
The Rational Egoist
The Rational Egoist podcast aims to explore the philosophy of rational egoism and how it can be applied in our daily lives. Hosted by Michael Liebowitz and produced by Xenia Ioannou with experts in the field of philosophy, psychology, and economics, the podcast will provide listeners with a wealth of knowledge and insight into the benefits of rational egoism.
Copyright of all audio, printed material and colour schemes including logos, owned exclusively by Michael Liebowitz and Xenia Ioannou and cannot be reproduced without prior written permission
Latest episodes

Aug 20, 2024 • 30min
The Rational Egoist: Cultivating Civil Engagement with Martha Anderson
The Rational Egoist: Cultivating Civil Engagement with Martha Anderson
In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz is joined by Martha Anderson, Associate Director of Programs & Operations for the Program on Pluralism and Civil Exchange at the Mercatus Center.
Anderson discusses the crucial role of civil engagement in a healthy society and how her organization fosters it through innovative workshops called Pluralist Labs. These labs are designed to bring diverse voices together, encouraging constructive dialogue and collaboration across ideological divides.
Anderson shares insights into the importance of pluralism, the challenges of fostering civil discourse, and the impact of these workshops on participants. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that highlights the value of active participation in civic life and the tools to make it more effective.
Michael Leibowitz, host of The Rational Egoist podcast, is a philosopher and political activist who draws inspiration from Ayn Rand’s philosophy, advocating for reason, rational self-interest, and individualism. His journey from a 25-year prison sentence to a prominent voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities highlights the transformative impact of embracing these principles.
Leibowitz actively participates in political debates and produces content aimed at promoting individual rights and freedoms. He is the co-author of “Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Correction Encourages Crime” and “View from a Cage: From Convict to Crusader for Liberty,” which explore societal issues and his personal evolution through Rand’s teachings.
Explore his work and journey further through his books:“Down the Rabbit Hole”: https://www.amazon.com.au/Down-Rabbit-Hole-Corrections-Encourages/dp/197448064X“View from a Cage”: https://books2read.com/u/4jN6xj
join our Ayn Rand Adelaide Meetups here for some seriously social discussions on Freedom https://www.meetup.com/adelaide-ayn-rand-meetup/

Aug 16, 2024 • 1h 1min
The Rational Egoist: Debating the Moral Status of Intellectual Property with Stephan Kinsella
The Rational Egoist: Debating the Moral Status of Intellectual Property with Stephan Kinsella
In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz engages in a thought-provoking discussion and debate with Stephan Kinsella, a libertarian writer and patent attorney, on the moral status of intellectual property. The complexity of the issue sparks a deep dive into the ethical and legal dimensions of IP rights, leading to a conversation so rich that it had to be continued in a future episode.
Kinsella, known for his critical views on intellectual property, challenges conventional notions, while Michael offers his own perspective. This episode promises to be a captivating exploration of one of the most debated topics in the intersection of law, philosophy, and economics. Tune in for a rigorous and intellectually stimulating debate that leaves no stone unturned.
Michael Leibowitz, host of The Rational Egoist podcast, is a philosopher and political activist who draws inspiration from Ayn Rand’s philosophy, advocating for reason, rational self-interest, and individualism. His journey from a 25-year prison sentence to a prominent voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities highlights the transformative impact of embracing these principles.
Leibowitz actively participates in political debates and produces content aimed at promoting individual rights and freedoms. He is the co-author of “Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Correction Encourages Crime” and “View from a Cage: From Convict to Crusader for Liberty,” which explore societal issues and his personal evolution through Rand’s teachings.
Explore his work and journey further through his books:“Down the Rabbit Hole”: https://www.amazon.com.au/Down-Rabbit-Hole-Corrections-Encourages/dp/197448064X“
View from a Cage”: https://books2read.com/u/4jN6xj
join our Ayn Rand Adelaide Meetups here for some seriously social discussions on Freedom https://www.meetup.com/adelaide-ayn-rand-meetup/

Aug 14, 2024 • 32min
The Rational Egoist: Life After Prison with Carlos Rebollo
The Rational Egoist: Life After Prison with Carlos Rebollo
In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz is joined by Carlos Rebollo, an entrepreneur who owns his own hair braiding business after serving 24 years in prison.
Carlos shares his journey of reintegration into society and the unique challenges he has faced since his release just 22 months ago. From rebuilding his life to navigating the obstacles of post-incarceration, Carlos offers a candid and inspiring look at the realities of life after a long prison sentence.
This episode provides valuable insights into resilience, entrepreneurship, and the complex process of adjusting to freedom after decades behind bars. Tune in for a powerful conversation about redemption, personal growth, and the determination to succeed against the odds.
Michael Leibowitz, host of The Rational Egoist podcast, is a philosopher and political activist who draws inspiration from Ayn Rand’s philosophy, advocating for reason, rational self-interest, and individualism. His journey from a 25-year prison sentence to a prominent voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities highlights the transformative impact of embracing these principles.
Leibowitz actively participates in political debates and produces content aimed at promoting individual rights and freedoms.
He is the co-author of “Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Correction Encourages Crime” and “View from a Cage: From Convict to Crusader for Liberty,” which explore societal issues and his personal evolution through Rand’s teachings.
Explore his work and journey further through his books:“Down the Rabbit Hole”: https://www.amazon.com.au/Down-Rabbit-Hole-Corrections-Encourages/dp/197448064X“View from a Cage”: https://books2read.com/u/4jN6xj
join our Ayn Rand Adelaide Meetups here for some seriously social discussions on Freedom https://www.meetup.com/adelaide-ayn-rand-meetup/

Aug 11, 2024 • 31min
The Rational Egoist: Debunking the Kamala Harris Myth with Elizabeth Nolan Brown
The Rational Egoist: Debunking the Kamala Harris Myth with Elizabeth Nolan Brown
In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz is joined by Elizabeth Nolan Brown, Senior Editor at Reason, author of Reason's bi-weekly newsletter Sex & Tech, and cofounder of Feminists for Liberty. Brown offers a critical examination of Kamala Harris, challenging the narrative that positions her as a political savior.
Drawing on her expertise in politics, media, and liberty, Brown unpacks the complexities of Harris's career and policies, providing a nuanced perspective that cuts through the mainstream portrayal.
This episode promises to offer a thought-provoking analysis for those seeking a deeper understanding of political leadership and media narratives. Tune in for a compelling conversation that questions popular assumptions and encourages independent thought.
Michael Leibowitz, host of The Rational Egoist podcast, is a philosopher and political activist who draws inspiration from Ayn Rand’s philosophy, advocating for reason, rational self-interest, and individualism.
His journey from a 25-year prison sentence to a prominent voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities highlights the transformative impact of embracing these principles. Leibowitz actively participates in political debates and produces content aimed at promoting individual rights and freedoms.
He is the co-author of “Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Correction Encourages Crime” and “View from a Cage: From Convict to Crusader for Liberty,” which explore societal issues and his personal evolution through Rand’s teachings.
Explore his work and journey further through his books:“Down the Rabbit Hole”:
https://www.amazon.com.au/Down-Rabbit-Hole-Corrections-Encourages/dp/197448064X“View from a Cage”: https://books2read.com/u/4jN6xj
join our Ayn Rand Adelaide Meetups here for some seriously social discussions on Freedom https://www.meetup.com/adelaide-ayn-rand-meetup/

Aug 7, 2024 • 56min
The Rational Egoist: The Journey of an Entrepreneur with Jason Scalora
The Rational Egoist: The Journey of an Entrepreneur with Jason Scalora
In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz welcomes Jason Scalora, a young entrepreneur who shares the experiences and choices that have shaped his entrepreneurial journey.
Scalora candidly discusses the challenges he has faced, the lessons he has learned, and the ongoing process of growth and discovery in the business world. This episode offers valuable insights into the mindset and strategies of a budding entrepreneur, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in entrepreneurship and personal development. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that highlights the realities of building a business and the continuous pursuit of knowledge and improvement.
Michael Leibowitz, host of The Rational Egoist podcast, is a philosopher and political activist who draws inspiration from Ayn Rand’s philosophy, advocating for reason, rational self-interest, and individualism.
His journey from a 25-year prison sentence to a prominent voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities highlights the transformative impact of embracing these principles.
Leibowitz actively participates in political debates and produces content aimed at promoting individual rights and freedoms.
He is the co-author of “Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Correction Encourages Crime” and “View from a Cage: From Convict to Crusader for Liberty,” which explore societal issues and his personal evolution through Rand’s teachings.
Explore his work and journey further through his books:“Down the Rabbit Hole”: https://www.amazon.com.au/Down-Rabbit-Hole-Corrections-Encourages/dp/197448064X“View from a Cage”: https://books2read.com/u/4jN6xj
join our Ayn Rand Adelaide Meetups here for some seriously social discussions on Freedom https://www.meetup.com/adelaide-ayn-rand-meetup/

Aug 5, 2024 • 48min
The Rational Egoist: The Hard Problem of Consciousness and an Integrated Theory of Psychology with Gregg Henriques
The Rational Egoist: The Hard Problem of Consciousness and an Integrated Theory of Psychology with Gregg Henriques
In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz is joined by Gregg Henriques, a psychologist and professor for the Combined-Integrated Doctoral Program at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA.
Henriques delves into the "hard problem" of consciousness, exploring the complexities of understanding subjective experience. He also discusses his vision for moving toward an integrated theory of psychology, aiming to bridge gaps between various psychological disciplines.
This episode promises to offer profound insights into the nature of consciousness and the future of psychological science. Tune in for an intellectually stimulating conversation that tackles some of the most challenging questions in psychology.
Michael Leibowitz, host of The Rational Egoist podcast, is a philosopher and political activist who draws inspiration from Ayn Rand’s philosophy, advocating for reason, rational self-interest, and individualism. His journey from a 25-year prison sentence to a prominent voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities highlights the transformative impact of embracing these principles.
Leibowitz actively participates in political debates and produces content aimed at promoting individual rights and freedoms.
He is the co-author of “Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Correction Encourages Crime” and “View from a Cage: From Convict to Crusader for Liberty,” which explore societal issues and his personal evolution through Rand’s teachings.Explore his work and journey further through his books:“Down the Rabbit Hole”:
https://www.amazon.com.au/Down-Rabbit-Hole-Corrections-Encourages/dp/197448064X“
View from a Cage”: https://books2read.com/u/4jN6xj
join our Ayn Rand Adelaide Meetups here for some seriously social discussions on Freedom https://www.meetup.com/adelaide-ayn-rand-meetup/

Jul 29, 2024 • 56min
The Rational Egoist: Trump, the Assassination Attempt, and the Power of Images with Crispin Sartwell
The Rational Egoist: Trump, the Assassination Attempt, and the Power of Images with Crispin Sartwell
In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz welcomes Crispin Sartwell, former philosophy professor at Dickinson College and author of "Beauty: A Quick Immersion." Sartwell delves into the multifaceted topics of Donald Trump, the assassination attempt, and the profound influence of images in politics and society. Join them as they explore how visual media shapes public perception and political narratives, and the implications of these dynamics in contemporary discourse. This episode offers a deep dive into the intersection of philosophy, politics, and visual culture, providing listeners with insightful analysis and thought-provoking perspectives. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that challenges conventional views and highlights the power of imagery in our world.
Michael Leibowitz, host of The Rational Egoist podcast, is a philosopher and political activist who draws inspiration from Ayn Rand’s philosophy, advocating for reason, rational self-interest, and individualism. His journey from a 25-year prison sentence to a prominent voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities highlights the transformative impact of embracing these principles. Leibowitz actively participates in political debates and produces content aimed at promoting individual rights and freedoms. He is the co-author of “Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Correction Encourages Crime” and “View from a Cage: From Convict to Crusader for Liberty,” which explore societal issues and his personal evolution through Rand’s teachings.Explore his work and journey further through his books:
“Down the Rabbit Hole”: https://www.amazon.com.au/Down-Rabbit-Hole-Corrections-Encourages/dp/197448064X
“View from a Cage”: https://books2read.com/u/4jN6xj
join our Ayn Rand Adelaide Meetups here for some seriously social discussions on Freedom https://www.meetup.com/adelaide-ayn-rand-meetup/

Jul 26, 2024 • 56min
The Rational Egoist: Talking Politics with James Stevens Valliant
The Rational Egoist: Talking Politics with James Stevens Valliant
In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz is joined once again by James Stevens Valliant for an engaging discussion on politics. Valliant, known for his sharp and insightful commentary, delves into current political events, underlying philosophical principles, and their broader implications. E
xplore the complexities of today's political landscape through a rational and objective lens as Valliant and Liebowitz tackle key issues and debates. This episode promises to offer thought-provoking perspectives and in-depth analysis for anyone interested in understanding the political dynamics shaping our world. Tune in for a compelling conversation that cuts through the rhetoric and gets to the heart of political discourse.
Michael Leibowitz, host of The Rational Egoist podcast, is a philosopher and political activist who draws inspiration from Ayn Rand’s philosophy, advocating for reason, rational self-interest, and individualism.
His journey from a 25-year prison sentence to a prominent voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities highlights the transformative impact of embracing these principles. Leibowitz actively participates in political debates and produces content aimed at promoting individual rights and freedoms.
He is the co-author of “Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Correction Encourages Crime” and “View from a Cage: From Convict to Crusader for Liberty,” which explore societal issues and his personal evolution through Rand’s teachings.
Explore his work and journey further through his books:“Down the Rabbit Hole”: https://www.amazon.com.au/Down-Rabbit-Hole-Corrections-Encourages/dp/197448064X“View from a Cage”: https://books2read.com/u/4jN6xj
join our Ayn Rand Adelaide Meetups here for some seriously social discussions on Freedom https://www.meetup.com/adelaide-ayn-rand-meetup/

Jul 23, 2024 • 59min
The Rational Egoist: Yvonne Castaneda Interviews Michael Liebowitz
The Rational Egoist: Yvonne Castaneda Interviews Michael Liebowitz
In this special episode of The Rational Egoist, the roles are reversed as host Michael Liebowitz is interviewed by Yvonne Castaneda, a clinical social worker and part-time faculty member at the Boston College School of Social Work. Castaneda, also the author of "Pork Belly Tacos with a Side of Anxiety: My Journey Through Depression, Bulimia, and Addiction," delves into Michael's personal journey, his philosophies, and the inspirations behind The Rational Egoist.
Discover the man behind the microphone as Michael shares his insights on objectivism, his experiences, and his vision for the podcast. Tune in for a candid and revealing conversation that offers listeners a deeper understanding of the show's host and the principles that drive his work.
Michael Leibowitz, host of The Rational Egoist podcast, is a philosopher and political activist who draws inspiration from Ayn Rand’s philosophy, advocating for reason, rational self-interest, and individualism.
His journey from a 25-year prison sentence to a prominent voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities highlights the transformative impact of embracing these principles.
Leibowitz actively participates in political debates and produces content aimed at promoting individual rights and freedoms. He is the co-author of “Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Correction Encourages Crime” and “View from a Cage: From Convict to Crusader for Liberty,” which explore societal issues and his personal evolution through Rand’s teachings.
Explore his work and journey further through his books:“Down the Rabbit Hole”: https://www.amazon.com.au/Down-Rabbit-Hole-Corrections-Encourages/dp/197448064X“View from a Cage”: https://books2read.com/u/4jN6xj
join our Ayn Rand Adelaide Meetups here for some seriously social discussions on Freedom https://www.meetup.com/adelaide-ayn-rand-meetup/

Jul 20, 2024 • 46min
The Rational Egoist: Expediting Naturalization for Immigrants in the U.S. Military with Margaret Stock
The Rational Egoist: Expediting Naturalization for Immigrants in the U.S. Military with Margaret Stock
In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz welcomes Margaret Stock, a nationally known expert on immigration and national security laws.
Stock discusses the U.S. military's policy of expediting the naturalization of immigrants who serve, shedding light on the legal, ethical, and practical aspects of this policy. Learn about the benefits and challenges faced by immigrant service members, and how their contributions impact both the military and broader society.
This episode provides a comprehensive look at the intersection of immigration and national security, offering valuable insights for anyone interested in the policies that shape the lives of those who serve.
Tune in for an informative and thought-provoking conversation on a crucial topic.Michael Leibowitz, host of The Rational Egoist podcast, is a philosopher and political activist who draws inspiration from Ayn Rand’s philosophy, advocating for reason, rational self-interest, and individualism.
His journey from a 25-year prison sentence to a prominent voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities highlights the transformative impact of embracing these principles. Leibowitz actively participates in political debates and produces content aimed at promoting individual rights and freedoms.
He is the co-author of “Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Correction Encourages Crime” and “View from a Cage: From Convict to Crusader for Liberty,” which explore societal issues and his personal evolution through Rand’s teachings.
Explore his work and journey further through his books:“Down the Rabbit Hole”: https://www.amazon.com.au/Down-Rabbit-Hole-Corrections-Encourages/dp/197448064X“View from a Cage”: https://books2read.com/u/4jN6xj
join our Ayn Rand Adelaide Meetups here for some seriously social discussions on Freedom https://www.meetup.com/adelaide-ayn-rand-meetup/