The Reason Interview With Nick Gillespie

Chip Roy, a Republican Congressman from Texas and a fierce advocate for fiscal responsibility, discusses his surprising support for Trump's budget proposal, reflecting on the complexities of balancing government spending and national debt. He addresses the controversial Texas redistricting plan and how it influences community values. The conversation also sheds light on the evolving Republican stance on foreign policy, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing domestic issues over overseas engagements. Lastly, he explores immigration and cultural identity in Texas.

Justin Amash, a former U.S. Representative known for his libertarian views, and Kennedy, a Fox News personality and former MTV VJ, delve into the trajectory of the Tea Party and its transformation under the influence of the MAGA movement. They discuss how the original emphasis on limiting government has shifted toward expanding its power. The conversation also touches on Congress's inaction, the dual-edged nature of social media, and the evolving political perspectives of Gen Z, painting a vivid picture of America's current political landscape.

Mark Pennington, a Professor of Political Economy at King's College London, dives into the intriguing connections between Michel Foucault and Friedrich Hayek. He explores how Foucault’s critiques of centralized power and scientism align with Hayek’s warnings about the limits of knowledge. The discussion challenges conventional views on libertarianism and postmodernism, emphasizing the power dynamics in knowledge creation and the critique of expert rule. Expect a mind-bending conversation that reshapes your understanding of freedom and governance!

Richard Farley, author of 'Drop Dead,' delves into New York City's tumultuous financial history and current economic challenges. He draws parallels between the city's near-bankruptcy in 1975 and today's runaway budgets and political miscalculations. Farley highlights the concerning proposals from Mayor candidate Zohran Mamdani and questions whether New York is repeating past mistakes. He also discusses the impact of political dynamics on financial decision-making, emphasizing the importance of fiscal responsibility to avert future crises.

David Lowery, frontman of Camper Van Beethoven and Cracker, dives into the music industry's current challenges, particularly around streaming services. He discusses his new album 'Fathers, Sons and Brothers' and reflects on the California dream's contrast with reality. Lowery critiques the inadequate compensation artists receive from streaming platforms, sharing his experiences with class-action lawsuits. He also tackles the concept of 'selling out' and the evolution of indie music, fueling a passionate conversation about the future of creativity and compensation in the digital age.

Join historian John Lisle, author of Project Mind Control, as he unravels the chilling tales behind MKUltra, the CIA's infamous mind control experiments. Discover the twisted motivations of Sidney Gottlieb and the ethically dubious methods employed during this dark chapter of American history. Lisle sheds light on the impact of government secrecy and paints a vivid picture of the individuals affected, while discussing the rise of conspiracy theories in the absence of transparency. A fascinating yet eerie exploration of power, paranoia, and accountability!

Sophia Rosenfeld, a historian at the University of Pennsylvania and author of 'The Age of Choice,' dives into the evolution of freedom through the lens of personal choice. She explores how the Reformation shifted the concept of freedom from divine obedience to individual choice. Rosenfeld discusses the impact of consumer culture on gender and class, revealing how these dynamics have shaped societal norms. She also tackles modern dilemmas like the overwhelming abundance of choice and its implications for personal agency in debates on issues like abortion rights.

In this engaging discussion, Elizabeth Nolan Brown, a Reason cover story author, delves into the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement, led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. She explains how the right's stance on wellness has drastically shifted from the previous disdain for health trends. Brown discusses the implications of food purity, critiques governmental dietary recommendations, and highlights the tension between tradition and modern parenting in nutrition. The conversation sheds light on the political influence embedded in contemporary health choices.

In this lively discussion, Susannah Cahalan, author of The Acid Queen, shares insights into the life of Rosemary Woodruff Leary, a key figure in the psychedelic movement alongside Timothy Leary. She delves into how the 1960s counterculture embraced radical individualism and creative communal living. Cahalan highlights the political ramifications of their experiments with psychedelics, her personal stories from that era, and the evolving perspectives on drug policy today, making a compelling case for why these past movements matter in contemporary libertarian thought.

Faisal Saeed Al Mutar, an Iraqi-born founder of Ideas Beyond Borders, and Emma Ashford, a senior fellow at the Stimson Center, delve into the ramifications of the U.S. bombing of Iran. They discuss the delicate balance between regional security and democracy promotion, the complexities of U.S. foreign policy, and the intricate ties between nations like Germany, Israel, and Iran. The conversation also highlights the Kurdish situation and critiques U.S. military strategies, suggesting a need for reevaluation in light of rising geopolitical tensions.