Recent Podcast Episodes
Fighting Inflation Really Means Fighting the Federal Reserve
These days, the Fed and Chairman Jerome Powell are claiming the title of "inflation fighters." The more appropriate moniker should be "inflationists."
The Economics of American Gerontocracy
With Yale economics professor Yusuke Narita suggesting mass suicide—seppuku—as the answer to Japan's rapidly aging demographics, Jeff and Bob take a hard look at the economics and humanity of greying America.
Why the End of the Petrodollar Spells Trouble for the US Regime
By itself, the end of the petrodollar won't destroy the dollar. But it will continue a trend that weakens both the dollar and the US regime's power.
The Government Throws Money at Heart Disease, but Prevention Is Better than Cure
Americans spend billions of dollars on treating heart disease. Prevention is cheaper, but thanks to perverse government incentives, preventing heart disease takes a backseat to medical spending.
Is Capitalism to Blame for the Ohio Train Disaster?
Is the Ohio train disaster an example of "capitalism gone amuck"?
Australia: The Nation Founded by British Convicts Embraced Entrepreneurship
Australia is famous for its laid-back culture and for being founded by convicts from Great Britain. It also should be famous for its embrace of entrepreneurship.
The Constitution Failed. It Secured Neither Peace nor Freedom.
The Constitution has not protected our natural rights, nor did it prevent the US from becoming a blood-soaked failed state a mere 73 years after the constitution was ratified.
Make No Mistake, War Hawk American Policy Helped Start This War in Ukraine
When the Soviet Union collapsed more than thirty years ago, US and European political elites sought to isolate and threaten Russia. The result has been war, destruction, and death, none of it necessary.
Confusing Economic Reports?
Mark discusses the latest government economic reports. What can be made of these confusing numbers?
“Stakeholder Capitalism” Is an Incoherent Term
One of the modern progressive buzzwords is "stakeholder capitalism," in which people with no direct connection to a firm somehow have a "stake" in what the firm does. It is an incoherent term.
Managing Money Is as Important as Making It: The Sad Case of Athletes Going Broke
The recent case of retired megastar Usain Bolt losing millions of dollars to bad investments highlights the importance of sound money management.
The Paper Numbers Since The Great Recession
Mark Thornton takes a look back at US stock markets, the national debt, and Fed policy.
Social Security Taxes Aren’t “Your” Money
The government can't return the SS money it stole in the past. It's impossible. That money's gone. Taxing today's workers to "pay back" pensioners is just creating a new group of tax victims.
Is the Japanese Low Inflation–Low Interest Rate Model at an End?
For nearly three decades, the Japanese economy has slowly imploded under low interest rates and heavy government debt. It may soon be time to pay the piper.
The Chinese Communist Party Is Creating a Crackdown Economy
China has created a crackdown cycle that is hurting the entrepreneurial spirit.
More Recession Signs: Money Supply Growth Went Negative Again in December
The fact the money supply is actually shrinking serves as just one more indicator that the so-called soft landing promised by the Federal Reserve is unlikely to be a reality.
You Think the Global Economy Is Brightening? Beware: The Big Hit Is Yet to Come
While President Joe Biden's White House continues to give happy talk about the economy, some major economic storm clouds are brewing. The future does not look good.