Everyone's favorite guest Levi Russell joins the podcast today to talk about his new hobby/obsession: competitive arm wrestling. Levi talks the ins and outs of what competition entails, strength vs. technique, and what it's like to jump into the deep end of a seemingly intimidating subculture. Join us for a fun and informative discussion!
Economists disagree about things! Levi Russell of the University of Kansas joins us today to discuss trade imbalances and tariffs, and why he thinks that Trump's use of tariffs to remedy trade imbalances is a prudent tactic. Join us for a spirited debate about whether trade imbalances are a problem in the first place, and (if so) whether tariffs are a good tool for addressing those imbalances. Listen in for a spirited discussion!
When we claim that freedom leads to prosperity, we usually mean that economic and political freedom usually lead to an increase in overall wealth and well-being. But do all 'freedoms' promote general societal welfare? Do all types of freedom mutually reinforce one another? Dr. Feler Bose (Economics, Indiana University) joins the podcast to discuss his book Sexual Freedom and Its Impact on Economic Growth and Prosperity. Dr. Bose has been at the forefront of research on the intersection of economic and sexual freedom. Join us for an interesting and fruitful discussion!
Vít Jedlička, Founder of Liberland joins the podcast to discuss the trials and tribulations involved in founding a state from scratch. Liberland itself is a 'micronation', situated between Serbia and Croatia, founded in 2015 with the aim of fostering liberty in Eastern Europe. But wait - what exactly is involved in starting a country? Join us for a discussion!Vít Jedlička bio https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Ilr8Wb7oDnVmpHL7Ma0wc1iMua75R40a8L2nMdz-dCc/edit?usp=drivesdkLimberland Citizenship Testhttps://docs.google.com/document/d/19NuIE6iWBx2Ml6QsU2ya9G_62GdUreHN/edit?usp=share_link&ouid=108921779264816348074&rtpof=true&sd=trueCall for Papershttps://docs.google.com/document/d/1h7WBvuP66kyDKMXtUGWEf7e14pMka4TN4WsJHk-U4bs/edit?usp=drivesdk
'Free Banking' advocates want banks to be able to issue their own currency and let the market dictate answers to questions regarding things like the currency's relation to various precious metals and optimal levels of bank reserves. Such advocates historically have argued that the market would settle on something like a gold standard but have disagreed about fractional reserves. Russ leads an informative discussion of how bitcoin fits into this picture. Join in for a discussion of what may be the future of banking, bitcoin, or both!
The traditional mainstream narrative has it that those on the left are more empathetic than those on the right. However, new research suggests that the issue is more nuanced than this might suggest. Justin leads a discussion about some interesting recent findings claiming that there is a rather large difference between left and right, and that those on the right are much more likely to be empathetic toward perceived 'political enemies' than those on the left are. What are we to make of this?
Declining fertility rates across the globe have been in the news lately. Peter notes that the Amish have a high fertility rate, that rate isn't dropping, and they pair this with an upbringing and coming-of-age ritual (Rumspringa) which results in a very high religious retention rate (those born Amish tend to stay Amish). How do they do this? Is this good? If it is good, is there anything the rest of us can learn from the Amish?
China has been the target of Trump's trade rhetoric for more than a decade. China plays multiple roles in our current discourse, as a trading partner, geopolitical enemy, and all-around boogeyman. What do we do with a problem like China, if in fact China is a problem? Join the Gwartney Team for a discussion of the available options.
Jevon's Paradox is an unintuitive result in economics concerning the effect that increased efficiency has on resource use. Peter explains the standard examples of the paradox, and the team thinks about how this paradox might play out with regard to Artificial Intelligence and energy consumption.
People often say, "you can't prove a negative". These people are wrong, and they drive Justin crazy, and he wants to set the record straight: you can absolutely, positively, prove a negative.
Elon Musk’s Department Of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has been busy identifying government programs and expenditures that are inefficient, wasteful, or downright corrupt. One proposal on the table involves giving a fairly generous percentage of the DOGE cuts/savings back to taxpayers in the form of a ‘DOGE Dividend’. Does this proposal make sense, or would this just be another wasteful program in and of itself? Join the Gwartney Team for a discussion of the merits of the DOGE Dividend Plan.
Trump has been rattling sabers and threatening to expand the territorial claims of the United States. Canada and Greenland have been the most discussed targets of this potential expansion. Are these proposals serious? If these proposals are serious, are they desirable or defensible?
Boys seem to be having a hard time. Why is that? One answer is that our cultural/educational/economic apparatus is increasingly structured to frustrate boys, and to eliminate behavior that thriving boys engage in, enjoy, and benefit from. What exactly does this mean, and how much truth is there to it? Finally, what should we do?
Have people forgotten how to talk normally to each other? With the rise of social media and texting, the art of in-person, real-time conversation seems to have been lost. What exactly are people doing wrong? There are plenty of recent articles, podcasts and books about how to have 'difficult' conversations. This isn't that. We're concerned with how to havenormal conversations. Listen in, and pick up a tip or two to make sure that your encounters don't leave the other person wanting less.
The hit show 'Severance', directed by Ben Stiller and available on Apple+, raises a number of extremely interesting questions regarding personal identity, our work/life balance, and what exactly it means to be a human being. 'Severance' is described by Justin as "the best show about anything, ever." Has he finally, completely, lost his mind?
Irony, cynicism, and sarcasm seem to be pervasive in our culture. Is this a good or bad thing? Peter leads the discussion today, presenting an analysis of the different forms that irony can take (and the different layers in which it can be embedded). Does irony help us communicate with each other, or is it an impediment to clear communication? Should we expect more or less irony going forward, and what does this mean?
What are some easy things that most people could do that would dramatically improve their quality of life? The Gwartney Team has tips and tricks get more bang for your buck. Live better!
What does everyone get wrong about Philosophers and Economists? What do Philosophers and Economists get wrong about everyone? The view from inside a field is often startlingly different from the public's perception of that field. Join the Gwartney Team for a fun discussion about what the public gets wrong about what we do in our respective disciplines, followed by a discussion about what our disciplines get wrong about the way the world actually works.
Will tariffs save America? We debate, you decide! Listen in to a live recording of an exciting and informative debate between the Gwartney Institute's own Dr. Russ McCullough and podcast friend and occasional guest Jon. Jacobsen (who also teaches at Ottawa University). It is a battle of brains, a war of words and a fight for the future of freedom. Let us know who you think came out on top!
Donald Trump’s hands are now on the wheel, and so far, he has been making changes quickly. Join the Gwartney Team for a discussion covering some of the more interesting, important, and surprising maneuvers from the former and current Commander in Chief.
Who and what should we spend our time caring about? A paper has been making the rounds that shows that there are profound differences in the way those on the political left and the right think about our moral obligations. What does this mean? Why is this so? Can this difference be bridged?
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) may recommend we get rid of the penny. It costs about 3 pennies to make one penny. That appears to be a big waste of taxpayer money, but is there an argument that it is worth it? Dr. McCullough say ditch it and Dr. Jacobsen says don’t! Both learn through the discussion a few things they did not consider before. What’s the difference between stopping production of the penny, and taking away its ‘legal tender’ status. Tune into this episode to decide for yourself if the country is better off or worse without the penny.
The CEO of United Healthcare was murdered. The public response to this incident has been extremely interesting, and highlights exactly how toxic the discussion around healthcare and health insurance has become. What can we learn from this tragedy?
The Gwartney Team shares their resolutions for 2025, and they reflect on the nature of New Years Resolutions in general. What makes a good resolution? Why should we be making them? Join us for a fruitful discussion!
As a former Iowa State Legislator for seven years, Jon Jacobsen saw first-hand the way the power structure of the state government operates. Join Jon, Peter, and Russ as they get their hands dirty uncovering what really goes on behind the closed doors of public service.