientific integrity. He reflects on cultural Christianity's legacy in modern secularism, sparking an engaging dialogue on belief and skepticism.

Cliff Asness, co-founder of AQR Capital Management and a pioneer in quantitative finance, critically discusses the impact of tariffs and trade under Trump’s administration. He expresses concerns about the authoritarianism of populist movements and highlights the inefficiencies capitalism faces from social media influence. Asness shares insights on his libertarian beliefs and the future of free markets amid regulatory challenges, emphasizing the need for vigilant oversight and a nuanced understanding of economic progress.

In this engaging discussion, Steven Pinker, a renowned Harvard psychologist and best-selling author, tackles the challenges facing academic freedom and free speech at Harvard. He explores the impact of political pressures on universities and emphasizes the importance of independent scholarly governance. Pinker also shares his admiration for Richard Dawkins and discusses the role of secularism in moral progress. He introduces concepts from his upcoming book, shedding light on how 'common knowledge' influences societal dynamics. A thought-provoking conversation on education's future!

Today's guest is John Arnold—the former Enron wunderkind and billionaire philanthropist (and Reason Foundation supporter) who's determined to hack America's most expensive and least accountable public sector systems in areas such as criminal justice, education, and pensions. (Fun fact: He was once called "the most hated man in pensionland" by Governing magazine due to his reform efforts.) Reason's Nick Gillespie and Arnold talk about why public pensions are so out of control and how to fix them; how Medicare squeezes billions of unnecessary dollars out of taxpayers; and how Enron scammed its investors not despite regulations but in full view of them. And they discuss why, despite all the country's problems, Arnold is still betting on America to get better, not worse. 0:00— Introduction 1:15— Private sector vs. government vs. philanthropy 6:05— Education reform 10:31— Pension reform 17:21— Health care reform 22:21— Criminal justice reform 25:45— Gun violence studies 28:24— Commitment to research with integrity over ideology 33:10— There's no evidence for "college for all" 36:40— Being a billionaire 37:42— Arnold's experience at Enron 42:45— Markets vs regulations 46:31— Is Arnold optimistic? 48:00— Why Arnold is still betting on America Subscribe to the new YouTube channel for The Reason Interview With Nick Gillespie! Video Editor: Ian KeyserThe post John Arnold: Government Can't Be Trusted To Fix Any Problems appeared first on Reason.com.

In a compelling discussion, surgeon and Cato Institute fellow Jeffrey Singer advocates for patient autonomy in health care, criticizing government overreach. He highlights how regulations like licensing laws and the FDA's drug approval monopoly hinder competition and innovation. Singer draws parallels between personal freedom and public health, exploring sensitive topics such as end-of-life choices and trans youth health care. With rich historical insights, he argues for a reimagined health care system that prioritizes individual choice.

Jason Furman, a Harvard economist and former adviser to President Obama, critiques Bidenomics and the failures of neoliberalism. He discusses the consequences of tariffs from the Trump era, emphasizing that they function as taxes. Furman expresses new concerns about national debt and the impact of AI on the economy, highlighting the need for accountability in fiscal policies. Additionally, he explores the challenges of reforming Social Security and Medicare while revisiting his views on Keynesian economics and the ongoing evolution of economic thought.