Why Corporate Taxes Should Be Abolished, with Jeffrey Miron In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz is joined by Jeffrey Miron, vice president for research at the Cato Institute and director of graduate and undergraduate studies in the Department of Economics at Harvard University, to make the case for abolishing corporate taxes. Miron explains how corporate taxes distort economic incentives, hinder growth, and ultimately harm consumers and workers. Drawing on his extensiv...
Nov 25, 2024•30 min
Discussing Progressive Myths with Professor Michael Huemer In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz welcomes Professor Michael Huemer, a renowned philosopher from the University of Colorado and the author of Progressive Myths. Together, they unpack some of the most pervasive myths propagated by progressive ideologies, examining their philosophical underpinnings, logical inconsistencies, and practical implications. Huemer, with his sharp analytical style, challenges listener...
Nov 21, 2024•43 min
Discussing Populism with Professor Sidney Milkis In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz speaks with Professor Sidney M. Milkis, White Burkett Miller Professor in the Department of Politics and renowned scholar of American politics. Milkis delves into the rise of populism, its impact on political institutions, and the challenges it poses to the stability of democratic governance. Drawing from his extensive research and his book What Happened to the Vital Center? (coauthore...
Nov 18, 2024•47 min
Reviewing The Train from an Objectivist Perspective with Professor Andrew Bernstein In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz sits down with Professor Andrew Bernstein, Objectivist philosopher and author, to review the classic film The Train through the lens of Objectivism. Bernstein, a staunch advocate for capitalism and individualism, offers insights into the film’s portrayal of heroism, sacrifice, and the fight for values under extreme conditions. Together, they explore h...
Nov 14, 2024•41 min
Narcissist or Bully? With Mariette Jansen, Ph.D. In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz welcomes Dr. Mariette Jansen, psychotherapist, life coach, and author of From Victim to Victor: Narcissism Survival Guide, to discuss the complex dynamics between narcissistic and bullying behavior. Dr. Jansen sheds light on the psychological traits of narcissists and bullies, examining their motivations, effects on others, and how to distinguish between the two. They also delve into s...
Nov 11, 2024•32 min
Trump's Victory: Assessing the Concerns with Jacob Sullum In this episode of "The Rational Egoist," host Michael Liebowitz tackles the pressing question: "Trump Won. Should we be Concerned?" Joining him is Jacob Sullum, Senior Editor at Reason magazine, to provide expert insights on this timely topic.As the nation grapples with the implications of Donald Trump's election victory, Liebowitz and Sullum will offer a rational, balanced analysis of the situation. Listeners can expect a thoughtful dis...
Nov 07, 2024•43 min
The Case Against Kamala Harris, as Prosecuted by James Stevens Valliant In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz is joined by James Stevens Valliant for a critical examination of Vice President Kamala Harris’s record and policies. Valliant, known for his incisive commentary, lays out a detailed case against Harris, focusing on her career as a prosecutor, her political decisions, and her influence on American policy. Together, they analyze Harris’s impact on issues ranging f...
Nov 04, 2024•42 min
A Case for Kamala? With Professor Ilya Somin In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Professor Ilya Somin, Professor of Law at George Mason University and Kenneth B. Simon Chair in Constitutional Studies at The Cato Institute. Together, they explore the political and constitutional implications of Vice President Kamala Harris’s tenure and potential future leadership. Professor Somin presents a balanced analysis, weighing the...
Nov 04, 2024•44 min
Discovering the Power of Metaphor with Dr. Eva Krockow In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz welcomes Dr. Eva Krockow, Associate Professor of Psychology and Vision Sciences at the University of Leicester, to explore the fascinating world of metaphor. Dr. Krockow explains how metaphors shape our thinking, communication, and decision-making in both subtle and profound ways. Together, they discuss the psychology behind metaphor use, its influence on personal and societal na...
Oct 30, 2024•28 min
Antitrust and Google with Ethan Yang In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz is joined by Ethan Yang, a full-time researcher at The Cato Institute and Adjunct Research Fellow at the American Institute for Economic Research (AIER), to discuss the contentious topic of antitrust regulation and its impact on Google. Yang explores the implications of government intervention in tech markets, examining whether antitrust actions against Google align with principles of free-market ...
Oct 29, 2024•35 min
Interpreting History through a Classical Liberal Lens with Professor Michael Douma In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz welcomes Professor Michael J. Douma, Associate Professor of History at Georgetown University's McDonough School of Business, to discuss the classical liberal method of interpreting history. Douma explains how a classical liberal approach values individual agency, economic freedom, and limited government while examining historical events. Through this l...
Oct 27, 2024•53 min
In this episode of The Rational Egoist , host Michael Liebowitz is joined by James Stevens Valliant for a robust discussion as they steel-man the case against Donald Trump. Rather than focusing on the usual partisan critiques, they aim to present the strongest, most rational arguments against Trump from a principled standpoint. Valliant, known for his sharp analytical mind, brings a nuanced perspective to the conversation, exploring the moral, legal, and political concerns surrounding Trump’s ac...
Oct 24, 2024•1 hr 11 min
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 ...
Oct 21, 2024•30 min
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, the...
Oct 18, 2024•39 min
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 ...
Oct 13, 2024•28 min
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 po...
Oct 10, 2024•37 min
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 p...
Oct 07, 2024•56 min
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 a...
Oct 04, 2024•53 min
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 historic...
Oct 03, 2024•37 min
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 po...
Sep 27, 2024•51 min
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 politi...
Sep 23, 2024•32 min
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 brin...
Sep 21, 2024•53 min
The Rational Egoist: The Liberty Movement and Current Events with Jon Miltimore In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz sits down with Jon Miltimore, Senior Editor at the American Institute for Economic Research, for an engaging discussion about the liberty movement and its relevance to current events. Miltimore shares his insights into the state of individual freedom, economic policy, and the political landscape today. The conversation explores how the principles of liber...
Sep 19, 2024•41 min
The Rational Egoist: Why Western Civilization is Worth Defending with Professor Andrew Bernstein In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz is joined by Professor Andrew Bernstein, a philosopher, novelist, and outspoken advocate of capitalism, to remind us why Western civilization is worth defending. Bernstein explores the philosophical and cultural achievements of the West, emphasizing the values of reason, individualism, and liberty that have fueled human progress. Together...
Sep 15, 2024•37 min
The Rational Egoist: The Impact of Dr. Leonard Peikoff with James Stevens Valliant In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz welcomes James Stevens Valliant to discuss the profound impact of Dr. Leonard Peikoff, the foremost interpreter of Ayn Rand's philosophy and her designated intellectual heir. Valliant explores Peikoff's contributions to Objectivism, his influential works, and his role in advancing Rand's ideas. Together, they delve into how Peikoff's teachings have sha...
Sep 12, 2024•1 hr 25 min
The Rational Egoist: Overcoming Political Divisiveness and Restoring National Unity with Walter Olson In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz is joined by Walter Olson, a Senior Fellow at the Cato Institute's Robert A. Levy Center for Constitutional Studies. Olson, known for his extensive writings on law, public policy, and regulation, delves into the issue of political divisiveness in contemporary America and explores strategies for returning to a semblance of national un...
Sep 08, 2024•47 min
The Rational Egoist: Walter Block on the Libertarian Movement, Israel, and His Break with Hoppe In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz is joined by Walter Block, Harold E. Wirth Endowed Chair and Professor of Economics at Loyola University, New Orleans. A longtime figure in the libertarian movement and a prolific author, Block shares his perspectives on the state of the libertarian movement today, his views on Israel, and the reasons behind his philosophical break with Ha...
Sep 05, 2024•42 min
The Rational Egoist: Exploring Individual Rights with Jim Valliant In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz welcomes back Jim Valliant for an in-depth discussion on the concept of individual rights. Valliant, known for his sharp philosophical insights, breaks down the nature, origin, and importance of individual rights in a free society. Together, they explore how these rights form the foundation of liberty, justice, and human flourishing. This conversation dives into the h...
Sep 03, 2024•57 min
The Rational Egoist: Concluding the Intellectual Property Debate with Stephan Kinsella (Part 2 of 2) In this final episode of a two-part series, host Michael Liebowitz concludes his engaging debate with Stephan Kinsella, a libertarian patent attorney and author, on the moral and legal status of intellectual property. Building on the groundwork laid in the previous discussion, Michael and Kinsella delve further into the core arguments surrounding IP rights, examining their effects on creativity, ...
Aug 29, 2024•41 min
The Rational Egoist: Resuming the Intellectual Property Debate with Stephan Kinsella (Part 1 of 2) In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz resumes his debate with Stephan Kinsella, a libertarian patent attorney and author, on the contentious issue of intellectual property. Picking up from their conversation a couple of weeks ago, Michael and Kinsella dive even deeper into the philosophical and legal arguments concerning IP rights. This is part one of a two-part series that...
Aug 29, 2024•44 min
