Words & Numbers

In this episode, we discuss the latest advancements in Alzheimer's research, the societal implications of Social Security, and the unexpected turns life can take. We explore the balance between freedom and responsibility, the evolving nature of folk wisdom, and the importance of resilience and courage in navigating life's challenges. We also break down the role of government in personal savings and the impact of societal norms on individual choices. 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:28 Response to Our Social Security Proposal 02:16 Social Security and Personal Responsibility 12:12 Alzheimer's Research Breakthroughs 14:26 AI-generated Lawsuits for Outsourced OnlyFans Responses 20:31 Life's Unexpected Turns and Necessity of Resilience 23:44 The Virtue of Courage 24:51 Embracing Change and Personal Growth 31:19 Evolving Folk Wisdom and Societal Norms 35:00 Re-evaluating Homeownership 41:24 Conservatives, Liberals, and Societal Progress 44:49 The Golden Rule and Ethical Living 46:38 The Need to Preserve Our Nearly Just Society 49:54 The Importance of Civil Discourse Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, we discuss the implications of hope and agency through the lens of a rat experiment, the collapse and economic realities of the NFT market, and a proposed plan to reform Social Security, exploring the urgent need for a sustainable solution to its impending insolvency. 00:00 Introduction 00:27 Lessons from a Rat Experiment 06:05 The Impact of Hope on Human Agency 10:59 Cultural Shifts and Racism in America 15:20 The Rise and Fall of NFTs 20:15 Social Security: A Looming Crisis 24:22 Inequities in Social Security Returns 26:00 The Death Tax of Social Security 27:12 Proposed Changes to Social Security 33:17 Transitioning Away from Social Security 37:24 The Long-Term Financial Outlook 40:38 Political Challenges and Realities 45:07 The Inevitable Consequences of Inaction 50:21 What Should We Do? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, we explore the complexities of the housing market, comparing the cost of housing today with that of the 1980s. We also examine the broader economic implications of these trends and the psychological perceptions of average living standards. Our main focus is how social media shapes public opinion and creates ideological echo chambers, and why it’s important to understand diverse perspectives. 00:00 Introduction 00:26 The Cost of Housing: A Historical Perspective 06:38 Analyzing Trends in Household Wealth 09:13 Is The Rapture Upon Us? 13:44 Ideological Bubbles 18:54 The Role of Social Media in Creating Echo Chambers 22:12 The Consequences of Ideological Isolation 25:13 The Financial Incentives of Echo Chambers 28:34 The Role of AI in Social Degeneration 30:30 The Uniqueness of YouTube 32:05 The Importance of Humanization in Online Spaces 34:16 The Virtue of Sympathy 36:23 How to Leave Your Echo Chamber 38:32 Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, we examine the surprising homelessness rates in Germany and what’s being done about it, as well as the recent interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve, analyzing their potential impact on inflation, consumer behavior, and the broader economy. We discuss societal perceptions of obesity, the role of government policy in shaping economic outcomes, and the challenges of balancing economic growth with social welfare. Finally, we reflect on the importance of understanding economic indicators and their real-world implications. 00:00 Introduction 00:27 Homelessness and Poverty in Germany 12:20 New Study on Obesity 18:07 Foolishness of the Week: Pam Bondi on Hate Speech 27:13 The Fed Cuts Interest Rates 33:12 The Role of the Federal Reserve 38:41 The Fed’s Inflation Problem 41:47 The Government’s Borrowing Problem 46:16 Inflation is a Tax 48:20 The Effects of Political Influence on the Fed 49:37 Long-term Economic Impacts of Inflation 52:24 New Currency and the Value of Money 57:58 The Dangers of Centralized Digital Currency 01:01:43 Our Grim Economic Predictions 01:04:45 What Should We Do? 01:09:11 Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, we discuss the themes of justice and forgiveness, the alarming rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, the absurdities of homeowners association regulations, the implications of language and identity in societal discourse, and the importance of fact-checking political statements. We explore the complexities of crime and punishment, the unintended consequences of COVID-19 on healthcare, and the challenges of accurately measuring economic indicators like inflation. We also break down the numbers of various economic indicators, including inflation trends, stock market performance, and consumer spending. We analyze the implications of tax cuts and foreign investment, while also exploring cultural perspectives on social cohesion and accountability, highlighting the complexities of economic data and the importance of accurate representation in political discourse. 00:00 Introduction 00:24 Justice vs. Forgiveness 02:41 The Role of Society in Justice 09:31 Consequences of COVID on Antibiotic Resistance 16:42 The Absurdity of HOA Regulations 23:03 England’s New Phrase for Women 26:11 The Impact of Headlines on Public Discourse 28:51 Navigating News Bias and Sources 32:01 Trump’s Skill as a Public Speaker 34:26 Fact-Checking Trump's UN Address 38:58 Understanding Economic Indicators 45:55 Analyzing the Stock Market Performance 54:49 Investment Trends Under Different Administrations 58:17 Tax Cuts and Their Impact on the Economy 01:00:02 Comparing Economic Policies: Trump vs. Reagan 01:03:26 Analyzing the U.S. Economic Landscape 01:05:39 The Importance of Accurate Economic Messaging 01:08:00 The Role of Truth in Political Discourse 01:11:32 Cultural Perspectives on Forgiveness and Accountability Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, we are joined by Clark Neily, Senior Vice President for Legal Studies at the Cato Institute, to discuss the weaponization of the Department of Justice and the broader implications of plea bargaining and charge stacking in the U.S. legal system. We dive into the erosion of jury trials, the impact of coercive plea deals, and the challenges of maintaining justice and human dignity in a system increasingly reliant on non-public procedures. We also touch on the historical context of these issues and the potential for reform. 00:00 Introduction 00:31 The Efficacy of Acupuncture for Chronic Back Pain 04:54 Charlie Kirk Memorial Service 07:59 Foolishness of the Week 10:47 Clark Neily Introduction 12:38 Trump Truth Social Post 17:23 Plea Bargaining and Charge Stacking 22:44 Weaponization of the DOJ 26:00 Public Trust in DOJ Waning 28:41 The Constitution Right to a Jury Trial 30:45 The Role of the Supreme Court 36:39 Grand Jury Indictments 41:11 What’s Next for the DOJ 45:59 Historical Context and Legal Reform 49:10 The Importance of Jury Duty Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, we discuss rising food prices, new breakthroughs in autism research, AI foolishness, and the societal and economic implications of these issues. We also celebrate Deficit Day, and dive into the issues of government spending, fiscal responsibility, and budgets. Finally, we offer a variety of solutions on how to solve the debt crisis. 00:00 Introduction and Overview 00:32 Rising Food Prices: Economic Impacts of Tariffs and Immigration 04:09 The Role of Labor in Society 06:02 Autism Research Breakthroughs 10:38 Foolishness of the Week: Artificial Intelligence 16:18 Deficit Day and Government Spending 23:19 Fiscal Responsibility and Government Budgets 27:10 How Can the Debt Crisis Be Solved? 32:53 The Mystery of the Budget Surplus 36:30 Taxing the Rich Isn’t the Solution 37:23 How We Lower the Deficit 41:14 Interest Rates and Inflation 44:17 Conclusion and Reflections Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, we discuss the implications of quarterly reporting on corporate behavior, the innovative approach of traffic cameras in Sweden, and the societal impact of Charlie Kirk's murder. We explore the role of social media in shaping public discourse, the subjective nature of truth, and the consequences of cancel culture. We emphasize the importance of respectful dialogue and the need for new institutions to address the challenges of modern communication. 00:00 Introduction 02:22 The Role of Incentives in Traffic Regulation 05:45 Quarterly Reporting and Corporate Behavior 08:51 The Impact of Stock Market Regulations 11:18 The Foolishness of the Week: NFL and Sex Toys 14:19 Reflections on Violence and Society 19:19 The Subjectivity of Truth and Its Consequences 26:35 Cancel Culture and Accountability 28:52 First Amendment and Consequences 30:34 Celebrating Death and Losing Individual Respect 33:39 Debate and Respectful Discourse 36:54 Rhetoric and Violence in Politics 37:35 The Role of Social Media in Society 42:20 Turning Down the Heat 46:15 Context Matters: Debunking the Lies About Charlie Kirk 49:56 What Comes Next? 52:20 Human Respect Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, we discuss the contrasting ideologies of capitalism and socialism, exploring the implications of government intervention, market solutions, and the importance of incentives. We delve into the story of Howard Buffett's efforts to incentivize Colombian farmers to switch from cocaine to coffee, highlighting the effectiveness of market-driven solutions over government spending. The conversation also touches on the rise of socialism in America, the issue of cronyism, and the impact of regulations on market dynamics. We critique Portland's new fines on vacant properties and analyze the latest jobs numbers in the context of economic policies, particularly tariffs. We conclude with a call for civil discourse and action to hold Congress accountable for its responsibilities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, we discuss the implications of tariffs, the state of free speech in the UK, and the ongoing lawsuit between Newsmax and Fox News. We also explore migration trends across states, the right of exit concerning taxation, and the effects of progressive taxation on economic mobility. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Supreme Court’s conservative majority may be the only thing standing in the way of legislative tyranny, and not in the ways you might think. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, James and Antony explore the frontiers of spinal cord implants and what breakthroughs in the field could mean for the future. They dive into the surprising link between the world’s two smallest countries and share the story behind a notorious “orgy dome” that’s captured a lot of attention. The conversation then turns to the main focus: the difference between being productive and generating real economic productivity, and why recognizing that distinction could change the way you work, make decisions, and measure success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, James and Antony cover how to bring political discussions back into everyday life without descending into hostility, why nearly half of Americans are now ordering from children’s menus at restaurants, and Donald Trump’s latest attacks on the First Amendment from threats against television networks to talk of banning flag burning. They also dive into the federal government’s purchase of a ten percent stake in Intel, raising questions about cronyism, socialism, and the separation of the economy from the state. The conversation wraps with practical advice on how consumers can push back against corporate government entanglements and ends on a lighter note with the infamous story of Antony’s disastrous experiment with nicotine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, James and Antony explore the evolution of media and technology, from vinyl to streaming, and what the future might hold in the age of AI and digital ownership. They discuss shifts in media, marketing trends, and listener questions about U.S. debt, the strength of the dollar, and global economic changes. Along the way, they touch on how structural issues in finance, politics, and business can impact progress. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, James and Antony kick things off with a wild story out of New York City: ATMs spitting out millions in cash thanks to a government blunder. From there, they turn to political absurdities, including a congressman who thinks presidential term limits are optional. Finally, the guys dive deep into recession talk—what it really means, how it’s measured, and why even the experts can’t agree. Along the way, they cut through media spin, call out political nonsense, and remind listeners why economic reality is always more complicated than the headlines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices