Shows
The Atlas Society Presents - Objectively SpeakingAcademic Freedom & Government Control with Hicks and TracinskiJoin Atlas Society Senior Scholar Stephen Hicks and Senior Fellow Robert Tracinski Wednesday for a special webinar exploring academic freedom and how the government uses federal/state funding to exert control over higher education.2025-04-2458 min
The Secular FoxholeWhere To Find the New Intellectuals?This short episode includes a talk with Substack writer, Stewart Margolis, whose topic, "Where To Find the New Intellectuals," was discussed. We talked about various 'currents' in the culture and how to find them. I brag about a certain achievement I'm proud of, and although I've forgot to mention the rise in Homeschooling, listeners should include that in the great advancements happening without publicity, which is a good thing.Call-to-Action: After you have listened to this episode, add your $0.02 (two cents) to the conversation, by joining (for free) The Secular Foxhole Town Hall. Feel free to introduce your...2025-02-2419 min
The Atlas Society Presents - Objectively Speaking2024 In Review with Abbie Perry and Robert TracinskiJoin Atlas Society Senior Fellow Robert Tracinski along with Atlas Society Student Programs Manager Abbie Perry for a discussion of the biggest events of 2024, ranging from the election of Donald Trump, foreign policy, immigration, and more.2025-01-031h 02
The Atlas Society Presents - Objectively SpeakingWhat is Freedom of Speech? with David Kelley & Robert TracinskiHot off the heels of The Atlas Society’s newest publication, The Pocket Guide to Free of Speech, we invite you to join David Kelley, Ph.D., and Rob Tracinski for a special webinar discussing freedom of speech, its basic principles, its implementation in the U.S. Constitution, and how it is perceived today.
Grab your copy of the Pocket Guide to Free Speech on Amazon in both print and Kindle: https://amzn.to/4fwpzDt2024-11-2756 min
The Mona Charen ShowHumiliation TheaterRobert Tracinski joins to discuss Trump's attack on government, his execrable appointees, and what Dems should do going forward.
Highlights / Lowlights
Damon: Russ Vought's appointment to OMB and the Nancy Mace / Sarah McBride performative cruelty.
Linda: JD Vance appearing in all of those Senate meetings with Matt Gaetz, and A Free Press Conversation with Natan Sharansky
Mona: Hong Kong's jailing of 45 democracy activists sparks criticism from foreign governments, rights groups (CBS)
Bill: House passes bill that would allow Treasury to target nonprofits it deems to support terrorism
R...2024-11-221h 12
Decoding the GurusDarryl Cooper, Nazi Apologetics, & Disturbances in the DiscourseJoin Matt and Chris for a deep dive into the discourse created by Darryl Cooper’s controversial interview with Tucker Carlson. The decoders tackle Cooper’s revisionist takes on Winston Churchill, Hitler, and WWII, asking whether throwing in strategic disclaimers really makes it all okay.They also explore reactions from the wider comment-o-sphere, including the musings of libertarian firebrand/idiot Dave Smith, mainstream historians and history YouTubers, and the hosts of Triggernometry, Konstantin and Francis, as they try to unpack Niall Ferguson’s sharp critique of Cooper. Along the way, Sam Harris enters the fray, on a search...2024-09-242h 23
The Atlas Society Presents - Objectively SpeakingA Critical Look Into Venezuela with Juan Pina, Antonella Marty, and Robert TracinskiJoin Atlas Society Senior Fellow Antonella Marty and Senior Fellow Robert Tracinski along with special guest, Secretary General of FundaLib, Juan Pina for the 220th episode of The Atlas Society Asks where the trio sit down for an Objectivist analysis of current events in Venezuela and what it means for the future of liberalism in the country.
Juan Pina is the Secretary General for Fundación para el Avance de la Libertad based out of Madrid, Spain. A career in public affairs and lobbying, Juan is an advocate for free market ideas and formerly served as presided o...2024-09-1959 min
The Atlas Society Presents - Objectively SpeakingThe Ethics, Economics, and Politics of Immigration with Richard Salsman & Robert TracinskiJoin Atlas Society Senior Senior Scholar and Professor of Political Economy at Duke, Richard Salsman, Ph.D., and Senior Fellow Robert Tracinski for the 217 episode of The Atlas Society Asks where the duo discuss "open" borders vs. "closed" borders vs. "managed" borders, whether the "Ellis Island model" is irrelevant given our current welfare state, and more.2024-08-291h 08
The Atlas Society ChatsWas Ayn Rand a Liberal Democrat? with Robert TracinskiJoin Atlas Society Senior Fellow Robert Tracinski for a Spaces discussion covering the question, "Was Ayn Rand a Liberal Democrat?"
"Ayn Rand was not a "liberal Democrat" in the sense of being an advocate of the welfare state. But was she a defender of "liberal democracy"? And would she have been tempted by "free-market authoritarianism"?" - Robert Tracinski2024-08-151h 00
SymposiumCenters of ProgressI talk with Chelsea Follett, managing editor of HumanProgress.org and author of Centers of Progress: 40 Cities That Changed the World. We talk about why cities have been the centers of progress, the conditions that make bursts of innovation possible, and examples of open and dynamic societies from Amsterdam to Dubrovnik to Mohenjo-Daro.You can view the video of this conversation here. Get full access to Symposium at symposium.substack.com/subscribe2024-07-2444 min
The Atlas Society Presents - Objectively SpeakingChristianity Vs. Greco-Roman Roots of Western Civilization? with Kelley and TracinskiJoin Atlas Society founder and Senior Scholar David Kelley and Senior Fellow Robert Tracinski for the 213 episode of The Atlas Society Asks where the duo will discuss a turn on the political right back toward a rather strident religious advocacy. Listen as they explain the historical and philosophical errors in this view, especially the ignoring of the true source of unique Western culture: the Greco-Roman tradition.2024-07-1859 minThe Secular FoxholeThe Olympics, and other News BitesToday we talk about an odd piece of news about the Olympics, plus some good news concerning both Progress and Objectivism. Then Martin covers our show stats and other items of interest.Call-to-Action: After you have listened to this episode, add your $0.02 (two cents) to the conversation, by joining (for free) The Secular Foxhole Town Hall. Feel free to introduce yourself to the other members, discuss the different episodes, give us constructive feedback, or check out the virtual room, Speakers' Corner, and step up on the digital soapbox. Welcome to our new place in cyberspace!S...2024-07-1229 min
SymposiumConservative Cancel CultureI talk with New York Times columnist David French about how he got canceled by his own church—see his Times column about that. We also talk about the growing problem of partisanship and intolerance in conservative institutions, the crisis of American Christianity, and the reasonable “center” that we need to hold together.You can view the video of this conversation here.The Mote and the BeamWe spend part of this conversation talking about various sex scandals within the church, and referring to it as a crisis. Here’s what I mean by that...2024-07-011h 01
SymposiumA Culture of TruthI talk with Renée DiResta, formerly of the Stanford Internet Observatory and author of Invisible Rulers: The People Who Turn Lies into Reality.We talk about the canceling of the Stanford Internet Observatory, why “misinformation” isn’t the right term for the Internet rumor mill, the power of “counterspeech” and why suspending social media accounts doesn’t work, how an “army of Davids” turned into an army of volunteer propagandists—and the curious imaginary life of “CIA Renée.”You can view the video of this conversation here.A Culture of TruthIn our conversation, we...2024-06-2153 min
The Atlas Society ChatsProperty Is People: Ayn Rand’s Defense of Property Rights with Robert TracinskiJoin Atlas Society Senior Fellow Robert Tracinski for a discussion on Ayn Rand’s definition of property, property rights, and the moral case for why property must be protected.2024-06-131h 00The Secular FoxholeSupport Liberalism and Secularism for the 21st CenturyBlair is sharing information about conferences on liberalism and secularism, books by catholic conservatives, and spot-on joke regarding the upcoming presidential election in the United States America. Martin is talking about the European elections, and is mentioning a podcast discussing deepfakes, distrust, and democracy. You will get informed about our download statistics and listener behavior. The call-to-action is a guide on how to support our work with the podcast.Call-to-Action: After you have listened to this episode, add your $0.02 (two cents) to the conversation, by joining (for free) The Secular Foxhole Town Hall. Feel free to introduce yo...2024-06-0917 min
SymposiumThe OmnicauseI talk with writer Alysia Ames about her coinage of the “Omnicause,” a tendency to absorb all left-of-center causes in one giant package deal.We also talk about the challenges for advocates of liberalism in rural areas—a closely related issue, because if you’ve got to back every cause in order to promote any cause, you’re going to encounter a lot more resistance.But first we talk about how women’s work in the household has historically been unaccounted for—in the most literal sense—and how the necessity of recognizing its value explains a lot about our cu...2024-05-2646 min
The Atlas Society ChatsLost in Model Land with Robert TracinskiJoin Atlas Society Senior Fellow Robert for a discussion on the use and abuse of mental models in understanding and dealing with reality.2024-05-091h 00
SymposiumThe Maximum and the MinimumI talk with Ruy Teixeira of The Liberal Patriot about how the left and Democrats lost rural voters, and how they can try to get them back.We talk about the history of political realignments, the parallels to the fate of Republicans in the cities, why the left should spend less time appealing to college students with purple hair and more time on older black women, and how pursing a maximalist agenda can risk losing the bare minimum.You can view the video of this conversation here. Get full access to Symposium...2024-05-0251 min
The Atlas Society Chats“Is Having Children a Sacrifice?” with Robert TracinskiJoin Atlas Society Senior Fellow Robert Tracinski for a Twitter/X Spaces discussion on child rearing and the definition of sacrifice.2024-04-1157 min
The Atlas Society ChatsCan You Be Good Without God? with Robert TracinskiJoin Atlas Society Senior Fellow Robert Tracinski for a Twitter/X Spaces discussion on religion along with an introduction to Ayn Rand’s case for a secular basis of morality. 2024-03-141h 01
The Atlas Society Chats“The One Big Thing You’re Getting Wrong About Consciousness” with Robert TracinskiJoin Atlas Society Senior Fellow Robert Tracinski for a discussion on consciousness and how different philosophers have attempted to explain man's perception and understanding of the world around him. 2024-02-1559 min
The Rational EgoistThe Rational Egoist: Unveiling Woke Hypocrisy in the Gaza ConflictIn this thought-provoking episode of "The Rational Egoist," host Michael Liebowitz is joined by esteemed philosopher and writer, Robert Tracinski. With a rich background in philosophy from the University of Chicago and over two decades of experience as a commentator and journalist, Tracinski brings a unique perspective to the table.
This episode delves into the recent war in Gaza, exploring its complex layers and the evident hypocrisy within the woke movement's response to it.
Tracinski, editor of Symposium and columnist for Discourse magazine, articulates how the conflict intertwines with radical nationalism and Marxist elements, spotlighting...2023-12-1540 min
The Atlas Society Presents - Objectively SpeakingNationalism Worldwide: Current Events with Antonella Marty & Rob TracinskiJoin Sociedad Atlas CEO Antonella Marty and Atlas Society Senior Fellow Robert for an Objectivist perspective on Nationalism and how it is understood globally, along with a discussion on Marc Andreessen's Techno-Optimist Manifesto.2023-11-1656 min
SymposiumThe New Dividing LinesI talk with Damon Linker of Notes from the Middle Ground.We talk about the history of conservatism, the role of "liberalism" (in the broad sense) on the right, and whether race as a political dividing line is being eclipsed by education as the new dividing line, and why that might not be entirely a good thing.Watch the video of our conversation here. Get full access to Symposium at symposium.substack.com/subscribe2023-09-2859 min
The Atlas Society Presents - Objectively SpeakingChina's Economic Trouble & the BRICS Alliance: Current Events with Salsman & TracinskiJoin Senior Scholar Richard Salsman, Ph.D., and Senior Fellow Robert Tracinski for an Objectivist perspective on the damage to China’s economy since the CCP’s turn back towards central planning, along with a brief overview of the BRICS alliance and what that means for the U.S.2023-09-211h 05
SymposiumCentral Planning on the Local LevelI talk with Addison Del Mastro from The Deleted Scenes.We talk about the hidden regulations that make our cities and suburbs the way they are, the often distorting effects of central planning applies to land use, the Housing Theory of Everything, and the recent bipartisan awakening on housing issues.Watch the video of our conversation here. Get full access to Symposium at symposium.substack.com/subscribe2023-06-1243 min
SymposiumWhy Not? And Says Who?I have a conversation with Brent Orrell of the American Enterprise Institute, in a back and forth on the necessity of religion as the basis for a free society. He says it’s necessary, and I don’t, and we hash out the reasons for our positions—including the big moral questions of “Why not?” and “Says who?”Watch the video of our conversation here.Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to help support Symposium. Get full access to Symposium at symposium.substack.com/subscribe2023-06-0347 min
Morals & Markets with Dr. Richard SalsmanFrom The Vault: Why American Can't Win Wars AnymoreJoin Senior Scholar and Professor of Political Economy, Richard Salsman, Ph.D., in fresh episodes of Morals & Markets "From the Vault." These episodes were from early episodes of Morals & Markets from before it became a podcast.
Tune in to this episode from September 2021, in which Dr. Salsman is joined by Senior Fellow Robert Tracinski to discuss "Why America Can't Win Wars Anymore."
"The U.S. won the “Cold War” but hasn’t won a “hot” war since World War II. It’s been 0-5 since 1945. Korea. Viet Nam. The Gulf War. Iraq. Afghanistan. Why? The U.S. has had a lar...2023-05-191h 55
The Atlas Society Presents - Objectively SpeakingArt & Aesthetics with Rob TracinskiJoin Atlas Society Senior Fellow Robert Tracinski for a special webinar discussion concerning the role and power of art and aesthetics in Objecitivst thinking. Listen as he also discusses music, a subject not extensively covered by Ayn Rand, herself. 2023-05-1859 min
SymposiumBaby Ninth AmendmentsI talk with Anthony Sanders of the Institute for Justice about his book Baby Ninth Amendments: How Americans Embraced Unenumerated Rights and Why It Matters.We discuss the paradox of explicit constitutional protections for "unenumerated rights," how those protections were embraced not just on the federal level but in state constitutions, why those rights have often been ignored despite being popular, and the concept of "judicial engagement" as an alternative to "judicial activism" and "judicial restraint."Buy the book here, or get a free download.Watch the video of our conversation...2023-05-1543 min
SymposiumThink Philosophically, Act LocallyI talk with Nathan Beacom of the Lyceum Movement, an attempt to organize local, in-person meetings to discuss important ideas. We talk about the history of the Lyceum Movement, the difference between in-person and online discussion, the rules for keeping discussions civil and productive, and about Zoom Fatigue (on Zoom).Watch it here.Speaking of online discussion and its sometimes perverse incentives, see my comments elsewhere on the travails of Twitter and the potential for a better alternative at Substack. Get full access to Symposium at symposium.substack.com/subscribe2023-04-2821 min
Classical Wisdom SpeaksWhat is the relationship between Philosophy and History?What is the role of philosophy in history? Do philosophers come up with ideas that spread and influence the world? Or are their works the cumulation of the advances of society? How do good ideas spread? And is this a time for optimism? Today’s episode of Classical Wisdom Speaks is with Robert Tracinski, editor of Symposium, a journal of liberalism, author of the The Tracinski Letter (https://tracinskiletter.substack.com/) and a Senior fellow at the Atlas Society. We’ll be looking at the relationship between philosophy and history, the "Thales Objection" and Robert’s idea on the...2023-04-2148 min
SymposiumKicking the Dog in IranI talk with Shay Khatiri, Senior Policy Analyst at the Jewish Institute for National Security of America, columnist for The Daily Beast, and author of The Russia-Iran File on Substack.We discuss the precipitous decline of religious belief in Iran and its lessons for America—based on his recent article, “Integralism, Christian and Islamic”—and how “kicking the dog” is not just a trope but official regime policy.Watch it here.The kind of religious hypocrisy that is killing the Iranian regime is a warning for religious zealots in America, and one of them just go...2023-04-1347 min
Zooming In at The UnPopulistThe US Right's Dangerous Quest for Unbridled State Power: An Interview With Robert TracinskiFor a certain sort of social conservative, Viktor Orbán's Hungary is the North Star. The realization of fantasies about how social liberalism can be done away with and “trad living” elevated to primacy, if only the power of a committed executive were turned to that task. On today's episode, I'm joined by Robert Tracinski. He's the editor of Symposium, a journal of liberalism, and writes additional commentary at The Tracinski Letter.
Zooming In is a project of The UnPopulist and is produced by Landry Ayres.2023-04-0128 min
Zooming In at The UnPopulistThe US Right's Dangerous Quest for Unbridled State Power: An Interview With Robert TracinskiFor a certain sort of social conservative, Viktor Orbán's Hungary is the North Star. The realization of fantasies about how social liberalism can be done away with and “trad living” elevated to primacy, if only the power of a committed executive were turned to that task. On today's episode, host Aaron Ross Powell is joined by Robert Tracinski. He's the editor of Symposium, a journal of liberalism, and writes additional commentary at The Tracinski Letter. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episo...2023-04-0128 min
SymposiumShould We Bring Back the Gatekeepers?I talk with Shoshana Weissman of R Street Institute and Jess Miers of the Chamber of Progress about recent Supreme Court cases challenging Section 230—the law that created the user-driven Internet we know and (mostly) love. We discuss the moderator’s dilemma, how the Wolf of Wall Street inadvertently helped create the Internet, and how attitudes toward Section 230 cut across the usual partisan lines.Watch it here.To support podcasts like this one, please subscribe, and also consider a donation to the Symposium Foundation for the Study of Liberalism. Get full access to S...2023-03-3047 minThe Rational EgoistThe Paradox of Selflessness: How Wokeism and Trumpism Betray Rational Self-Interest - Michael Liebowitz and Robert TracinskiThe Paradox of Selflessness: How Wokeism and Trumpism Betray Rational Self-Interest
In this episode of Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz and guest Robert Tracinski, Senior fellow at the Atlas Society and author of "Who is John Galt, Anyway? A Pocket Guide to Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged," explore the challenges of civil discourse in the age of wokeism and Trumpism.
Drawing on their expertise in rational egoism, Liebowitz and Tracinski discuss the paradox of selflessness as it manifests in these two irrational beliefs. Wokeism promotes a collectivist mindset that seeks to suppress individual thinking and expression, while Trumpism emphasizes a...2023-03-2848 min
Symposium"We Make Men Free"I talk with New York Times columnist David French about attacks on academic freedom and freedom of speech, “the worst way to deal with educational controversies,” the culture war evolution on the right, and the world’s best and most effective political message.Watch it here.Also check out an acerbic post by Ken White, the law blogger known as Popehat, who takes on the recent shouting down of a conservative judge at Stanford Law School and makes a convincing case for “Hating Everyone Everywhere All At Once.” The whole thing is full of great observatio...2023-03-2059 min
The Atlas Society Presents - Objectively SpeakingThe Philosophy of History with Stephen Hicks & Robert TracinskiJoin The Atlas Society for the 144th episode of The Atlas Society Asks and a special webinar discussion with Senior Scholar Stephen Hicks, Ph.D., and Senior Fellow Robert Tracinski where the duo will explain the questions: What causes historical change? What’s the role of ideas, knowledge institutions, or philosophy?2023-03-151h 01
SymposiumThe Orban ModelI talk with David Baer and Dalibor Rohac about Viktor Orban’s authoritarian system in Hungary, its use as a model for American conservatives, and how the system has actually worked out for Hungary.Watch it here.For more on how the American right has embraced Orban, see a good overview in the New York Times. See also a history of conservative support for illiberal regimes in The Atlantic. This second piece is a bit one-sided and superficial, but it hammers home its point. An occupational hazard of the political activist is the temptation to wi...2023-03-1055 min
SymposiumPrivate Initiative and State CapacityI talk with Jaroslav Romanchuk about the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the causes of corruption, why Ukraine is going to need limited government, and the bad economic advice Ukraine keeps getting from the West.Watch it here.This is a follow-up on our previous conversation just prior to the Russian invasion, but this time we focus more on the prospective question of how Ukraine’s wartime economy will work and how it will rebuild after the war.The issue I think is most important for people outside Ukraine to grasp is the under-appreciated co...2023-03-0753 min
The Great AntidoteRobert Tracinski on Left and Right IlliberalismSend us a textRobert Tracinski is the editor of Symposium, a substack and podcast about liberalism, the author of several books, a columnist at Discourse Magazine, and he writes on his own substack The Tracinski Letter. Today he talks to us about his view of liberalism and its current opponent: illiberalism, which comes from both the left and the right. We talk about their differences and their similarities, as well as his optimism and plan for the future. Support the showNever miss another AdamSmithWorks update.Follow us on...2023-02-2446 minThe Secular FoxholeRobert Tracinski on Causation, Robots, and AIRob Tracinski joins us for a fun discussion on current topics of interest, Including his upcoming course. Martin is giving a shout-out to supporters of the show, e.g., fellow podcaster, Kyrin Down of Mere Mortals podcast, and fellow Objectivist friend, Roland Horvath.Call-to-Action: After you have listened to this episode, add your $0.02 (two cents) to the conversation, by joining (for free) The Secular Foxhole Town Hall. Feel free to introduce yourself to the other members, discuss the different episodes, give us constructive feedback, or check out the virtual room, Speakers' Corner, and step up on the d...2023-02-2049 min
SymposiumThe Death Toll of AuthoritarianismI talk with Claire Berlinski of The Cosmopolitan Globalist about the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, why the press should not cover this as a mere natural disaster, and the worst thing that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has ever done.Watch it here:The earthquakes are a lesson in the hollow promise of a strongman who will end the “deep state,” drain the swamp of corruption, and fight against the “fake news” of the press—and what he actually does once he gets all that power. We are used to hearing about the death...2023-02-1435 min
SymposiumThe Lost WorldRob Tracinski talks to Tim Sandefur, author of the new book, Freedom’s Furies: How Isabel Paterson, Rose Wilder Lane, and Ayn Rand Found Liberty in an Age of Darkness.We discuss the long friendship between these three women in the years leading up to the Depression, the New Deal, and World War II, and how they all published books in 1943 that led them to be hailed as the “three furies” of the modern liberty movement. Most of all, we talk about the surprisingly “countercultural” aspect of their advocacy of freedom as a rebellion against conformity, contrasted against th...2023-02-0840 minThe Secular FoxholePopulism and “The Worst of Both Worlds”Today with returning guest Robert Tracinski who is here discussing his two recent articles on populism and illiberalism.At the end of the show, Martin is giving a shout-out to fellow podcaster, McIntosh of Generational Wealth with Cryptocurrency podcast, for his support and boostagram with Satoshis (bits of Bitcoin).Why do you think that populism is popular nowadays? Download a new podcast app, e.g., Fountain and Podverse, and create a clip of this episode.Call-to-Action: After you have listened to this episode, add your $0.02 (two cents) to the conversation, by joining (for f...2022-10-3154 min
SymposiumThe View from the Top of the PyramidRob Tracinski talks to Marian Tupy of the Cato Institute and HumanProgress.org, and coauthor of the new book Superabundance.We discuss the reality of progress, why people refuse to accept it, the curious correlation of improvements to human life accompanied by increasingly apocalyptic films, Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs as an explanation for our pessimism, and the effect that recognition of progress would have on our public debate.Watch the video here. Get full access to Symposium at symposium.substack.com/subscribe2022-09-2447 minThe Secular FoxholeYears of Time, Talent and TreasureWe are entering the third year of production, talking about news, the upcoming International Podcast Day on September 30, and the value for value model. You will hear stories about Trudeau in Canada, banks and car loans in Australia, and issues of neutrality and heating in Switzerland. We wrap-up the show with a feedback loop on boostagrams and how to earn, send and stream Satoshis.Call-to-Action: After you have listened to this episode, add your $0.02 (two cents) to the conversation, by joining (for free) The Secular Foxhole Town Hall. Feel free to introduce yourself to the other members, di...2022-09-1631 min
SymposiumFighting into Each Others' CoatsRob Tracinski talks to Tim Sandefur of the Goldwater Institute about the legal doctrine of “substantive due process,” its rejection by Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, and how conservatives adopted an anti-rights constitutional interpretation pioneered by progressives.Read Sandefur's recent article about this at The Unpopulist, and see also his book The Conscience of the Constitution.Watch the video here. Get full access to Symposium at symposium.substack.com/subscribe2022-09-1334 min
Symposium21st Century SamizdatRob Tracinski talks to Yevgeny Simkin of Samizdat Online, https://samizdatonline.org, an attempt to help readers evade Internet controls in dictatorships. Our conversation includes the history of “samizdat” underground publication, how the flow of contraband information has changed in the 21st Century, and why dictators are so afraid of it.Watch the video here. Get full access to Symposium at symposium.substack.com/subscribe2022-09-0733 min
SymposiumThe Decline and Fall of the Libertarian PartyRob Tracinski talks to the Cato Institute's Andy Craig about the alt-right takeover of the Libertarian Party, the hole left by the absence of a third political alternative, and how the Electoral Count Reform Act could save us from another crisis and vindicate the effectiveness of Secret Congress. But for God’s sake, don’t tell anyone.Watch the video here. Get full access to Symposium at symposium.substack.com/subscribe2022-09-0135 min
SymposiumLuddite PopulismRob Tracinski talks to Louis Anslow, creator and curator of the Pessimists Archive, which chronicles the long history of techno-pessimism, about the “science folklore” of the “Black Mirror fallacy” and the scarcity bias that induces a false nostalgia for the past.We also talk about how this feeds illiberalism by encouraging “Luddite populism” on both the left and the right.Watch the video here. Get full access to Symposium at symposium.substack.com/subscribe2022-08-2436 min
The Atlas Society Presents - Objectively SpeakingBiden's Inflation Reduction Bill & The Supreme Court on Executive Power: Current Events with Kelley and TracinskiJoin The Atlas Society for an Objectivist perspective on current events. This time our founder, Dr. David Kelley, along with Senior Fellow and Objectivist writer Robert Tracinski will discuss the recent Supreme Court Decision regarding Executive power as well as President Biden's "Inflation Reduction" Bill.2022-08-181h 01
SymposiumSchrödinger's ImmigrantRob Tracinski talks to Alex Nowrasteh, immigration expert and director of economic and social policy studies at the Cato Institute.We talk about the real facts about immigration, the phenomenon of “Schrödinger's Immigrant” (who is and isn’t at the same time), and why ethno-nationalism is a foreign import. Watch the video here.This last observation is particularly relevant given Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s recent comments about “race mixing,” which cast a clearer and colder light on his anti-immigration policies and show us the dark side of the current “national conserv...2022-08-0451 min
SymposiumPaleo and NeoThe Libertarian Party—the formally organized party, rather than libertarianism as an intellectual movement—has long been somewhat befuddled and ineffectual.It is very hard to get a third party off the ground in the American system, and after trying for decades, the Libertarian Party suffered the fate of many small movements. The best, most serious, most talented advocates of limited government and classical liberalism tend to set their sights on breaking into the mainstream, leaving the small party to be taken over by cranks and weirdos. If you think I’m being unkind, you should look up som...2022-06-2450 min
SymposiumCossacks and CowboysRob Tracinski talks to Volodymyr Yermolenko, philosopher and chief editor of UkraineWorld, about the war in Ukraine, but also about the values for which Ukraine is fighting and the deep historical roots of liberalism in Ukraine.We talk about the parallels between America and Ukraine, which sees itself as “another America” or a “European America”—a “Wild East” settled by “free warriors of the steppe,” to match our Wild West. Think of it as Cossacks and cowboys.The deepest philosophical parallel is the history of the Cossacks and their “contractual idea of politics,” in which power is defined by an...2022-06-1542 min
Symposium18th-Century Infallibility TheoryThe leaked draft of a forthcoming Supreme Court ruling in the abortion case Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization raises questions about the “unenumerated rights” protected in the Ninth Amendment.I discussed this recently with David French and Ilya Shapiro, talking about why the Constitution protects unenumerated rights and how we would tell what those rights are. How do we avoid having such determinations be a purely subjective projection of current ideological fads—versus what David calls “18th Century Infallibility Theory,” in which whatever laws existed when the Constitution was ratified are considered the final word?And doe...2022-06-0953 min
The Atlas Society Presents - Objectively SpeakingOn Modern Art & The Buffalo Shooter's Manifesto - Current Events with Hicks and TracinskiJoin Senior Scholar Dr. Stephen Hicks and our Senior Fellow Robert Tracinski for the 105th episode of The Atlas Society Asks as they discuss current events in how we should understand art and the process of creation along with an Objectivist perspective on the recent Buffalo shooter and his manifesto.2022-05-261h 02
The Atlas Society Presents - Objectively SpeakingRoe v. Wade & Abortion with Richard Salsman and Robert TracinskiJoin Senior Scholar Dr. Richard Salsman and Senior Fellow Robert Tracinski for a special webinar discussion on the recent Supreme Court opinion leak along with an Objectivist perspective on Roe v. Wade and abortion.2022-05-1158 min
Self in Society PodcastRobert Tracinski on Ayn Rand's Atlas ShruggedRobert Tracinski is the author of the book, So Who Is John Galt, Anyway?: A Reader's Guide to Ayn Rand's "Atlas Shrugged." Tracinski also writes the Tracinski Letter and Symposium at Substack, and he is a columnist for various other publications. This is the Self in Society Podcast #26.
Time Markers
00 Intro
1:22 Would Any Rand be more concerned with today's "woke" anti-capitalist left or religious ethno-nationalist right?
6:06 The collapse of fusionism; Rand's influence on conservatism
9:50 Are Objectivists on "the right?"
11:47 Trumpists and Putin apologists among Objectivists
15:35...2022-05-031h 11
The Atlas Society Presents - Objectively SpeakingThe Atlas Society Ukraine Discussion with David Kelley, Richard Salsman, and Robert TracinskiJoin The Atlas Society for a special discussion on the war between Russia and Ukraine. Listen and Dr. Richard Salsman and Robert Tracinski discuss Objectivist interpretations of America’s foreign policy and their differing opinions in a civil and open manner. Professor Salsman argues that Ukraine does not deserve U.S. help and based on America’s national self-interest it should NOT get involved in the conflict, at present. Robert Tracinski, on the other hand, advances that America should be doing more to curtail a blatantly aggressive Vladimir Putin and provide more assistance for Ukraine. Our founder, Dr. David Kell...2022-04-221h 03
SymposiumThe Progress MindsetRob Tracinski talks to Caleb Watney of the Institute for Progress. We talk about how our political debate would be different if we recognized the reality of progress, the rise of the “inventing mindset,” the “veto points” that prevent growth and progress, the importance of Secret Congress, and the possibility of new political alignments.You can also watch this on video. Get full access to Symposium at symposium.substack.com/subscribe2022-04-2052 minThe Secular FoxholeDonations and Podcasting 2.0Martin and I do a short show giving a Huge Thank You to a previous guest, who gave the show a wonderful donation. We then talk about the show’s relevance to current issues and preview future guests and discuss future plans. As a wrap-up we list different ways you could support us as podcasters, e.g., by posting reviews on Podchaser, and using new podcast apps like Fountain and Podcast Guru.Call-to-Action: After you have listened to this episode, add your $0.02 (two cents) to the conversation, by joining (for free) The Secular Foxhole Town Hall. Feel free...2022-04-1520 min
SymposiumFlying on InstrumentsRob Tracinski talks to Steven Pinker about his new book, Rationality: What It Is, Why It Seems Scarce, Why It Matters. We talk about how using reason is like flying on instruments, why reason comes more naturally than it might seem, and why we can’t blame all our problems on the cavemen.You can also watch this on video here. Get full access to Symposium at symposium.substack.com/subscribe2022-04-0348 min
The Atlas Society Presents - Objectively SpeakingRussia's War on Ukraine: Current Events with Hicks and TracinskiJoin The Atlas Society Senior Scholar Dr. Stephen Hicks and Senior Fellow Robert Tracinski with host and Student Programs Manager Abbie Berringer for an Objectivist perspective on the war between Russia and Ukraine on the 94th episode of The Atlas Society Asks.2022-03-031h 00The Secular FoxholeRobert Tracinski on WorkismRobert Tracinski visits us again to expand on three of his recent articles, published in Discourse Magazine. We have a stimulating, thought-provking discussion. Why don’t you listen in?Call-to-Action: After you have listened to this episode, add your $0.02 (two cents) to the conversation, by joining (for free) The Secular Foxhole Town Hall. Feel free to introduce yourself to the other members, discuss the different episodes, give us constructive feedback, or check out the virtual room, Speakers' Corner, and step up on the digital soapbox. Welcome to our new place in cyberspace!Show notes with links to...2022-03-0256 min
SymposiumThe Paradox of the "Liberal Leviathan"Rob Tracinski talks to Shay Khatiri, a policy associate at the Renew Democracy Initiative, about the need for America to be a “Liberal Leviathan,” particularly in the context of Russia’s threats against Ukraine.See Shay's article in Symposium here.You can also watch this on video here. Get full access to Symposium at symposium.substack.com/subscribe2022-02-2155 min
SymposiumPlaying Hockey with Vladimir PutinI talk with Jaroslav Romanchuk, a Belarusian dissident now in Kyiv, about the threat of a Russian invasion of Ukraine.You can also watch it on video here:I found Jaroslav’s perspective interesting because he blames US officials for overstating the risk of a Russian invasion in order to panic Ukraine into signing a bad diplomatic deal giving away its Eastern provinces. This seems to be the view held by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as well. Romanchuk also spells out the long-term Ukrainian strategy, which is to pursue an economic growth and dynamism that wi...2022-02-1449 min
The Atlas Society Presents - Objectively SpeakingIs Kant the Original "Woke" Philosopher? - Current Events with Hicks and TracinskiJoin Senior Scholar Dr. Stephen Hicks and Senior Fellow Robert Tracinski for a discussion on the surprising - but encouraging - Virginia election results, CRT and whether Immanuel Kant was the original "woke" philosopher. All this and more on the 79th episode of The Atlas Society Asks.2021-11-1859 min
SymposiumHow Archie Bunker Explains the WorldRob Tracinski talks to Tom Nichols, professor at the US Naval War College and author of Our Own Worst Enemy: The Assault from within on Modern Democracy, about authoritarianism, Italian villages, enlightened self-interest, and how Archie Bunker explains the world.You can also watch it on video here: Get full access to Symposium at symposium.substack.com/subscribe2021-10-011h 08
SymposiumThe Authoritarian "Demonstration Effect"Rob Tracinski talks to Shikha Dalmia, visiting fellow with the Mercatus Center’s Program on Pluralism and Civil Exchange and editor of The Unpopulist, about the development of authoritarian “best practices” and the process by which they are being imported to the US. Get full access to Symposium at symposium.substack.com/subscribe2021-09-231h 05
SymposiumThe Truth About HungaryRob Tracinski talks to Dalibor Rohac, Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, about Hungary’s “new hybrid system” of authoritarianism—and American conservatives’ infatuation with it.You can also watch it on video here: Get full access to Symposium at symposium.substack.com/subscribe2021-09-1454 minThe Secular FoxholeRobert Tracinski on Our Darkening AgeTo kick-off our second year of podcasting, Robert Tracinski is back with us to discuss two of his recent essays. Plus, we discuss some books like, The Name of the Rose by Umberto Echo. America's Revolutionary Mind, by Brad Thompson, and bizarrely, a book called, How the Irish Became White, by Noel Ignatiev. Then we briefly talk about another bizarre happening, how American evangelicals embraced the womanizing, narcissistic, loud-mouth Donald Trump.Show notes with links to articles, blog posts, products and services:Our Darkening AgeThe Name of the Rose (book)The Name of the Rose (film...2021-09-0748 min
SymposiumErec Smith on "Free Black Thought"Rob Tracinski talks to Erec Smith, co-founder of the Journal of Free Black Thought, about the diversity of ideas among black intellectuals and the need for a classical liberal vision on race.You can also watch it on video here: Get full access to Symposium at symposium.substack.com/subscribe2021-09-0439 min
The Atlas Society Presents - Objectively SpeakingThe Atlas Society Asks Robert TracinskiRobert Tracinski is the author of the "Tracinski Letter," a newsletter that covers culture and politics from an individualist perspective, and "So Who Is John Galt, Anyway?: A Reader's Guide to Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged," a guide to the literary, historical, and philosophical significance of "Atlas Shrugged." He has been a writer, lecturer, and commentator for over twenty years, having edited and published "The Intellectual Activist: An Objectivist Review," served as editor for RealClearPolitics, writing for "The Federalist," and hosting the podcast "Salon for the Refused."2021-09-021h 03
SymposiumThe Paradox of Authoritarian PopulismRob Tracinski talks to Tobias Cremer, a research fellow at Oxford University, about his investigations of authoritarian populism in Europe and the United States.You can also watch it on video here: Get full access to Symposium at symposium.substack.com/subscribe2021-08-0458 minThe Secular FoxholeInterview with Robert TracinskiToday we had the pleasure to speak with Robert Tracinski, creator of The Tracinski Letter, Symposium, a journal of liberalism, and author of So, Who Is John Galt, Anyway? Robert talks about his advocacy for Enlightenment Civilization instead of Western Civilization.Show notes with links to articles, blog posts, products and services:The Case Against "Western Civilization""Culture of Free Speech"Steven Pinker and George Will on LiberalismThe Price of “Liberalism”Benevolent Universe PremiseWhy Salon of the Refused?The Tracinski LetterSymposiumSo Who Is John Galt, Anyway?: A Reader's Guide to Ayn Rand's "Atlas Shrugged"Salon of the...2021-07-181h 06
SymposiumJonathan Rauch on the Constitution of KnowledgeRob Tracinski talks to Jonathan Rauch of the Brookings Institution about his new book The Constitution of Knowledge and the principles of “epistemological Madisonianism.”You can also watch it on video here: Get full access to Symposium at symposium.substack.com/subscribe2021-06-0943 min
The Lou Perez PodcastRobert TracinskiOn this episode of The Lou Perez Podcast I talk with Robert Tracinski of Symposium on Substack and TracinskiLetter.com about defending the classics, whether music theory is racist, and my brief stint as a Shakespearean actor. ROBERT’S SOCIAL @Tracinski https://symposium.substack.com/ https://tracinskiletter.com/ Support My Sponsors https://www.blvckbrew.com/ - Use promo code LOU for Free Shipping! www.palomaverdeCBD.com - Use promo code LOU for 25% off purchases over $75. Support thelouperez.locals.com @TheLouPerez www...2021-06-031h 02The Lou Perez PodcastRobert TracinskiOn this episode of The Lou Perez Podcast I talk with Robert Tracinski of Symposium on Substack and TracinskiLetter.com about defending the classics, whether music theory is racist, and my brief stint as a Shakespearean actor. ROBERT’S SOCIAL @Tracinski https://symposium.substack.com/ https://tracinskiletter.com/ Support My Sponsors https://www.blvckbrew.com/ - Use promo code LOU for Free Shipping! www.palomaverdeCBD.com - Use promo code LOU for 25% off purchases over $75. Support thelouperez.locals.com @TheLouPerez www...2021-06-031h 02
SymposiumWhat Is the "Culture of Free Speech"?This is the first Symposium podcast where we get a group of our contributors together to talk out a big important issue—the first of many in this format.To keep getting access to these discussions and to help make sure we can keep hosting more of them, please subscribe to Symposium.In this podcast, I host a conversation with Symposium contributors Helen Pluckrose, Cathy Young, and Robert Garmong on that elusive concept, the “culture of free speech”: the need for toleration and open debate, not just as a political or legal protection, but as a cult...2021-06-011h 04The Secular FoxholeBen Bayer on Ayn Rand's essay, Selfishness Without A SelfIn this episode, we have a returning guest. Ben Bayer of the Ayn Rand Institute is here to discuss Ayn Rand's essay, Selfishness Without A Self.Show notes with links to articles, blog posts, products and services:“Anti-Conceptual Mentality”Kardashian Culture: ‘Selfishness’ Without a Self by Robert TracinskiSelfishness Without a Self: Trump’s True Colors Revealed by Harry BinswangerPeter Keating - CliffNotes book by Andrew BernsteinThe Making of an American Nazi, by Luke O’Brien - The AtlanticSteven PinkerIntellectual dark webRationalist movementProgress studiesTrump Isn’t Selfish — That’s the Problem by Ben BayerWhy Ayn Rand Would Have Despised a Pr...2021-05-1341 min
SymposiumShould We Be "Getting to Denmark"?Rob Tracinski talks to Samuel Hammond of the Niskanen Center about his case for a "free-market welfare state" and whether that is a contradiction in terms.See his article on the free-market welfare state here, which includes some of the graphs we refer to in the podcast.You can also watch it on video here: Get full access to Symposium at symposium.substack.com/subscribe2021-05-1252 min
SymposiumLearning from History on Free SpeechRob Tracinski talks to Paul Matzko of the Cato Institute about the history of the Fairness Doctrine, the lessons to be learned for debates over free speech and the Internet today, and how we always seem to be having the same debates over and over again.You can also watch it on video here: Get full access to Symposium at symposium.substack.com/subscribe2021-04-3047 min
SymposiumWhy We Need Cosmopolitan GlobalistsRob Tracinski talks to Claire Berlinski and Vivek Kelkar of The Cosmopolitan Globalist about why American needs cosmopolitan globalists, the worldwide challenge of authoritarian nationalism, and the creation of new institutions to defend “liberal democracy.” Get full access to Symposium at symposium.substack.com/subscribe2021-04-2047 min
SymposiumGeorge Will and Steven Pinker on LiberalismRob Tracinski brings together George Will and Steven Pinker for a conversation about the nature and foundations of political liberalism.You can also watch it on video here: Get full access to Symposium at symposium.substack.com/subscribe2021-04-1438 min
justinrobertyoungShould you trust the AstraZeneca vaccine? What will Cuomo do with his deadbeat dad summer?AstraZeneca was called out by Dr. Fauci for not being honest with their trial data. Again. Should you trust the vaccine? YES! We break it down.
Andrew Cuomo is going to have one wild summer to save his political life. We theorize what desperate attempts to win affection will happen.
Robert Tracinski joins us to discuss the hero worship of Cuomo and why making heroes of politicians is always a bad idea.
https://tracinskiletter.com2021-03-241h 16
The Same DrugsRob Tracinski wants to replace 'left vs right' with 'liberal vs illiberal'Meghan Murphy speaks with Rob Tracinski about his article, "Canceled? Welcome to Our World," published at Persuasion, as well as about the fundamental differences between the left and right and how we can rise above polarization in defense of freedom. Rob proposes a "neo-classical liberal coalition, in which the more liberal wings of both the left and the right make common cause."
Robert Tracinski is editor of The Tracinski Letter and author of So Who Is John Galt, Anyway? A Reader's Guide to Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged.
This episode was originally released on Patreon. To gain...2021-03-041h 14
1776 ForwardThe Case Against "Western Civilization"Joia interviews author and philosophical-political commentator Robert Tracinski about his recent article: The Case Against "Western Civilization." It is a discussion about the ideals of the Enlightenment and their application in the 21st century in which Robert makes the case for the term "Enlightenment Civilization" You can read the original article at The Tracinski Letter at: https://tracinskiletter.com/2020/10/13/the-case-against-western-civilization/Are you a philosophical liberal? Please read and sign the 1776 Forward manifesto at: https://1776forward.com/manifestoWe’d love for you to bring your unique perspective and...2021-02-1635 min
Ayn Rand Centre UK PodcastIs Atlas Shrugging? | Andrew Bernstein & Robert TracinskiSign up here to join upcoming events live via Zoom: https://www.meetup.com/London-Ayn-Rand-Meetup/Consider supporting our work by becoming a member: https://aynrandcentre.co.uk/membership/Read more from Robert Tracinski: http://tracinskiletter.com/And support Andrew Bernstein on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=26987211Many have claimed that the response to the COVID-19 pandemic has led us to a world similar to Part 3 of Atlas Shrugged: governments enforcing draconian measures, state control of the economy, widespread pessimism and gloom, and rapid economic decline. Is this the case...2020-05-271h 39
PoddRadio OrgCoronavirus, Öl, IckekonferensJag reflekterar över Coronavirusets framfart, funderar över ett ölmärke, och berättar återigen om knytkonferensen, PodCoast.Shownotes:Avsnitt 12: Knytkonferensen PodCoastPodCoast och COVID-19CoronavirusThe EconomistKeep Calm and Carry OnEp. 17 - Amesh Adalja on Coronavirus - Robert Tracinski's podcast, Salon of the RefusedDid Corona Beer Sales Drop Sharply Due to Fear About the Coronavirus? - SnopesGravöl'Bout that Stout - 3 Små RumGöteborg Podcasting Meetup - GOT Poddradio"Där poddar finns" - Lyceum på Instagram49. Frågor och hälsningar från lyssnare - HemberedskapPoddradio - svenska punkt seEGO Search on Ed Filowat of Backpack StudioEGO Interview with...2020-03-1416 min
EGO NetCastThanksgiving, Gold Diggers, Silver Coins, and AtlasIn this episode, you will learn about Thanksgiving, gold diggers, silver coins, and Atlas. Show notes with links to articles, blog posts, products and services: 400th Commemorative Ceremony First Official English Thanksgiving - American Evolution History of the First Thanksgiving - Berkeley Plantation Berkeley Hundred - Wikipedia Cool Material (affiliate link) Full Moon silver coin No More Lies / Free Press bulk novelty coin - Shire Post Mint Field Notes Group 11 - Nero’s Notes Ed Filowat of Backpack Studio app Tim Sinclair & Co., Ringr Colin Gray & Co., Alitu Auphonic Libsyn RedCircle Captivate On Thanksgiving, Celebrate Production...2019-12-0210 min
Village Global PodcastThe Roots of Progress with Robert Tracinski and Jason CrawfordRobert Tracinski (@Tracinski) and Jason Crawford (@jasoncrawford) join Erik on this episode. Robert is an author and creator of The Tracinski Letter. Jason is an entrepreneur and runs Roots of Progress, a blog about the ascent of mankind, from the caves to computers and beyond.They discuss:- The idea of a “capitalism appreciation society” akin to an art appreciation society.- The backward perspectives that people have on economic progress.- Their answers to the critiques of capitalism as unsustainable.- How society has changed from biological sources of reso...2019-10-1754 min