The Rational Egoist: The Impact of Dr. Leonard Peikoff with James Stevens Valliant In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz welcomes James Stevens Valliant to discuss the profound impact of Dr. Leonard Peikoff, the foremost interpreter of Ayn Rand's philosophy and her designated intellectual heir. Valliant explores Peikoff's contributions to Objectivism, his influential works, and his role in advancing Rand's ideas. Together, they delve into how Peikoff's...

The Rational Egoist: Overcoming Political Divisiveness and Restoring National Unity with Walter Olson In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz is joined by Walter Olson, a Senior Fellow at the Cato Institute's Robert A. Levy Center for Constitutional Studies. Olson, known for his extensive writings on law, public policy, and regulation, delves into the issue of political divisiveness in contemporary America and explores strategies for returning to a semblance of...

The Rational Egoist: Walter Block on the Libertarian Movement, Israel, and His Break with Hoppe In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz is joined by Walter Block, Harold E. Wirth Endowed Chair and Professor of Economics at Loyola University, New Orleans. A longtime figure in the libertarian movement and a prolific author, Block shares his perspectives on the state of the libertarian movement today, his views on Israel, and the reasons behind his philosophical break...

The Rational Egoist: Exploring Individual Rights with Jim Valliant In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz welcomes back Jim Valliant for an in-depth discussion on the concept of individual rights. Valliant, known for his sharp philosophical insights, breaks down the nature, origin, and importance of individual rights in a free society. Together, they explore how these rights form the foundation of liberty, justice, and human flourishing. This conversation dives into...

The Rational Egoist: Concluding the Intellectual Property Debate with Stephan Kinsella (Part 2 of 2) In this final episode of a two-part series, host Michael Liebowitz concludes his engaging debate with Stephan Kinsella, a libertarian patent attorney and author, on the moral and legal status of intellectual property. Building on the groundwork laid in the previous discussion, Michael and Kinsella delve further into the core arguments surrounding IP rights, examining their effects on...

The Rational Egoist: Resuming the Intellectual Property Debate with Stephan Kinsella (Part 1 of 2) In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz resumes his debate with Stephan Kinsella, a libertarian patent attorney and author, on the contentious issue of intellectual property. Picking up from their conversation a couple of weeks ago, Michael and Kinsella dive even deeper into the philosophical and legal arguments concerning IP rights. This is part one of a two-part...

The Rational Egoist: Understanding Cognitive Biases with Dr. Jessica KoehlerIn this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz welcomes Dr. Jessica Koehler, an Associate Faculty member in the University of Arizona Global Campus Psychology Department, to discuss cognitive biases. Dr. Koehler delves into the various types of cognitive biases that influence our thinking and decision-making, explaining how these mental shortcuts can lead to errors in judgment. Through a thoughtful...

The Rational Egoist: Integrating Philosophy into Music with Lucas Cuadra In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz is joined by Lucas Cuadra, a musician and student of Objectivism, to explore how he integrates philosophical concepts into his music. Cuadra shares his creative process, discussing how the principles of Objectivism and other philosophical ideas influence his compositions and artistic expression. Discover how philosophy can enrich the art of music, providing...

The Rational Egoist: Cultivating Civil Engagement with Martha Anderson In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz is joined by Martha Anderson, Associate Director of Programs & Operations for the Program on Pluralism and Civil Exchange at the Mercatus Center. Anderson discusses the crucial role of civil engagement in a healthy society and how her organization fosters it through innovative workshops called Pluralist Labs. These labs are designed to bring diverse...

The Rational Egoist: Debating the Moral Status of Intellectual Property with Stephan Kinsella In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz engages in a thought-provoking discussion and debate with Stephan Kinsella, a libertarian writer and patent attorney, on the moral status of intellectual property. The complexity of the issue sparks a deep dive into the ethical and legal dimensions of IP rights, leading to a conversation so rich that it had to be continued in a future...

The Rational Egoist: Life After Prison with Carlos Rebollo In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz is joined by Carlos Rebollo, an entrepreneur who owns his own hair braiding business after serving 24 years in prison. Carlos shares his journey of reintegration into society and the unique challenges he has faced since his release just 22 months ago. From rebuilding his life to navigating the obstacles of post-incarceration, Carlos offers a candid and inspiring look...

The Rational Egoist: Debunking the Kamala Harris Myth with Elizabeth Nolan Brown In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz is joined by Elizabeth Nolan Brown, Senior Editor at Reason, author of Reason's bi-weekly newsletter Sex & Tech, and cofounder of Feminists for Liberty. Brown offers a critical examination of Kamala Harris, challenging the narrative that positions her as a political savior. Drawing on her expertise in politics, media, and liberty, Brown...

The Rational Egoist: The Journey of an Entrepreneur with Jason Scalora In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz welcomes Jason Scalora, a young entrepreneur who shares the experiences and choices that have shaped his entrepreneurial journey. Scalora candidly discusses the challenges he has faced, the lessons he has learned, and the ongoing process of growth and discovery in the business world. This episode offers valuable insights into the mindset and strategies of a...

The Rational Egoist: The Hard Problem of Consciousness and an Integrated Theory of Psychology with Gregg Henriques In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz is joined by Gregg Henriques, a psychologist and professor for the Combined-Integrated Doctoral Program at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA. Henriques delves into the "hard problem" of consciousness, exploring the complexities of understanding subjective experience. He also discusses his vision for...

The Rational Egoist: Trump, the Assassination Attempt, and the Power of Images with Crispin Sartwell In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz welcomes Crispin Sartwell, former philosophy professor at Dickinson College and author of "Beauty: A Quick Immersion." Sartwell delves into the multifaceted topics of Donald Trump, the assassination attempt, and the profound influence of images in politics and society. Join them as they explore how visual media shapes public...

The Rational Egoist: Talking Politics with James Stevens Valliant In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz is joined once again by James Stevens Valliant for an engaging discussion on politics. Valliant, known for his sharp and insightful commentary, delves into current political events, underlying philosophical principles, and their broader implications. E xplore the complexities of today's political landscape through a rational and objective lens as Valliant and...

The Rational Egoist: Yvonne Castaneda Interviews Michael Liebowitz In this special episode of The Rational Egoist, the roles are reversed as host Michael Liebowitz is interviewed by Yvonne Castaneda, a clinical social worker and part-time faculty member at the Boston College School of Social Work. Castaneda, also the author of "Pork Belly Tacos with a Side of Anxiety: My Journey Through Depression, Bulimia, and Addiction," delves into Michael's personal journey, his philosophies, and the...

The Rational Egoist: Expediting Naturalization for Immigrants in the U.S. Military with Margaret Stock In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz welcomes Margaret Stock, a nationally known expert on immigration and national security laws. Stock discusses the U.S. military's policy of expediting the naturalization of immigrants who serve, shedding light on the legal, ethical, and practical aspects of this policy. Learn about the benefits and challenges faced by...

The Rational Egoist: Examining Socialism with Professor Jonathan Zatlin In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz is joined by Professor Jonathan Zatlin, Associate Professor in the History Department at Boston University and author of "The Currency of Socialism: Money and Political Culture in East Germany." Together, they dive into a thorough examination of socialism, its historical impact, and its relevance in contemporary political discourse. Zatlin brings his...

The Rational Egoist: Understanding and Overcoming Indecisiveness with Yvonne Castaneda In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz welcomes Yvonne Castaneda, a clinical social worker and part-time faculty member at the Boston College School of Social Work. Castaneda, also the author of "Pork Belly Tacos with a Side of Anxiety: My Journey Through Depression, Bulimia, and Addiction," shares her expertise on indecisiveness. Together, they explore the root causes of...

The Rational Egoist: Subconscious Influences on Our Morals with James Stevens Valliant In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz welcomes back James Stevens Valliant for a compelling discussion on the subconscious influences that shape our morals. Valliant, known for his incisive analysis of philosophical and historical subjects, delves into how various cultural and societal factors subtly influence our ethical frameworks, often without our conscious awareness. Explore...

The Rational Egoist: Why Relationships Fail with Antonieta Contreras In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz welcomes Antonieta Contreras, a trauma psychotherapist with specializations in Trauma Studies from the Institute of Contemporary Psychotherapies and Human Sexuality from NYU School of Medicine. Join them as they explore the complex factors that contribute to the failure of relationships. Contreras brings her expertise to the table, discussing the impact of...

The Rational Egoist: Constitutional Interpretation and the Presumption of Liberty with Professor Randy Barnett In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz is joined by Professor Randy Barnett, the Patrick Hotung Professor of Constitutional Law at Georgetown University Law Center and Faculty Director of the Georgetown Center for the Constitution. Together, they delve into the intricacies of constitutional interpretation and construction, exploring how these principles...

The Rational Egoist: Israel, Objectivism, and Liberty with Mark Pellegrino In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz welcomes Mark Pellegrino, an Objectivist and acclaimed actor known for his role as "Lucifer" in the hit show "Supernatural." Join them as they explore a range of topics including Israel, Objectivism, and the liberty movement. Pellegrino shares his insights on the philosophical underpinnings of Objectivism and how they apply to contemporary issues in the...

The Rational Egoist: Discussing Donald Trump with Reese on the Radio In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz is joined by talk show host and podcaster, Reese from "Reese on the Radio." Together, they delve into a comprehensive discussion about Donald Trump, examining his influence on politics, media, and public perception. Explore the polarizing figure of Trump through a lens of rational analysis and objective critique. This episode promises to offer unique...