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.