The economic landscape today is shaped by ideas spanning centuries. From Benjamin Franklin’s wisdom to modern debates between Keynes and Hayek, history continues to frame today’s policies and challenges. Host Gareth da Cunha sits down with Mark Skousen, economist, presidential fellow at Chapman University and prolific author. Mark’s latest book, “The Greatest American,” is about Franklin, and in this episode we explore Franklin’s enduring relevance, gross output versus GDP and uncomfortable truths about globalization, debt and climate narratives.

Key Takeaways: 

00:00 Introduction.

01:46 Benjamin Franklin’s ideas offer modern lessons in finance, business and policy.

05:06 Calls for cheap government and peace clash with today’s reality.

11:13 Say’s Law, often misunderstood, shows how supply drives demand.

15:19 Gross output highlights business and innovation as true drivers of growth.

20:27 Most leading economic indicators come from the business sector, not consumers.

25:35 “Fortress America” policies undermine free trade, despite global offers to cut tariffs.

30:56 FreedomFest 2025 in Las Vegas centers on civil debates and “Think Independent.”

32:36 Top leaders join lively debates in Las Vegas.

Resources Mentioned:

Gareth da Cunha

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gareth-da-cunha/

Mark Skousen

https://www.linkedin.com/in/markskousen/

Chapman University

https://www.linkedin.com/school/chapman-university/

"The Making of Modern Economics" by Mark Skousen

https://www.amazon.com/Making-Modern-Economics-Lives-Thinkers/dp/0765622262

"The Greatest American" by Mark Skousen

https://www.amazon.com/Greatest-American-Benjamin-Franklin-Versatile/dp/1645721000

FreedomFest

https://freedomfest.com/

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#Macroeconomics #PersonalFinance #InvestmentResearch