The Rational Egoist

The Dangerous Impact of Progressive Education on School Violence: An Interview with Neil Erian In today's episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz sits down with Neil Erian, a former math teacher and current engineer in the aircraft industry, to discuss a controversial yet pressing issue: the connection between progressive education and the rise in school shootings. Drawing from his recent article for Capitalism Magazine, titled "Product Safety Alert: Progressive Education," Erian argues that the erosion of discipline, merit-based evaluation, and individual responsibility in schools has fostered an environment where violence is more likely to occur. Together, they explore how educational philosophies that reject objective standards and emphasize collectivist ideals have far-reaching consequences on young minds and, ultimately, on the safety of schools. Tune in for an in-depth conversation that challenges the conventional narratives surrounding both education and school violence. 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 Rational Egoist: An Objectivist Analysis of "Judgment at Nuremberg" with Andrew Bernstein In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz is joined by Andrew Bernstein, professor and Objectivist philosopher, to discuss the classic film Judgment at Nuremberg from an Objectivist perspective. Bernstein and Liebowitz delve into the film’s moral and philosophical themes, examining issues of justice, individual responsibility, and the nature of evil. Through an Objectivist lens, they explore how the movie’s portrayal of the Nuremberg trials resonates with the philosophy of reason, individualism, and moral absolutes. Tune in for a compelling analysis of a powerful film, enriched by the principles of Objectivism. 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 Rational Egoist: A Fascinating Conversation with Professed Psychic Danielle Taverna In this unique episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Danielle Taverna, a professed psychic. Together, they explore the world of psychic phenomena, personal intuition, and the role of belief in understanding the unknown. Taverna shares her experiences and perspectives on her abilities, sparking an intriguing dialogue on the nature of perception and the boundaries between science and the metaphysical. Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, this conversation promises to challenge your thinking and offer new insights into the mysteries of human consciousness. Tune in for a captivating discussion. 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 Rational Egoist: Are Immigrant Murderers Roaming U.S. Streets? An Interview with Alex Nowrasteh In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz interviews Alex Nowrasteh, Vice President for Economic and Social Policy Studies at The Cato Institute, to tackle a pressing and controversial issue: Are immigrants convicted of murder roaming the streets of the U.S.? Together, they explore the facts and myths surrounding immigration and crime, examining data, public perception, and policy implications. Nowrasteh provides expert insights into the relationship between immigration and criminal activity, challenging common narratives and shedding light on what the evidence really shows. Tune in for an eye-opening discussion that cuts through the noise on this hot-button issue. 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 Rational Egoist: Do Trump's Assets Outweigh His Liabilities? A Debate with Professor Richard Salsman In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz debates Professor Richard Salsman, an economist at Duke University and Senior Scholar at The Atlas Society, on the controversial question: Do Donald Trump's assets outweigh his liabilities? Together, they analyze Trump's political, economic, and personal legacy, discussing the impact of his policies, leadership style, and public persona. With sharp insights from both sides, this debate offers a comprehensive examination of Trump's influence on the U.S. and global stage. Tune in for a lively and intellectually engaging discussion that digs into the complex nature of Trump's successes and failures. 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 Rational Egoist: Examining DEI and its Psychological Tactics with Joseph "Jake" KleinIn this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz is joined by Joseph "Jake" Klein, writer, filmmaker, and cofounder of The Black Sheep, to discuss the rise of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and the psychological methods used to promote them. Klein, who is also the lead writer and coproducer of the YouTube channel Beyond Now, explores the strategies employed in DEI training and their effects on individuals and organizations. This insightful conversation dives into the mechanics behind DEI programs and their broader social implications. Tune in for a critical examination of this controversial 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/

The Rational Egoist: The History of Classical Liberalism with Phillip W. Magness In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz sits down with Phillip W. Magness, an economic historian specializing in the U.S. and the broader Atlantic world, to explore the rich history of classical liberalism. Magness traces the philosophical roots and evolution of this political ideology, discussing its core principles of individual liberty, free markets, and limited government. Through historical analysis, Magness highlights the enduring relevance of classical liberalism in shaping modern political and economic thought. Tune in for a deep dive into the intellectual tradition that has profoundly influenced the Western 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/

The Rational Egoist: Understanding Populism with Professor Nicholas JacobsIn this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz is joined by Professor Nicholas Jacobs, Assistant Professor of Government at Colby College, to explore the rise and impact of populism in modern politics. As the coauthor of What Happened to the Vital Center?, Jacobs provides insights into the populist movements reshaping political landscapes around the world and discusses how populism challenges traditional political structures. Together, they analyze the roots of populist sentiment and its implications for governance and democracy. Tune in for an insightful conversation on one of the most significant political trends 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/

The Rational Egoist: Understanding the Three Languages of Politics with Arnold Kling In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz welcomes Arnold Kling, economist, scholar, and author of The Three Languages of Politics, to discuss the frameworks through which different political groups communicate and understand the world. Kling breaks down the core concepts from his book, explaining how progressives, conservatives, and libertarians each use distinct "languages" to frame political issues. He also touches on his Substack, In My Tribe, where he continues to explore the intersection of politics and communication. Tune in for a fascinating conversation that sheds light on how these differing perspectives shape political discourse and policy debates. 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 special episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz debates Walter Block, the Harold E. Wirth Endowed Chair and Professor of Economics at Loyola University, New Orleans, on the merits and challenges of anarcho-capitalism. With Tom Woods, renowned historian and libertarian commentator, moderating the discussion, the debate dives deep into the philosophy, practicality, and implications of a stateless society. Despite some microphone and technical issues, Liebowitz and Block bring sharp perspectives to the table, making this an intellectually charged conversation that explores the future of freedom and governance. Tune in for a dynamic and rigorous debate on one of the most controversial topics in libertarian 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/