The Rational Egoist

Holden Mitrione Interviews Michael — A Wide-Ranging Conversation on Ideas, Economics, and CultureIn this episode of The Rational Egoist, Holden Mitrione sits on the other side of the microphone to interview Michael Liebowitz in a free-flowing discussion that moves comfortably across philosophy, economics, culture, and the habits of thinking that shape a person’s life.Holden, an undergraduate majoring in economics, brings a sharp and curious mind to the conversation—asking questions that cut through abstractions and focus on fundamentals: how ideas form, how incentives actually work, and why clarity of thought matters more than fashionable opinion. Rather than sticking to a single theme, the discussion unfolds organically, touching on moral reasoning, personal responsibility, intellectual independence, and the dangers of treating systems as substitutes for judgment.Michael responds not with slogans, but with careful explanations rooted in cause and effect—connecting economic principles to everyday life, and philosophical ideas to real human choices. The result is a conversation that feels less like an interview and more like an honest intellectual exchange between two people who take ideas seriously.This episode is especially valuable for listeners who enjoy hearing principles tested in real time, rather than packaged neatly in talking points. It’s a reminder that thinking well is not about credentials or authority, but about the willingness to follow ideas to their logical conclusions.Michael Liebowitz is the host of The Rational Egoist podcast, a philosopher, author, and political activist committed to the principles of reason, individualism, and rational self-interest. Deeply influenced by the philosophy of Ayn Rand, Michael uses his platform to challenge cultural dogma, expose moral contradictions, and defend the values that make human flourishing possible.His journey from a 25-year prison sentence to becoming a respected voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities is a testament to the transformative power of philosophy. Today, Michael speaks, writes, and debates passionately in defence of individual rights and intellectual clarity.He is the co-author of two compelling books that examine the failures of the correctional system and the redemptive power of moral conviction:Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Corrections Encourages Crimehttps://www.amazon.com.au/Down-Rabbit-Hole-Corrections-Encourages/dp/197448064XView from a Cage: From Convict to Crusader for Libertyhttps://books2read.com/u/4jN6xjXenia Ioannou is the producer of The Rational Egoist, responsible for overseeing the publishing, presentation, and promotion of each episode to ensure a consistent standard of clarity, professionalism, and intellectual rigour.She is the CEO of Alexa Real Estate, a property manager and entrepreneur, and serves on the Board of Directors of the Ayn Rand Centre Australia, where she contributes to the organisation’s strategic direction and public engagement with ideas centred on reason, individual rights, and human freedom.Xenia also leads Capitalism and Coffee – An Objectivist Meetup in Adelaide, creating a forum for thoughtful discussion on philosophy and its application to everyday life, culture, and current issues.Join Capitalism and Coffee here:https://www.meetup.com/adelaide-ayn-rand-meetup/Follow Xenia’s essays on reason, independence, and purposeful living at her Substack:https://substack.com/@xeniaioannou?utm_source=user-menuBecause freedom is worth thinking about — and talking about.#TheRationalEgoist #PodcastConversation #EconomicsAndIdeas #IndependentThinking #PhilosophyInPractice #ReasonAndRealityAbout Michael Liebowitz – Host of The Rational EgoistAbout Xenia Ioannou – Producer of The Rational Egoist

Larry Sharpe Joins The Rational Egoist to Discuss His Candidacy for Governor of New YorkIn this episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael Liebowitz is joined by Larry Sharpe, a prominent libertarian voice and two-time candidate for Governor of New York. Sharpe brings a grounded, reality-based perspective to politics—one that treats individuals as adults capable of managing their own lives rather than subjects to be managed by the state.The conversation explores why New York has become one of the most heavily regulated, expensive, and politically centralised states in the US—and what a fundamentally different approach would look like. Sharpe explains his opposition to top-down control, endless bureaucracy, and political promises that ignore incentives, consequences, and human nature.Drawing on his experience as an entrepreneur, media host, and candidate, Sharpe makes the case for decentralisation, voluntary cooperation, and a politics that respects consent rather than obedience. He also discusses the practical challenges of running against entrenched party machines, the cultural resistance to liberty in large urban states, and why offering voters a real alternative matters—even when winning is not guaranteed.This is a wide-ranging discussion about freedom, responsibility, political courage, and what it means to take ideas seriously in a culture addicted to power.About Michael Liebowitz – Host of The Rational EgoistMichael Liebowitz is the host of The Rational Egoist podcast, a philosopher, author, and political activist committed to the principles of reason, individualism, and rational self-interest. Deeply influenced by the philosophy of Ayn Rand, Michael uses his platform to challenge cultural dogma, expose moral contradictions, and defend the values that make human flourishing possible.His journey from a 25-year prison sentence to becoming a respected voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities is a testament to the transformative power of philosophy. Today, Michael speaks, writes, and debates passionately in defence of individual rights and intellectual clarity.He is the co-author of two compelling books that examine the failures of the correctional system and the redemptive power of moral conviction:Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Corrections Encourages Crimehttps://www.amazon.com.au/Down-Rabbit-Hole-Corrections-Encourages/dp/197448064XView from a Cage: From Convict to Crusader for Libertyhttps://books2read.com/u/4jN6xjAbout Xenia Ioannou – Producer of The Rational EgoistXenia Ioannou is the producer of The Rational Egoist, responsible for overseeing the publishing, presentation, and promotion of each episode to ensure a consistent standard of clarity, professionalism, and intellectual rigour.She is the CEO of Alexa Real Estate, a property manager and entrepreneur, and serves on the Board of Directors of the Ayn Rand Centre Australia, where she contributes to the organisation’s strategic direction and public engagement with ideas centred on reason, individual rights, and human freedom.Xenia also leads Capitalism and Coffee – An Objectivist Meetup in Adelaide, creating a forum for thoughtful discussion on philosophy and its application to everyday life, culture, and current issues.Join Capitalism and Coffee here:https://www.meetup.com/adelaide-ayn-rand-meetup/Follow Xenia’s essays on reason, independence, and purposeful living at her Substack:https://substack.com/@xeniaioannou?utm_source=user-menuBecause freedom is worth thinking about — and talking about.#TheRationalEgoist #LarrySharpe #Libertarianism #IndividualRights #PoliticalPhilosophy #FreedomOverControl #Decentralisation #ReasonAndLiberty #VoluntarySociety #LibertyInPractice

Sheldon Richman Joins Michael Liebowitz for a Candid Discussion on Liberty, Justice, and Political PhilosophyIn this episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael Liebowitz sits down with Sheldon Richman for a thoughtful and principled conversation about where their political views converge—and where they part ways.Sheldon Richman is a lifelong advocate of liberty, reason, and justice. A father and grandfather, he brings both moral seriousness and lived experience to political philosophy. In this discussion, Michael and Sheldon explore foundational questions about individual rights, social cooperation, the role of the state, and the moral assumptions that sit beneath modern political movements.Rather than trading slogans, the conversation digs into first principles:What do individuals actually owe one another in a free society?Where does voluntary cooperation end and coercion begin?Can liberty be defended consistently without sacrificing moral clarity?They also examine areas of agreement—such as the rejection of collectivist premises—and areas of tension, particularly around strategy, language, and the practical implications of political theory in a mixed economy.This episode is a rare example of two serious thinkers engaging honestly, without posturing or tribalism, in pursuit of truth rather than consensus.About Sheldon RichmanSheldon Richman is a freelance editor, author, and long-time writer on liberty and political philosophy. He is the author of What Social Animals Owe to Each Other and Coming to Palestine, and a consistent voice for individual rights, peace, and voluntary social order. He is also, by his own description, a lover of liberty, justice, reason—and pipe tobacco.About Michael Liebowitz – Host of The Rational EgoistMichael Liebowitz is the host of The Rational Egoist podcast, a philosopher, author, and political activist committed to the principles of reason, individualism, and rational self-interest. Deeply influenced by the philosophy of Ayn Rand, Michael uses his platform to challenge cultural dogma, expose moral contradictions, and defend the values that make human flourishing possible.His journey from a 25-year prison sentence to becoming a respected voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities is a testament to the transformative power of philosophy. Today, Michael speaks, writes, and debates passionately in defence of individual rights and intellectual clarity.He is the co-author of two compelling books that examine the failures of the correctional system and the redemptive power of moral conviction:Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Corrections Encourages Crimehttps://www.amazon.com.au/Down-Rabbit-Hole-Corrections-Encourages/dp/197448064XView from a Cage: From Convict to Crusader for Libertyhttps://books2read.com/u/4jN6xjAbout Xenia Ioannou – Producer of The Rational EgoistXenia Ioannou is the producer of The Rational Egoist, responsible for overseeing the publishing, presentation, and promotion of each episode to ensure a consistent standard of clarity, professionalism, and intellectual rigour.She is the CEO of Alexa Real Estate, a property manager and entrepreneur, and serves on the Board of Directors of the Ayn Rand Centre Australia, where she contributes to the organisation’s strategic direction and public engagement with ideas centred on reason, individual rights, and human freedom.Xenia also leads Capitalism and Coffee – An Objectivist Meetup in Adelaide, creating a forum for thoughtful discussion on philosophy and its application to everyday life, culture, and current issues.Join Capitalism and Coffee here:https://www.meetup.com/adelaide-ayn-rand-meetup/Follow Xenia’s essays on reason, independence, and purposeful living at her Substack:https://substack.com/@xeniaioannou?utm_source=user-menuBecause freedom is worth thinking about — and talking about.

The life and legacy of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt with David BeitoIn this episode, the conversation cuts through the mythology surrounding FDR and examines the man, his ideas, and the political transformation he presided over. Rather than treating Roosevelt as a sacred figure of history, this discussion looks directly at the consequences of his policies, the expansion of executive power, and the long-term effects on American political culture.David Beito brings historical clarity and intellectual precision to a presidency often insulated from serious moral and political scrutiny. The result is a grounded, unsentimental examination of how power is justified, how narratives are constructed, and why understanding Roosevelt matters now more than ever.David T. Beito is a professor emeritus of history at the University of Alabama and a respected scholar of American political and economic history. He is the author of FDR: A New Political Life, a revisionist examination of Franklin Delano Roosevelt that challenges conventional portrayals and situates FDR within the broader context of power, crisis, and political change.Book link:https://a.co/d/36WHp1iAbout Michael Liebowitz – Host of The Rational EgoistMichael Liebowitz is the host of The Rational Egoist podcast, a philosopher, author, and political activist committed to the principles of reason, individualism, and rational self-interest. Deeply influenced by the philosophy of Ayn Rand, Michael uses his platform to challenge cultural dogma, expose moral contradictions, and defend the values that make human flourishing possible.His journey from a 25-year prison sentence to becoming a respected voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities is a testament to the transformative power of philosophy. Today, Michael speaks, writes, and debates passionately in defence of individual rights and intellectual clarity.He is the co-author of two compelling books that examine the failures of the correctional system and the redemptive power of moral conviction:Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Corrections Encourages Crimehttps://www.amazon.com.au/Down-Rabbit-Hole-Corrections-Encourages/dp/197448064XView from a Cage: From Convict to Crusader for Libertyhttps://books2read.com/u/4jN6xjAbout Xenia Ioannou – Producer of The Rational EgoistXenia Ioannou is the producer of The Rational Egoist, responsible for overseeing the publishing, presentation, and promotion of each episode to ensure a consistent standard of clarity, professionalism, and intellectual rigour.She is the CEO of Alexa Real Estate, a property manager and entrepreneur, and serves on the Board of Directors of the Ayn Rand Centre Australia, where she contributes to the organisation’s strategic direction and public engagement with ideas centred on reason, individual rights, and human freedom.Xenia also leads Capitalism and Coffee – An Objectivist Meetup in Adelaide, creating a forum for thoughtful discussion on Ayn Rand’s philosophy and its application to everyday life, culture, and current issues.Join Capitalism and Coffee here:https://www.meetup.com/adelaide-ayn-rand-meetup/Follow Xenia’s essays on reason, independence, and purposeful living at her Substack:https://substack.com/@xeniaioannou?utm_source=user-menuBecause freedom is worth thinking about — and talking about.#TheRationalEgoist #FranklinDelanoRoosevelt #FDR #AmericanHistory #PoliticalPower #IndividualRights #HistoricalRevisionism #ReasonOverMyth #LibertyAndHistory

The Role of Concept Formation in Self-ImprovementIn this episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael Liebowitz sits down with philosopher and author James Valliant for a rigorous conversation on one of the most underestimated aspects of personal growth: concept formation.Self-improvement is often treated as a matter of habits, motivation, or mindset. But beneath all of that lies something more fundamental—the way we form, integrate, and use concepts. James explains why clarity at the conceptual level is not academic hair-splitting, but a practical necessity for thinking clearly, choosing rationally, and acting with purpose.The discussion explores how vague or stolen concepts sabotage progress, how emotional confusion often traces back to conceptual errors, and why genuine self-development requires precision in thought before change in action. Rather than offering slogans or techniques, this conversation goes to the root: how the mind organises reality, and why that organisation determines the trajectory of a person’s life.This is an episode for listeners who want more than surface-level advice—who want to understand why some efforts at self-improvement fail, and what it actually takes to build a coherent, reality-based framework for growth.About Michael Liebowitz – Host of The Rational EgoistMichael Liebowitz is the host of The Rational Egoist podcast, a philosopher, author, and political activist committed to the principles of reason, individualism, and rational self-interest. Deeply influenced by the philosophy of Ayn Rand, Michael uses his platform to challenge cultural dogma, expose moral contradictions, and defend the values that make human flourishing possible.His journey from a 25-year prison sentence to becoming a respected voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities is a testament to the transformative power of philosophy. Today, Michael speaks, writes, and debates passionately in defence of individual rights and intellectual clarity.He is the co-author of two compelling books that examine the failures of the correctional system and the redemptive power of moral conviction:Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Corrections Encourages Crimehttps://www.amazon.com.au/Down-Rabbit-Hole-Corrections-Encourages/dp/197448064XView from a Cage: From Convict to Crusader for Libertyhttps://books2read.com/u/4jN6xjAbout Xenia Ioannou – Producer of The Rational EgoistXenia Ioannou is the producer of The Rational Egoist, responsible for overseeing the publishing, presentation, and promotion of each episode to ensure a consistent standard of clarity, professionalism, and intellectual rigour.She is the CEO of Alexa Real Estate, a property manager and entrepreneur, and serves on the Board of Directors of the Ayn Rand Centre Australia, where she contributes to the organisation’s strategic direction and public engagement with ideas centred on reason, individual rights, and human freedom.Xenia also leads Capitalism and Coffee – An Objectivist Meetup in Adelaide, creating a forum for thoughtful discussion on Ayn Rand’s philosophy and its application to everyday life, culture, and current issues.Join Capitalism and Coffee here:https://www.meetup.com/adelaide-ayn-rand-meetup/Follow Xenia’s essays on reason, independence, and purposeful living at her Substack:https://substack.com/@xeniaioannou?utm_source=user-menuBecause freedom is worth thinking about — and talking about.#TheRationalEgoist #JamesValliant #ConceptFormation #ThinkingClearly #SelfImprovement #PhilosophyInPractice #Reason #IndividualGrowth #IntellectualClarity

Michaelangelo Casanova Joins The Rational Egoist for a Powerful Conversation on EntrepreneurshipOn this episode, Michael Liebowitz is joined by Michaelangelo Casanova for a rich, energising discussion about what it truly means to build a life—and a business—through deliberate action and uncompromising personal agency.Michaelangelo Casanova is an entrepreneur and life coach who has dedicated his work to helping people break out of passive living and step into purposeful creation. His approach is direct, grounded, and results-focused: the mindset of someone who believes that a fulfilled life is chosen, built, and earned through clarity and disciplined effort.Together, Michael and Michaelangelo explore the psychology behind entrepreneurship:why ambition requires independence, why stagnation often begins in the mind long before it shows up in results, and how a person creates momentum when the world around them rewards excuses over effort. It’s an honest conversation about responsibility, creativity, and the quiet pride that comes from building something real.About Michael Liebowitz – Host of The Rational EgoistMichael Liebowitz is the host of The Rational Egoist, a philosopher, author, and political activist committed to the principles of reason, individualism, and rational self-interest. A formerly incarcerated man who transformed a 25-year prison sentence into a life of intellectual purpose, Michael now challenges cultural dogma, exposes moral contradictions, and defends the values that make human flourishing possible.He is the co-author of:Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Corrections Encourages Crimehttps://www.amazon.com.au/Down-Rabbit-Hole-Corrections-Encourages/dp/197448064XView from a Cage: From Convict to Crusader for Libertyhttps://books2read.com/u/4jN6xjAbout Xenia Ioannou – Producer of The Rational EgoistXenia Ioannou is the producer of The Rational Egoist, shaping the presentation, publishing, and strategic promotion of each episode to ensure it reflects a consistent standard of clarity and intellectual rigour.She is the CEO of Alexa Real Estate, an entrepreneur, and a property manager with two decades of business experience. Xenia serves on the Board of Directors of the Ayn Rand Centre Australia, where she contributes to the organisation’s strategic direction, public engagement, and long-range growth. Her work centres on reason, individual rights, and the defence of human freedom.Xenia also leads Capitalism and Coffee – An Objectivist Meetup in Adelaide, a forum for thoughtful discussion on philosophy, culture, independence of mind, and the moral meaning of living by one’s own judgment.Join the meetup:https://www.meetup.com/adelaide-ayn-rand-meetup/Read Xenia’s essays on clarity, purpose, and self-ownership:https://substack.com/@xeniaioannou?utm_source=user-menuBecause freedom is worth thinking about—and talking about.#TheRationalEgoist #MichaelLiebowitz #Entrepreneurship #IndividualRights #RationalSelfInterest #PhilosophyPodcast #LifeOnPurpose #ARCA #CapitalismAndCoffee #ObjectivistCommunity

In this compelling episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael Liebowitz sits down once again with author, prosecutor, and philosopher James Stevens Valliant to tackle a recurring confusion in libertarian circles: the attempt to merge individual-rights philosophy with anarchism — a fusion often labelled “anarcho-Objectivism.”Michael and James examine why this hybrid collapses on its own premises. They break down the essential role of objective law, the necessity of a single rights-protecting legal framework, and why competing private “justice agencies” cannot uphold rights but inevitably devolve into private warlords.The discussion cuts through romantic rhetoric about “voluntary governance” and focuses instead on the practical requirements of living in a civilised society: clear laws, a monopoly on retaliatory force, and institutions bound by objective standards. Without these, rights aren’t defended — they’re extinguished.James draws on history, legal philosophy, and decades of work studying the moral foundations of liberty. Michael brings his trademark clarity: a deeply lived understanding of what happens when law is arbitrary, when justice fragments into competing factions, and when force is no longer restrained by principle.Together, they demonstrate why any view that rejects government altogether cannot claim to defend freedom. A society without a single, rights-protecting legal structure doesn’t maximise liberty — it destroys the conditions that make liberty possible.This episode is essential listening for anyone who has ever wondered why a rights-based philosophy necessitates government — and why eliminating government doesn’t lead to freedom, but to the rule of the sword.About Michael Liebowitz – Host of The Rational EgoistMichael Liebowitz is the host of The Rational Egoist podcast, a philosopher, author, and political activist committed to the principles of reason, individualism, and rational self-interest. Deeply influenced by the philosophy of Ayn Rand, Michael uses his platform to challenge cultural dogma, expose moral contradictions, and defend the values that make human flourishing possible.His journey from a 25-year prison sentence to becoming a respected voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities is a testament to the transformative power of philosophy. Today, Michael speaks, writes, and debates passionately in defence of individual rights and intellectual clarity.He is the co-author of two compelling books that examine the failures of the correctional system and the redemptive power of moral conviction:Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Corrections Encourages Crimehttps://www.amazon.com.au/Down-Rabbit-Hole-Corrections-Encourages/dp/197448064XView from a Cage: From Convict to Crusader for Libertyhttps://books2read.com/u/4jN6xjAbout Xenia Ioannou – Producer of The Rational EgoistXenia Ioannou is the producer of The Rational Egoist, overseeing the publishing and promotion of each episode to reflect a consistent standard of clarity, professionalism, and intellectual integrity.As a CEO, property manager, entrepreneur, and lifelong advocate for capitalism and individual rights, Xenia ensures the podcast stays true to its core values of reason, freedom, and personal responsibility.Xenia also leads Capitalism and Coffee – An Objectivist Meetup in Adelaide, where passionate thinkers gather to discuss Ayn Rand’s ideas and their application to life, politics, and culture.Join us at: https://www.meetup.com/adelaide-ayn-rand-meetup/(Capitalism and Coffee – An Objectivist Meetup)Because freedom is worth thinking about — and talking about.Follow Life on Purpose — Xenia’s thought-provoking essays on Substack:https://substack.com/@xeniaioannou?utm_source=user-menuHashtags#TheRationalEgoist #MichaelLiebowitz #JamesValliant #PhilosophyPodcast #IndividualRights #RuleOfLaw #LibertarianDebate #ClassicalLiberalism #Reason #MoralClarity

Catherine Dickerson on the Benevolence of ReasonIn this episode, Michael sits down with Catherine Dickerson for a deeply grounded conversation about what it means to live in a universe where reason is your ally, not your adversary.Drawing from 35 years of experience in education and psychotherapy—and her time as personal assistant to Dr Leonard Peikoff—Catherine brings a rare combination of philosophical depth and practical psychological insight. Together, she and Michael explore the benevolent nature of reality, why clarity is a moral achievement, and how choosing to think transforms your ability to deal with life.This discussion moves beyond abstractions. Catherine explains how rational thinking reshapes your emotional world, why confusion isn’t a permanent state, and how a commitment to understanding can lift people out of stagnation. Michael pushes the conversation to the places where philosophy meets daily struggle—self-doubt, mental habits, emotional fallout, and the quiet moments where your mind either becomes your greatest tool or your biggest obstacle.If you’ve ever felt the pull between the world as it is and the world as you wish it could be, this episode offers a powerful reminder: the world doesn’t have to be hostile, chaotic, or unknowable. A rational mind isn’t at war with existence—it is designed for it.This is one of those episodes where you’ll want to pause, think, and maybe even take notes.About Michael Liebowitz – Host of The Rational EgoistMichael Liebowitz is the host of The Rational Egoist podcast, a philosopher, author, and political activist committed to the principles of reason, individualism, and rational self-interest. Deeply influenced by the philosophy of Ayn Rand, Michael uses his platform to challenge cultural dogma, expose moral contradictions, and defend the values that make human flourishing possible.His journey from a 25-year prison sentence to becoming a respected voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities is a testament to the transformative power of philosophy. Today, Michael speaks, writes, and debates passionately in defence of individual rights and intellectual clarity.He is the co-author of two compelling books that examine the failures of the correctional system and the redemptive power of moral conviction:Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Corrections Encourages Crimehttps://www.amazon.com.au/Down-Rabbit-Hole-Corrections-Encourages/dp/197448064XView from a Cage: From Convict to Crusader for Libertyhttps://books2read.com/u/4jN6xjAbout Xenia Ioannou – Producer of The Rational EgoistXenia Ioannou is the producer of The Rational Egoist, overseeing the publishing and promotion of each episode to reflect a consistent standard of clarity, professionalism, and intellectual integrity.As a CEO, property manager, entrepreneur, and lifelong advocate for capitalism and individual rights, Xenia ensures the podcast stays true to its core values of reason, freedom, and personal responsibility.Xenia also leads Capitalism and Coffee – An Objectivist Meetup in Adelaide, where passionate thinkers gather to discuss Ayn Rand’s ideas and their application to life, politics, and culture.Join us at: https://www.meetup.com/adelaide-ayn-rand-meetup/(Capitalism and Coffee – An Objectivist Meetup)Follow Xenia’s essays at her Substack, Life on Purpose:https://substack.com/@xeniaioannou?utm_source=user-menuGuest Bio – Catherine DickersonCatherine Dickerson is an Objectivist with 35 years of professional experience in education and psychotherapy. She served as personal assistant to Dr Leonard Peikoff and brings a lifetime of reflection, study, and practical application of philosophical principles to the field of mental health and human development.#TheRationalEgoist #Reason #PhilosophyPodcast #LeonardPeikoff #ObjectivistPsychology #AynRand #RationalMind #Individualism #LifeOnPurpose

Jim Valliant and Michael Continue Their Series on Using Objectivism: The Philosophy of Ayn Rand as a Guide to Self-Improvement. In This Episode, They Dive Into Chapter Two: “Sense Perception and Volition.”In this new instalment, Michael and Jim explore how the most fundamental aspects of human awareness shape everything from our daily decisions to our long-range ambitions.They take listeners through the core insights of Chapter Two—how we grasp reality through our senses, how automatic perception differs from chosen cognition, and why volition is the root of every meaningful act of self-improvement.This isn’t an academic detour. It’s a conversation about what it means to live with your eyes open—what it means to build your life on facts rather than feelings, and to recognise that the choice to think is the first moral choice you ever make.Whether you’re new to Ayn Rand’s philosophy or using OPAR as a personal roadmap, this episode offers a clear, grounded discussion on the tools you already possess: a reality-oriented consciousness and the ability to direct it.About Michael Liebowitz – Host of The Rational EgoistMichael Liebowitz is the host of The Rational Egoist podcast, a philosopher, author, and political activist committed to the principles of reason, individualism, and rational self-interest. Deeply influenced by the philosophy of Ayn Rand, Michael uses his platform to challenge cultural dogma, expose moral contradictions, and defend the values that make human flourishing possible.His journey from a 25-year prison sentence to becoming a respected voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities is a testament to the transformative power of philosophy. Today, Michael speaks, writes, and debates passionately in defence of individual rights and intellectual clarity.He is the co-author of two compelling books that examine the failures of the correctional system and the redemptive power of moral conviction:Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Corrections Encourages Crimehttps://www.amazon.com.au/Down-Rabbit-Hole-Corrections-Encourages/dp/197448064XView from a Cage: From Convict to Crusader for Libertyhttps://books2read.com/u/4jN6xjAbout Xenia Ioannou – Producer of The Rational EgoistXenia Ioannou is the producer of The Rational Egoist, overseeing the publishing and promotion of each episode to reflect a consistent standard of clarity, professionalism, and intellectual integrity.As a CEO, property manager, entrepreneur, and lifelong advocate for capitalism and individual rights, Xenia ensures the podcast stays true to its core values of reason, freedom, and personal responsibility.Xenia also leads Capitalism and Coffee – An Objectivist Meetup in Adelaide, where passionate thinkers gather to discuss Ayn Rand’s ideas and their application to life, politics, and culture.Join us at:https://www.meetup.com/adelaide-ayn-rand-meetup/(Capitalism and Coffee – An Objectivist Meetup)Follow Life on Purpose – Xenia's thought-provoking essays on Substack:https://substack.com/@xeniaioannou?utm_source=user-menu#TheRationalEgoist #AynRand #OPAR #ObjectivistPhilosophy #Reason #Volition #SelfImprovement #PhilosophyPodcast #Individualism #RationalLiving

Dr. Andrew Bernstein and Dr. Meghann Ribbens Discuss Some Problems with American EducationIn this episode, Michael sits down with two sharp and unapologetically rational voices—Dr. Andrew Bernstein and Dr. Meghann Ribbens—to unpack what has gone wrong in American education and why so many students are emerging less prepared, less confident, and less capable of independent thought.From the erosion of academic standards to the cultural shift away from personal responsibility, Bernstein and Ribbens explore the deeper moral and philosophical causes behind the crisis. They examine the rise of ideological conformity, the abandonment of facts and logic in favour of emotionalism, and the way government-run schools incentivise mediocrity rather than excellence.Both guests bring decades of experience to the table: Bernstein as an author and philosopher who has written extensively on heroic education and the value of great literature; Ribbens as an educator and scholar who has watched the system decline from the inside. Together, they articulate a clear picture of what education should be—an uplifting, rigorous, confidence-building path centred on knowledge, reasoning, and the joy of achievement.This conversation is direct, principled, and free of euphemisms. It cuts through the noise to identify the root problems and the real solutions.About Michael Liebowitz – Host of The Rational EgoistMichael Liebowitz is the host of The Rational Egoist podcast, a philosopher, author, and political activist committed to the principles of reason, individualism, and rational self-interest. Deeply influenced by the philosophy of Ayn Rand, Michael uses his platform to challenge cultural dogma, expose moral contradictions, and defend the values that make human flourishing possible.His journey from a 25-year prison sentence to becoming a respected voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities is a testament to the transformative power of philosophy. Today, Michael speaks, writes, and debates passionately in defence of individual rights and intellectual clarity.He is the co-author of two compelling books that examine the failures of the correctional system and the redemptive power of moral conviction:Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Corrections Encourages Crimehttps://www.amazon.com.au/Down-Rabbit-Hole-Corrections-Encourages/dp/197448064XView from a Cage: From Convict to Crusader for Libertyhttps://books2read.com/u/4jN6xjAbout Xenia Ioannou – Producer of The Rational EgoistXenia Ioannou is the producer of The Rational Egoist, overseeing the publishing and promotion of each episode to reflect a consistent standard of clarity, professionalism, and intellectual integrity.As a CEO, property manager, entrepreneur, and lifelong advocate for capitalism and individual rights, Xenia ensures the podcast stays true to its core values of reason, freedom, and personal responsibility.Xenia also leads Capitalism and Coffee – An Objectivist Meetup in Adelaide, where passionate thinkers gather to discuss Ayn Rand’s ideas and their application to life, politics, and culture.Join us at:https://www.meetup.com/adelaide-ayn-rand-meetup/(Capitalism and Coffee – An Objectivist Meetup)Follow Life on Purpose – Xenia’s thought-provoking essays on Substack:https://substack.com/@xeniaioannou?utm_source=user-menu#TheRationalEgoist #AndrewBernstein #MeghannRibbens #EducationReform #AmericanEducation #Reason #IndividualRights #Philosophy #Objectivism #Liberty #MichaelLiebowitz #PodcastSeries