Shows
ReImagining LibertyNavigating the Chaos of Trump's Second Term (w/ Anthony L. Fisher)In this conversation, Aaron Ross Powell and Anthony L. Fisher (Senior Editor at MSNBC Daily) discuss the political landscape following Trump's second inauguration, focusing on the rapid changes in governance, the Democratic response, and the fractured media environment. They explore the implications of these dynamics on public opinion and the importance of engaging in new media spaces, particularly podcasts, to effectively communicate liberal values and counteract authoritarian tendencies.The People's CabinetEverything in politics you've always wondered -- explained.Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyDiscuss this episode with the host and your f...2025-01-3152 min
ReImagining LibertyRemembering David Boaz: A Conversation with His Closest ColleaguesOn June 7th, David Boaz died. He was the Executive Vice President of the Cato Institute, author of *The Libertarian Mind*, and the most important figure in the libertarian movement in the last half century. He was also my mentor, my close friend, and, for twelve years, my boss.I had the privilege of holding, for the first two of those years, what is among the most exclusive, challenging, and rewarding jobs in Washington: Staff Writer at the Cato Institute, a role that primarily meant being David's right-hand man and primary conversation partner....2024-07-2253 min
ReImagining LibertyLiberalism, Buddhism, and the Politics of ImpermanenceEarly access release: 12/9. Public release: 12/16. Become a supporter and get early access to all new episodes.I am a liberal. I’m also a Buddhist. In a recent essay at The UnPopulist, I wrote about the intersection of the two, which I see as more than compatible, and in fact mutually reinforcing. Buddhist ethics gives us not just the best way to live happy and harmless lives, but also a strong foundation for a genuinely liberal society.While Buddhist philosophy informs much of the perspective I bring to conversations at ReImagining Liberty, I haven’t yet...2023-12-1647 min
ReImagining LibertyHinduism and Liberalism (w/ Kat Murti)Years go, I put together an edited volume called Arguments for Liberty. Every chapter took a different school of moral philosophy and made the case for liberalism within it. The point wasn’t just to be an introduction to moral philosophy by way of being an introduction to liberalism, but also to show that the case for liberty isn’t limited to a single philosophical school. It's much more universal than that.But it's not limited to academic philosophy, either. Religion informs the ethical worldview of most of people, and discussing the case for liberalism within religious cont...2023-12-0258 min
Freedom: Ideas that Matter10: Politics and the Question of IntentBad policies are sometimes made with the best of intentions. In today’s conversation, Trevor and Aaron look at the moral questions this raises. How much should intent matter when we judge people’s actions in the political sphere? How much of an obligation to each of us have to make sure the policies we vote for will actually accomplish what they want them to?Freedom: Ideas that Matter is a listener supported show. If you’d like to get early access to all our episodes, consider becoming a supporter: https://freedom.audio/subscribe This i...2023-11-3047 min
ReImagining LibertyWhat is Liberalism? (w/ Chandran Kukathas)We talk a lot about liberalism on this show, but to date haven't done an episode on just what liberalism is. So it is my pleasure to have Chandran Kukathas join me today to fix that. He is Dean of the School of Social Sciences and Lee Kong Chian Chair Professor of Political Science at Singapore Management University, and the author of many books, including the classic The Liberal Archipelago, and his most recent, Immigration and Freedom.We set out the basic principles of liberalism, explore the nuances and complicated application, and dig into critiques that have...2023-11-1846 min
ReImagining LibertyThe Future is a Conversation (w/ Jason Kuznicki)The future is a conversation. What the future looks like, and how and which technologies will shape it, isn’t something we can plan, or dictate, or demand in advance, but rather something that emerges from the back-and-forth bargaining of everyone with a stake in it.That’s the argument presented by my guest today, Jason Kuznicki, Editor in Chief of TechFreedom. Jason recently published an essay responding to the venture capitalist Marc Andreessen’s “The Techno-Optimist Manifesto,” which presents the future as under assault by enemies of progress. Jason and I talk about what it means to be a fu...2023-11-0449 min
Freedom: Ideas that Matter009: America's Extremist Violence (w/ Patrick Eddington)The January 6th insurrection was the most conspicuous recent example of homegrown extremist violence, but America has a sad history of this stuff.
To discuss the emergence and evolution of America's contemporary wave of politically motivated violence, we're joined by Patrick Eddington, former CIA analyst and now Cato Institute senior fellow.
Here's the article of Pat's we discussed on the episode.
2023-10-2552 min
ReImagining LibertyFinding Meaning In Liberalism (w/ Akiva Malamet)Today’s conversation is a companion to our prior episode. I’m joined again by Akiva Malamet, managing editor of The UnPopulist.Last time we talked about identity within liberalism. Now we turn to meaning. Everyone wants to lead a meaningful life, but one of the critiques of liberalism is that a liberal society takes away traditional sources of meaning, and so leaves its citizens feeling detached, either unable to find meaning, or seeking it in frivolous, and so ultimately unmeaningful, pursuits. How compelling is this objection? And what should we, as liberals, do about it?Re...2023-10-2253 min
ReImagining LibertyIs There a Place for Identity Politics? (w/ Akiva Malamet)It seems like everyone has an opinion about identity politics, but far fewer people have a clear definition of it. This is a problem, not just because arguing about vaguely defined terms is rarely productive, but also because identity plays a important role in how we ought to think about liberalism and the role of liberal institutions.My guest today is , managing editor of . Our discussion digs into the nature of identity politics, the nature of identity itself, what it means to validate versus merely tolerate identities, and how that all plays into liberalism.* Read...2023-10-0752 min
ReImagining LibertyHow Corporations Govern (w/ Alexei Marcoux)Governments rule our lives, but quite a lot of us believe corporations do as well. And just like we can ask questions about how the states are governed, we can ask similar questions about corporations. How ought they to run themselves? Whose interests should they take into account? What social responsibilities, if any, do they have?To help us think through these questions about corporate governance and the role of corporate institutions, I’m joined by Alexei Marcoux. He’s a Professor of Business, Ethics and Society and Institute for Economic Inquiry Senior Scholar at Creighton University’s Heid...2023-09-2457 min
Freedom: Ideas that Matter008: How to Think About ReligionTrevor and Aaron discuss their views of religion and religious faith, as well what role, if any, religious beliefs should play in political decision making.Freedom is a listener supported show. If you'd like to get early access to all of our episodes, as well as bonus content, become a Freedom supporter. Learn more here: https://support.freedom.audio/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit freedom.audio2023-09-1951 minFreedom: Ideas that Matter008: How to Think About ReligionTrevor and Aaron discuss their views of religion and religious faith, as well what role, if any, religious beliefs should play in political decision making.
Freedom is a listener supported show. If you'd like to get early access to all of our episodes, as well as bonus content, become a Freedom supporter. Learn more here: https://support.freedom.audio/2023-09-1951 min
ReImagining LibertyWhen You Think Your God Wants You to Be an Authoritarian (w/ Kevin Vallier)People have all kinds of reasons, none of them good, for opposing liberalism. Recently, among intellectuals on the right, we've seen the reemergence of a particular religious anti-liberalism that goes by the term “integralism.” It most often comes in a Catholic flavor, but you can find versions of it across pretty much every faith.Kevin Vallier, Associate Professor of Philosophy at Bowling Green State University, has a new book out that’s the first to offer a thorough explanation and sustained critique of this new integralist ideology. It’s called All the Kingdoms of the World and it’s my...2023-09-0949 minFreedom: Ideas that Matter007: Just Policing (with Jake Monaghan)Today's episode features Jake Monaghan, an assistant professor of philosophy at the University of Southern California. His new book is Just Policing. We discuss the philosophical nuances around the police. Many people now talk about abolishing the police, but is that even possible or desirable? And if we need police, how do we make them better?
Freedom is a listener supported show. If you'd like to get early access to all of our episodes, as well as bonus content, become a Freedom supporter. Learn more here: https://support.freedom.audio/2023-08-2549 min
The Great AntidoteAaron Ross Powell on Visions of Liberty - RerunSend us a textAaron Ross Powell, formerly of the Cato Institute (at the time of this interview), and currently the host of podcasts ReImagining Liberty and Zooming In, talks to us about his new book with Paul Matzko called Visions of Liberty.Support the showNever miss another AdamSmithWorks update.Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.2023-08-2544 min
ReImagining LibertyWho's Afraid of Cultural Marxism? (with Ian Bennett)One of the earliest episode of this show was a conversation with my friend Ian Bennett, of the Epoch Philosophy YouTube channel, about Marxism. It’s one of my favorite ReImagining Liberty episodes so far, not just because Ian is tremendously smart and I learn a lot from him, but because it’s the kind of conversation I find particularly valuable: a dive in a set of ideas I have many disagreements with, but are influential, interesting, and worth understanding.That’s why I’m so happy to have Ian back today to talk about the Frankfurt School...2023-08-2357 minFreedom: Ideas that Matter[Preview] 007: Just Policing (with Jake Monaghan)This is a preview of our upcoming episode of Freedom. If you'd like to listen to it now, you can get early access to all our episodes by becoming a Freedom supporter. Learn more: https://support.freedom.audio/
Today's episode features Jake Monaghan, an assistant professor of philosophy at the University of Southern California. His new book is Just Policing. We discuss the philosophical nuances around the police. Many people now talk about abolishing the police, but is that even possible or desirable? And if we need police, how do we make them better?2023-08-2101 min
Freedom: Ideas that Matter006: Public Health and the Drug War (with Jeffrey A. Singer)Today’s episode features Dr. Jeffrey A. Singer, a senior fellow at the Cato Institute and works in the Department of Health Policy Studies. He is President Emeritus and founder of Valley Surgical Clinics Ltd., the largest and oldest group private surgical practice in Arizona, and has been in private practice as a general surgeon for more than 35 years.Today we discuss public health and the drug war. In some ways the drug war is a massive public health program, but that only raises the question of what public health is and what it should be. 2023-08-1148 min
ReImagining LibertyThe Liberal Virtues (w/ Peter Boettke)In a series of essays on my website, I’ve been setting out the case goodwill and what I call sympathetic joy within the liberal project. These virtues not only strengthen liberalism, but help us to be happier and more content within a diverse and dynamic liberal society.I haven’t discussed this much on the podcast so far. And so I was happy that my friend Peter Boettke, a University Professor of Economics and Philosophy at George Mason University, gave me an excuse to do so by raising some critiques of my arguments. I’ve brought him on...2023-08-0355 min
Freedom: Ideas that Matter005: The Liberty Movement's Radicals and Reactionaries (w/ Matt Zwolinski)There’s an old joke that if you ask two libertarians their opinions about something, you’ll get three different answers. The liberty movement has always had its disagreements—and infighting—but is there a core idea common to all libertarians? Something that defines libertarianism?In the new book, The Individualists: Radicals, Reactionaries, and the Struggle for the Soul of Libertarianism, Matt Zwolinksi and John Tomasi set out their own answer, and use it to trace the history of the libertarian movement.Zwolinski, a philosophy professor at the University of San Diego, joins us today to talk...2023-07-2854 min
ReImagining LibertySurround Yourself With Those Who Are Admirable, and Distance Yourself From Those Who Aren’t.This is an audio version of my essay "Surround Yourself With Those Who Are Admirable, and Distance Yourself From Those Who Aren’t.," originally published on my website on July 20, 2023. The essay discusses the place of admirable friendship in an ethical life.Original link: https://www.aaronrosspowell.com/p/surround-yourself-with-those-whoIf you'd like to receive all of my essays a week early, as well as get access to the community Discord and reading group, consider becoming a supporter. Head to www.aaronrosspowell.com/subscribe to learn more. Get full access to Aaron Ro...2023-07-2709 min
ReImagining LibertyWhy the Right Hates Equality (w/ Matthew McManus)Over the last decade, the political far right has roared back into power, not just with Trumpism in the US, but with populist movements around the globe. Understanding why this is happening—and what we can do about it—requires understanding the nature of the right, as well as its history.That’s why I was so happy to learn that my friend and frequent guest Matthew McManus has a new book, The Political Right and Equality, in which he traces the philosophical development of right-wing ideas. Matt is a Lecturer in Political Science at the University of Mic...2023-07-1954 min
Freedom: Ideas that Matter004: Philosophy, Morality, and ReasonRead a transcript of this episode: https://www.freedom.audio/p/freedom-transcript-philosophy-moralityPolitical philosophy is applied ethical philosophy. All political questions have their foundations in matter of right and wrong, of how we ought to live—and how we can live together.On today’s episode, Trevor and Aaron discuss their differing approaches to thinking about ethical theories and the role moral philosophy plays in how we approach thinking about thorny political issues. We begin, however, with the question of human reason and its limits. What we can know, and how we can know it, and...2023-07-1455 min
Freedom: Ideas that Matter003: The Truth About Sex Work (with Kaytlin Bailey)Read a transcript of this episode.On today’s episode, we get into the difficult and interesting questions around sex work. Our guest is Kaytlin Bailey, a sex worker rights advocate, comedian, and writer. Kaytlin is the founder and executive director of Old Pros, a nonprofit media organization, creating conditions to change the status of sex workers in society. She's also the host of the Oldest Profession podcast and the creator of W***e’s Eye View, a 75-minute mad dash through 10,000 years of history from a sex worker’s perspective.Are you enjoying Freedom and wa...2023-06-3056 min
Freedom: Ideas that MatterBonus: Extended Conversation with Peter Van DorenAfter wrapping our episode with Peter Van Doren, Trevor and Aaron continued the conversation a bit longer. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit freedom.audio2023-06-1614 min
Freedom: Ideas that Matter002: How to Think About Public Policy with Peter Van DorenRead a transcript of this episode.On today's show, we bring back our favorite guest from Free Thoughts, our friend Peter Van Doren. Peter came on Free Thoughts over 20 times and we gave him his own music as we've done again. Peter is a senior fellow at the Cato Institute and editor of Regulation Magazine. Today, we're going to take a step back and try to learn how Peter thinks about the world and how he came to those views.Listen to fifteen bonus minutes of our conversation with Peter.Are you enjoying...2023-06-1653 min
ReImagining LibertyThe Patriarchal Christian Right (w/ Kristin Kobes Du Mez)White evangelicals overwhelmingly supported Donald Trump in his campaigns and presidency. White Christian nationalism was a driving force in efforts to overturn the 2020 election. And many of the worst reactionary movements in the country, powering the growth of the far right’s influence, have their source in evangelical America.This is all, frankly, a little perplexing, given the peaceful, love thy neighbor core of Jesus’s moral teachings. But it’s nothing new. In her fascinating and troubling book Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation, Kristin Kobes Du Mez traces...2023-06-1448 min
Freedom: Ideas that Matter001: The Idea that Explains the Political Order w/ Jason KuznickiRead a transcript of this episode.Welcome to the inaugural episode of Freedom, a show about ideas that matter. For our first conversation, we wanted a big idea. One that has the potential to reconfigure how we think about politics and political institutions. And that meant bringing back one of our favorite guests, our good friend Jason Kuznicki. Jason is the author of the fascinating book, Technology and the End of Authority: What Is Government For?, and was a frequent guest on Free Thoughts. Today he introduces us to the domus mindset, a way of understanding the...2023-06-0255 min
ReImagining LibertyTrans Rights and Gender Authoritarianism (w/ Gillian Branstetter)The ongoing moral panic and sweeping legislative changes aimed at trans people aren’t just a tremendous assault on the liberty, autonomy, and dignity of peaceful Americans owed the space to live their lives as they choose. They’re also the latest example of the way ideological ideas about “traditional” and “natural” gender roles have long been a tool authoritarians use to justify and maintain social and political control.To talk about these critical issues and what we can do about them, I’m joined by Gillian Branstetter, a Communications Strategist at the ACLU’s Women’s Rights Project and...2023-05-3149 min
Freedom: Ideas that MatterA Preview of Freedom, from Trevor Burrus and Aaron Ross PowellFor eight years and 400+ episodes, Aaron Ross Powell and Trevor Burrus hosted Free Thoughts. Now, we want to welcome you to our new show, Freedom, a place for conversations about ideas that matter. Launching soon.Freedom is a listener supported show. If you'd like to get episode transcripts, bonus content, and access to our Discord community, become a supporter. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit freedom.audio2023-05-2501 min
ReImagining LibertyThe Politics of Immigration and Demographic Change (w/ Justin Gest)Immigration has meant that America's demographics, throughout the whole of the nation's history, have been in constant flux. Today, the percent of the population that’s foreign born is the highest it’s ever been, and we'‘e headed, over the next couple of decades, to a majority minority status.This is all good news for the country, in terms of our dynamic economy and culture. But it’s also led to a significant social and political backlash, the rise of nativism, and a decided turn to reactionary populism among Republicans.I’m joined today by Justin...2023-05-1749 min
ReImagining LibertyMarkets and Social Justice: A Conversation with Nick CowenWe can take the social and economic concerns of the left seriously while still embracing free markets. In fact, if we understand the nature and effects of markets correctly, it can become compelling to view them not as antagonistic to those concerns, but as the most powerful solution to them available.I’m joined today by Nick Cowen. He’s a Senior Lecturer in the School of Social and Political Sciences at the University of Lincoln in the UK and author of the book Neoliberal Social Justice, which defends commercial society on progressive grounds.ReImagining Libe...2023-04-2657 min
ReImagining LibertySocial Conservatism is SufferingThis is an audio version of my essay "Social Conservatism is Suffering," originally published on my website on April 7, 2023. The essay discusses how we cannot make permanent what is inevitably impermanent, and so insisting otherwise brings distress. It is better to embrace dynamism and social diversity.If you'd like to receive all of my essays a week early, as well as get access to the community Discord and reading group, consider becoming a supporter. Head to www.aaronrosspowell.com/subscribe to learn more. Get full access to Aaron Ross Powell at www.aaronrosspowell.com...2023-04-2108 min
ReImagining LibertyDeirdre McCloskey on Religion in a Liberal SocietyRead a transcript of this episode.Deirdre McCloskey is probably my favorite contemporary liberal scholar. Her work ranges widely across disciplines, is always fascinating, and builds its defense of free markets and the open society in a deeply humane and compassionate fashion.I've talked with her on podcasts before, but today's a little different. Our topic isn't economics, but religion. Deirdre is a committed Anglican, and her next book sets out the case that religious faith is an important component of a thriving liberal society—and that those who think Christianity points in a more re...2023-04-1248 min
ReImagining LibertyFascism and the American Right (w/ Shane Burley)On the one hand, it seems like everyone today is calling everyone else a fascist. On the other, genuine fascism is clearly on the rise, and fascist ideas have found increasing purchase, even mainstream purchase, on the right.Taken together, these two statements mean that not only should we be serious about the work of combating fascism, but we also need to be very clear on what it is, and what it isn’t.To help work through these important questions, I’m joined by Shane Burley. He’s a writer and filmmaker based in Portla...2023-03-2954 min
ReImagining LibertyThe Necessity of Digital Free Speech (w/ Matthew Feeney)It seems like everyone is mad at “Big Tech.” Progressives dislike it because they think it’s too permissive of the spread of mis- and disinformation. Conservatives dislike it because they think it’s biased against them. Both sides agree that government should do something about it. Which, if you care about a free, open, and innovative internet, is a terrible idea.To discuss the state and future of digital expression, I’m joined by my good friend Matthew Feeney, Head of Technology and Innovation at the London-based Centre for Policy Studies.ReImagining Liberty is a project...2023-03-1551 min
ReImagining LibertyTolerance and Liberalism (w/ Andrew Jason Cohen)A liberal society is a tolerant one. It's a society that allows for pluralism in preferences, lifestyles, religions, and approaches to life. But how far does tolerance go, what are the exceptions, and how can we better cultivate it?To discuss these questions, I'm joined today by Andrew Jason Cohen. He is is Professor of Philosophy and Founding Director of the Interdisciplinary Studies Program in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) at Georgia State University. He is the author most recently of Toleration and Freedom from Harm: Liberalism Reconceived and is working on a new book on civil d...2023-03-0151 min
ReImagining LibertyWhat Democracy Demands of Us (w/ Kevin J. Elliott)My guest today is Kevin J. Elliott, Assistant Professor of Political Science at Murray State University. He's the author of the upcoming book, Democracy for Busy People, and that's the jumping off point for today's conversation, which digs into what it means to be a good democratic citizen, and what democracy demands of us.Read a transcript of this episode.ReImagining Liberty is a project of The UnPopulist, and is produced by Landry Ayres. Podcast art by Sergio R. M. Duarte. Get full access to Aaron Ross Powell at www.aaronrosspowell.com/su...2023-02-1549 min
ReImagining LibertyThe Four Corners of Liberalism (w/ Emily Chamlee-Wright)This is a show about liberalism, but liberalism is a bit of a contested term, slippery, evolving, and claimed by lots of people with rather diverse views about what it means.My guest offers a helpful framework for clarifying what liberalism is by dividing it in what she's called "The Four Corners of Liberalism": related and overlaping, but still distinct, approaches to the the liberal idea.Emily Chamlee-Wright, the president and CEO of the Institute for Humane Studies, has made a career of defending the liberal tradition, and her insights in our conversation...2023-02-0156 min
ReImagining LibertyIt’s Not Policy Disagreements But Wrong-Headed Means That Are Polarizing AmericaWelcome to the first episode of ReImagining Liberty at its new home with The UnPopulist. This is a show about the emancipatory and cosmopolitan case for radical social, political, and economic freedom. With every episode, host Aaron Ross Powell explores and defends liberalism by talking with scholars, activists, and others working to build a freer world.For this first episode at The UnPopulist, Aaron talks about why America’s political culture seems so broken, and why this has led to rising illiberalism. He traces the problems to what he calls an “unskillful” approach to politics, and a widesp...2023-01-1945 min
ReImagining LibertyHow to Do Politics WellWelcome to the first episode of ReImagining Liberty at its new home with The UnPopulist. This is a show about the emancipatory and cosmopolitan case for radical social, political and economic freedom. With every episode, host Aaron Ross Powell explores and defends liberalism by talking with scholars, activists and others working to build a freer world.For this first episode at The UnPopulist, Aaron offers a monologue about why America's political culture seems so broken, and why this has led to rising illiberalism. He traces the problems to what he calls an “unskillful” approach to politics, and to a...2023-01-1845 min
Non Serviam MediaNSMIRL #1 - Aaron Ross Powell on LibertyWe recently had the opportunity to sit down and catch up with a fellow traveler many of you probably know, Aaron Ross Powell. Aaron has been deeply involved in the libertarian thought scene for years. Most notably as a Cato fellow, and founder and director of libertarianism.org. Lately, Aaron has refocused his work by stepping away from previous projects to focus on new ones!
Stick around to learn all about what Aaron is up to, about his political journey, and his thoughts on political action.
Aaron Ross Powell is a writer and podcast host. His current shows are ReImagining...2023-01-0839 min
ReImagining LibertyWhat's Wrong with Anarcho-Capitalism (w/ William Gillis)I sometimes hear market anarchists say that "Anarcho-capitalism isn't anarchism." This claim, and the disagreements about the nature and values of a free society underpinning it, raises a lot of fascinating questions about liberty, radical liberalism, the characteristics of capitalism, how you even define that term, and the broader movement for liberty.My guest today is William Gillis (@rechelon). He a fellow at the Center for a Stateless Society and one of the most interesting writers out there on radical politics.We talk about freedom and coercion, the legitimacy of power, the role of...2022-12-1459 min
ReImagining LibertyWhat's Wrong with Anarcho-Capitalism (w/ William Gillis)I sometimes hear market anarchists say that "Anarcho-capitalism isn't anarchism." This claim, and the disagreements about the nature and values of a free society underpinning it, raises a lot of fascinating questions about liberty, radical liberalism, the characteristics of capitalism, how you even define that term, and the broader movement for liberty.My guest today is William Gillis (@rechelon). He a fellow at the Center for a Stateless Society and one of the most interesting writers out there on radical politics.We talk about freedom and coercion, the legitimacy of power, the role of privilege...2022-12-1459 min
ReImagining LibertyThe Reasonableness of Radicalism (w/ Jason Lee Byas)Years ago, a then colleague and I pitched the idea of a book called "The Reasonableness of Radicalism," which would've set out the case for an unapologetically radical political liberty and defended it against calls for moderation. The project never went anywhere, though, because we were told by the people making decisions that they didn't like to use the word "radical," because it might turn people off.Clearly, that's not a worry I share, and neither does my guest today. Jason Lee Byas is a PhD Candidate in Philosophy at the University of Michigan and a...2022-11-3059 min
ReImagining LibertyThe Reasonableness of Radicalism (w/ Jason Lee Byas)Years ago, a then colleague and I pitched the idea of a book called "The Reasonableness of Radicalism," which would've set out the case for an unapologetically radical political liberty and defended it against calls for moderation. The project never went anywhere, though, because we were told by the people making decisions that they didn't like to use the word "radical," because it might turn people off. Clearly, that's not a worry I share, and neither does my guest today. Jason Lee Byas is a PhD Candidate in Philosophy at the University of Michigan and a fellow...2022-11-3059 min
ReImagining LibertyLiberty in a Changing World (w/ David Boaz)I've spent my entire career as what you might call a professional liberty advocate. But the last six or seven years have forced a lot of re-thinking on my part about how best to discuss these ideas in the evolving political landscape. The fundamental case for freedom, grounded in shared dignity and mutual respect, remains strong, but it feels like Americas, and much of the world, have proven more willing to reject it recently. Liberalism is ceding ground to the base desire to use power to reward friends and punish enemies.To help me get a...2022-11-1654 min
ReImagining LibertyLiberty in a Changing World (w/ David Boaz)I've spent my entire career as what you might call a professional liberty advocate. But the last six or seven years have forced a lot of re-thinking on my part about how best to discuss these ideas in the evolving political landscape. The fundamental case for freedom, grounded in shared dignity and mutual respect, remains strong, but it feels like Americas, and much of the world, have proven more willing to reject it recently. Liberalism is ceding ground to the base desire to use power to reward friends and punish enemies. To help me get a handle...2022-11-1654 min
ReImagining LibertyWhat to Do About Poverty (w/ Michael Tanner)We all want to alleviate poverty, and help those living with it. The hard question is how. The left has a set of ideas, focused on redistribution and the welfare state. The right tends instead to view poverty as the result of moral and cultural failings. Libertarians have their own set of answers, but have often been pretty bad at talking about them in persuasive ways, developing a reputation for just not caring about the poor.My friend Michael Tanner (@MTannerCato), senior fellow at the Cato Institute, has the kinds of ideas we need more of...2022-11-0244 min
ReImagining LibertyWhat to Do About Poverty (w/ Michael Tanner)Available now for supporters. Available for everyone November 16.We all want to alleviate poverty, and help those living with it. The hard question is how. The left has a set of ideas, focused on redistribution and the welfare state. The right tends instead to view poverty as the result of moral and cultural failings. Libertarians have their own set of … This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.reimaginingliberty.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or ge...2022-11-0244 min
ReImagining LibertyCritical Race Theory (w/ Sam Hoadley-Brill)Few terms in our contemporary political scene provoke stronger reactions than “critical race theory.” If you listen to much of the right, CRT is a Marxist plot to literally destroy America by teaching children to hate the country, its founding principles, and even themselves. The resulting moral panic has led to anti-CRT legislation, and acted as a precursor to the growing anti-trans and anti-gay backlash among reactionary conservatives.But what is critical race theory? Because few of those people with strong opinions seem to have much of an idea.Today I'm talking with Sam...2022-10-191h 03
ReImagining LibertyCritical Race Theory (w/ Sam Hoadley-Brill)Few terms in our contemporary political scene provoke stronger reactions than “critical race theory.” If you listen to much of the right, CRT is a Marxist plot to literally destroy America by teaching children to hate the country, its founding principles, and even themselves. The resulting moral panic has led to anti-CRT legislation, and acted as a precursor to the growing anti-trans and anti-gay backlash among reactionary conservatives.But what is critical race theory? Because few of those people with strong opinions seem to have much of an idea.Today I’m talking with Sam Hoadle...2022-10-191h 03
ReImagining LibertyDon Lavoie and the Case Against Planning (w/ Pete Boettke)Chances are, you've never heard of Don Lavoie. I certainly didn't run across him when I was getting into libertarianism in college, and it wasn't until years into my time working for the Cato Institute that I learned about him from my boss, David Boaz.But Lavoie is arguably the North Star for what the liberty movement needs to become if it wants to reestablish itself in America's shifting political landscape, and if it wants to be more than just a somewhat limited government version of conservatism.So for today's episode, I'm chatting...2022-10-0558 min
ReImagining LibertyDon Lavoie and the Case Against Planning (w/ Pete Boettke)Chances are, you've never heard of Don Lavoie. I certainly didn't run across him when I was getting into libertarianism in college, and it wasn't until years into my time working for the Cato Institute that I learned about him from my boss, David Boaz.But Lavoie is arguably the North Star for what the liberty movement needs to become if it wants to reestablish itself in America's shifting political landscape, and if it wants to be more than just a somewhat limited government version of conservatism.So for today's episode, I'm chatting with George...2022-10-0558 min
ReImagining LibertyGrowing the Liberty Movement (w/ Trevor Burrus)Across nearly a decade, and over four hundred episodes, of the Free Thoughts podcast, Trevor Burrus and I talked a lot about liberty.Today I invited him on ReImagining Liberty to continue that conversation. At issue is the question of how to approach being an advocate for radical liberalism in a political environment that seems to have lost its taste for it.We range, as we often do, rather broadly, from how not to talk about liberty, to how to start fruitful arguments, to the dangers of contrarianism and over-attachment to narratives....2022-09-2156 min
ReImagining LibertyGrowing the Liberty Movement (w/ Trevor Burrus)Across nearly a decade, and over four hundred episodes, of the Free Thoughts podcast, Trevor Burrus and I talked a lot about liberty.Today I invited him on ReImagining Liberty to continue that conversation. At issue is the question of how to approach being an advocate for radical liberalism in a political environment that seems to have lost its taste for it.We range, as we often do, rather broadly, from how not to talk about liberty, to how to start fruitful arguments, to the dangers of contrarianism and over-attachment to narratives.Trevor...2022-09-2156 min
ReImagining LibertyLiberalism vs. Leftism (w/ Akiva Malamet)What's the relationship between libertarianism or radical liberalism and the ideas of the left? Most place them in clear and direct opposition, and argue that liberty advocates should have more affinity for conservatism, at least in its American variety.My guest today argues otherwise. Akiva Malamet (@akiva_malamet), a writer and philosopher, and contributor to my old website, Libertarianism.org.We discuss the shared concerns those of us who see radical liberty have with the political left, but also draw important distinctions between socialism and liberalism.(Here's the article on li...2022-09-0749 min
ReImagining LibertyLiberalism vs. Leftism (w/ Akiva Malamet)Available now for supporters. Available for everyone else September 21.What's the relationship between libertarianism or radical liberalism and the ideas of the left? Most place them in clear and direct opposition, and argue that liberty advocates should have more affinity for conservatism, at least in its American variety.My guest today argues otherwise. Akiva Malamet (@akiva_malamet), a writer and philosopher, and contributor to my old website, Libertarianism.org.We discuss the shared concerns those of us who see radical liberty have with the political left, but also draw important distinctions between socialism...2022-09-0749 min
ReImagining LibertyMaking Criminal Justice More Just (w/ Radley Balko)We can argue at length about the proper role of government. But if we're to have any state at all, one of its clear jobs is to protect us from crime, and to punish criminals.And yet the American criminal justice system is anything but just, and a full accounting of just how bad it is can be pretty harrowing. The criminal justice system is the most direct application of violence by government on its citizens, and it's overrun by corruption, self-interest, racism, and brutality.To talk about just how bad things are...2022-08-2447 min
ReImagining LibertyMaking Criminal Justice More Just (w/ Radley Balko)We can argue at length about the proper role of government. But if we're to have any state at all, one of its clear jobs is to protect us from crime, and to punish criminals.And yet the American criminal justice system is anything but just, and a full accounting of just how bad it is can be pretty harrowing. The criminal justice system is the most direct application of violence by government on its citizens, and it's overrun by corruption, self-interest, racism, and brutality.To talk about just how bad things are and how...2022-08-2447 min
ReImagining LibertyThe Post-Liberal Conundrum (w/ Michael Tolhurst)A lot of people seem to be pretty down on freedom right now. Some take it so far as to blame liberty, and political liberalism, for not just our economic woes, but also for allowing our culture to drift away from some kind of socially conservative, right-leaning, often religious imagined ideal. These “post-liberals” have found intellectual purchase, writing talked-about books, headlining conferences, and catalyzing a new reactionary movement.But do their arguments work? Or are they in fact self-defeating?My guest today is Michael Tolhurst (@MikeTolhurst), senior director of research at the Institute for...2022-08-1054 min
ReImagining LibertyCapitalism vs. Socialism (w/ Chris Freiman & Matt McManus)What's the best economic system for achieving prosperity, while maximizing liberty and autonomy? Capitalists give one answer, socialists another.Capitalists say that free markets not only produce wealth, but that wealth then empowers workers to have more say over their conditions and more freedom to exit from bad working situations, as well as experiment with different workplace organizational structures.Socialists might counter that capitalism concentrates so much power in the hands of owners and bosses that workers have little or no say in their circumstances, and lack the resources to exit or organize.2022-08-1057 min
ReImagining LibertyCapitalism vs. Socialism (w/ Chris Freiman & Matt McManus)Available now for supporters. Available for everyone else August 10.Subscribe to (Re)Imagining Liberty: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | YouTubeWhat's the best economic system for achieving prosperity, while maximizing liberty and autonomy? Capitalists give one answer, socialists another.Capitalists say that free markets not only produce wealth, but that wealth then empowers workers to have more say over their conditions and more freedom to exit from bad working situations, as well as experiment with different workplace organizational structures.Socialists might counter that capitalism concentrates so much power in the hands...2022-08-1057 min
ReImagining LibertyThe Post-Liberal Conundrum (w/ Michael Tolhurst)Available now for supporters. Available for everyone else August 24.Subscribe to (Re)Imagining Liberty: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | YouTubeA lot of people seem to be pretty down on freedom right now. Some take it so far as to blame liberty, and political liberalism, for not just our economic woes, but also for allowing our culture to drift away from some kind of socially conservative, right-leaning, often religious imagined ideal. These “post-liberals” have found intellectual purchase, writing talked-about books, headlining conferences, and catalyzing a new reactionary movement.But do their arguments work? Or a...2022-08-1054 min
ReImagining LibertyIs Anarchy the Answer? (w/ Cory Massimino)Cory Massimino (@corymassimino) is back on (Re)Imagining Liberty to talk about the politics of radical freedom at their most radical. Namely, anarchism.I get asked every so often whether I'm an anarchist. My honest answer is I'm not sure. I believe anarchism as a moral claim is clearly correct. State power is illegitimate. No one has a right to rule, and no one has an obligation to be ruled just because some people call themselves the government. Arguments for why the state is morally permitted to use violence against us and extract resources from us do...2022-07-2752 min
ReImagining LibertyIs Anarchy the Answer? (w/ Cory Massimino)Available now for supporters. Available for everyone else July 27.Subscribe to (Re)Imagining Liberty: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | YouTubeCory Massimino (@corymassimino) is back on (Re)Imagining Liberty to talk about the politics of radical freedom at their most radical. Namely, anarchism.I get asked every so often whether I'm an anarchist. My honest answer is I'm not sure. I believe anarchism as a moral claim is clearly correct. State power is illegitimate. No one has a right to rule, and no one has an obligation to be ruled just because some...2022-07-2752 min
ReImagining LibertyTrans Rights are Human Rights (w/ Kelly Wright)Today's episode is about transgender rights, and the growing cultural backlash among conservatives against the very idea of transgender identities.My guest is Kelly Wright (@anarchakelly), a Brooklyn-based writer and activist and an affiliate of the Center for a Stateless Society.We explore the myths and objections that conservatives have about transgender people, gender affirming healthcare, and the greater prevalence of transgender identification. We look at how treating transgender people with respect and acceptance, and giving them the healthcare they need, improves lives and lowers suicide rates. We dig into the nature of...2022-06-2954 min
ReImagining LibertyPower, Knowledge, and Michel Foucault (w/ Jason Kuznicki)When I was a scholar at the Cato Institute, interns frequently asked me for reading recommendations. My advice was typically to read books outside of the libertarian canon. This was for a couple of reasons.First, because understanding the ideas of those who disagree with us helps us be better advocates for our own ideas. But, second, because thinkers who aren't necessarily aligned with our politics perfectly, or who reject them entirely, nonetheless have valuable insights to offer. Intellectual provincialism leads nowhere.It's with that lesson in mind that I brought intellectual historian...2022-06-291h 03
ReImagining LibertyPower, Knowledge, and Michel Foucault (w/ Jason Kuznicki)Available now for supporters. Available for everyone else July 13.Subscribe to (Re)Imagining Liberty: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | YouTubeWhen I was a scholar at the Cato Institute, interns frequently asked me for reading recommendations. My advice was typically to read books outside of the libertarian canon. This was for a couple of reasons.First, because understanding the ideas of those who disagree with us helps us be better advocates for our own ideas. But, second, because thinkers who aren't necessarily aligned with our politics perfectly, or who reject them entirely, nonetheless...2022-06-291h 03
ReImagining LibertyTrans Rights are Human Rights (w/ Kelly Wright)Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google PodcastsToday's episode is about transgender rights, and the growing cultural backlash among conservatives against the very idea of transgender identities.My guest is Kelly Wright (@anarchakelly), a Brooklyn-based writer and activist and an affiliate of the Center for a Stateless Society.We explore the myths and objections that conservatives have about transgender people, gender affirming healthcare, and the greater prevalence of transgender identification.We look at how treating transgender people with respect and acceptance, and giving them the healthcare they need, improves...2022-06-2954 min
ReImagining LibertyMilitarization, Social Capital, and How Politics Goes Wrong (w/ Nathan Goodman)Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google PodcastsToday’s episode begins with a discussion of how border militarization and foreign intervention create a feedback loop of increasing violence and restrictions on freedom.We then take those lessons and apply them to the broader question of how we should approach politics and public policy, and the ways our thinking can get tripped up by over-investment in narrow paths to change.Myh guest is Nathan Goodman, a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Economics at New York University. His research focuses on defense an...2022-06-1554 min
ReImagining LibertyMilitarization, Social Capital, and How Politics Goes Wrong (w/ Nathan Goodman)Today's episode begins with a discussion of how border militarization and foreign intervention create a feedback loop of increasing violence and restrictions on freedom.We then take those lessons and apply them to the broader question of how we should approach politics and public policy, and the ways our thinking can get tripped up by over-investment in narrow paths to change.Myh guest is Nathan Goodman, a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Economics at New York University. His research focuses on defense and peace economics, self-governance, institutions, and public choice.2022-06-1454 min
ReImagining Liberty(Re)Assessing Nozick's "Anarchy, State, and Utopia" (w/ Matt McManus and Julian Sanchez)Today we're looking at Robert Nozick's classic work of libertarian philosophy, Anarchy, State, and Utopia. Released in 1974, it's the book that put libertarianism on the map within contemporary academic philosophy. Nozick argued for a strong conception of rights and then traced out what that means for government, including whether rights allow for any government at all. Anarchy, State, and Utopia deserves its classic status and is a genuine delight to read. But that doesn't mean that its arguments are air tight or that it's the best defense of libertarianism. To help me (re)asses...2022-06-101h 10
ReImagining LibertyBonus Episode: (Re)Assessing Nozick's "Anarchy, State, and Utopia" (w/ Matt McManus and Julian Sanchez)Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google PodcastsWelcome to the very first bonus episode of (Re)Imagining Liberty. Today we’re looking at Robert Nozick’s classic work of libertarian philosophy, Anarchy, State, and Utopia. Released in 1974, it’s the book that put libertarianism on the map within contemporary academic philosophy. Nozick argued for a strong conception of rights and then traced out what that means for government, including whether rights allow for any government at all. Anarchy, State, and Utopia deserves its classic status and is a genuine delight to read. But that do...2022-06-101h 10
ReImagining LibertyThe Rise of the Postmodern Right (w/ Matthew McManus)Postmodernism, like Marxism and Critical Race Theory, has become a catch-all term for whatever upsets the right in the culture war.But what if, instead of destroying libs with logic and reason, the American right has become itself deeply postmodernist, rejecting ideas of objective truth in favor of satisfying, but false, narratives?Joining me today is professor Matthew McManus (@MattPolProf), author of The Rise of Post-Modern Conservatism: Neoliberalism, Post-Modern Culture, and Reactionary Politics.We discuss the features of postmodernism, as well as the distinct features of postmodern conservatism, and we d...2022-06-0159 min
ReImagining LibertyThe Rise of the Postmodern Right (w/ Matthew McManus)Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google PodcastsPostmodernism, like Marxism and Critical Race Theory, has become a catch-all term for whatever upsets the right in the culture war.But what if, instead of destroying libs with logic and reason, the American right has become itself deeply postmodernist, rejecting ideas of objective truth in favor of satisfying, but false, narratives?Joining me today is professor Matthew McManus (@MattPolProf), author of The Rise of Post-Modern Conservatism: Neoliberalism, Post-Modern Culture, and Reactionary Politics.We discuss the features of postmodernism, as well as...2022-06-0159 min
ReImagining LibertyThe History and Evolution of the American Right (w/ Paul Matzko)Does American conservatism still provide a home for liberty-minded ideas?Looking at the state of the modern, post-Trump Republican Party, as well as the intellectual centers of gravity among the American right, the picture's rather discouraging.To get a better sense of where the right is now, and how liberalism fits (or doesn't) within it, it's important to look backwards. What has the American right traditionally looked like? How has that changed? What lesson can we learn as we worry about where the right has ended up today?To discuss...2022-05-1855 min
ReImagining LibertyThe History and Evolution of the American Right (w/ Paul Matzko)Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google PodcastsDoes American conservatism still provide a home for liberty-minded ideas?Looking at the state of the modern, post-Trump Republican Party, as well as the intellectual centers of gravity among the American right, the picture's rather discouraging.To get a better sense of where the right is now, and how liberalism fits (or doesn't) within it, it's important to look backwards. What has the American right traditionally looked like? How has that changed? What lesson can we learn as we worry about where the right...2022-05-1855 min
ReImagining LibertyHow Libertarianism Went Off the Rails (w/ John Hudak and Andy Craig)For years, I've proudly called myself a libertarian, because “libertarianism” best describes my commitment to robust freedom, as well as my understanding of the threat government poses to it.But lately I found myself less willing to use the label when talking to new people. Not because “libertarian” no longer accurately describes my political views, but because certain groups claiming the label have become louder and more visible, and have, unfortunately, tarnished the term with an illiberal ugliness most people, rightfully, find repulsive.I'm talking about the so-called “paleolibertarians,” those of the unfortunate libertarian...2022-05-0457 min
ReImagining LibertyHow Libertarianism Went Off the Rails (w/ John Hudak and Andy Craig)Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google PodcastsFor years, I’ve proudly called myself a libertarian, because “libertarianism” best describes my commitment to robust freedom, as well as my understanding of the threat government poses to it.But lately I found myself less willing to use the label when talking to new people. Not because “libertarian” no longer accurately describes my political views, but because certain groups claiming the label have become louder and more visible, and have, unfortunately, tarnished the term with an illiberal ugliness most people, rightfully, find repulsive.I'm talkin...2022-05-0457 min
ReImagining LibertyAn Introduction to Marxism for Non-Marxists (w/ Ian Bennett)I've long argued that it's important for everyone engaged in political debate to understand the ideas, theories, and philosophies they're arguing with.That understanding begins with taking them on their own terms, trying to appreciate them the way those who hold them do. In other words, you shouldn't just read what your side says about the other guys, but instead look to how the other guys talk about their own ideas.What's more, critically engaging with, and making a real effort to understand, perspectives that aren't our own is often fascinating. And, even...2022-04-201h 03
ReImagining LibertyAn Introduction to Marxism for Non-Marxists (w/ Ian Bennett)Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google PodcastsI've long argued that it's important for everyone engaged in political debate to understand the ideas, theories, and philosophies they're arguing with.That understanding begins with taking them on their own terms, trying to appreciate them the way those who hold them do. In other words, you shouldn’t just read what your side says about the other guys, but instead look to how the other guys talk about their own ideas.What's more, critically engaging with, and making a real effort to understand, pe...2022-04-201h 03
ReImagining Liberty"Does Political Liberty Require Social Liberalism?" (w/ Stephanie Slade)One of the difficult, and interesting, questions a system of political liberty needs to deal with is how to approach differing conceptions of what the good life looks like and how people ought to behave.We can say that the government shouldn't interfere in people's lifestyle choices, but does that mean we should also say that being pro-liberty means being pro- every choice people might make, as long as it's peaceful?My guest today is Stephanie Slade (@sladesr), a senior editor at Reason Magazine. She recently published an article about whether a commitment to...2022-04-0650 min
ReImagining Liberty"Does Political Liberty Require Social Liberalism?" w/ Stephanie SladeSubscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google PodcastsOne of the difficult, and interesting, questions a system of political liberty needs to deal with is how to approach differing conceptions of what the good life looks like and how people ought to behave.We can say that the government shouldn't interfere in people's lifestyle choices, but does that mean we should also say that being pro-liberty means being pro- every choice people might make, as long as it's peaceful?My guest today is Stephanie Slade (@sladesr), a senior editor at Reason Magazine...2022-04-0650 min
ReImagining Liberty"Does Political Liberty Require Social Liberalism?" w/ Stephanie SladeOne of the difficult, and interesting, questions a system of political liberty needs to deal with is how to approach differing conceptions of what the good life looks like and how people ought to behave.
We can say that the government shouldn't interfere in people's lifestyle choices, but does that mean we should also say that being pro-liberty means being pro- every choice people might make, as long as it's peaceful?
My guest today is Stephanie Slade (@sladesr), a senior editor at Reason Magazine. She recently published an article about this very issue. About whether...2022-04-0650 min
ReImagining Liberty"How To Be a Better Advocate for Liberty" (w/ Cory Massimino)Welcome to the inaugural episode of ReImagining Liberty.My goal for today's conversation was to set the direction and tone of the whole (Re)Imaginging Liberty podcast going forward. And to do that, I brought on my friend Cory Massimino (@corymassimino), a philosophy student and a fellow at the Center for a Stateless Society.He's also one of the smartest young scholars I know, and our talks and Twitter debates over the last several years played a large part in the evolution of my thinking.In today's episode:2022-03-2358 min
Portraits of LibertyWhere Buddhism & Libertarianism Intersect (with Aaron Ross Powell)Discussions of Buddhism typically revolve around lofty topics like reincarnation and the nature of the self. Policy debates about tax rates and international trade seem to be outside of the Buddhist focus. Aaron Ross Powell joins to discuss how the ethical principles of Buddhism apply to the world of politics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2021-01-2823 minThe Great AntidoteAaron Ross Powell on the Libertarian VisionSend us a textAaron Ross Powell, director and editor of Libertarianism.org and the cohost of the Free Thoughts podcast, talks to us about his new book with Paul Matzko called Visions of Liberty.Support the showNever miss another AdamSmithWorks update.Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.2020-07-3045 min
Aaron Ross Powell ShowTalking about the Marvel Cinematic Universe with Lee HerrigeThe movies of the Marvel Cinematic Universe set records with their popularity. But are they any good?
My feelings about the movies have always been lukewarm. They’re fun, competently made, and consistent. But none of them have wowed me, and while I’ve enjoyed every Marvel movie I’ve seen, I haven’t felt a desire to watch any of them a second time.
My friend Lee Herridge disagrees and offered to come on the show to explain to me how I’ve gone wrong in evaluating the MCU. We talked about the quality of the fil...2020-07-1351 minAaron Ross Powell ShowTalking about Star Wars with Paul CriderI didn’t much like the Last Jedi. And I rather love the Rise of Skywalker. Which puts me at odds with a lot of Star Wars fans, including my guest today.
Paul Crider is an editor at Liberal Currents, with interests in political philosophy and social justice, as well as Star Wars. He lives with his family in Silicon Valley and daylights as a semiconductor engineer.
On today’s episode, we discuss all things a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, including our assessments of the new films, Disney’s stumbles with t...2020-06-111h 09Aaron Ross Powell ShowTalking about Batman with Cory MassiminoYou can make a strong case that Batman is the most famous western fictional character of all time. He's also pretty clearly the coolest.
On today's episode, I'm joined by Cory Massimino. He's the Students for Liberty Academics Coordinator and a fellow at the Center for a Stateless Society. But what matters most for our purposes here is that he's thought a lot about Batman, and has a ton of interesting things to say about him.
If you enjoyed our conversation, or any of the conversations I've had on this podcast, and want to hear...2020-05-151h 10Aaron Ross Powell ShowTalking about Tabletop Games with PJ HambrickSocial distancing is an odd time for tabletop games. On the one hand, these are by nature social, in-person activities, the players sitting around the table pushing cardboard and dice. On the other, a great many of us suddenly have a lot of time on our hands to play them. So we're making do, with Zoom and Tabletop Simulator, but it's not the same.
On today's episode, I talk with my friend PJ Hambrick, who I met through our shared love for tabletop games, about why these things are so great.
If you enjoyed our...2020-05-1257 min
Aaron Ross Powell ShowTalking about Narrating Audiobooks with Scott FeighnerI grew up listening to my dad play to audiobooks on road trips, and I've always loved what a good narrator can do with a good text. But the process--how you actually go about bringing a story to life in audio form--has been mostly unknown to me. And I'm sure to a lot of us. All I know is it must be more complicated than "Read it out loud."
Which is why today it's my pleasure to talk with not just a good narrator, but a great one. Scott F. Feighner has narrated dozens of books, mostly...2020-04-211h 58Aaron Ross Powell ShowTalking about Ancient Literature with Brian Wilson and Paul MeanyToday Brian Wilson, host of Combat & Classics, and Paul Meany, host of Portraits of Liberty, join me to talk about the value and appeal of ancient philosophy and literature.
Combat & Classics
http://combatandclassics.org/
Portraits of Liberty
https://www.libertarianism.org/podcasts/portraits-liberty2020-04-1357 minAaron Ross Powell ShowTalking about Video Games with Adam BatesOn today's show, I'm joined by my friend Adam Bates. Each of us made a list of our top five video games of all time--and there's only a couple of points of agreement.2020-04-021h 21Aaron Ross Powell ShowTalking about Authority and the StateWelcome to the very first episode of my show! I kick things off with a discussion of one of my favorite topics: the remarkable difficult question of whether we’re obligation to obey the law. Plus, I manage to work in a Star Wars reference.2020-04-0247 minAaron Ross Powell ShowTalking about Postmodernism with Akiva MalametIt feels like nobody knows what postmodernism is, yet everyone has an opinion about it. Today’s conversation with Akiva Malamet is an effort to bring some clarity to an unclear topic. We explore the basic ideas of postmodernism and then move on to their implications for culture, society, politics, and individuals.
About my guest:
Akiva Malamet is completing his degree in Government at the Interdisciplinary Center (IDC) in Herzliya, Israel, where he was a long-time senior member of the RRIS Debate Society. He is a contributor to the sites Liberal Currents and Sweet Talk Conversation. His paper “Spontaneous Order as S...2020-04-0155 minAaron Ross Powell ShowTalking about Science Fiction with Will DuffieldToday I'm joined by my friend Will Duffield. We discuss our favorite science fiction novels.2020-04-011h 02Aaron Ross Powell ShowTalking about Buddhism with Jason KuznickiJason Kuznicki talks with Aaron about Buddhism, its appeal, what we think is true about it, what might be questionable, and our own practices.
At the end of the episode, Jason recommends two books by Ṭhānissaro Bhikkhu. Both are available as free downloads.
"With Each & Every Breath: A Guide to Meditation"
https://www.dhammatalks.org/ebook_index.html#eachandeverybreath
"The Wings to Awakening: An Anthology from the Pāli Canon"
https://www.dhammatalks.org/ebook_index.html#wings2020-03-231h 04