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The Human Action Podcast

Mises Institutemises.org
The Human Action Podcast features in-depth interviews on current topics in economics through an Austro libertarian lens.
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Episodes

Murray Sabrin on Our Broken Medical System

Murray Sabrin joins Bob to discuss his upcoming online course on the economics of the US healthcare system, including practical solutions. The course begins in mid-January 2024. Dr. Sabrin's New Online Course: Mises.org/HAP429a IPAK-EDU.org is offering the following discounts: 50% off until Jan 6th with code: COUNTMEIN 25% off after January 6th with code: JACKSAYS75 Join Tom DiLorenzo, Joe Salerno, and Patrick Newman in Tampa on February 17: Mises.org/Tampa2024 Use code "Action24" for 15% off ad...

Jan 05, 2024Ep. 429

Tyler Cowen on the GOAT in Economics

Tyler Cowen is Holbert L. Harris Chair of Economics and chairman of the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. With Alex Tabarrok, he runs the popular economics blog Marginal Revolution. Tyler joins Bob to discuss his latest book. Tyler's New Book for Free: Mises.org/HAP428a Tyler's Blog: Mises.org/HAP428b Join Tom DiLorenzo, Joe Salerno, and Patrick Newman in Tampa on February 17: Mises.org/Tampa2024 Use code "Action24" for 15% off admission. Human Action Podcast listeners can get a free c...

Dec 29, 2023Ep. 428

Dean Baker Debates Bob Murphy on Recession Outlook

On a recent installment of the Pynx debate series, Bob had a friendly debate with Dean Baker on a soft or hard landing in 2024. In this episode of the Human Action Podcast, Bob comments on the key disputes, underlying the differences between the Austrian and Keynesian frameworks. Bob's Debate with Dean Baker: Mises.org/HAP427a Bob's Paper on the Inverted Yield Curve: Mises.org/HAP427b Bob's Mises University Talk on Government Debt: Mises.org/HAP427c Join Tom DiLorenzo, Joe Salerno, and Patrick N...

Dec 22, 2023Ep. 427

Will Texit Be on the GOP Primary Ballot in 2024?

Daniel Miller, founder and president of the Texas Nationalist Movement, joins Bob to discuss the exciting developments in the push for a referendum on Texas secession. Daniel explains the prospects and then answers common objections to the idea. Daniel Miller's Website: Mises.org/HAP426a Bob's Pamphlet on Texas Independence: Mises.org/HAP426b Human Action Podcast listeners can get a free copy of Murray Rothbard's Anatomy of the State: Mises.org/HAPodFree...

Dec 15, 2023Ep. 425

Krugman's Bag of Tricks

Ivory Tower economists continue to tell us that the US economy is booming, but consumers disagree. Paul Krugman has a new explanation for the economic gloom: Republicans. In a recent New York Times article, Krugman touts that partisanship and media bias drive a wedge between consumer sentiment and economic reality. But is this actually what’s going on? Dr. Jonathan Newman is back with Bob to break down Krugman's shifting economic predictions and to consider the trajectory of the US economy. Krug...

Dec 08, 2023Ep. 425

The Treasury is Running Out of Creditors

The US Government will face another round of federal debt expansion in 2024, but will there be enough creditors to allow their continued spending? Investors are not buying Treasury Debt at forecasted rates, foreign investors are exiting federal debt, and even the Federal Reserve is reducing its treasury holdings. Dr. Jonathan Newman recently wrote for the Mises Wire on this topic, and he joins Bob to break down the data and explain what is up with treasuries and the future of the dollar. Dr. New...

Dec 01, 2023Ep. 424

Co-Creator Explains Javier Milei's Plan to Abolish the Central Bank

Nicolás Cachanosky was a co-author on the dollarization proposal for Argentina that Javier Milei publicly endorsed. Nicolás explains to Bob the outlines of the proposal, which involves replacing pesos with USD for bank deposits, currency in circulation, and central bank liabilities. How to Dollarize Argentina: Mises.org/HAP423a Rear More from Nicolás: Mises.org/HAP423b The Human Action Podcast Episode with Peter Lewin: Mises.org/HAP423c Human Action Podcast listeners can get a free copy of Murra...

Nov 24, 2023Ep. 423

Murray Sabrin's Memoir: From Liberal Democrat to Libertarian Running for Governor of New Jersey

Murray Sabrin has a long history with the Austrian movement and is one of two people who had Murray Rothbard on his PhD committee. He talks with Bob about his memoir, From Immigrant to Public Intellectual: An American Story. Murray Sabrin's Substack: Mises.org/HAP422a From Immigrant to Public Intellectual: An American Story: Mises.org/HAP422b Rothbard's America's Great Depression: Mises.org/HAP422c Bob's Blog on the Distortion of Hoover: Mises.org/HAP422d The Mises Circle in Fort Myers: Mises.or...

Nov 17, 2023Ep. 422

How Statism Leads to War

Mises' work explains how laissez-faire economies have incentives to be peaceful with each other, and how, inversely, tariffs and protectionism create isolation, instability, and war. His words are especially prescient today as conflicts rage and tensions between superpowers continue to rise—mirroring the rise in state power across the globe. Dr. Jonathan Newman joins Bob to break down the history of warfare, how states fund war, and why war is more destructive in the modern era. Dr. Newman's Art...

Nov 10, 2023Ep. 421

A Nigerian Scholar Evangelizes Austrian Economics

"Econ Bro" (who wishes to remain anonymous) is a Nigerian scholar who realized the limits of his conventional economics training and then discovered the work of Murray Rothbard and other Austrians. He now seeks to help his country and the world by spreading the truth. Econ Bro's Article on The State as a Rejection of God Part 1: Mises.org/HAP420a Econ Bro's Article on The State as a Rejection of God Part 2: Mises.org/HAP420b Human Action Podcast listeners can get a free copy of Per Bylund's How ...

Nov 03, 2023Ep. 420

Responding to Yaron Brook's Critique of Anarcho-Capitalism

Recently Yaron Brook and Bryan Caplan debated the merits of anarchism at the Soho Forum. Bob critiques Brook's opening statement. The Soho Forum Debate: Mises.org/HAP419a Bob's Book on Market Anarchy, Chaos Theory: Mises.org/HAP419b Rothbard's Book on Natural Rights and the State, For a New Liberty: Mises.org/HAP419c Hans-Herman Hoppe's Book on Private Defense, The Private Production of Defense: Mises.org/HAP419d Join us in Fort Myers on November 4 to cut through the campaign talking points and ...

Oct 27, 2023Ep. 419

The Male/Female Wage Gap and This Year's Nobel Laureate

Brian Albrecht joins Bob to discuss the work of this year's Nobel (Memorial) Prize Winner Claudia Goldin, with an emphasis on the male-female wage gap. Claudia Golden and Tyler Cowan Discuss The Gender Earnings Gap: Mises.org/HAP418a Claudia Golden's Paper on The Pill: Mises.org/HAP418b More Content from Brian: Mises.org/HAP418c Join us in Fort Myers on November 4 to cut through the campaign talking points and offer an uncompromising look at what is coming next. Use Code "FL2023" for $10 off adm...

Oct 20, 2023Ep. 418

Diving Deeper into the Fed's Trillion Dollar Loss

Jonathan Newman rejoins Bob to explore more of the mechanics and political implications of the Fed's current state of insolvency. The Mercatus Article on Quantitative Easing: Mises.org/HAP417a Furman's Op-Ed in the WSJ: Mises.org/HAP417b Join us in Fort Myers on November 4 to cut through the campaign talking points and offer an uncompromising look at what is coming next. Use Code "FL2023" for $10 off admission: Mises.org/FL23 Human Action Podcast listeners can get a free copy of Per Bylund's How...

Oct 14, 2023Ep. 417

Inflation in Money or Prices? The Definition Matters

Andreas Granath is a recovering socialist who discovered the truth and beauty of Austrian economics and libertarianism. He joins Bob to discuss his recent article explaining the different definitions of "inflation" and why it matters. Andreas' Mises Wire Article on CPI: Mises.org/HAP416a The Silly IMF Tutorial on Inflation: Mises.org/HAP416b Bob's Mises University Lecture on Price Inflation: Mises.org/HAP416c Yaron Brook & Łukasz Dominiak Debate on Minarchy vs. Anarchy: Mises.org/HAP416d Joi...

Oct 06, 2023Ep. 416

How Is the Fed Insolvent and Why Should We Care?

Alex Pollock has decades of experience in financial markets, including a position as President of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago. He explains to Bob the mechanics of the Fed's current insolvency and its implications for ordinary Americans. Join us in Fort Myers on November 4 to cut through the campaign talking points and offer an uncompromising look at what is coming next. Use Code "FL2023" for $10 off admission: Mises.org/FL23

Sep 30, 2023Ep. 415

Are Workers Being Paid Their Product? Watch Out for Misleading Charts

Dr. Jonathan Newman joins Bob to break down the data used in a popular productivity vs. pay graph. They show why you should be wary of charts coming from agenda-driven institutions and how you can spot manipulated data. The charts mentioned during this episode are available at: Mises.org/HAP414Charts Gene Epstein on the Bob Murphy Show: Mises.org/HAP414a The Economic Policy Institute 2022 Paper: Mises.org/HAP414b The Economic Policy Institute 2015 Paper: Mises.org/HAP414c Gene Epstein's Mises Un...

Sep 22, 2023Ep. 414

Why Plea Deals Are a Miscarriage of Justice

Lawyers for two of the Proud Boys convicted for their role in the January 6 assault on the Capitol are filing appeals claiming that they are being subject to a "trial tax," being punished for rejecting a plea deal offer. Bob uses the occasion to explain his long-standing objection to plea deals. Article on the 'Trail Tax' Imposed on the Proud Boys: Mises.org/HAP413a Ex-Proud Boys Leader Sentenced Despite Not Being in Washington on Jan. 6th: Mises.org/HAP413b Twitter Thread on Plea Deals and Just...

Sep 15, 2023Ep. 413

The Beltway Libertarians Are Too Smart for Oliver Anthony

Ryan McMaken joins Bob to discuss the surprisingly negative reaction (from a Reason writer and Tyler Cowen) to Oliver Anthony's hit song, " Rich Men North of Richmond. " Ryan and Bob defend the lyrics, arguing that Anthony doesn't say anything objectionable from either a libertarian or economic perspective. Listen to Oliver Anthony's "Rich Men North of Richmond": Mises.org/HAP412a Christian Britschgi's article in Reason on Oliver Anthony: Mises.org/HAP412b Tyler Cowan's Bloomberg Editorial: Mise...

Sep 08, 2023Ep. 412

Updating Böhm-Bawerk and Fixing Finance

Peter Lewin joins Bob to discuss his work with Nicolás Cachanosky on uniting Austrian capital theory with mainstream finance. Peter's New Book on Capital and Finance: Mises.org/LewinBook Join us in Nashville on September 23rd for a no-holds-barred discussion against the regime. Use Code "HA23" for $45 off admission: Mises.org/Nashville23

Sep 01, 2023Ep. 411

Is China's Economy Hitting a Roadbump or Quicksand?

Peter St. Onge joins Bob to discuss his latest piece at Mises.org on "China's Doom Loop." They cover a wide range of topics, including the contrast in leadership between Xi Jinping and Deng Xiaoping, the dollar as global reserve currency, the Belt and Road Initiative, and Jim Rogers' prediction that the 21st century would belong to the Chinese empire. Peter's Article on China: Mises.org/HAP410a Join us in Nashville on September 23rd for a no-holds-barred discussion against the regime. Use Code "...

Aug 25, 2023Ep. 410

Is the Fed Responsible for the Recent Surge and Fall in Price Inflation?

Jonathan Newman joins Bob to discuss the argument being put forth by Alan Blinder, James Galbraith, and other progressive economists, who claim that the Federal Reserve's rate hikes couldn't possibly be responsible for the quelling of consumer price inflation. Jonathan and Bob stress the important role of expectations as a "transmission mechanism" from Fed policy to impacts on prices. Galbraith's Article on the Fed's 'Soft Landing': Mises.org/HAP409a The Paper on the Forward Guidance Paradox Tha...

Aug 18, 2023Ep. 409

The Mirage of "Equal Pay" in Sports

Ryan McMaken joins Bob to discuss the recent US Women's World Cup elimination, and to dispel the myth that markets are discriminatory. After defending Megan Rapinoe's failed penalty kick, they dismantle her outspoken views on "equal pay" in sports, and examine the left's claim that law is required to fix prejudice in the labor market. Join us in Nashville on September 23rd for a no-holds-barred discussion against the regime: Mises.org/Nashville23...

Aug 11, 2023Ep. 408

Soft Landing? Not Likely

As Fed staffers no longer predict an impending recession, economists on social media are all assuring themselves that Americans are in store for a "soft landing." Mises Fellow Jonathan Newman joins Bob to explain why the data still support the case for recession and point out the eerie similarity to the calm before the storm in 2008. Robert Lucas' Nobel Prize Winning Lecture: Mises.org/HAP407a Bob's Eerie Article from 2007 on the Recession: Mises.org/HAP407b 'Bernanke Was Wrong' Compilation: Mis...

Aug 04, 2023Ep. 407

Everything You Need to Know About FedNow

David Brady, Jr. discusses his recent article at mises.org, in which he argues that the newly launched "FedNOW" system isn't a CBDC. Even so, there are dangers from FedNOW, such as exacerbating bank runs. David also explains the new Mises Apprenticeship program, of which he is a member. David's Article on Mises.org: Mises.org/HAP406a George Selgin Cato Article on FedNow: Mises.org/HAP406b Join us in Nashville on September 23rd for a no-holds-barred discussion against the regime: Mises.org/Nashvi...

Jul 28, 2023Ep. 406

How the Fed Could Bring in a CBDC Through the Back Door

George Gammon, host of the popular Rebel Capitalist s how, warns that the Fed won't have to force the public to adopt a central bank digital currency (CBDC). Instead, the public might clamor for it, being promised safe, high-interest checking accounts at the Fed, just like Jamie Dimon. The Rebel Capitalist show: Mises.org/HAP405a Join us in Nashville on September 23rd for a no-holds-barred discussion against the regime: Mises.org/Nashville23...

Jul 21, 2023Ep. 405

Exposing the FBI Coverup of Biden Corruption

Robbie "The Fire" Bernstein is a co-host with Dave Smith of the popular podcast Part of the Problem , as well as his own podcast Run Your Mouth . He joins Bob to walk through the shocking and hilarious moves by Biden officials to downplay recent allegations of corruption. Find More from Robbie Including His Tour Dates: Mises.org/HAP404a $5.1M Payment to Biden Businesses: Mises.org/HAP404b Biden Attorneys on The Hunter WhatAspp Message: Mises.org/HAP404c Join us in Nashville on September 23rd for...

Jul 14, 2023Ep. 404

MMT's Warren Mosler Argues Fed Rate Hikes Cause Growth and Inflation

Bob walks through a recent interview of MMT champion Warren Mosler, in which he claims that Fed rate hikes lead to larger government interest expenses and hence support economic growth and inflation. Bob presents both theoretical and empirical evidence against Mosler's claims. Bob's Debate with Warren Mosler: Mises.org/HAP403a Bob's Review of Stephanie Kelton: Mises.org/HAP403b Bob's EconLib Article on Austerity: Mises.org/HAP403c Technical Article on Why the Treasury Can't Overdraft: Mises.org/...

Jul 07, 2023Ep. 403

The Impact of Falling M2 on Prices and Jobs

The Mises Institute's Executive Editor Ryan McMaken joins Bob to discuss his latest article , in which Ryan spells out the state of the M2 money supply and possible implications for consumer prices and an impending recession. Ryan's Mises.org article on M2: Mises.org/HAP402a Ryan's QJAE article on the inverted yield curve: Mises.org/HAP402b...

Jun 30, 2023Ep. 402

MMT Says Government Debt Makes Private Saving Possible

Mises Institute Fellow Patrick Newman joins Bob to discuss a recent tweet from Stephanie Kelton, which argued that the government's "red ink makes our black ink possible." Patrick and Bob point out that these MMT tautologies are very misleading at best. Patrick also lays out the argument in his journal article, saying that MMT's debt monetization won't cause a boom-bust cycle, but will still reduce living standards.

Jun 23, 2023Ep. 401

Why ChatGPT Failed an Economics Exam

University of Rochester economist Steve Landsburg joins Bob to discuss the abysmal performance of ChatGPT on his undergraduate exam. They also discuss the importance of market prices in guiding behavior and the unexpected problems with the government handing out "free" goodies. Bob's article "Superman Needs an Agent:" Mises.org/HAP400a Steven's Book The Armchair Economist: Mises.org/HAP400b More Economic brainteasers: Mises.org/HAP400c...

Jun 16, 2023Ep. 400
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