The “Homo Economicus” Straw Man
To understand the marketplace, it is not necessary to believe in the existence of a selfish, profit-maximizing human.
Recent Podcast Episodes
61. The Ups and Downs of Drug Prices: An Economist’s View
Drug pricing seems to be an irrational and incomprehensible aspect of our economy. Healthcare economist Amitabh Chandra offers some clarity on the matter.
14. Murphy on Parables, Lizard People, and Good vs. Evil
Bob gives the context for his children’s book The Three Lads and the Lizard King, and covers a wide range of related issues.
60. Three Cardios Talk Keto
Dr. Ethan Weiss, an accomplished clinician-scientist, discusses what led him from the lab bench to an interest in dietary interventions.
The Battle of the Ironclads, Part 5: Iron versus Iron
Chris Calton details the first ever battle between two ironclad warships.
59. When Opinion Becomes Crime: Doctors and Medical Fraud
Defense attorneys Kyle Clark and Andrew George shed light on the legal procedures, tactics, and tricks that can send physicians to federal prison.
13. Dave Smith on Comedy, the Fed, Fatherhood, and Faith
Bob Murphy and Dave Smith discuss the theory and practice of comedy, Dave’s discovery of Austrian economics, Mises.org, and more.
The Battle of the Ironclads, Part 4: Building the Monitor
Chris Calton details the incredible process of constructing the technological marvel The Monitor.
58. The Rise and Fall of the American Medical School
Dr. Milton Packer traces the history of the American medical school from its humble beginnings to its present day turmoils.
57. Neither Fisher nor Bayes: The Limits of Statistical Inference
Billions of healthcare dollars hinge on theories from a field of human inquiry that combines the precision of mathematics with the accuracy of astrology. Michel Accad and Anish Koka interview Dr. Michael Acree, a data scientist and a teacher of statistical science.
12. Gene Epstein on Commies, Krugman, and Crushing Debaters
Gene Epstein and Bob Murphy cover a variety of topics, including how Gene's reading of Rothbard’s Man, Economy, and State lead him to become a free-market libertarian.
The Battle of the Ironclads, Part 3: Inventing the Monitor
Chris Calton details the incredible life of the Swedish engineer who created the Union's first iron warship.
56. Conflicts of Interest in Health Policy: A Different Ball of Wax?
Anish Koka and Michel Accad reveal some uncomfortable truths about conflicts of interest in healthcare.
Joe Salerno on Mises and Nationalism
Jeff Deist and Dr. Joe Salerno examine Ludwig von Mises's views on nationalism and immigration.
11. The Economics of Immigration and a Border Wall
Bob provides an introductory framework on how to analyze the economics of immigration.
The Battle of the Ironclads, Part 2: Wood versus Iron
The ironclad CSS Virginia ushers in a new age of naval warfare.
55. Waste in Healthcare: Is the Narrative Too Simplistic?
Michel Accad and Anish Koka discuss the “Less-Is-More” movement with Dr. Lisa Rosenbaum, one of the best medical writers of our generation.
54. How to Jump Ship and Practice Medicine on Your Own Terms, with Dr. Kathleen Brown
Is it possible to operate a medical practice outside of the mainstream "insurance-contracted" healthcare system?
Jeff Deist on Money in the 21st Century
Jeff Deist and Stephan Livera discuss money in an era of crazed monetary policy.
