Anyone who has found himself or herself prepared for an unexpected situation knows how comforting it is to realize that you have the ability handle unforeseen challenges that arise. Sometimes, however, the desire to become self-reliant can morph into the caricature of “the prepper” with an almost pathological focus on what can go wrong. Where is the golden mean of being prepared but not over-prepared? For that matter, what exactly are we preparing for?

Anyone who has found himself or herself prepared for an unexpected situation knows how comforting it is to realize that you have the ability handle unforeseen challenges that arise. Sometimes, however, the desire to become self-reliant can morph into the caricature of “the prepper” with an almost pathological focus on what can go wrong. Where is the golden mean of being prepared but not over-prepared? For that matter, what exactly are we preparing for?

163: Being Prepared Without Becoming a Prepper

Pat Donohoe

For every person who is making sound investments that will bring them future happiness and security, not very many are neglecting their most important asset of all—themselves! Connor has the opportunity to pick the brain of Paradigm Life CEO Pat Donohoe on the importance of investing in yourself. No matter what your plans are for the future, this kind of self improvement can pay off richly on many different levels.

For every person who is making sound investments that will bring them future happiness and security, not very many are neglecting their most important asset of all—themselves! Connor has the opportunity to pick the brain of Paradigm Life CEO Pat Donohoe on the importance of investing in yourself. No matter what your plans are for the future, this kind of self improvement can pay off richly on many different levels.

162: Pat Donohoe on Investing In Yourself

Everyone encounters things they find disagreeable, from time to time. But is there a point where each of us must draw a figurative line in the sand rather than simply go along to get along? It’s a decision that will come to each of us, at some point. This is when most of us learn whether or not we’d be willing to suffer for our principles. In this episode, we discuss how to best decide what’s worth taking a stand for and how to do so effectively.

Everyone encounters things they find disagreeable, from time to time. But is there a point where each of us must draw a figurative line in the sand rather than simply go along to get along? It’s a decision that will come to each of us, at some point. This is when most of us learn whether or not we’d be willing to suffer for our principles. In this episode, we discuss how to best decide what’s worth taking a stand for and how to do so effectively.

161: Drawing Your Own Line in the Sand

Zac Morgan

What kind of reaction does the term “dark money” elicit when you first hear it? If it’s a mixture of fear and suspicion, you may be playing right into the hands of the political operatives who coined the phrase. Zac Morgan from the Institute for Free Speech joins Connor to discuss how campaign donations have never been more public and the chances of the Koch brothers or George Soros taking over the world may have been exaggerated.

What kind of reaction does the term “dark money” elicit when you first hear it? If it’s a mixture of fear and suspicion, you may be playing right into the hands of the political operatives who coined the phrase. Zac Morgan from the Institute for Free Speech joins Connor to discuss how campaign donations have never been more public and the chances of the Koch brothers or George Soros taking over the world may have been exaggerated.

160: Zac Morgan on Is Dark Money a Good Thing?

If there is such a thing as a civic religion, then voting might well be considered its high sacrament. We’ve all heard people say, “If you don’t vote, you have no right to complain.” But what should we make of those who say, “Not voting means you’ve consented to the status quo”? With another highly polarizing election cycle dead ahead, now is a good time to sort out what our vote represents and how consent plays into the way we choose to vote—or not vote.

If there is such a thing as a civic religion, then voting might well be considered its high sacrament. We’ve all heard people say, “If you don’t vote, you have no right to complain.” But what should we make of those who say, “Not voting means you’ve consented to the status quo”? With another highly polarizing election cycle dead ahead, now is a good time to sort out what our vote represents and how consent plays into the way we choose to vote—or not vote.

159: Does Not Voting Indicate Consent for the Status Quo?

Gareth Porter

Given recent events in the Persian Gulf, it’s not hard to imagine that the United State government is on a collision course with the Iranian government. Who is pushing the hardest for military action? Is a war between the U.S. and Iran a near certainty? Author and correspondent Gareth Porter joins us to help sort the fact from fiction and to explain the possible reasons that we are being steered toward more military action in the Middle East.

Given recent events in the Persian Gulf, it’s not hard to imagine that the United State government is on a collision course with the Iranian government. Who is pushing the hardest for military action? Is a war between the U.S. and Iran a near certainty? Author and correspondent Gareth Porter joins us to help sort the fact from fiction and to explain the possible reasons that we are being steered toward more military action in the Middle East.

158: Gareth Porter on War with Iran

Everyone loves the idea of getting something for free. This is something politicians regularly use to their advantage as they try to leverage votes by promising their constituents free stuff. One of the more popular promises of late is the prospect of a free college education for everyone. What should we think of free college and is there really such a thing as free higher education?

Everyone loves the idea of getting something for free. This is something politicians regularly use to their advantage as they try to leverage votes by promising their constituents free stuff. One of the more popular promises of late is the prospect of a free college education for everyone. What should we think of free college and is there really such a thing as free higher education?

Free Education?

Tim Errington

It seems like there’s no shortage of scientific studies to justify or debunk nearly anything you can think of. For some issues, it’s the perfect appeal to authority. After all, who would dare argue against science? Tim Errington from the Center for Open Science joins us to discuss where some scientists go astray and how we can best keep fact and fiction separate within the realm of science.

It seems like there’s no shortage of scientific studies to justify or debunk nearly anything you can think of. For some issues, it’s the perfect appeal to authority. After all, who would dare argue against science? Tim Errington from the Center for Open Science joins us to discuss where some scientists go astray and how we can best keep fact and fiction separate within the realm of science.

156: Tim Errington on When Science Pushes Fiction Instead of Fact

Connor Boyack

For some time now, a great many career-seekers have been following the same predictable script of going to college, getting a degree and then finding someone to hire them. What if there was another way to begin a productive and fulfilling career without having to take on backbreaking amounts of student loan debt? Connor shares insight into the book “Skip College - Launch your career without debt, distractions or a degree” which he recently edited. Learn what some of the the most innovative and creative minds are suggesting as alternatives to the standard script most of us grew up with.

For some time now, a great many career-seekers have been following the same predictable script of going to college, getting a degree and then finding someone to hire them. What if there was another way to begin a productive and fulfilling career without having to take on backbreaking amounts of student loan debt? Connor shares insight into the book “Skip College - Launch your career without debt, distractions or a degree” which he recently edited. Learn what some of the the most innovative and creative minds are suggesting as alternatives to the standard script most of us grew up with.

155: Connor Boyack on "Skip College"

Kevin Gutzman

As Independence Day approaches, most everyone looks forward to the celebrations, the parades, the fireworks and time off work. Are we forgetting what it is that we’re actually celebrating each year? Professor Kevin Gutzman joins us to talk about the courageous act of treason that set America on a path to independence and set in motion the most remarkable experiment in freedom in human history.

As Independence Day approaches, most everyone looks forward to the celebrations, the parades, the fireworks and time off work. Are we forgetting what it is that we’re actually celebrating each year? Professor Kevin Gutzman joins us to talk about the courageous act of treason that set America on a path to independence and set in motion the most remarkable experiment in freedom in human history.

154: Kevin Gutzman on Treason is the Reason for the Season

Exciting interviews with famous and successful entrepreneurs, authors, activists, and others trying to make the world a better place. Join us for engaging conversation — you're guaranteed to learn something new.

Love it. Hosts are fantastic. Content is amazing. I just wish the episodes were longer.

Wonderful

Having listened to two episodes, I&#39;m delighted to have found a pod distinguished by reasoned, principled discourse. Hear hear!

Solid

Society and the State | Life, Liberty, and Your Pursuit of Happiness

Virtually everyone agrees that education is essential. How it is supposed to take place is a source of intense debate and discussion. Is there a difference between education and schooling? For that matter, can a one-size-fits-all approach ever meet the needs of individuals who differ widely in how they learn? If you've ever struggled through the conveyor belt process of learning things that didn't interest you in the least, you'll appreciate Connor's insights into passion-driven education.

Virtually everyone agrees that education is essential. How it is supposed to take place is a source of intense debate and discussion. Is there a difference between education and schooling? For that matter, can a one-size-fits-all approach ever meet the needs of individuals who differ widely in how they learn? If you've ever struggled through the conveyor belt process of learning things that didn't interest you in the least, you'll appreciate Connor's insights into passion-driven education.

83: What Is a Passion Driven Education?

Joe Darger

What comes to mind when you hear the word “polygamist”? It’s a topic that, historically, has proven to be highly polarized, even though many people have never spoken with a practicing polygamist. In today’s episode, Connor sits down with Joe Darger, a friend and polygamist, to discuss the reality of polygamy in modern times. You might be surprised at the number of people currently practicing polygamy as well as the way that different states are choosing to approach the issue from a legal and public policy standpoint.

What comes to mind when you hear the word “polygamist”? It’s a topic that, historically, has proven to be highly polarized, even though many people have never spoken with a practicing polygamist. In today’s episode, Connor sits down with Joe Darger, a friend and polygamist, to discuss the reality of polygamy in modern times. You might be surprised at the number of people currently practicing polygamy as well as the way that different states are choosing to approach the issue from a legal and public policy standpoint.

106: Joe Darger A Conversation With a Polygamist

Tom Bell

How great would it be to be able to choose the government system that best suited you? Not just "choose between the options that we give you" but to really have a choice in which government under which you'd prefer to live. Professor Tom Bell joins us to discuss polycentric law, a concept in which government is not only decentralized but has to be competitive with other governments for your allegiance. 

How great would it be to be able to choose the government system that best suited you? Not just "choose between the options that we give you" but to really have a choice in which government under which you'd prefer to live. Professor Tom Bell joins us to discuss polycentric law, a concept in which government is not only decentralized but has to be competitive with other governments for your allegiance.

74: Tom Bell on Why Governments Need Competition

The story of the U.S. Constitution is one of a gradually expanding federal government that has slowly but surely outgrown the limits on its power. Nowhere is this more clear than in how the Bill of Rights, which originally limited federal power, has been imposed upon the states to make them subservient to the Washington D.C. Kevin Gutzman joins us to discuss how the Incorporation Doctrine has given the feds even greater power over the states and a moral standing that they may not have earned.

The story of the U.S. Constitution is one of a gradually expanding federal government that has slowly but surely outgrown the limits on its power. Nowhere is this more clear than in how the Bill of Rights, which originally limited federal power, has been imposed upon the states to make them subservient to the Washington D.C. Kevin Gutzman joins us to discuss how the Incorporation Doctrine has given the feds even greater power over the states and a moral standing that they may not have earned.

84: Kevin Gutzman on the Problem with the Incorporation Doctrine

Is socialism gaining in popularity among younger people? For that matter, is capitalism on the outs with the millennial generation? Depending upon who you ask, this appears to be the case. But where do these attitudes originate? Do the young people allegedly embracing socialism even understand what it is, or are they just excited at the prospect of “free” stuff? In this episode, we discuss how to counter this trend and when to start teaching free market principles to youngsters.

Is socialism gaining in popularity among younger people? For that matter, is capitalism on the outs with the millennial generation? Depending upon who you ask, this appears to be the case. But where do these attitudes originate? Do the young people allegedly embracing socialism even understand what it is, or are they just excited at the prospect of “free” stuff? In this episode, we discuss how to counter this trend and when to start teaching free market principles to youngsters.

143: Why Socialism is So Popular Among the Young

Just when you think flying on an airline couldn’t get more creepy or intrusive, someone in the TSA says, “Hold my beer and watch this.” Now, in addition to the over-the-top physical screening of passengers, we learn of a new “Safe Skies” program that conducts warrantless surveillance of airline passengers who are not known threats. Whatever the intended purpose of this security theater, the actual result is that we are being conditioned to comply with anyone in authority and to do what we’re told without question. Is this the new normal?

Just when you think flying on an airline couldn’t get more creepy or intrusive, someone in the TSA says, “Hold my beer and watch this.” Now, in addition to the over-the-top physical screening of passengers, we learn of a new “Safe Skies” program that conducts warrantless surveillance of airline passengers who are not known threats. Whatever the intended purpose of this security theater, the actual result is that we are being conditioned to comply with anyone in authority and to do what we’re told without question. Is this the new normal?

103: The TSA's Newest Surveillance Program

Joe Baker

Few things are as controversial as the topic of abortion. One-size-fits-all approaches only tend to reinforce the controversy by causing their proponents to dig in ideologically. In today’s episode, Connor visits with Joe Baker from Save the Storks. Joe’s work is proving to be a creative way to tackle the issue with an eye towards furthering the protection of innocent lives. Bridge-builders are few and far between on this subject, so listen as Joe explains how it’s done.

Few things are as controversial as the topic of abortion. One-size-fits-all approaches only tend to reinforce the controversy by causing their proponents to dig in ideologically. In today’s episode, Connor visits with Joe Baker from Save the Storks. Joe’s work is proving to be a creative way to tackle the issue with an eye towards furthering the protection of innocent lives. Bridge-builders are few and far between on this subject, so listen as Joe explains how it’s done.

130: Joe Baker on An Innovative Approach to Abortion

In a republic form of government, lawmaking is generally handled by representatives of the people. But is there also a place for direct democracy, where the people can exercise their franchise on specific issues via ballot initiative? In this episode, we explore the pros and cons of the initiative process as well as when and where it may be necessary to limit the power we’ve delegated to government.

In a republic form of government, lawmaking is generally handled by representatives of the people. But is there also a place for direct democracy, where the people can exercise their franchise on specific issues via ballot initiative? In this episode, we explore the pros and cons of the initiative process as well as when and where it may be necessary to limit the power we’ve delegated to government.

113: Are Ballot Initiatives a Bad Idea?

Scott Beyer

Zoning and land use regulations can have serious, and sometimes negative, impact on your property rights. When you can’t so much as add a shed to your backyard without seeking permission, paying fees and otherwise gaining the approval of a local board, it can be stifling. Scott Beyer has been living in 30 different cities, one month at a time, to explore what works and what doesn’t. He joins us to discuss how the regulatory state is affecting us down to the tiniest details of our lives and what the free market can offer in way of alternatives.

Zoning and land use regulations can have serious, and sometimes negative, impact on your property rights. When you can’t so much as add a shed to your backyard without seeking permission, paying fees and otherwise gaining the approval of a local board, it can be stifling. Scott Beyer has been living in 30 different cities, one month at a time, to explore what works and what doesn’t. He joins us to discuss how the regulatory state is affecting us down to the tiniest details of our lives and what the free market can offer in way of alternatives.

108: Scott Beyer on What Could the Free Market Do for Zoning?

When it comes to shaping public policy, especially on hot button issues, it can be tricky to build consensus. Especially at the grassroots level, emotional and passionate dialogue can quickly become angry shouting back and forth. Make no mistake, anger alone isn’t sufficient to decisively shift public opinion and change minds. In this episode, Connor explains the critical lessons he’s learned in how to persuade and build consensus between highly polarized opponents.

When it comes to shaping public policy, especially on hot button issues, it can be tricky to build consensus. Especially at the grassroots level, emotional and passionate dialogue can quickly become angry shouting back and forth. Make no mistake, anger alone isn’t sufficient to decisively shift public opinion and change minds. In this episode, Connor explains the critical lessons he’s learned in how to persuade and build consensus between highly polarized opponents.

128: The Formula for Changing Hearts and Minds

One of the key symptoms of the unraveling taking place in American society is the growing tendency toward violence against people and property by various activist groups. This is particularly true of the masked Antifa members who can best be understood by the 2017 photograph of one of them beating a man with a sign that says “Stop the Hate!" For all the ruckus they’re causing, are they accomplishing anything worthwhile? Is conflict all that we have left to resolve our differences?

One of the key symptoms of the unraveling taking place in American society is the growing tendency toward violence against people and property by various activist groups. This is particularly true of the masked Antifa members who can best be understood by the 2017 photograph of one of them beating a man with a sign that says “Stop the Hate!" For all the ruckus they’re causing, are they accomplishing anything worthwhile? Is conflict all that we have left to resolve our differences?

109: Is Antifa Doing Any Good?

Sometimes it seems that most of the world’s most countries are in a race to see which can become the most socialist. Often, nations like Sweden are held up as examples of how good socialism can be in a first world nation. In this episode, Connor is joined by Klaus Bernpaintner of the Mises Institute to discuss which country is more socialist these days: Sweden or the USA?  The answer isn’t as clear cut as you might think.

Sometimes it seems that most of the world’s most countries are in a race to see which can become the most socialist. Often, nations like Sweden are held up as examples of how good socialism can be in a first world nation. In this episode, Connor is joined by Klaus Bernpaintner of the Mises Institute to discuss which country is more socialist these days: Sweden or the USA?  The answer isn’t as clear cut as you might think.

110: Klaus Bernpaintner Is Sweden More Socialist Than the U.S.?

Arnold Kling

Frustrated with how so much of the political discussion going on today consists of people talking or shouting past one another? If so, you’ll be encouraged by what Arnold Kling from the Cato Institute has to say.  This conversation is a golden opportunity to learn how to move beyond tribal war whoops and to really start communicating with others about political subjects.

Frustrated with how so much of the political discussion going on today consists of people talking or shouting past one another? If so, you’ll be encouraged by what Arnold Kling from the Cato Institute has to say.  This conversation is a golden opportunity to learn how to move beyond tribal war whoops and to really start communicating with others about political subjects.

138: Arnold Kling on the 3 Languages of Politics

Jared Walczak

Taxes are a part of life but just how big a part of our lives is a question that is constantly being asked. When governmental entities need revenue, taxing the citizenry is often the preferred way to get that money. But should services be taxed in the same manner as other items on which we pay sales taxes? Connor gets some great insights from Jared Walczak from the Tax Foundation on how sales taxes have evolved over the years.

Taxes are a part of life but just how big a part of our lives is a question that is constantly being asked. When governmental entities need revenue, taxing the citizenry is often the preferred way to get that money. But should services be taxed in the same manner as other items on which we pay sales taxes? Connor gets some great insights from Jared Walczak from the Tax Foundation on how sales taxes have evolved over the years.

148: Jared Walczak Should Services be Taxed

The arrest of Julian Assange by British authorities has captured the attention of the world. As the Wikileaks founder awaits extradition to the U.S. to face charges of conspiring to reveal secrets government officials don’t want the public to know. The implications for whistleblowers, the press and truth-tellers everywhere are considerable. Is Assange the boogeyman we’re being told he is or does he deserve recognition for creating transparency where there was none?

The arrest of Julian Assange by British authorities has captured the attention of the world. As the Wikileaks founder awaits extradition to the U.S. to face charges of conspiring to reveal secrets government officials don’t want the public to know. The implications for whistleblowers, the press and truth-tellers everywhere are considerable. Is Assange the boogeyman we’re being told he is or does he deserve recognition for creating transparency where there was none?

137: Why Assange Deserves a Medal, Not Prison

When the news first hit about a caravan of refugees making their way towards the U.S. border to seek asylum, it didn’t take long to become a political football. Are they simply “dreamers” looking for a better life far away from the crime and corruption of their homelands? Or are they an existential threat to America coming here to overthrow us by signing up for welfare benefits and by voting Democratic? Somewhere amidst all the anger, fear and virtue signaling, there must be a more dispassionate way to respond to the situation. In this episode we set out to search for that common ground, if it exists.

When the news first hit about a caravan of refugees making their way towards the U.S. border to seek asylum, it didn’t take long to become a political football. Are they simply “dreamers” looking for a better life far away from the crime and corruption of their homelands? Or are they an existential threat to America coming here to overthrow us by signing up for welfare benefits and by voting Democratic? Somewhere amidst all the anger, fear and virtue signaling, there must be a more dispassionate way to respond to the situation. In this episode we set out to search for that common ground, if it exists.

129: What About That Migrant Caravan?

Ben Taylor

Of all the technological advances going on around us, none have so much potential to change our world as the science of artificial intelligence (AI). Some see AI as a potential danger, e.g. “The Rise of the Machines”, while others see it as the next giant leap forward for mankind. Ben Taylor is the co-founder and Chief Data Officer of Ziff, the world's only unstructured database powered by AI. He joins us to discuss the implications of what a world with AI might be like.

Of all the technological advances going on around us, none have so much potential to change our world as the science of artificial intelligence (AI). Some see AI as a potential danger, e.g. “The Rise of the Machines”, while others see it as the next giant leap forward for mankind. Ben Taylor is the co-founder and Chief Data Officer of Ziff, the world's only unstructured database powered by AI. He joins us to discuss the implications of what a world with AI might be like.

126: Ben Taylor on What a World with AI Might Look Like

The best podcast episodes on romantic relationships. Episodes talk about the 5 love languages, intimacy, and the taboo topics of sexual desires and infidelity. This topic is a deep dive into the science and complexities that face us in our relationships with others. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Episodes on Relationships & Love

The best podcast episodes on physical health. Episodes talk about your diet, sleep, exercise and all the things that people do to improve their physical health and live a healthier life. This topic is for everyone, with applications in all of our everyday lives. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!