The Rational Egoist

Reason: The Choice That Makes Self-Improvement Possible (OPAR Series)In this episode of The Rational Egoist, James Valliant and Michael Liebowitz continue their OPAR-based series on self-improvement by tackling the chapter on Reason—the faculty that makes every other virtue possible.They explore what it means to treat reason as a practice rather than a slogan: choosing to think when it’s inconvenient, checking emotions against facts, refusing to outsource your judgement, and building a life that actually matches your values. If self-improvement is more than motivation—if it’s about becoming a person you can respect—then this episode is about the root requirement: using your mind.Expect a grounded discussion on clarity vs. rationalisation, why contradictions don’t disappear when ignored, and how a commitment to reality becomes the foundation for confidence, purpose, and genuine progress.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.Through her work across business, media, and education, Xenia brings a grounded, reality-focused perspective to discussions of responsibility, productivity, and independent thinking.Join Capitalism and Coffee here:https://www.meetup.com/adelaide-ayn-rand-meetup/(Capitalism and Coffee – An Objectivist 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 #MichaelLiebowitz #JamesValliant #OPAR #Reason #SelfImprovement #RationalThinking #PersonalDevelopment #IndividualRights #AynRand #Philosophy #Productiveness #Integrity #SelfEsteem #Independence #CapitalismAndCoffee #XeniaIoannou

Political Tribalism with Lauren HallPolitical scientist Lauren Hall joins Michael Liebowitz for a wide-ranging discussion on political tribalism—how identity, loyalty, and moral signalling have displaced judgment, moderation, and principled disagreement in modern politics.Lauren Hall brings a rare combination of scholarly depth and cultural clarity to the conversation. Drawing on the classical liberal tradition and her work on family, moderation, and the moral limits of politics, she examines how tribal thinking corrodes institutions, distorts public debate, and turns politics into a substitute for meaning. The discussion explores why societies fracture when politics becomes a moral identity—and what intellectual resources exist for restoring restraint, pluralism, and seriousness to public life.This episode is a thoughtful examination of ideas over slogans, and persuasion over power—an essential listen for anyone concerned with the health of liberal society.Disclaimer:The views expressed by Lauren Hall are her own, and not necessarily reflective of her employer or anyone with whom she works.About Lauren HallLauren Hall is Professor and Associate Dean of Academic Affairs at the Rochester Institute of Technology, College of Liberal Arts. She is the author of The Medicalization of Birth and Death (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2019) and Family and the Politics of Moderation (Baylor University Press, 2014), and co-editor of a volume on the political philosophy of Chantal Delsol.Her scholarship engages deeply with the classical liberal tradition, including extensive writing on Edmund Burke, Adam Smith, and Montesquieu.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 #LaurenHall #PoliticalTribalism #ClassicalLiberalism #Reason #IndividualRights #FreeThought #IntellectualHonesty #MichaelLiebowitz #XeniaIoannou

In this episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael Liebowitz is joined by Gene Epstein, one of the most articulate and consistent defenders of free markets in modern economic journalism.Gene Epstein served as economics editor of Barron's from 1993 to 2018, where his long-running Economic Beat column became required reading for anyone serious about understanding macroeconomics beyond slogans and political talking points. Throughout his career, Epstein challenged the assumptions behind monetary manipulation, deficit spending, regulation, and state “management” of markets, insisting that economic outcomes must be understood as the result of individual choice, incentives, and real-world constraints—not good intentions or bureaucratic planning.The conversation also explores Epstein’s role as founder and director of The Soho Forum, a debate platform that has become one of the few remaining venues for rigorous, civil, high-level disagreement on economics, liberty, and social policy. Epstein discusses why open debate matters, why bad ideas survive when they are not challenged, and how intellectual honesty—not consensus—is the engine of progress.This episode is a clear-eyed discussion about why markets work, why government intervention repeatedly fails, and why economic freedom is not merely efficient, but necessary for human flourishing.Gene Epstein (born 1944) is an American economist, writer, and public intellectual. He served as economics editor of Barron’s for 25 years and authored the influential Economic Beat column, where he analysed macroeconomic trends and exposed the unintended consequences of government intervention. He is the founder and director of The Soho Forum, a New York–based debate series dedicated to serious discussion of libertarian ideas in economics and social policy.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 books examining 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 strategic direction and public engagement with ideas centred on reason, individual rights, and human freedom. Xenia also leads Capitalism and Coffee in Adelaide, creating a forum for thoughtful discussion on philosophy and its application to everyday life.Join Capitalism and Coffee here:https://www.meetup.com/adelaide-ayn-rand-meetup/Follow Xenia’s essays at her Substack:https://substack.com/@xeniaioannou?utm_source=user-menuBecause freedom is worth thinking about — and talking about.#GeneEpstein #TheRationalEgoist #FreeMarkets #EconomicFreedom #Liberty #SohoForum #Barrons #IndividualRights #Capitalism #IdeasMatter

Francesca Flavia Mormanni Joins the Show — Music, Writing, Finance, and the Creative LifeFF. Mormanni joins The Rational Egoist for a wide-ranging conversation that cuts across art, intellect, and independence. Known professionally as F. F. Mormanni (also Francesca Mormanni), Francesca is a novelist, screenwriter, musician, producer, and actress whose work reflects a serious engagement with creativity as a rational, chosen pursuit—not a mystic impulse or a social performance.In this episode, Michael and Francesca explore what it means to live as a creator in multiple disciplines, how writing and music shape one’s inner world, and why financial independence matters to anyone who wants to think and produce freely. The discussion moves fluidly between the practical realities of making art, the discipline required to sustain it, and the personal responsibility involved in building a life that supports long-term creative work.This is not a romanticised view of art. It is a grounded conversation about choice, effort, and the integration of mind, work, and values—whether you’re writing a novel, composing music, or navigating the economic realities that make creation possible.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 #FrancescaMormanni #FFMormanni #CreativeIndependence #WritingAndMusic #ArtistsAndFinance #Individualism #ReasonAndArt #PodcastConversation

In this episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael Liebowitz speaks with Dr. Knut M. Wittkowski, a biostatistician and epidemiologist whose career has been grounded in data analysis, population-level disease dynamics, and research design.Dr. Wittkowski approaches the COVID pandemic not from politics or media narratives, but from statistical evidence and historical epidemiology. Drawing on decades of experience analysing infectious disease patterns, he challenges widely accepted assumptions about lockdowns, transmission dynamics, and public-health interventions. His focus throughout is on what the data actually show—rather than what policymakers, institutions, or commentators wished them to show.The discussion explores:How pandemics historically rise and fallThe difference between individual clinical outcomes and population-level effectsWhy certain interventions may have had unintended consequencesThe importance of distinguishing correlation from causation in public health policyHow fear and modelling assumptions can override empirical evidenceThis is a rigorous, analytical conversation that treats public health as a scientific discipline rather than a moral crusade—and asks hard questions about decision-making under uncertainty.About Dr. Knut M. WittkowskiDr. Knut M. Wittkowski holds a PhD in Biostatistics, with formal training in mathematical statistics and epidemiology in Germany. He served for roughly two decades as Head of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Research Design at Rockefeller University in New York.His work has focused on the statistical foundations of biomedical research, the interpretation of complex data sets, and the proper design of epidemiological studies. Throughout his career, Dr. Wittkowski has emphasised methodological rigour, empirical validation, and intellectual independence—particularly when scientific consensus becomes detached from data.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 books examining 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. Xenia also leads Capitalism and Coffee in Adelaide, creating a forum for thoughtful discussion on philosophy, culture, and independent thinking.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

Jim Valliant and Michael Liebowitz continue their ongoing series using OPAR as a practical guide to self-improvement.In this episode, they turn to one of the most demanding—and most liberating—virtues: Objectivity.Drawing from OPAR (Objectivism: The Philosophy of Ayn Rand), Jim and Michael examine what objectivity actually requires in daily life. Not neutrality. Not emotional detachment. But an uncompromising commitment to reality as it is, judged by evidence, logic, and context.They explore why objectivity is not automatic, why it must be chosen, and why so many people evade it—especially when facts threaten comfort, identity, or moral posturing. The discussion moves from epistemology into psychology, showing how habits of subjectivism and social conformity quietly erode self-trust, independence, and long-range thinking.This is not an academic exercise. It is a practical conversation about how objectivity functions as a tool of self-improvement:how it sharpens judgment, stabilises emotions, clarifies values, and anchors self-esteem in reality rather than approval.If self-improvement is about becoming more effective at living, then objectivity is the non-negotiable starting point.About Jim ValliantJim Valliant is an Objectivist philosopher and author best known for his meticulous scholarship and commitment to intellectual honesty. His work is respected for its precision, moral seriousness, and refusal to compromise facts for sentiment or social approval. Jim brings clarity and rigor to philosophical discussions, always grounding abstract principles in reality and logic.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 #Objectivity #OPAR #JimValliant #MichaelLiebowitz #Reason #IndependentThinking #SelfImprovement #RealityFirst #IndividualJudgment #XeniaIoannou

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