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 chapter “Man.” What is man, fundamentally—and what follows from that for how you should live? If you’ve ever felt pulled between what you know you should do and what you feel like doing… if you’ve struggled with consistency, self-trust, or the discipline to pursue your va...
Feb 03, 2026•51 min
Reason: The Choice That Makes Self-Improvement Possible (OPAR Series) In this episode of The Rational Egoist, James Valliant and Michael Liebowitz continue their OPAR-based series on self-improvement by tackling the chapter on Reason—the faculty that makes every other virtue possible. They explore what it means to treat reason as a practice rather than a slogan: choosing to think when it’s inconvenient, checking emotions against facts, refusing to outsource your judgement, and building a life th...
Jan 22, 2026•46 min
Political Tribalism with Lauren Hall Political scientist Lauren Hall joins Michael Liebowitz for a wide-ranging discussion on political tribalism—how identity, loyalty, and moral signalling have displaced judgment, moderation, and principled disagreement in modern politics. Lauren Hall brings a rare combination of scholarly depth and cultural clarity to the conversation. Drawing on the classical liberal tradition and her work on family, moderation, and the moral limits of politics, she examines ...
Jan 19, 2026•49 min
In this episode of The Rational Egoist , Michael Liebowitz is joined by Gene Epstein , one of the most articulate and consistent defenders of free markets in modern economic journalism. 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 ma...
Jan 16, 2026•1 hr 13 min
Francesca Flavia Mormanni Joins the Show — Music, Writing, Finance, and the Creative Life FF. Mormanni joins The Rational Egoist for a wide-ranging conversation that cuts across art, intellect, and independence. Known professionally as F. F. Mormanni (also Francesca Mormanni), Francesca is a novelist, screenwriter, musician, producer, and actress whose work reflects a serious engagement with creativity as a rational, chosen pursuit—not a mystic impulse or a social performance. In this episode, M...
Jan 12, 2026•33 min
In this episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael Liebowitz speaks with Dr. Knut M. Wittkowski, a biostatistician and epidemiologist whose career has been grounded in data analysis, population-level disease dynamics, and research design. Dr. Wittkowski approaches the COVID pandemic not from politics or media narratives, but from statistical evidence and historical epidemiology. Drawing on decades of experience analysing infectious disease patterns, he challenges widely accepted assumptions about l...
Jan 09, 2026•37 min
Jim Valliant and Michael Liebowitz continue their ongoing series using OPAR as a practical guide to self-improvement. In this episode, they turn to one of the most demanding—and most liberating—virtues: Objectivity. Drawing from OPAR (Objectivism: The Philosophy of Ayn Rand), Jim and Michael examine what objectivity actually requires in daily life. Not neutrality. Not emotional detachment. But an uncompromising commitment to reality as it is, judged by evidence, logic, and context. They explore ...
Jan 05, 2026•54 min
Holden Mitrione Interviews Michael — A Wide-Ranging Conversation on Ideas, Economics, and Culture In this episode of The Rational Egoist , Holden Mitrione sits on the other side of the microphone to interview Michael Liebowitz in a free-flowing discussion that moves comfortably across philosophy, economics, culture, and the habits of thinking that shape a person’s life. Holden, an undergraduate majoring in economics, brings a sharp and curious mind to the conversation—asking questions that cut t...
Dec 31, 2025•35 min
Larry Sharpe Joins The Rational Egoist to Discuss His Candidacy for Governor of New York In this episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael Liebowitz is joined by Larry Sharpe, a prominent libertarian voice and two-time candidate for Governor of New York. Sharpe brings a grounded, reality-based perspective to politics—one that treats individuals as adults capable of managing their own lives rather than subjects to be managed by the state. The conversation explores why New York has become one of the...
Dec 26, 2025•51 min
Sheldon Richman Joins Michael Liebowitz for a Candid Discussion on Liberty, Justice, and Political Philosophy In this episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael Liebowitz sits down with Sheldon Richman for a thoughtful and principled conversation about where their political views converge—and where they part ways. 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 di...
Dec 26, 2025•1 hr 36 min
The life and legacy of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt with David Beito In this episode, the conversation cuts through the mythology surrounding FDR and examines the man, his ideas, and the political transformation he presided over. Rather than treating Roosevelt as a sacred figure of history, this discussion looks directly at the consequences of his policies, the expansion of executive power, and the long-term effects on American political culture. David Beito brings historical clarity and ...
Dec 18, 2025•45 min
The Role of Concept Formation in Self-Improvement In this episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael Liebowitz sits down with philosopher and author James Valliant for a rigorous conversation on one of the most underestimated aspects of personal growth: concept formation. Self-improvement is often treated as a matter of habits, motivation, or mindset. But beneath all of that lies something more fundamental—the way we form, integrate, and use concepts. James explains why clarity at the conceptual le...
Dec 15, 2025•45 min
Michaelangelo Casanova Joins The Rational Egoist for a Powerful Conversation on Entrepreneurship On this episode, Michael Liebowitz is joined by Michaelangelo Casanova for a rich, energising discussion about what it truly means to build a life—and a business—through deliberate action and uncompromising personal agency. Michaelangelo Casanova is an entrepreneur and life coach who has dedicated his work to helping people break out of passive living and step into purposeful creation. His approach i...
Dec 12, 2025•34 min
In this compelling episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael Liebowitz sits down once again with author, prosecutor, and philosopher James Stevens Valliant to tackle a recurring confusion in libertarian circles: the attempt to merge individual-rights philosophy with anarchism — a fusion often labelled “anarcho-Objectivism.” Michael and James examine why this hybrid collapses on its own premises. They break down the essential role of objective law, the necessity of a single rights-protecting legal ...
Dec 07, 2025•1 hr 46 min
Catherine Dickerson on the Benevolence of Reason In this episode, Michael sits down with Catherine Dickerson for a deeply grounded conversation about what it means to live in a universe where reason is your ally, not your adversary. Drawing from 35 years of experience in education and psychotherapy—and her time as personal assistant to Dr Leonard Peikoff—Catherine brings a rare combination of philosophical depth and practical psychological insight. Together, she and Michael explore the benevolen...
Dec 05, 2025•39 min
Jim Valliant and Michael Continue Their Series on Using Objectivism: The Philosophy of Ayn Rand as a Guide to Self-Improvement. In This Episode, They Dive Into Chapter Two: “Sense Perception and Volition.” In this new instalment, Michael and Jim explore how the most fundamental aspects of human awareness shape everything from our daily decisions to our long-range ambitions. They take listeners through the core insights of Chapter Two—how we grasp reality through our senses, how automatic percept...
Dec 01, 2025•1 hr 1 min
Dr. Andrew Bernstein and Dr. Meghann Ribbens Discuss Some Problems with American Education In this episode, Michael sits down with two sharp and unapologetically rational voices—Dr. Andrew Bernstein and Dr. Meghann Ribbens—to unpack what has gone wrong in American education and why so many students are emerging less prepared, less confident, and less capable of independent thought. From the erosion of academic standards to the cultural shift away from personal responsibility, Bernstein and Ribbe...
Nov 24, 2025•1 hr 6 min
Kiyah Willis Discusses Her Journey Out of Woke In this episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael sits down with Kiyah Willis for a thoughtful and compelling discussion about her intellectual transformation—one that took her from the fog of modern “woke” ideology to a life built on clarity, independence, and personal responsibility. Kiyah is a fellow at the Objective Standard Institute, where she focuses on cultural trends and the ideas driving them. With a degree from the Massachusetts Institute o...
Nov 20, 2025•50 min
Applying OPAR to Self-Improvement In this episode, Michael sits down with James Valliant to launch a powerful new series exploring how the principles laid out in Objectivism: The Philosophy of Ayn Rand (OPAR) can be used as a practical roadmap for personal growth. Rather than treating philosophy as something abstract or academic, Michael and James break down how these core principles apply to everyday life—to the choices we make, the standards we hold, the habits we build, and the long-range goa...
Nov 17, 2025•47 min
Nikos Sotirakopoulos Discusses His Journey from Marxism to Objectivism In this episode of The Rational Egoist , Dr. Nikos Sotirakopoulos joins Michael Liebowitz to share his intellectual journey from the radical Left to the philosophy of reason and individualism. Once an active Marxist, Nikos reflects on what drew him to collectivist movements in his youth and what ultimately led him to reject them. They discuss the emotional and philosophical appeal of Marxism, the moral void it attempts to fil...
Nov 13, 2025•52 min
New Episode: “Sheldon Richman Discusses His Life” In this episode, Sheldon Richman—executive editor at The Libertarian Institute and former senior editor at both the Cato Institute and the Institute for Humane Studies—joins Michael Liebowitz to reflect on his life, career, and decades of work advancing the cause of liberty. Richman brings a wealth of experience and insight to the conversation, exploring the philosophical and policy debates that have shaped modern libertarian thought. The discuss...
Nov 10, 2025•1 hr 4 min
Andrew Bernstein – Reckoning with Justice, Freedom, and the Human Spirit In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz welcomes philosopher and novelist Andrew Bernstein to discuss his thrilling new novel, Reckoning. Bernstein, well-known for his works on Objectivist philosophy and his powerful fiction, joins Michael to explore the moral themes that drive the story—justice, heroism, and the battle between good and evil in a decaying culture. Together, they delve into what inspir...
Nov 06, 2025•49 min
A Great Talk with James Valliant Concerning the Recently Discovered Letters Wherein Murray Rothbard Discussed Ayn Rand In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz sits down with James Valliant, author of The Passion of Ayn Rand’s Critics and co-author of Creating Christ, to discuss a fascinating historical discovery — the recently unearthed letters in which Murray Rothbard writes about Ayn Rand and her philosophy. Together they explore the complex and often contentious relatio...
Oct 31, 2025•46 min
Debating the Legitimacy of Anarcho-Capitalism – with Mann Sharma In this thought-provoking episode of The Rational Egoist , Michael Liebowitz sits down with Mann Sharma, a young and aspiring intellectual in the liberty movement, to debate the legitimacy of anarcho-capitalism. Is a stateless society truly compatible with individual rights, or does it invite chaos and private tyranny? Together, Michael and Mann explore the moral and practical foundations of government, the role of objective law, a...
Oct 27, 2025•1 hr 4 min
Discussing Economic Inequality with Robert F. Mulligan In this episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael Liebowitz sits down with economist Robert F. Mulligan to discuss one of the most debated issues in modern economics—economic inequality. Dr. Mulligan brings a rigorous, data-driven perspective to the conversation, examining what inequality actually measures, whether it’s inherently unjust, and how government intervention often worsens the very disparities it claims to solve. Together, they expl...
Oct 17, 2025•44 min
What is Metacognition, and Why Do You Need to Know? – With Kristen Carter, M.S. In this episode, Michael Liebowitz is joined by Kristen Carter, M.S., founder of Design for Fitness, LLC. With over 30 years of experience in fitness and nutrition, Kristen brings a unique perspective that integrates psychology, motivation, and health. Together, they explore the concept of metacognition—the ability to think about your own thinking—and why understanding it can transform not only your approach to fitne...
Oct 13, 2025•32 min
Rob Tracinski Discusses His New Book, “Dictator from Day One: How Donald Trump is Overthrowing the Constitution and How to Fight Back.” Rob Tracinski joins The Rational Egoist to discuss his latest book, Dictator from Day One: How Donald Trump is Overthrowing the Constitution and How to Fight Back. Tracinski studied philosophy at the University of Chicago and has been a writer, lecturer, and commentator for more than 25 years. He is the editor of Symposium: A Journal of Political Liberalism, a c...
Oct 10, 2025•1 hr 18 min
Phil Magness Joins the Show to Debunk Much of the 1619 Project Phil Magness is an economic historian whose work focuses on the United States and the broader Atlantic world. His research explores the intersection of history and political economy, including the 19th century as well as longer-term trends in the macroeconomy such as taxation, trade, and economic inequality. In this episode, Phil joins Michael to critically examine and debunk key claims made by The 1619 Project, addressing its histor...
Oct 07, 2025•41 min
Overcoming Negative Self-Talk – with Betsy Holmberg, Ph.D. Betsy Holmberg, Ph.D., joins the show to discuss how to overcome negative self-talk and the traps of overthinking. An award-winning psychologist, Betsy has devoted her career to understanding and addressing the inner critic that undermines mental health and self-confidence. Before becoming an author and therapist, Betsy led the mental health service line at McKinsey & Company and conducted groundbreaking research at Harvard Universit...
Oct 02, 2025•39 min
Robert Begley Joins the Show to Discuss His New Book Voices of Reason: Lessons for Liberty’s Leaders The audio is now available! Robert Begley joins Michael to talk about his new book Voices of Reason: Lessons for Liberty’s Leaders. Together they explore what makes a truly great communicator, the timeless principles behind effective speech, and why mastering the art of communication is essential for advancing liberty. Get the book here: https://a.co/d/4EcBK5h visit the website here: https://spea...
Sep 29, 2025•46 min
