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Half-Hour Liberty Hour

A libertarian podcast from behind enemy lines in the People's Republic of Portland, Oregon. We discuss topics of liberty, politics, and philosophy all while drinking our livers into cirrhosis.
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Episodes

Episode 026 - Gun Hysteria and Our Response to Knee-Jerk Reactions

In this episode, the Dynamically Drunken Duo lay aside the topic they were originally going to record (an Oxford-style debate on socialism in professional sports) in favor of addressing gun hysteria in the wake of the Florida high school shooting. Brett tosses aside many gun myths with well-researched facts, and Rob debunks politicians' and the media's definition of an assault weapon with the true meaning of the term. Sit back, relax, have a drink if you can, and listen to Brett and Rob slay som...

Feb 23, 201835 min

Episode 025 - Liquor and Liberty - In Defense of the Whisky Rebellion

Holy Cow! The Dynamically Drunken Duo have stumbled into their 25th episode. Who knew that they had enough brain cells left to do so? They sure didn't think they did. In honor of their 25th episode, Brett and Rob celebrate by drinking a whole bunch of whisky and discuss an episode in American history that is wrongly taught today: The Whisky Rebellion of 1794. They discuss how the rebellion was actually a wide-spread success for the nullification of unconstitutional laws, and how once the general...

Feb 18, 201829 min

Episode 024 - More Liberty Definitions

In this episode, the Dynamically Drunken Duo continue the theme of Liberty Definitions that they started in Episode 014. They attempt to define the following lesser-known liberty-movement terms: Libertarian Personal Political Historical Anarchism Anarcho-Capitalism Anarcho-Communism Anarchists Minarchism Conservatarian Paleolibertarian Voluntarism So sit back, relax, have a drink if you are able, and listen to Brett and Rob define some terms from the liberty movement that you may or may not have...

Feb 12, 201832 min

Episode 022 - Dammit, Oregon, Knock It Off!

As promised, this is the Episode that Brett and Rob recorded near the end of September 2017 before the show had to take an unexpected hiatus. In this local episode of Half-Hour Liberty Hour, the Dynamically Drunken Duo tackle a couple of new laws passed by the Oregon legislature recently. House Bill 3391 (Free Abortions For All) Senate Bill 719 (Gun Confiscation Bill) They also poke fun at the Oregon Government Waste Hotline, which not surprisingly, wastes money. Sit back, relax, have a drink if...

Jan 13, 201830 min

Episode 023 - Why Downsizing Can Be A Good Thing

The Dynamically Drunken Duo are back with the first episode of 2018, and it's the first time they've been together to record since late September. Why such a long time between new episodes? The guys explain it all for you. Rob hogs the microphone most of the time, as the most number of things have happened to him in those days, but Brett puts in his two cents worth, as he is always the yang to Rob's yin. Sit back, relax, have a drink if you are able, and listen to the guys wax philosophical abou...

Jan 06, 201832 min

Episode 021 - Infighting Within The Liberty Movement

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL! It's been a while since we have heard from the Dynamically Drunken duo (close to two months...c'mon guys!). It has been a very challenging two months in the personal lives of the guys. Brett has been dealing with stress-related health problems that have caused him to quit his part-time job and Rob has recently been informed that he will be downsized from his full-time job early in the new year. These two factors combined has drastically slowed the production of this sh...

Nov 23, 201728 min

Episode 020 - The Fallacies of the Global Basic Income Guarantee

After a long protracted illness on Brett's part, the Dynamically Drunken Duo are back to tackle the Global Basic Income Guarantee (aka GBIG). Nothing says elitist socialist plot like "free money". Somebody's gotta pay for it, and it's gonna be you. Sit tight, as we are releasing our longest episode to date (OK...so the guys couldn't determine what they wanted to edit out). This Episode's Drink of Choice: Eagle Rare Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey...

Oct 01, 201745 min

Bonus Episodelet 010 - The Missing Objections From The Right

Hey Everyone! It's been a trying past couple of weeks as Rob was sick (run-down from all his jobs) and after he was better, Brett became sick (also run-down from all his jobs). To keep your liberty-mindedness sharp, here are the two additional objections from the Right that were cut for time from Episode 017 - Common Objections From The Right. Obviously, the two and the others from that episode are not the only objections from the Right, but they are ones that we commonly hear from folks when th...

Sep 14, 201711 min

Episode 019 - Can I Be A Libertarian And...? #3

In this episode, Brett and Rob have a third discussion of questions they have been asked in the past by people who are curious about libertarianism. They get liquored up and try to answer the following: Can I Be a libertarian and Support Public Schooling? Can I Be a libertarian and Work for the Government? Can I Be a libertarian and Be Conservative? Can I Be a libertarian and Support Gun Control? Due to the whisky being consumed, Rob goes on two mini rants and Brett promises a topic for a future...

Aug 26, 201729 min

Bonus Episodelet 009 - What Happens In Europe Won't Stay In Europe

In their first (real) purposeful bonus episodelet, Brett and Rob discuss and respond to the recent terror attacks in Europe. They explain how both the left and right want to violate the NAP and bring a whole host of the same type of economic migrants that are causing trouble in Europe to the United States. They have their own reasons for doing such, and the guys discuss these reasons. Nothing good can come out of it.

Aug 24, 201711 min

Episode 018 - Two Cows & Pure Democracy

It's been a while since Brett and Rob dusted off the ol' Two Cows joke, so here's another discussion using the joke. In this alcohol-fueled episode, the Dynamically Drunken Duo revisit it, but they focus on the mythical wonderfulness of Pure Democracy. Listen as Brett and Rob smack around Pure Democracy and unmask it for what it truly is (hint: it is very close to another form of governance that rhymes with "Bocialism"). This Episode's Drink of Choice: Monkey Shoulder Blended Malt Scotch Whisky...

Aug 18, 201731 min

Bonus Episodelet 008 - What Was Once New Is New Again

In this Bonus Episodelet, trimmed for content from Episode 014 - Liberty Definitions, Brett and Rob got sidetracked when talking about negative vs. positive rights. Rob reads from FDR's Second Bill of Rights, a progressive statist dream he launched in 1944, that has had yet another rebirth in the past couple of years. Brett and Rob talk about how terrible these "rights" are and how what was once new is new again. It's a good thing that the Auchentoshan is flowing...

Aug 16, 20177 min

Episode 017 - Common Objections From The Right

Sorry for the delay in uploading this episode, but Brett and Rob, as they explained in Episode 016 - Why We're Different, are working stiffs, and work and life got in the way of getting this episode out on schedule. Rob is working to get the other two recorded episodes edited and ready for release, as well as a few more bonus episodelets. In this alcohol-fueled episode, Brett and Rob, in the spirit of Episode 007 - Common Objections from the Left, are back and slaying common objections from the ...

Aug 15, 201734 min

Episode 016 - Why We're Different

This is a very different episode from what the listeners of Half-Hour Liberty Hour are accustomed to. This is partially why it is being released on Sunday instead of the usual Friday release schedule. In this episode, Brett and Rob lay aside most of the philosophical discussions of liberty and focus on what it is that makes Half-Hour Liberty Hour different. In a world full of liberty podcasts, you have many choices. So what is it that makes Half-Hour Liberty Hour different from those other podca...

Jul 31, 201730 min

Episode 015 - Go Home, Oregon Legislature. You're Drunk.

Rob is back from vacation, so the Dynamically Drunken Duo were able to record a new episode. Today, Brett and Rob discuss the $3.8 billion boondoggle of a tax plan the Oregon Legislature has passed in order to "fund" repairs to the Oregon highway system. They talk about the new taxes that are being levied (including a first-ever partial sales tax against the will of the people), tolling of the bridges and the Interstates in Portland, and how the Legislature will probably stay true to form and bl...

Jul 21, 201734 min

Bonus Episodelet 007 - Executive Action = Less Liberty For You

This bonus episodelet is a bit that was cut for time and subject matter from Episode 013 - Who Would Our Presidential Cabinet Be? In it, Brett and Rob talk about executive actions and other overreach by executive-branch created government agencies with the implication that their actions add up to less liberty for all. It did not fit with the flow of that episode, but it gives insight into why the Dynamically Drunken Duo chose to only have the original five Cabinet positions if they were presiden...

Jul 19, 20178 min

Episode 014 - Liberty Definitions

In this alcohol-fueled episode, Brett and Rob define and explain a number of terms that they and other liberty-loving people throw around that the average person may not understand. They drink quite a bit and have some fun covering: Negative Rights Positive Rights The Five Principles We Believe In Right to Life Right to Liberty Right to Own Property Right to Self-Preservation Free Market Capitalism The Non-Aggression Principle (NAP...aka "The Silver Rule") Aggression Personal Responsibility Taxa...

Jul 07, 201735 min

Episode 013 - Who Would Our Presidential Cabinet Be?

In this fun episode, Brett and Rob get liquored up while daydreaming about who they would have for a presidential Cabinet if they were ever elected (ha!) to the Presidency. They decided to pare down the Cabinet to the original five positions. Brett professes his love for his wife, while Rob professes that Hunter McGrady has an open invitation to be his First Lady. Here is what the Dynamically Drunken Duo have for members of their Cabinet: Secretary of State: Ron Paul Secretary of the Treasury: B...

Jun 30, 201731 min

Episode 012 - What Is Wrong With The Libertarian Party?

Hey Everyone! We're back! After two weeks of conflicting schedules, Brett and Rob are back at what they do best, drinking and talking about political philosophy. In this alcohol-fueled episode, the Dynamically Drunken Duo lay into issues they see with the Libertarian Party. Choosing candidates based upon name recognition instead of principles Poor messaging Nerds running the show Freaks on the news Don't take elections seriously enough Party officials say stupid things publicly If you would like...

Jun 23, 201735 min

No Episode This Week

Hello to all our listeners! Brett and Rob truly apologize, but they were unable to make their schedules coincide to be able to record an episode for this week. They're just a couple of guys whose real lives got in the way of their fun. In its stead, Rob slapped together a faux announcement to a crowd explaining why there is no new episode this week. Brett and Rob thought it would be more polite to inform you that there is no new episode this week than to let you wonder if they've disappeared. Se...

Jun 09, 20172 min

Bonus Episodelet 006 - The Cost Calculation Problem Explained In Real Terms

This bonus episodelet is a bit cut from Episode 011 - Two Cows and Socialism due to time constraints. The Cost Calculation Problem has always been a point of contention for Socialists as they believe that the State should set prices, no matter what the cost of production is. Using two real-life examples, Brett and Rob explain (rather easily) how market forces signal producers to produce and at what price goods can be sold. This is known as the Cost Calculation Problem. Join them, as they are abo...

Jun 07, 20176 min

Episode 011 - Two Cows & Socialism

Another two cows episode so soon? Yes, because Brett got dragged into yet another Internet debate in which he had to defend liberty whilst destroying Socialism. Join Brett and Rob getting liquored up as they prove that Socialism and Communism are virtually the same evil philosophy of governing. Oh yeah...Rob's "Greater Good" character is back for a defense of the Collective. Poor guy almost puked on himself having to defend the Socialist position. This Episode's Drink of Choice: Ardbeg Islay Sin...

Jun 02, 201732 min

Episode 010 - Can I Be A Libertarian And...? #2

In this episode, Brett and Rob have a second discussion of questions they have been asked in the past by people who are curious about libertarianism. They get liquored up and try to answer the following: Can I Be a libertarian and Vote for a Democrat or Vote for a Republican? Can I Be a libertarian and Hold Religious Beliefs? Can I Be a libertarian and Support the Arts? Can I Be a libertarian and Be Against Abortion? This Episode's Drink of Choice: Tim Smith's Climax Moonshine...

May 26, 201730 min

Episode 009 - Two Cows & Fascism

In this alcohol-fueled episode, Brett and Rob revisit the Two Cows joke, but they decide to focus on fascism this time. They discuss what fascism is politically, what it is not, and how most everyone who uses the term today is flat-out wrong. Join them as they get liquored up and get educated on this totalitarian historical philosophy of government. This Episode's Drink of Choice: Kilbeggan Traditional Irish Whiskey...

May 19, 201726 min

Bonus Episodelet 005 - Fast Food Workers At $15 An Hour? Yer Havin' A Laugh.

This bonus episodelet was edited for time from Episode 008 - Common Objections From The Left. In that episode, Brett and Rob wax philosophical about fast food robots improving service and creating new jobs. In this bonus episodelet, they discuss how a $15 per hour "living wage" for fast food workers is labor holding capitalism hostage and that anyone who works an unskilled labor job longer than a few years has something wrong with them (hint: they're usually lazy). It's a good thing the Glenfarc...

May 17, 20176 min

Episode 008 - Common Objections From The Left

In this alcohol-fueled episode, Rob throws out common objections to liberty from the Left, and he and Brett lay waste to both the objections as well as their sobriety. There is a lot of drinking, a lot of sarcasm, and even an appearance of Episode 007's "The Greater Good Guy". Final Score: Rob 10oz, Brett 6oz. Oh yeah...Milton Friedman stops by to destroy the idea that governments are needed to prevent monopolies. This Episode's Drink of Choice: Glenfarclas Highland Single Malt Scotch Whiskey...

May 12, 201732 min

Bonus Episodelet 004 - More Cons Of A Cashless Society

This bonus episodelet was trimmed from Episode 007 - Is A Cashless Society A Good Thing? due to wanting to maintain a roughly half-hour episode length. In this bonus episdoelet, Brett and Rob are about 5-7oz into the Hamley's as they continue to argue the cons of a cashless society. Rob is having real trouble keeping his brain turned off and arguing in favor. It's a good thing that the whisky is flowing...

May 10, 201714 min

Episode 007 - Is A Cashless Society A Good Thing?

In this episode, Brett and Rob have an alcohol-fueled debate over whether a cashless society is a good thing or not. Rob has to turn off his brain and attempt to argue the point-of-view that a cashless society is needed for the greater good. Brett's alcohol-soaked brain is still intact as he deftly sweeps away the the arguments in favor of a cashless society. This Episode's Drink of Choice: Hamley American Straight Wheat Whiskey of Pendleton, Oregon...

May 05, 201735 min

Bonus Episodelet 003 - Judicial Reform: Retribution vs. Recompense

As a bit cut during the editing of Episode 005 - Can I Be A Libertarian And...? #1, Brett and Rob start complaining about the need for judicial reform long before one should determine whether or not he/she supports the death penalty. Come join them, only 2oz into the rum and cokes, as they talk about wanting, in most cases, a system of recompense instead of a system of retribution.

May 03, 20175 min

Episode 006 - How Screwed Up Can The Oregon Legislature Get?

In this episode, Brett and Rob focus on the Oregon legislature and the stupidity coming out of Salem. The alcohol-fueled discussion covers: The bill to restrict no-cause evictions The bill to remove the ban on rent controls The bill to tax corporations (PERS issues) The gun control bill that is a backdoor to eliminating firearm ownership in the state. This Episode's Drink of Choice: The Famous Grouse Smoky Black Blended Scotch Whisky...

Apr 28, 201731 min
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