The Rational Egoist

Discussing Populism with Professor Sidney Milkis In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz speaks with Professor Sidney M. Milkis, White Burkett Miller Professor in the Department of Politics and renowned scholar of American politics. Milkis delves into the rise of populism, its impact on political institutions, and the challenges it poses to the stability of democratic governance. Drawing from his extensive research and his book What Happened to the Vital Center? (coauthored with Nicholas Jacobs), Milkis offers a nuanced exploration of the historical and modern dynamics of populist movements in America. Tune in for a deep dive into one of the most pressing political phenomena of our time. 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/

Reviewing The Train from an Objectivist Perspective with Professor Andrew Bernstein In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz sits down with Professor Andrew Bernstein, Objectivist philosopher and author, to review the classic film The Train through the lens of Objectivism. Bernstein, a staunch advocate for capitalism and individualism, offers insights into the film’s portrayal of heroism, sacrifice, and the fight for values under extreme conditions. Together, they explore how The Train aligns—or conflicts—with Objectivist principles, discussing themes of individual rights, integrity, and the moral significance of art. This episode invites listeners to see the film in a new light, enriched by Objectivist philosophy. 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/

Narcissist or Bully? With Mariette Jansen, Ph.D. In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz welcomes Dr. Mariette Jansen, psychotherapist, life coach, and author of From Victim to Victor: Narcissism Survival Guide, to discuss the complex dynamics between narcissistic and bullying behavior. Dr. Jansen sheds light on the psychological traits of narcissists and bullies, examining their motivations, effects on others, and how to distinguish between the two. They also delve into strategies for recognizing and dealing with these challenging personalities in personal and professional relationships. Tune in for valuable insights and practical advice on navigating the difficult dynamics of narcissistic and bullying behaviors. 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/

Trump's Victory: Assessing the Concerns with Jacob Sullum In this episode of "The Rational Egoist," host Michael Liebowitz tackles the pressing question: "Trump Won. Should we be Concerned?" Joining him is Jacob Sullum, Senior Editor at Reason magazine, to provide expert insights on this timely topic.As the nation grapples with the implications of Donald Trump's election victory, Liebowitz and Sullum will offer a rational, balanced analysis of the situation. Listeners can expect a thoughtful discussion that explores:The potential impact of Trump's presidency on policy and governancePossible shifts in domestic and foreign affairs The role of checks and balances in the American political systemImplications for individual liberties and constitutional rightsDrawing from Sullum's extensive experience in political commentary and journalism, this episode promises to cut through the noise and provide a clear-eyed assessment of the post-election landscape.Whether you're seeking to understand the potential consequences of Trump's win or looking for a reasoned perspective on the path forward, this conversation between Liebowitz and Sullum is not to be missed. Tune in for an informative and thought-provoking analysis that encourages critical thinking about the future of American politics 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/

The Case Against Kamala Harris, as Prosecuted by James Stevens Valliant In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz is joined by James Stevens Valliant for a critical examination of Vice President Kamala Harris’s record and policies. Valliant, known for his incisive commentary, lays out a detailed case against Harris, focusing on her career as a prosecutor, her political decisions, and her influence on American policy. Together, they analyze Harris’s impact on issues ranging from criminal justice to civil liberties, offering a comprehensive critique grounded in reason and evidence. Tune in for a rigorous and thought-provoking discussion 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/

A Case for Kamala? With Professor Ilya Somin In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Professor Ilya Somin, Professor of Law at George Mason University and Kenneth B. Simon Chair in Constitutional Studies at The Cato Institute. Together, they explore the political and constitutional implications of Vice President Kamala Harris’s tenure and potential future leadership. Professor Somin presents a balanced analysis, weighing the arguments both for and against Harris’s policies and leadership style. This episode offers a nuanced perspective on Harris’s influence and what it means for the future of American governance. Tune in for a compelling discussion that challenges assumptions and stimulates debate.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/

Discovering the Power of Metaphor with Dr. Eva Krockow In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz welcomes Dr. Eva Krockow, Associate Professor of Psychology and Vision Sciences at the University of Leicester, to explore the fascinating world of metaphor. Dr. Krockow explains how metaphors shape our thinking, communication, and decision-making in both subtle and profound ways. Together, they discuss the psychology behind metaphor use, its influence on personal and societal narratives, and how it can enhance understanding across different fields. Tune in to discover the surprising power of metaphor in our daily lives and the insights it offers into human cognition and perception. 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/

Antitrust and Google with Ethan Yang In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz is joined by Ethan Yang, a full-time researcher at The Cato Institute and Adjunct Research Fellow at the American Institute for Economic Research (AIER), to discuss the contentious topic of antitrust regulation and its impact on Google. Yang explores the implications of government intervention in tech markets, examining whether antitrust actions against Google align with principles of free-market economics. Together, they delve into the broader debate on competition, innovation, and the role of government in regulating large corporations. Tune in for a thoughtful analysis of a pivotal issue in today’s tech-driven economy. 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/

Interpreting History through a Classical Liberal Lens with Professor Michael Douma In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz welcomes Professor Michael J. Douma, Associate Professor of History at Georgetown University's McDonough School of Business, to discuss the classical liberal method of interpreting history. Douma explains how a classical liberal approach values individual agency, economic freedom, and limited government while examining historical events. Through this lens, they explore how understanding history from a classical liberal perspective can reveal insights often overlooked in mainstream historical narratives. Tune in for an enlightening conversation on how this approach shapes our understanding of the past and informs our views on current events. 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/

In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz is joined by James Stevens Valliant for a robust discussion as they steel-man the case against Donald Trump. Rather than focusing on the usual partisan critiques, they aim to present the strongest, most rational arguments against Trump from a principled standpoint. Valliant, known for his sharp analytical mind, brings a nuanced perspective to the conversation, exploring the moral, legal, and political concerns surrounding Trump’s actions and legacy. Tune in for an intellectual deep dive into a contentious figure, offering balanced and thoughtful criticism. 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/