In this intellectually stimulating episode of "The Rational Egoist," host Michael Leibowitz sits down with Dr. Karras Lambert, who recently completed his Ph.D. in economics at George Mason University. They delve into the complex web of free trade, its misconceptions, and its relation to immigration and Austrian economics. Leibowitz and Dr. Lambert start by breaking down the term "free trade." Contrary to popular belief, free trade is not about government intervention or protectionism; it's about...
Oct 03, 2023•41 min
In this episode of "The Rational Egoist," host Michael Liebowitz engages in a thought-provoking discussion with guest Gerry Bourdeau on the much-debated topic: Is there objectivity in ethics, or is it all just whim and preference? While religions have long claimed a monopoly on moral standards, it was Ayn Rand who offered a reasoned, philosophical foundation for morality. But what if we remove the assumption of free will from the equation? Would ethics still hold ground? Tune in as we delve into...
Oct 01, 2023•55 min
In this riveting episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz is joined by Benjamin Seevers, a Doctorate student at West Virginia University. They delve into the complex landscape of labour, dissecting topics from labour unions to qualified immunity, and the ethics and economics that surround them. Unions are a source of constant debate, with Benjamin and Michael exploring the underlying ethics of their operation. The discussion exposes the coercive nature of companies having to negoti...
Sep 26, 2023•36 min
Libertarianism Unveiled: Exploring Ayn Rand's Principles with James Valliant Join host Michael Leibowitz in another enlightening episode of "The Rational Egoist" podcast, featuring the esteemed guest James Valliant. In this recurring conversation, they delve into the foundational principles of libertarianism, a philosophy rooted in the belief that individuals should have the liberty to pursue their desires without infringing on the rights of others. At the core of this discussion lies Ayn Rand's...
Sep 25, 2023•1 hr 9 min
In this compelling episode of "The Rational Egoist," host Michael Leibowitz sits down with Alex J. Pollock, a senior fellow at The Mises Institute and former Principal Deputy Director of the Office of Financial Research in the U.S. Treasury Dept. Together, they delve into the fascinating yet fraught world of the Federal Reserve, an institution often misconceived as a central economic manager. The Federal Reserve, in its simplest form, comprises 12 regional banks attempting to regulate the U.S. e...
Sep 21, 2023•49 min
In this revealing episode of "The Rational Egoist," host Michael Leibowitz teams up with Dr. Jeffrey A. Singer, a distinguished surgeon and senior fellow at the Cato Institute, to dissect the contentious landscape of decongestant regulations set by the FDA. Firstly, the pair undertake a comprehensive analysis of the transition from pseudoephedrine to phenylephrine. This shift, propelled by concerns of pseudoephedrine's use in manufacturing methamphetamine, culminated in the stigmatisation and re...
Sep 20, 2023•42 min
In this captivating episode of "The Rational Egoist," host Michael Leibowitz engages in an enlightening conversation with distinguished Objectivist philosopher, Professor Andrew Bernstein. Join them as they delve deep into the world of philosophy, focusing on the heroes and villains who have shaped its landscape and discussing Ayn Rand's profound influence.Professor Andrew Bernstein, a prominent figure in Objectivist philosophy, brings his wealth of knowledge to the forefront. With a PhD in phil...
Sep 18, 2023•1 hr 11 min
The Rational Egoist: Dissecting Educational Liberty with Michael Leibowitz and Colleen Hroncich In this profound edition of The Rational Egoist podcast, celebrated philosopher and political activist Michael Leibowitz welcomes policy analyst Colleen Hroncich from the Cato Institute’s Center for Educational Freedom to dissect the modern educational paradigm, one rooted deeply in shifting societal norms and dominant ideologies. A revered voice in libertarian and Objectivist circles, Michael Leibowi...
Sep 15, 2023•32 min
In this inspiring episode of “The Rational Egoist,” host Michael Leibowitz sits down with the remarkable Tal Tsfany, a notable entrepreneur, investor, and business executive who stands at the helm as the president and CEO of the Ayn Rand Institute (ARI). Embarking on a journey of truth and rational thinking, Tal shares his inherent passion for seeking veritable truths, an endeavour significantly guided by his embrace of objective principles. Drawing on his pivotal role at ARI, Tal elucidates the...
Sep 15, 2023•39 min
James Valliant: From Prosecutor to Defender of Human Character In this engaging episode of "The Rational Egoist" podcast, host Michael Leibowitz reunites with James Valliant to explore James's remarkable journey as a prosecutor and the profound insights he gained during his tenure.The conversation begins by delving into the unconventional friendship between James and Michael, transcending Michael's past experiences behind bars and James's role as a prosecutor. Together, they share a belief that ...
Sep 11, 2023•58 min
Join us as we dive deep into the intricate world of philosophy. In this episode, Professor Andrew Bernstein returns to continue their exploration of the heroes and villains of philosophy, focusing on the controversial figures of Hegel, Marx, and the rise of postmodernism. Professor Bernstein, a distinguished Objectivist philosopher and author of acclaimed works like "Heroes, Legends, and Champions" and "The Capitalist Manifesto," offers his profound insights on these influential thinkers. The di...
Sep 09, 2023•1 hr 7 min
In this episode we are joined by the veteran expert in juvenile justice, Lillian Brooks, who served as the Director of Court Services for the Alexandria Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court in Virginia for a notable span of 28 years. The central theme of the conversation revolves around the resilience seen in children embroiled in juvenile crime and the factors that can potentially foster a spirit of recovery, even in the backdrop of abusive and drug-addicted parental figures. The duo dissects ...
Sep 08, 2023•53 min
Welcome to another thought-provoking episode of "The Rational Egoist," hosted by Michael Liebowitz. Today, we're diving deep into the contentious topic of immigration with our esteemed guest, Agustina Vergara Cid. Agustina is a Research Associate at the Ayn Rand Institute, specialising in immigration issues, and a regular contributor to the New Ideal. In today’s episode, Agustina shares her personal experience with immigration, highlighting how the bureaucratic morass is often designed to be dis...
Sep 07, 2023•43 min
The Rational Egoist - A Conversation with Robert Blumen on Artificial Intelligence and the Entrepreneurial Mind In this episode of "The Rational Egoist," host Michael Leibowitz engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Robert Blumen, a software engineer with expertise in financial applications. Together, they delve into the intricate world of artificial intelligence (AI), dispelling common myths and setting the record straight on what constitutes true AI. Far from being mere calculators o...
Sep 01, 2023•39 min
Join host Michael Leibowitz in this episode of "The Rational Egoist" as he engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Professor Deborah Koetzle from the John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Together, they delve into the fascinating realm of correctional practices and recidivism reduction from an objectivist perspective. In this insightful discussion, Michael and Professor Koetzle explore the evolution of recidivism reduction strategies across four generations. Beginning with the unreliabl...
Aug 29, 2023•41 min
Unveiling Constitutional Realities: A Dialogue with James Valliant Join host Michael Liebowitz in a thought-provoking conversation with acclaimed author James Valliant, as they embark on a journey to dissect the essence of the USA Constitution. In this illuminating episode, the discussion revolves around the fundamental question: Does the USA Constitution truly safeguard the rights of its citizens? Diving headfirst into the heart of the matter, the conversation explores the core principles of li...
Aug 29, 2023•1 hr 18 min
In this episode of "The Rational Egoist" our host Michael Liebowits engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Professor Deborah Koetzle from the John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Together, they delve into the fascinating realm of correctional practices and recidivism reduction from an objectivist perspective. In the discussion, Michael and Professor Koetzle explore the evolution of recidivism reduction strategies across four generations. Beginning with the unreliable gut feelings of t...
Aug 28, 2023•38 min
Welcome back to another riveting episode of "Analysing Philosophy's Fault Lines." Host Michael Leibowitz engages in a compelling conversation with the renowned Professor Andrew Bernstein, a distinguished Objectivist philosopher and author of influential works like "Heroes, Legends, and Champions" and "The Capitalist Manifesto." This episode casts a discerning eye on Emmanuel Kant's complex philosophical stance, diving deep into the contradictions and implications of his ideas.Professor Bernstein...
Aug 25, 2023•52 min
The Rational Egoist: Deconstructing Economic Fallacies with Jonathan Newman In this thought-provoking episode of "The Rational Egoist," your host Michael Liebowitz engages in an insightful conversation with economist Jonathan Newman, a distinguished figure from the Mises Institute. J oin them as they delve deep into the heart of Keynesian economics, dissecting its intricate theories and exploring its implications on individual rights and economic freedom. Together, they challenge the conventiona...
Aug 24, 2023•42 min
Exploring Rationality and Heroism: Conversations with Professor Andrew Bernstein In this episode Michael Leibowitz is joined by Professor Andrew Bernstein, a prominent Objectivist philosopher with a rich background in philosophy. Together, they embark on a profound exploration of the heroes and villains of philosophy, delving into the ideas that have shaped human thought and societies. Professor Bernstein, who holds a PhD in philosophy from The City University of New York and has a wealth of tea...
Aug 19, 2023•50 min
In this intellectually stimulating episode of "The Rational Egoist," host Michael Liebowitz engages in a thought-provoking conversation with June Everett, an ordained minister of The Satanic Temple and the Campaign Director for the After School Satan Club. Despite its eyebrow-raising title, the discussion delves into a nuanced exploration of this non-theocratic organisation, grounded in reason and devoid of faith or superstition. Tune in as Michael and June dissect the club's primary mission, ro...
Aug 18, 2023•40 min
In this intellectually stimulating episode of "The Rational Egoist," host Michael Liebowitz engages in a thought-provoking dialogue with Dr. Harry Binswanger, a distinguished Objectivist philosopher and author with a profound understanding of morality and reason. Harry Binswanger, renowned for his academic achievements including a Bachelor's degree from MIT and a Doctorate from Columbia, brings his wealth of knowledge to the forefront. Drawing from his extensive background, he provides insightfu...
Aug 17, 2023•51 min
Exploring Ethical Architecture with James Valliant In this intellectually stimulating episode of "The Rational Egoist" podcast, host Michael Leibowitz engages in a captivating conversation with the distinguished author James Valliant. The episode delves into the ethical landscape of one of Ayn Rand's most iconic characters, Howard Roark, the hero of "The Fountainhead." James Valliant, renowned for his works "The Passion of Ayn Rand's Critics" and "Creating Christ," lends his insightful perspecti...
Aug 13, 2023•52 min
Unpacking Trump's Charges: A Rational Egoist Discussion with Michael Liebowitz and Professor Ilya Somin Join host Michael Liebowitz and special guest Professor Ilya Somin in this episode of "The Rational Egoist." Together, they delve into the latest Trump indictment, dissecting charges that range from obstructing an official proceeding to attempting to pressure state officials. The conversation sheds light on the complexities of free speech, allegations of election rigging, and potential illegal...
Aug 08, 2023•37 min
The Rational Egoist: The Importance of Not Sanctioning Immorality with Peter Schwartz In this episode, Michael Leibowitz is joined by Peter Schwartz, former Chairman of the Board and Senior Fellow at The Ayn Rand Institute, to explore the criteria for assessing morality based on a life-sustaining standard. They delve into the significance of exercising your mind to live a fulfilling life and the importance of dealing with moral individuals while avoiding those who promote immorality. The discuss...
Aug 05, 2023•46 min
The Rational Egoist - Unraveling the Origins of Covid with David Quammen In this compelling episode of "The Rational Egoist," esteemed host Michael Liebowitz engages in a thought-provoking discussion with science, nature, and travel writer David Quammen. Together, they delve into the contentious origins of the Covid virus, exploring the two main theories surrounding its source. The first theory revolves around the possibility that the virus originated from the Wuhan Institute of Virology, potent...
Aug 03, 2023•42 min
The Rational Egoist: Exploring the Conflict Between Reason and Faith with Michael Rectenwald Join host Michael Leibowitz in this thought-provoking episode of "The Rational Egoist" as he welcomes Distinguished Fellow at Hillsdale College and renowned author Michael Rectenwald. In this captivating debate, they delve into the age-old question of whether there is a conflict between reason and faith. Throughout the discussion, Michael Rectenwald shares insights from his vast experience, having taught...
Aug 02, 2023•50 min
The Rational Egoist - Public Choice Economics and Political Ignorance with Max Borders In this thought-provoking episode of "The Rational Egoist" with host Michael Leibowitz, special guest Max Borders, former director of content at The Foundation for Economic Education, and Executive Director at Social Evolution, delves into the realm of Public Choice Economics, the decline of empires, and the concept of a constitution of consent. The conversation centrers around how government intervention can ...
Aug 01, 2023•51 min
Join host Michael Liebowitz in an engaging conversation with author James Valliant on his groundbreaking book, "Creating Christ: How Roman Emperors Invented Christianity." Discover the boldly original thesis that Christianity was created by the Roman state, and the New Testament was designed as Roman propaganda to pacify rebellious Jews. Explore the clash of cultures between the Romans and the fanatically monotheistic Jews, and how this conflict shaped the foundations of Christianity. Delve into...
Jul 31, 2023•1 hr 16 min
In this episode, Dr. Andrew Bernstein, a distinguished advocate of Ayn Rand's Objectivism and a renowned philosopher with a PhD from the City University of New York, returns to continue his riveting conversation with Michael. Together, they delve deep into the lives and ideas of three philosophers: Plato, Thomas Aquinas, and Descartes.Unraveling the historical context, the duo examines how these philosophical giants, despite contributing valuable ideas, became perceived as villains due to their ...
Jul 28, 2023•59 min
