Objective Investing for The Middle Class – with Mark Shupe Mark Shupe joins Michael Liebowitz on The Rational Egoist to discuss the principles of investing 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...
Sep 25, 2025•34 min
Discussing Million Dollar Baby with Professor Andrew Bernstein In this episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael Liebowitz is joined by philosopher and author Professor Andrew Bernstein for a deep dive into Clint Eastwood’s acclaimed film Million Dollar Baby. Together they unpack the philosophical themes embedded in the story—from the value of ambition and the human will to the moral and cultural implications of the film’s controversial ending. Professor Bernstein brings his Objectivist perspectiv...
Sep 22, 2025•42 min
Matthew Facciani Ph.D is here to Discuss the Link Between Victim Mentalities and Belief in Conspiracy Theories On this episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael sits down with Matthew Facciani, Ph.D.—an interdisciplinary social scientist whose work bridges neuroscience, psychology, and sociology. With a doctorate in sociology, Dr. Facciani’s research dives deep into how misinformation spreads, how social networks shape beliefs, and why political polarization and identity play such powerful roles i...
Sep 19, 2025•34 min
Discussing Economics with Vance Ginn In this episode, Michael Liebowitz is joined by Vance Ginn, PhD—founder and president of Ginn Economic Consulting, Associate Research Fellow at the American Institute for Economic Research (AIER), staff economist at Americans for Tax Reform, and contributor to more than 20 think tanks. Dr. Ginn brings his extensive background in public policy and economics to the discussion, including his experience as Associate Director for Economic Policy at the White House...
Sep 15, 2025•41 min
Discussing Accountability, Blame, and Hypocrisy, with Steven Stosny Ph.D In this thought-provoking episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael Liebowitz sits down with Dr. Steven Stosny to explore the difficult terrain of accountability, blame, and hypocrisy in human relationships and society at large. Dr. Stosny is a therapist, author, and founder of Compassion Power in suburban Washington D.C. He has taught at the University of Maryland and at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, and his insights have ...
Aug 29, 2025•36 min
A Great Conversation About a Variety of Economic Subjects – with Don Boudreaux Michael Liebowitz is joined by economist, author, and professor Don Boudreaux for a wide-ranging discussion on economics, freedom, and the forces that shape prosperity. Don is the co-director of The Program on the American Economy and Globalization at The Mercatus Center at George Mason University, and coauthor (with Phil Gramm) of The Triumph of Economic Freedom, which can be purchased from the following link: https:...
Aug 26, 2025•45 min
Mark Pellegrino Joins the Show to Discuss the Intersection Between Psychology and Philosophy Actor Mark Pellegrino sits down with Michael to explore how psychology and philosophy intertwine—and why both are essential to understanding human nature. Known for his standout roles in The Big Lebowski, Capote, Lost, The Closer, Dexter, and Supernatural, among many others, Mark brings his sharp intellect and philosophical curiosity into the conversation. About Michael Liebowitz – Host of The Rational E...
Aug 21, 2025•40 min
Jim Valliant Analyzes Numerous Logical Fallacies In this episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael is joined once again by Jim Valliant for an in-depth exploration of logical fallacies. Together, they break down the errors in reasoning that often undermine arguments, distort truth, and lead to dangerous cultural trends. From straw men to appeals to authority, Jim and Michael analyze how these fallacies appear in public discourse, politics, and everyday debates—and why recognizing them is essential...
Aug 18, 2025•56 min
Talk Show Host Tom Shattuck Joins Michael for a Wide-Ranging Conversation Tom Shattuck sits down with Michael to explore a variety of topics in this engaging and thought-provoking discussion. Known for his sharp wit and unapologetic takes, Tom brings his trademark insight to the table as they cover everything from current events to cultural trends. Tom is the host of The Burn Barrel Podcast and The Shot of Shattuck Podcast, and he previously hosted The Tom Shattuck Show on WTIC 1080 AM in Connec...
Aug 14, 2025•59 min
Jacob Berman Joins Michael to Discuss a Variety of Issues Related to Christianity In this episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael sits down with Jacob Berman, host of the History Valley podcast—a world history and religious history channel dedicated to exploring historical events through in-depth conversations. Jacob regularly interviews authors, professors, PhD scholars, and other experts on topics spanning religion, history, and philosophy. Together, Michael and Jacob tackle a range of issues ...
Aug 12, 2025•1 hr 3 min
Dr. Cristina LePort Joins the Show to Discuss Objectivism, Writing, and Her Latest Book In this thought-provoking episode of The Rational Egoist, Dr. Cristina LePort joins Michael Liebowitz for a wide-ranging conversation on Objectivism, the art of writing, and how her passion for medicine and philosophy converge in her work as a novelist. Dr. LePort shares insights from her journey—from growing up in Bologna, Italy, to becoming a board-certified cardiologist and co-founding Genescient, a biotec...
Aug 07, 2025•39 min
A Cordial Debate About the Relative Evil of Left and Right – with Andrew Bernstein In this intellectually rich and passionate episode, Dr. Andrew Bernstein returns to The Rational Egoist to engage in a lively but respectful debate with host Michael Liebowitz on a provocative question: Who poses a greater threat to liberty—the Left or the Right? From the rise of authoritarian populism to the collectivist agenda of the modern Left, Michael and Andrew explore the ideological roots and historical co...
Aug 04, 2025•44 min
The Power of No – with Professor Alexander Puutio Rejection. Resistance. Roadblocks. We all face them—but how we respond to them can define the course of our lives and careers. In this episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael Liebowitz is joined by Professor Alexander Puutio, an author, leadership expert, and veteran of the United Nations and Boston Consulting Group, to explore the power of hearing “no.” Whether in diplomacy, business, or academia, Professor Puutio has spent over a decade navigat...
Aug 01, 2025•34 min
New Episode: Pain, Crime, Struggle, and Redemption – with Michaelangelo Casanova In this powerful and deeply human episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael speaks with Michaelangelo Casanova—Entrepreneur, Life Coach, and Mentor—about his extraordinary journey through the darkest corners of life and into the light of self-ownership and personal growth. Michaelangelo opens up about his past involvement in crime and the pain and struggle that shaped him, but more importantly, how he chose to rise ab...
Jul 28, 2025•37 min
Discussing Frederic Bastiat – with Nikolai Wenzel In this episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael Liebowitz is joined by economist and classical liberal scholar Nikolai Wenzel for an in-depth discussion on the ideas and enduring legacy of Frédéric Bastiat. What makes Bastiat one of the clearest and most compelling defenders of liberty? Why is "The Law" still so relevant today? And how did Bastiat expose the fallacies behind government intervention with such clarity and wit? Nikolai Wenzel, Profe...
Jul 24, 2025•34 min
Induction, Biology, and Being a Mother – with Meghann A. Ribbens, Ph.D. In this illuminating conversation, Michael sits down with Dr. Meghann A. Ribbens, molecular biologist and host of the YouTube show Inductive History of Biology. They explore how the scientific method of induction applies to biology, the historical development of key biological ideas, and how rational thinking shapes our understanding of life itself. Meghann also shares her personal experience of integrating a life of the min...
Jul 21, 2025•45 min
Capitalism and Communication – with Patrick Carroll What role does communication play in the fight for liberty? In this episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael Liebowitz is joined by libertarian opinion journalist Patrick Carroll to explore the intersection of ideas, persuasion, and individual rights. Patrick shares insights from his time as Managing Editor at the Foundation for Economic Education (FEE), where he helped shape the message of freedom for a new generation. The conversation dives in...
Jul 18, 2025•47 min
Professor Andrew Bernstein Interviews Michael Liebowitz on View from a Cage In this compelling episode of The Rational Egoist, the tables are turned as renowned Objectivist philosopher Dr. Andrew Bernstein interviews host Michael Liebowitz about his book View from a Cage: From Convict to Crusader for Liberty. Michael opens up about his incredible journey from a 25-year prison sentence to becoming a fierce advocate for reason, individual rights, and moral independence. Together, he and Dr. Bernst...
Jul 09, 2025•54 min
A Life of Purpose – with Jordan Grumet In this heartfelt and profound episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael Liebowitz is joined by physician, hospice director, and bestselling author Dr. Jordan Grumet for a moving discussion on what it means to live a life of purpose. From the sterile walls of hospital wards to the deeply human moments at the end of life, Dr. Grumet’s career in Internal Medicine and hospice care has given him a rare vantage point on the values, regrets, and reflections that su...
Jul 03, 2025•39 min
Jim Valliant Breaks His Silence Concerning The Situation of Dr. Leonard Peikoff In this gripping and emotionally charged episode, Michael Liebowitz sits down with author and philosopher James Stevens Valliant, who publicly addresses—for the first time—the controversial developments surrounding Dr. Leonard Peikoff, heir to Ayn Rand’s intellectual legacy. With deep personal insight and philosophical clarity, Valliant explores the moral, legal, and cultural implications of the current situation. Th...
Jun 27, 2025•1 hr 17 min
The Role of Humor in The Good Life – with James Stevens Valliant What is the value of humor in a rational life? Is laughter just a luxury—or an essential expression of joy, perspective, and moral clarity? In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz is joined by James Stevens Valliant, author, attorney, and lifelong Objectivist, for a rich exploration of the role humor plays in a life lived well. They discuss how laughter reflects our deepest judgments, how comedy can serve as ...
Jun 23, 2025•39 min
In this episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael Leibowitz sits down with renowned economist and historian Lawrence W. Reed to uncover the real causes and consequences of the Great Depression. Was it a failure of capitalism—or a failure of government? Drawing from decades of economic scholarship, Larry Reed dismantles the prevailing myths and reveals how misguided monetary policy, protectionism, and central planning turned a market correction into a global catastrophe. If you've ever been told th...
Jun 20, 2025•46 min
Liberty, Culture, Race, and More! – with Justin Williams In this episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael Liebowitz speaks with Justin Williams, a scholar whose academic journey includes Rutgers, Princeton, and Rider University. With a strong foundation in classical liberal thought, Williams brings thoughtful insight to a wide-ranging conversation covering liberty, culture, race, education, and the moral importance of personal responsibility. Together, they challenge prevailing narratives and exp...
Jun 17, 2025•55 min
A Fascinating Discussion About AI – with Jonathan MacDonald In this episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael Liebowitz is joined by Jonathan MacDonald, one of the world’s most sought-after strategic thinkers and change-makers, for a wide-ranging conversation about artificial intelligence. Together, they explore the ethical, philosophical, and technological implications of AI—its potential to empower or control, the importance of privacy and autonomy, and what a responsible digital future might lo...
Jun 13, 2025•49 min
Authenticity – with Dr. Susanne Babbel In this episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael Liebowitz speaks with Dr. Susanne Babbel, a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in trauma and the author of Heal the Body, Heal the Mind. Together, they explore the concept of authenticity—what it truly means to live authentically, how trauma can disrupt that connection, and how individuals can reclaim their sense of self. Drawing from her clinical experience and mind-body approach to healing, ...
Jun 12, 2025•37 min
Discussing Psychopathy – with Dr. Donald Lynam In this episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael Liebowitz is joined by Dr. Donald Lynam, a distinguished professor of clinical psychology at Purdue University and director of the Developmental Psychopathology, Psychopathy, and Personality Lab. Dr. Lynam offers a deep dive into the science of psychopathy—what it is, how it develops, and how it differs from other personality disorders. They explore the implications for criminal justice, mental health ...
Jun 09, 2025•38 min
Culture, Hip Hop, the War on Drugs, and More – with Touré In this episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael Liebowitz is joined by Touré—acclaimed writer, music journalist, cultural critic, and television personality—for a wide-ranging conversation on culture, hip hop, and the impact of the War on Drugs. Drawing from his decades of experience in media and music commentary, Touré reflects on the cultural power of hip hop, the societal consequences of punitive drug policies, and the broader politica...
Jun 05, 2025•38 min
The Myth of Personal Maintenance – with Kyle Emanuel Fuller In this episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael Liebowitz speaks with transformational coach and speaker Kyle Emanuel Fuller, author of the forthcoming book Total Self Trust. Together, they challenge the modern concept of “personal maintenance,” exploring why treating personal growth like a chore or checklist can actually limit transformation. With over two decades of experience working with high-achieving entrepreneurs and leaders, Ful...
Jun 02, 2025•39 min
The Nature of Logic – A Conversation with James Stevens Valliant In this episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael Liebowitz and James Stevens Valliant dive deep into the nature and role of logic in human life. They explore what logic is, why it’s essential for thinking and communication, and how it serves as the foundation for objective knowledge. From identifying contradictions to examining common logical fallacies, this episode is a compelling exploration of the principles that guide rational t...
May 30, 2025•46 min
Analyzing the Dave Smith / Alex Nowrasteh Debate on Immigration – with Sheldon Richman In this episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael Liebowitz is joined by Sheldon Richman to analyze and unpack the high-profile immigration debate between libertarian comedian Dave Smith and immigration policy expert Alex Nowrasteh. Richman—executive editor at The Libertarian Institute and former senior editor at both the Cato Institute and the Institute for Humane Studies—offers his seasoned perspective on the ...
May 26, 2025•44 min
