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The Rational Egoist

The Rational Egoist with Michael Liebowitz podcasters.spotify.com
The Rational Egoist podcast aims to explore the philosophy of rational egoism and how it can be applied in our daily lives. Hosted by Michael Liebowitz and produced by Xenia Ioannou with experts in the field of philosophy, psychology, and economics, the podcast will provide listeners with a wealth of knowledge and insight into the benefits of rational egoism. Copyright of all audio, printed material and colour schemes including logos, owned exclusively by Michael Liebowitz and Xenia Ioannou and cannot be reproduced without prior written permission
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Episodes

Are there "Lies, Damn Lies, and Statistics"? with Aaron Brown

Aaron Brown teaches statistics at New York University and at the University of California at San Diego, and he writes regular columns for Bloomberg and Wilmott. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, he was a key participant in developing modern financial risk management and one of the original developers of Value-at-Risk. He also helped develop the rules that eventually became known as Basel II.Brown holds an M.B.A. in Finance and Statistics from the University of Chicago and an S.B.in Applied Math...

Jun 06, 20261 hr

The Virtue of Productiveness-with Jim Valliant

The Rational Egoist is back with another installment in the self-improvement series built around Objectivism: The Philosophy of Ayn Rand (OPAR).This week, host Michael Liebowitz is joined again by James Valliant to focus on the virtue of productivenessA practical takeaway: how to translate abstract principles into day-to-day clarity and momentumExpect a direct, grounded discussion aimed at one thing: helping you think more clearly about what you are—and what that makes possible.About Michael Lie...

Jun 01, 202649 min

"Shane"-An Inspiration to Heroism, with Dr. Andrew Bernstein and Dr. Nikos SotirakopoulosDr. Nikos

Professor Andrew Bernstein is an author and an Objectivist philosopher who has written extensively on heroism, capitalism, and the value of great literature.Dr. Sotirakopoulos teaches about Marx, the communist movement, and the New Left—drawing on both his academic expertise and personal experience to expose the errors of collectivist ideology. He formerly worked at ARI, and prior to that Nikos spent more than a decade in academia in the UK, teaching at the University of Kent, Loughborough Unive...

May 28, 202653 min

Debating the relationship Between Human Life and Moral Values-with Kirill Madgison

Kirill Madgidson is currently finishing a PhD in math, pursuing an academic career, and studying philosophy in his free time.About Michael Liebowitz – Michael Liebowitz is the host of The Rational Egoist podcast, a philosopher, author, and political activist committed to the principles of reason, individualism, and rational self-interest. Deeply influenced by the philosophy of Ayn Rand, Michael uses his platform to challenge cultural dogma, expose moral contradictions, and defend the values that...

May 18, 20261 hr 7 min

Justice as a Means to a Better Life-with Jim Valliant

The Rational Egoist is back with another installment in the self-improvement series built around Objectivism: The Philosophy of Ayn Rand (OPAR).This week, host Michael Liebowitz is joined again by James Valliant to focus on the virtue of justiceA practical takeaway: how to translate abstract principles into day-to-day clarity and momentumExpect a direct, grounded discussion aimed at one thing: helping you think more clearly about what you are—and what that makes possible.About Michael Liebowitz ...

May 14, 202645 min

Reviewing, "She Wore a Yellow Ribbon," with Andrew Bernstein

In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz welcomes philosopher and novelist Andrew Bernstein to discuss the movie, "She Wore a Yellow Ribbon."Bernstein, well-known for his works on Objectivist philosophy and his powerful fiction, joins Michael to explore the moral and romantic themes that drive the story.About Michael Liebowitz :Michael Liebowitz is the host of The Rational Egoist podcast, a philosopher, author, and political activist committed to the principles of reason, i...

May 11, 202641 min

Discussing the Great and Neglected Economist, Richard Cantillon-with Gene Epstein

Gene Epstein served as economics editor of Barron's from 1993 to 2018, where his long-running Economic Beat column became required reading for anyone serious about understanding macroeconomics beyond slogans and political talking points. Throughout his career, Epstein challenged the assumptions behind monetary manipulation, deficit spending, regulation, and state “management” of markets, insisting that economic outcomes must be understood as the result of individual choice, incentives, and real-...

Apr 30, 20261 hr 5 min

Debating the Objectivist Ethics-with Professor Michael Huemer

n this episode Michael has a rigorous debate concerning the Objectivist ethics with Professor Michael Huemer.Michael Huemer is a professor of philosophy at the University of Colorado. He is the author of more than eighty academic articles in epistemology, ethics, metaethics, metaphysics, and political philosophy, as well as ten amazing books that you should immediately buy: https://www.amazon.com/Michael-Huemer... .About Michael Liebowitz – Host of The Rational Egoist Michael Liebowitz is the ho...

Apr 27, 20261 hr 2 min

Honesty-with Jim Valliant

The Rational Egoist is back with another installment in the self-improvement series built around Objectivism: The Philosophy of Ayn Rand (OPAR).This week, host Michael Liebowitz is joined again by James Valliant to focus on the virtue of honesty.A practical takeaway: how to translate abstract principles into day-to-day clarity and momentum.Expect a direct, grounded discussion aimed at one thing: helping you think more clearly about what you are—and what that makes possible.About Michael Liebowit...

Apr 27, 202650 min

Atheism in History-with Professor Alec Ryrie

Professor Ryrie joins Michael to discuss the history of atheism, the different meanings of the term, and some famous atheists.Alexander Gray Ryrie is a British historian of Protestant Christianity, specializing in the history of England and Scotland in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.[ He was Professor of Divinity at Gresham College from 2018 to 2022. He was elected a Fellow of the British Academy in 2019.About Michael Liebowitz – Host of The Rational Egoist Michael Liebowitz is the host...

Apr 22, 202651 min

A Conversation with a Young Objectivist

Liam Stayton is a philosopher, a student, and a Junior Fellow at The Objective Standard Institute. On this episode Michael has him on to discuss numerous topics of relevance to Objectivists and others who take a philosophical approach to politics.About Michael Liebowitz – Host of The Rational EgoistMichael Liebowitz is the host of The Rational Egoist podcast, a philosopher, author, and political activist committed to the principles of reason, individualism, and rational self-interest. Deeply inf...

Apr 13, 202634 min

Discussing the Manosphere-with Dr. Nikos Sotirakopoulos

Dr. Nikos Sotirakopoulos joins Michael Liebowitz to explore the complex evolution of the manosphere, from its origins as a self-help community for men seeking social skills to its current state. They discuss the rise of the Red Pill, the infiltration of culture wars, and the shift towards tribalism, victimhood, and conspiratorial thinking. The conversation also contrasts the early manosphere's positive self-development aspects with its modern degeneracy, examining the societal needs it initially addressed and the problematic forms of masculinity it now promotes.

Apr 10, 202642 min

Rand Was Right! With Sheldon Richman

Sheldon Richman is a lifelong advocate of liberty, reason, and justice. A father and grandfather, he brings both moral seriousness and lived experience to political philosophy. In this discussion, Michael and Sheldon explore the necessary role an ethic of egoism must have if we are to ever establish a capitalist system. Sheldon Richman is a freelance editor, author, and long-time writer on liberty and political philosophy. He is the author of What Social Animals Owe to Each Other and Coming to P...

Apr 06, 202644 min

The Importance of Integrity-with James Stevens Valliant

The Rational Egoist is back with another installment in the self-improvement series built around Objectivism: The Philosophy of Ayn Rand (OPAR).This week, host Michael Liebowitz is joined again by James Valliant to focus on the virtue of integrityA practical takeaway: how to translate abstract principles into day-to-day clarity and momentumExpect a direct, grounded discussion aimed at one thing: helping you think more clearly about what you are—and what that makes possible.About Michael Liebowit...

Mar 30, 20261 hr 4 min

Analyzing "Wuthering Heights," with Professor Andrew Bernstein

In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz welcomes philosopher and novelist Andrew Bernstein to discuss the novel, "Wuthering Heights." Bernstein, well-known for his works on Objectivist philosophy and his powerful fiction, joins Michael to explore the moral and romantic themes that drive the story. About Michael Liebowitz: He is the host of The Rational Egoist podcast, a philosopher, author, and political activist committed to the principles of reason, individualism, and ra...

Mar 27, 202641 min

Persephone Interviews Michael About his Journey to Podcasting!

About Michael Liebowitz – Host of The Rational EgoistMichael Liebowitz is the host of The Rational Egoist podcast, a philosopher, author, and political activist committed to the principles of reason, individualism, and rational self-interest. Deeply influenced by the philosophy of Ayn Rand, Michael uses his platform to challenge cultural dogma, expose moral contradictions, and defend the values that make human flourishing possible.His journey from a 25-year prison sentence to becoming a respecte...

Mar 23, 202639 min

The Strategies, Tactics, and Importance of Intellectual Activism-with Nikos Sotirakopoulos

Dr. Sotirakopoulos teaches about Marx, the communist movement, and the New Left—drawing on both his academic expertise and personal experience to expose the errors of collectivist ideology.He formerly worked at ARI, and prior to that Nikos spent more than a decade in academia in the UK, teaching at the University of Kent, Loughborough University, and York St John University. He is the author of Identity Politics and Tribalism: The New Culture Wars (Societas, 2021), and is a frequent commentator ...

Mar 19, 202644 min

Discussing and Debating Individual Rights with the Radical Capitalist

About Michael Liebowitz – Host of The Rational EgoistMichael Liebowitz is the host of The Rational Egoist podcast, a philosopher, author, and political activist committed to the principles of reason, individualism, and rational self-interest. Deeply influenced by the philosophy of Ayn Rand, Michael uses his platform to challenge cultural dogma, expose moral contradictions, and defend the values that make human flourishing possible.His journey from a 25-year prison sentence to becoming a respecte...

Mar 15, 20261 hr

Overcoming Common Fears-with George S. Everly

In this enlightening episode of "The Rational Egoist," host Michael Liebowitz welcomes a distinguished guest, Dr. George S. Everly Jr., an acclaimed expert in the fields of stress management, psychological crisis intervention, and human resilience. Dr. Everly, who holds esteemed positions at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, brings his extensive knowledge and experience, gained from authoring over 20 books on these critical subjects Abo...

Mar 12, 202635 min

Leonard Peikoff's Mistakes Concerning Iran

In this episode Michael critiques two articles written by Dr. Peikoff, one in 1997, the other in 2001. https://peikoff.com/essays_and_articl... https://newideal.aynrand.org/end-stat... About Michael Liebowitz – Host of The Rational EgoistMichael Liebowitz is the host of The Rational Egoist podcast, a philosopher, author, and political activist committed to the principles of reason, individualism, and rational self-interest. Deeply influenced by the philosophy of Ayn Rand, Michael uses his platfo...

Mar 08, 202629 min

Approval Seekers, wit Robert Taibbi L.C.S.W.

In this episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael Liebowitz is joined by Robert Taibbi, LCSW—an experienced clinician, supervisor, and clinical director with nearly 50 years of practice. Taibbi shares insights from his extensive career and discusses the psychological mechanisms behind approval seeking, and how we can break patterns that no longer serve us. Drawing from his books, including The Therapist's Journey, Doing Family Therapy, and Doing Couple Therapy, he offers practical, evidence-based ...

Mar 05, 202635 min

James Valliant Debates Michael Concerning the Morality of the War with Iran

This is a great, precise debate about the morality of the war in Iran, and is conducted by two men who share many of the same views.James Stevens Valliant is a philosopher, historian, and retired prosecutor. He is also author of The Passion of Ayn Rand's Critics, and Creating Christ.About Michael Liebowitz – Host of The Rational EgoistMichael Liebowitz is the host of The Rational Egoist podcast, a philosopher, author, and political activist committed to the principles of reason, individualism, a...

Mar 03, 20261 hr 4 min

Why I'm Not an Objectivist

I discuss my disagreements with Ayn Rand. About Michael Liebowitz – Host of The Rational EgoistMichael Liebowitz is the host of The Rational Egoist podcast, a philosopher, author, and political activist committed to the principles of reason, individualism, and rational self-interest. Deeply influenced by the philosophy of Ayn Rand, Michael uses his platform to challenge cultural dogma, expose moral contradictions, and defend the values that make human flourishing possible.His journey from a 25-y...

Feb 26, 202627 min

The Virtue of Independence

The Rational Egoist is back with another instalment in the self-improvement series built around Objectivism: The Philosophy of Ayn Rand (OPAR).This week, host Michael Liebowitz is joined again by James Valliant to focus on the virtue of independence.A practical takeaway: how to translate abstract principles into day-to-day clarity and momentumExpect a direct, grounded discussion aimed at one thing: helping you think more clearly about what you are—and what that makes possible.About Michael Liebo...

Feb 24, 202645 min

The Principles of Applied Capitalism

Mark Shupe joins Michael Liebowitz on The Rational Egoist to discuss the principles of applied capitalism through the lens of Objectivism. Mark is an Objectivist, an author, and an investor who has developed a unique approach to wealth-building for everyday people. His work focuses on empowering the middle class to think rationally about money and investment strategies rather than chasing trends or relying on conventional “expert” wisdom.Mark is the author of The Moneyball Method: Investing for ...

Feb 20, 202633 min

A South African Woman's Journey to a Pro Capitalist Philosophyy

#Capitalism#philosophy#culture#economics#freedomOn this episode Michael is joined by Persephone to discuss topics from South African culture to Ayn Rand's philosophy of Objectivism.Persephone is the producer of The Capitalist Corner, and she is cohost, with Michael, of Everyday Ethics. About Michael Liebowitz – Host of The Rational Egoist Michael Liebowitz is the host of The Rational Egoist podcast, a philosopher, author, and political activist committed to the principles of reason, individualis...

Feb 16, 202633 min

Immigration, Libertarianism, and Individual Rights

#freedom#immigration #libertarians#politics#currentevents Sheldon Richman joins the show for a lively and informative discussion about how freedom lovers should view immigration. Sheldon Richman is a lifelong advocate of liberty, reason, and justice. A father and grandfather, he brings both moral seriousness and lived experience to political philosophy. In this discussion, Michael and Sheldon explore foundational questions about individual rights, social cooperation, the role of the state, and t...

Feb 13, 202655 min

Special Episode-Everyday Ethics

On this special episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael shares an episode from another one of his podcasts, Everyday Ethics.

Feb 08, 202630 min
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