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The Rational Egoist

Latest episodes

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Apr 25, 2023 • 40min

The Rational Egoist - Evidence-based Correction Practices to Reduce Recidivism with Debi Koetzle

The Rational Egoist - Evidence-based Correction Practices to Reduce Recidivism In this episode of The Rational Egoist podcast, host Michael Liebowitz interviews Professor Debi Koetzle, author of "What Works and What Doesn’t in Recidivism." Together, they discuss evidence-based correction practices to reduce recidivism, or the likelihood of reoffending. They delve into the core issues behind criminal behaviour, addressing criminogenic needs, and the importance of cognitive behavioural therapy to promote prosocial behaviour. They also debunk ineffective correctional practices, such as inconsistent punishment and empty praise, and highlight the value of accountability in reforming offenders. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on reducing recidivism and promoting positive change. Michael Liebowitz is a philosopher, political activist, and host of the Rational Egoist podcast. He is a passionate advocate of reason and his views have been heavily influenced by the philosopher Ayn Rand. Liebowitz has dedicated his life to promoting its principles of rational self-interest, individualism, and reason. In addition to his work as a podcast host, Liebowitz is also a prominent spokesperson for the Libertarian Party for Connecticut - USA and has been involved in a number of political debates advocating for individual rights and freedoms through his YouTube videos and interviews. Liebowitz's life story is a testament to the transformative power of the writings of Ayn Rand. After spending 25 years in prison, he was able to turn his life around by embracing the principles of rational self-interest and morality espoused by Ayn Rand. He has since become an influential voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities, using his own experience to inspire others to live their lives in accordance with reason, individualism, and self-interest. Liebowitz is also the co-author of "Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Correction Encourages Crime," a book that explores the ways in which misguided societal attitudes towards punishment and rehabilitation have led to a rise in crime and recidivism. In addition to his work in politics and philosophy, Liebowitz is a regular guest on the Todd Feinburg show at WTIC, where he provides expert commentary on a range of political and social issues.
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Apr 21, 2023 • 43min

The Rational Egoist Podcast with Michael Liebowitz: The Constitutionality of Immigration Laws with Professor Ilya Somin

The Rational Egoist Podcast with Michael Liebowitz: The Constitutionality of Immigration Laws with Professor Ilya Somin In this episode of The Rational Egoist Podcast, host Michael Liebowitz interviews Professor Ilya Somin, a law professor at George Mason University, on the constitutionality of immigration laws. They delve into the fact that there is nothing in the Constitution that gives the government the right to regulate or restrict immigration, and that this assumption is inferred to exist from the government's sovereign power. They also discuss the origins of immigration laws, such as the indentured servitude contract that many immigrants had to sign in the past, and the unconstitutional Chinese exclusion laws that were based on racist fears. They argue that people crossing borders should not be restricted because they have individual human rights and the right to pursue a better life in another country. Furthermore, they debunk common myths about immigrants, such as the assumption that they will automatically receive citizenship or overburden the welfare state. They point out that citizenship and immigration are separate issues, and that immigrants are restricted from receiving welfare benefits for a certain period of time. They also argue that the welfare state is unconstitutional, as it uses the labor of one person to pay for another, and that restrictions on welfare eligibility should apply to everyone, not just immigrants. They also address the fears that people have regarding immigration, such as drug trafficking and overburdening the welfare state. They argue that these fears are unfounded, as individuals cannot be assumed to be drug dealers without conviction and statistics have shown that immigrants produce more than they use in terms of welfare benefits. They also point out that many immigrants have contributed to the economy through innovation and entrepreneurship. Finally, they argue that limiting the power of government to both grant welfare and reduce immigration is the better argument, and that people have the inalienable right to seek a better life. They criticize the government's use of power to force people to live in oppressive situations, such as Venezuela and Cuba, and stress the importance of individual human rights and freedoms Michael Liebowitz is a philosopher, political activist, and host of the Rational Egoist podcast. He is a passionate advocate of reason and his views have been heavily influenced by the philosopher Ayn Rand. Liebowitz has dedicated his life to promoting its principles of rational self-interest, individualism, and reason. In addition to his work as a podcast host, Liebowitz is also a prominent spokesperson for the Libertarian Party for Connecticut - USA and has been involved in a number of political debates advocating for individual rights and freedoms through his YouTube videos and interviews. Liebowitz's life story is a testament to the transformative power of the writings of Ayn Rand. After spending 25 years in prison, he was able to turn his life around by embracing the principles of rational self-interest and morality espoused by Ayn Rand. He has since become an influential voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities, using his own experience to inspire others to live their lives in accordance with reason, individualism, and self-interest. Liebowitz is also the co-author of "Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Correction Encourages Crime," a book that explores the ways in which misguided societal attitudes towards punishment and rehabilitation have led to a rise in crime and recidivism. In addition to his work in politics and philosophy, Liebowitz is a regular guest on the Todd Feinburg show at WTIC, where he provides expert commentary on a range of political and social issues.
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Apr 20, 2023 • 51min

Rational Egoist Podcast: Ludwig von Mises and the Failure of Socialism

Rational Egoist Podcast: Ludwig von Mises and the Failure of Socialism In this episode of Rational Egoist podcast, host Michael Liebowitz interviews Dr. Mark Thornton, a senior fellow with the Ludwig von Mises Institute and an American economist of the Austrian school. Dr. Thornton provides a free audiobook titled "The Skyscraper Curse" for subscribers, which can be accessed through this link: https://mises.org/library/skyscraper-curse. The conversation centers on Ludwig von Mises' economic theories and their application to socialism. The discussion covers how government intervention, such as manipulating the money supply and price controls, misleads entrepreneurs and puts investors and capitalists at personal risk. The Great Depression is also analysed, with government intervention being blamed for its cause, not capitalism. The mainstream media is discussed for its sensationalism and misrepresentation of real economics as it is not in the business of educating the masses on economics and will just spread misinformation regarding socialist ideologies. Dr. Thornton explains that the federal reserve paints a false picture that more regulation and intervention are needed when a free market capitalist economy is the only solution. Mises demonstrated that socialism does not work, not even in theory, as a free market economy requires private property and the exchange of value through prices. Socialism uses up resources, while capitalism produces more resources and creates new things. The failure of communism is examined, with the Soviet Union collapsing due to one central control guessing what is needed instead of measuring supply and demand through prices. The Rational Egoist podcast offers a thought-provoking discussion on economics from the perspectie of Ludwig Von Mises . Michael Liebowitz is a philosopher, political activist, and host of the Rational Egoist podcast. He is a passionate advocate of reason and his views have been heavily influenced by the philosopher Ayn Rand. Liebowitz has dedicated his life to promoting its principles of rational self-interest, individualism, and reason. In addition to his work as a podcast host, Liebowitz is also a prominent spokesperson for the Libertarian Party for Connecticut - USA and has been involved in a number of political debates advocating for individual rights and freedoms through his YouTube videos and interviews. Liebowitz's life story is a testament to the transformative power of the writings of Ayn Rand. After spending 25 years in prison, he was able to turn his life around by embracing the principles of rational self-interest and morality espoused by Ayn Rand. He has since become an influential voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities, using his own experience to inspire others to live their lives in accordance with reason, individualism, and self-interest. Liebowitz is also the co-author of "Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Correction Encourages Crime," a book that explores the ways in which misguided societal attitudes towards punishment and rehabilitation have led to a rise in crime and recidivism. In addition to his work in politics and philosophy, Liebowitz is a regular guest on the Todd Feinburg show at WTIC, where he provides expert commentary on a range of political and social issues.
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Apr 20, 2023 • 38min

Exploring the Merits of Ranked Choice Voting in America with Michael Liebowitz and Jonathan Bydlak

Exploring the Merits of Ranked Choice Voting in America In this episode of "The Rational Egoist," host Michael Liebowitz sits down with Jonathan Bydlak, the Director of Governance at the R Street Institute, to discuss the potential benefits of implementing ranked choice voting (RCV) in American elections. The conversation covers a range of topics, including how RCV works, the history of its use in other countries, and the potential impact it could have on American politics. Bydlak explains how RCV can lead to more accurate representation of voters' preferences, reduce the impact of negative campaigning, and foster a more collaborative political environment. Liebowitz and Bydlak also discuss the challenges of implementing RCV in the United States and how advocates can build momentum for this important electoral reform. Whether you're a seasoned political wonk or simply interested in learning more about the mechanics of democracy, this episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the merits of ranked choice voting. Michael Liebowitz is a philosopher, political activist, and host of the Rational Egoist podcast. He is a passionate advocate of reason and his views have been heavily influenced by the philosopher Ayn Rand. Liebowitz has dedicated his life to promoting its principles of rational self-interest, individualism, and reason. In addition to his work as a podcast host, Liebowitz is also a prominent spokesperson for the Libertarian Party for Connecticut - USA and has been involved in a number of political debates advocating for individual rights and freedoms through his YouTube videos and interviews. Liebowitz's life story is a testament to the transformative power of the writings of Ayn Rand. After spending 25 years in prison, he was able to turn his life around by embracing the principles of rational self-interest and morality espoused by Ayn Rand. He has since become an influential voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities, using his own experience to inspire others to live their lives in accordance with reason, individualism, and self-interest. Liebowitz is also the co-author of "Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Correction Encourages Crime," a book that explores the ways in which misguided societal attitudes towards punishment and rehabilitation have led to a rise in crime and recidivism. In addition to his work in politics and philosophy, Liebowitz is a regular guest on the Todd Feinburg show at WTIC, where he provides expert commentary on a range of political and social issues.
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Apr 19, 2023 • 51min

The Rational Egoist: How Different Countries Handled COVID-19 - Michael Liebowitz and Jonathan Miltimore

The Rational Egoist: How Different Countries Handled COVID-19 In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz interviews Jonathan Miltimore about the various approaches countries took in handling the COVID-19 pandemic. From Sweden's no-lockdown policy to Finland and Norway's less restrictive measures, they discuss the impact of government control and politicisation of the pandemic response. The conversation delves into how mandates affected people's liberties and livelihoods, the role of the media in shaping the narrative, and how this led to the spread of conspiracy theories and false information about vaccines. Listen now for a great perspective on the pandemic response. Michael Liebowitz is a philosopher, political activist, and host of the Rational Egoist podcast. He is a passionate advocate of reason and his views have been heavily influenced by the philosopher Ayn Rand. Liebowitz has dedicated his life to promoting its principles of rational self-interest, individualism, and reason. In addition to his work as a podcast host, Liebowitz is also a prominent spokesperson for the Libertarian Party for Connecticut - USA and has been involved in a number of political debates advocating for individual rights and freedoms through his YouTube videos and interviews. Liebowitz's life story is a testament to the transformative power of the writings of Ayn Rand. After spending 25 years in prison, he was able to turn his life around by embracing the principles of rational self-interest and morality espoused by Ayn Rand. He has since become an influential voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities, using his own experience to inspire others to live their lives in accordance with reason, individualism, and self-interest. Liebowitz is also the co-author of "Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Correction Encourages Crime," a book that explores the ways in which misguided societal attitudes towards punishment and rehabilitation have led to a rise in crime and recidivism. In addition to his work in politics and philosophy, Liebowitz is a regular guest on the Todd Feinburg show at WTIC, where he provides expert commentary on a range of political and social issues.
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Apr 13, 2023 • 42min

The Rational Egoist: A Critical Look at Trumps Presidency with Rocco Lucente

The Rational Egoist: A Critical Look at Trumps Presidency with Rocco Lucente Join host Michael Liebowitz as he explores the intersection of Christian Constitutionalism, individual rights, and Trump's presidency with special guest Rocco Lucente. Rocco is a Christian and a Constitutionalist who supports Donald Trump because he believes that Trump's policies align more with his beliefs than any other candidate. In this podcast, Rocco discusses his views on limited government, individual rights, taxation, and morality from a Christian perspective. Michael and Rocco also dive into Trump's presidency, discussing topics such as tax cuts, spending cuts, deregulation, tariffs, and immigration, and examining how they align with Rocco's philosophy. Through their discussions, they aim to seek truth and provide honest perspectives on these complex topics without compromising their principles or allowing contradiction. Michael Liebowitz is a philosopher, political activist, and host of the Rational Egoist podcast. He is a passionate advocate of reason and his views have been heavily influenced by the philosopher Ayn Rand. Liebowitz has dedicated his life to promoting its principles of rational self-interest, individualism, and reason. In addition to his work as a podcast host, Liebowitz is also a prominent spokesperson for the Libertarian Party for Connecticut - USA and has been involved in a number of political debates advocating for individual rights and freedoms through his YouTube videos and interviews. Liebowitz's life story is a testament to the transformative power of the writings of Ayn Rand. After spending 25 years in prison, he was able to turn his life around by embracing the principles of rational self-interest and morality espoused by Ayn Rand. He has since become an influential voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities, using his own experience to inspire others to live their lives in accordance with reason, individualism, and self-interest. Liebowitz is also the co-author of "Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Correction Encourages Crime," a book that explores the ways in which misguided societal attitudes towards punishment and rehabilitation have led to a rise in crime and recidivism. In addition to his work in politics and philosophy, Liebowitz is a regular guest on the Todd Feinburg show at WTIC, where he provides expert commentary on a range of political and social issues.
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Apr 12, 2023 • 40min

The Rational Egoist - Uncovering the Truth with Jan Helfeld - The Socratic Assassin

The Socratic Assassin: Uncovering the Truth with the Rational Egoist Join host Michael Leibowitz as he explores the power of the Socratic method with guest Jan Helfeld, known as the Socratic assassin. Through their discussions, they will delve into the art of asking questions that reveal the real differences in opinion, uncover contradictions in thinking, and get beyond the public facade of politicians. By using this approach, they will expose what people's true values are and how they shape their beliefs. Discover how the hierarchical structure of knowledge plays a crucial role in identifying inconsistencies and how only an honest person will take responsibility for the contradictions in their beliefs. Tune in to The Socratic Assassin: Uncovering the Truth with the Rational Egoist, and learn how to use the power of questions to sharpen your thinking and reveal the truth. Michael Liebowitz is a philosopher, political activist, and host of the Rational Egoist podcast. He is a passionate advocate of reason and his views have been heavily influenced by the philosopher Ayn Rand. Liebowitz has dedicated his life to promoting its principles of rational self-interest, individualism, and reason. In addition to his work as a podcast host, Liebowitz is also a prominent spokesperson for the Libertarian Party for Connecticut - USA and has been involved in a number of political debates advocating for individual rights and freedoms through his YouTube videos and interviews. Liebowitz's life story is a testament to the transformative power of the writings of Ayn Rand. After spending 25 years in prison, he was able to turn his life around by embracing the principles of rational self-interest and morality espoused by Ayn Rand. He has since become an influential voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities, using his own experience to inspire others to live their lives in accordance with reason, individualism, and self-interest. Liebowitz is also the co-author of "Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Correction Encourages Crime," a book that explores the ways in which misguided societal attitudes towards punishment and rehabilitation have led to a rise in crime and recidivism. In addition to his work in politics and philosophy, Liebowitz is a regular guest on the Todd Feinburg show at WTIC, where he provides expert commentary on a range of political and social issue
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Apr 10, 2023 • 40min

The Rational Egoist: Challenging the Failures of the Prison System

The Rational Egoist: Challenging the Failures of the Prison System In this podcast, host Michael Liebowitz engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Reece Hopkins from Reece on the radio, as they dive deep into the failures of the prison system. They discuss how blindly accepting things can lead to complacency and how questioning the status quo is essential to bring about change. They also shed light on how the imbalance of power in the government and law-enforcement agencies is leading to corrupt practices.Reece shares his firsthand experience of being in the prison system and how it fails to provide an environment that encourages personal growth and education. He highlights how the correction officers' attitude towards minor violations and the reward system for bad behavior can be detrimental to an individual's progress. Through this podcast, Michael and Reece aim to create awareness about the need for a better prison system and how individuals can be empowered to make a change. Tune in to The Rational Egoist and join the conversation on challenging the status quo and bringing about a positive change in the prison system. Michael Liebowitz is a philosopher, political activist, and host of the Rational Egoist podcast. He is a passionate advocate of reason and his views have been heavily influenced by the philosopher Ayn Rand. Liebowitz has dedicated his life to promoting its principles of rational self-interest, individualism, and reason. In addition to his work as a podcast host, Liebowitz is also a prominent spokesperson for the Libertarian Party for Connecticut - USA and has been involved in a number of political debates advocating for individual rights and freedoms through his YouTube videos and interviews. Liebowitz's life story is a testament to the transformative power of the writings of Ayn Rand. After spending 25 years in prison, he was able to turn his life around by embracing the principles of rational self-interest and morality espoused by Ayn Rand. He has since become an influential voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities, using his own experience to inspire others to live their lives in accordance with reason, individualism, and self-interest. Liebowitz is also the co-author of "Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Correction Encourages Crime," a book that explores the ways in which misguided societal attitudes towards punishment and rehabilitation have led to a rise in crime and recidivism. In addition to his work in politics and philosophy, Liebowitz is a regular guest on the Todd Feinburg show at WTIC, where he provides expert commentary on a range of political and social issues.
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Apr 7, 2023 • 50min

The Rational Egoist: Exploring Constitutional Interpretation

The Rational Egoist: Exploring Constitutional Interpretation The Rational Egoist is a podcast that delves into objectivist philosophy and its applications in various fields. In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz interviews legal scholar Professor Richard Epstein to explore the question of whether constitutional interpretation should be based on original meaning. Michael argues that regulating immigration and drugs is unconstitutional, and that individual human rights are being ignored in favor of following legal procedures. Epstein, however, contends that the legal system has to take a utilitarian approach due to its complexity and the need to follow precedences. The discussion delves into the role of individual rights in the legal system, the impact of public opinion on legal decisions, and the importance of sticking to the law versus principles. Through this engaging conversation, listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of constitutional interpretation and the tensions between objectivism and utilitarianism in the legal system. Michael Liebowitz is a philosopher, political activist, and host of the Rational Egoist podcast. He is a passionate advocate of reason and his views have been heavily influenced by the philosopher Ayn Rand. Liebowitz has dedicated his life to promoting its principles of rational self-interest, individualism, and reason. In addition to his work as a podcast host, Liebowitz is also a prominent spokesperson for the Libertarian Party for Connecticut - USA and has been involved in a number of political debates advocating for individual rights and freedoms through his YouTube videos and interviews. Liebowitz's life story is a testament to the transformative power of the writings of Ayn Rand. After spending 25 years in prison, he was able to turn his life around by embracing the principles of rational self-interest and morality espoused by Ayn Rand. He has since become an influential voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities, using his own experience to inspire others to live their lives in accordance with reason, individualism, and self-interest. Liebowitz is also the co-author of "Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Correction Encourages Crime," a book that explores the ways in which misguided societal attitudes towards punishment and rehabilitation have led to a rise in crime and recidivism. In addition to his work in politics and philosophy, Liebowitz is a regular guest on the Todd Feinburg show at WTIC, where he provides expert commentary on a range of political and social issues.
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Apr 6, 2023 • 20min

The Rational Egoist: Ayn Rand's Philosophy of Capitalism in the Age of Trump

The Rational Egoist: Ayn Rand's Philosophy of Capitalism in the Age of Trump In this podcast, host Michael Liebowitz examines the presidency of Donald Trump, discussing whether Trump's policies truly align with the principles of capitalism. He examines Trump's support for minimum wage, tariffs, bailouts, and government intervention in the economy, arguing that these stances are fundamentally anti-capitalist. Liebowitz argues that the only antidote to the rise of wokeism, political correctness, and cancel culture is Ayn Rand's philosophy of rational egoism, which advocates for individual rights, free markets, and unfettered capitalism. Michael Liebowitz is a philosopher, political activist, and host of the Rational Egoist podcast. He is a passionate advocate of reason and his views have been heavily influenced by the philosopher Ayn Rand. Liebowitz has dedicated his life to promoting its principles of rational self-interest, individualism, and reason. In addition to his work as a podcast host, Liebowitz is also a prominent spokesperson for the Libertarian Party for Connecticut - USA and has been involved in a number of political debates advocating for individual rights and freedoms through his YouTube videos and interviews. Liebowitz's life story is a testament to the transformative power of the writings of Ayn Rand. After spending 25 years in prison, he was able to turn his life around by embracing the principles of rational self-interest and morality espoused by Ayn Rand. He has since become an influential voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities, using his own experience to inspire others to live their lives in accordance with reason, individualism, and self-interest. Liebowitz is also the co-author of "Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Correction Encourages Crime," a book that explores the ways in which misguided societal attitudes towards punishment and rehabilitation have led to a rise in crime and recidivism. In addition to his work in politics and philosophy, Liebowitz is a regular guest on the Todd Feinburg show at WTIC, where he provides expert commentary on a range of political and social issues.

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