In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Peter Suderman weigh in on the approved House bill that could potentially usher in a ban on popular social media app TikTok in the United States.

01:49—Legislation to ban TikTok

16:39—California's continued high-speed rail boondoggle

33:48—Weekly Listener Question

43:25—Elon Musk launches Starship rocket

46:31—This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"Banning TikTok Would Give the Feds Way Too Much Power," by Robby Soave

"Algorithm Not for Sale," by Liz Wolfe

"TikTok's Opponents Want Chinese-Style Censorship in America," by Matthew Petti

"The U.S. Steel/Nippon Deal Should Be None of Joe Biden's Business," by Eric Boehm

"Hey look a new scientific book abt how TikTok is addicting kids like 'narcotics'!" writes Nick Gillespie on X, formerly Twitter

"California's High-Speed Rail Needs Another $100 Billion. That's a Great Reason Not To Build It." by Eric Boehm

"Annie Duke: Quitting Is Totally Underrated," by Nick Gillespie

"America Is Taking a High-Speed Train to Bankruptcy," by David Ditch

"How Florida Beat California to High-Speed Rail," by Natalie Dowzicky

"The Problem With the 'Abundance Agenda,'" by Christian Britschgi

"We Told You Why and How California's High-Speed Rail Wouldn't Work. You Chose Not To Listen." by Matt Welch

"The Political Class Knew California High-Speed Rail Was B.S., and Supported it Anyway," by Matt Welch

"3 Reasons Obama's High-Speed Rail Will Go Nowhere Fast," by Meredith Bragg and Nick Gillespie

"On the Passing of a Liberal Deregulator," by Matt Welch

"Learning From Kodak's Demise," by Nick Gillespie and Matt Welch

"Milton Friedman Was No Conservative," by Brian Doherty

"Jennifer Burns on Milton Friedman's Legacy," by Nick Gillespie

"Oscar-Nominated Robot Dreams Is a Gentle Animated Love Story About Dogs, Robots, and 1980s New York," by Peter Suderman

Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Upcoming Events: 

• Reason Speakeasy: Jonathan Haidt on The Anxious Generation, April 15, 2024
• Reason magazine interview with Students for Sensible Drug Policy, May 8, 2024

Today's sponsors:

• CSN Mint has been providing certified U.S. Mint collectible coins and precious metals for over 20 years, and we are one of the most trusted names in numismatics. Explore CSN Mint's extensive catalog of bullion bars, coins, and numismatic collectibles. Whether you're a seasoned investor or a passionate collector, you'll find a diverse range of products to suit your needs and preferences. At CSN Mint, trust is paramount. Rest assured that every product you purchase includes the original certificate of authenticity or is certified and graded by a third-party grader to ensure origin and purity. With CSN Mint, you can build your collection with confidence. Experience world-class customer service and support with CSN Mint. Our team of knowledgeable professionals is here to assist you every step of the way, from product selection to order fulfillment and beyond. If you are going to collect something, it might as well be money! Go to CSNmint.com/roundtable and use promo code Roundtable at checkout to get a free Silver American Eagle—over $30 in value—with your purchase of $75 or more.
• ZBiotics. Pre-Alcohol Probiotic Drink is the world's first genetically engineered probiotic. It was invented by Ph.D. scientists to tackle rough mornings after drinking. Here's how it works: When you drink, alcohol gets converted into a toxic byproduct in the gut. It's this byproduct, not dehydration, that's to blame for your rough next day. ZBiotics produces an enzyme to break this byproduct down. Just remember to make ZBiotics your first drink of the night and to drink responsibly, and you'll feel your best tomorrow. Go to zbiotics.com/roundtable to get 15 percent off your first order when you use code ROUNDTABLE at checkout. ZBiotics is backed with a 100 percent money-back guarantee, so if you're unsatisfied for any reason, they'll refund your money, no questions asked.

Audio production by Ian Keyser; assistant production by Hunt Beaty.

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

• Producer: Hunt Beaty

The post The CCP Sucks. So Does Banning TikTok. appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, and Nick Gillespie welcome back sudden special guest (and former Roundtable host) Andrew Heaton! The editors reflect on President Biden's recent State of the Union address and look ahead to the unavoidable slog of eight more months of election coverage.

04:11—President Biden's feisty, yet empty, State of the Union address

24:27—Third party election outlook

46:43—Weekly Listener Question

55:49—This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"State of the Union (on Stimulants)" by Liz Wolfe

"The State of Our Biden Is Historically Frail" by Matt Welch

"Remarks by the President in the State of the Union Address" by Joe Biden

"No Labels, With No Candidate, Says Yes to a 2024 Presidential Campaign" by Matt Welch

"Biden's Inaccurate and Inadequate Lip Service to Marijuana Reform Ignores Today's Central Cannabis Issue" by Jacob Sullum

"Biden Touts More Forever Wars, Breaking His 2021 Promises" by Matthew Petti

"Third Party Candidates Widening Trump's Lead Over Biden" by Matt Welch

"Biden's Plan To Subsidize Homebuyers Won't Work" by Christian Britschgi

"Biden Says He'll Make the Wealthy Pay More To Fix Social Security. Here's Why That Won't Work." by Eric Boehm

"Biden Is Wrong About Student Debt Forgiveness" by Emma Camp

"Not Again With the 'Shrinkflation,' Please" by Eric Boehm

"RFK Jr.: The Reason Interview" by Nick Gillespie and Zach Weissmueller

"The Limits of Taxing the Rich" by Brian Riedl

"How Long Could Billionaires Fund the Government" by Nick Gillespie  and John Osterhoudt

Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Check out Andrew Heaton's podcast The Political Orphanage here.

Today's sponsor:

• A common misconception about relationships is that they have to be easy to be "right." But sometimes, the best ones happen when both people put in the work to make them great. Therapy can be a place to work through the challenges you face in all of your relationships—whether with friends, work, your significant other, or anyone else. If you're thinking of starting therapy, give BetterHelp a try. It's entirely online. Designed to be convenient, flexible, and suited to your schedule. Just fill out a brief questionnaire to get matched with a licensed therapist, and switch therapists any time for no additional charge. Visit BetterHelp.com/roundtable today to get 10 percent off your first month.

Audio production by Ian Keyser

Assistant production by Hunt Beaty

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

• Producer: Hunt Beaty

The post The State of the Union Is Shouty appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Peter Suderman debate the pros and cons of various ideas for electoral reform ahead of this week's Super Tuesday primary contests.

00:27—The Supreme Court rules Colorado can't remove Donald Trump from the ballot.

06:19—Electoral dysfunction, incentives, plus pros and cons of various proposed reforms

36:40—Weekly Listener Question

45:48—Sen. Mitch McConnell (R–Ky.) announces his retirement.

56:06—This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"Supreme Court Unanimously Rules That States May Not Disqualify Trump As an Insurrectionist," by Jacob Sullum

"Does Ranked Choice Voting Disenfranchise Minorities?" by Joe Lancaster

"The Modern Supreme Court Agrees With Chief Justice Chase: Trump Cannot Be Removed From the Presidential Ballot," by Josh Blackman

"Supreme Court Rules for Trump in Section 3 Disqualification Case," by Ilya Somin

"'Super' Week," by Eric Boehm

"How Ranked Choice Voting Would Sort the Republican Primary Field," by Eric Boehm

"Morris P. Fiorina: Why 'Electoral Chaos' Is Here To Stay," by Nick Gillespie

"In Alaska, Ranked Choice Voting Worked," by Eric Boehm

"Gerrymandering Is Making Elections Less Competitive," by Eric Boehm

"The Commission on Presidential Debate's 15 Percent Polling Criterion Must Go, Argues Lawsuit from Gary Johnson," by Brian Doherty

"How GOP Fiscal Sanity Died, in 7 Easy Steps," by Matt Welch

"Dune: Part Two Is a Glorious Sci-Fi Spectacle," by Peter Suderman

"The Great Gatsby's Creative Destruction," by Nick Gillespie

"Comic: Robert A. Heinlein in 'The Moon Is a Hot Babe,'" by Peter Bagge

"Robert Heinlein at 100," by Brian Doherty

"The Parables of Octavia Butler," by Amy H. Sturgis

"Science Fiction Is for Socialists?" by Katherine Mangu-Ward

"Sandra Newman: Reimagining 1984 From Julia's Perspective," by Nick Gillespie

"Science Fiction: Created Worlds," by John Pierce

"Review: Dune and The Velvet Underground," by Kurt Loder

"Herbert's Dune It Again," by Patrick Cox

"Giant Douche and Turd Sandwich Debate," by South Park Studios

"Episode 77: Nick Gillespie / The Byrds," by Scot Bertram and Jeff Blehar

Nick Gillespie's Q&A on C-SPAN

Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsor:

• A common misconception about relationships is that they have to be easy to be "right." But sometimes, the best ones happen when both people put in the work to make them great. Therapy can be a place to work through the challenges you face in all of your relationships—whether with friends, work, your significant other, or anyone else. If you're thinking of starting therapy, give BetterHelp a try. It's entirely online. Designed to be convenient, flexible, and suited to your schedule. Just fill out a brief questionnaire to get matched with a licensed therapist, and switch therapists any time for no additional charge. Visit BetterHelp.com/roundtable today to get 10 percent off your first month.

Audio production by Ian Keyser; assistant production by Hunt Beaty.

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

• Producer: Hunt Beaty

The post Rank Choices appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, Matt Welch is back, alongside Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Peter Suderman. The editors talk about Nikki Haley's primary defeat in her home state of South Carolina and President Joe Biden's plan to attack "corporate greed."

00:36—Nikki Haley loses in South Carolina.

15:42—Biden's plan to attack "corporate greed"

29:06—Weekly Listener Question

46:41—This week's cultural recommendations

Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Mentioned in this podcast:

"Donald Trump Defeats Nikki Haley in South Carolina Primary," by Joe Lancaster

"Losing the Home State," by Liz Wolfe

Reason Foundation Pension Reform

"In 2020, Teachers Unions and Police Unions Showed Their True Colors," by Peter Suderman

"Want To Challenge Your Speed Camera Ticket? That'll Be $100." by Daryl James and Bobbi Taylor

"After the War," by Matt Welch

"Sovereignty Is Such a Lonely Word," by Matt Welch

"We Are Going to the Moon," by Eric Berger

"Kevin Costner Goes Back to the Well of Westerns in Yellowstone," by Glenn Garvin

"Saturday Night Live Fires New Cast Member Shane Gillis for Using Offensive Language," by Robby Soave

"Biden's Job Approval Edges Down to 38%," by Megan Brenan

"2024 General Election: Trump vs. Biden vs. Kennedy vs. West" in RealClearPolling

"Comparison of opinion polling during the Trump and Biden administrations" in Ballotpedia

Party of the People by Patrick Ruffini

"Narrow Wins In These Key States Powered Biden To The Presidency" by Benjamin Swasey and Connie Hanzhang Jin

Trump and Milei Hug at CPAC

"How Americans View the Conflicts Between Russia and Ukraine, Israel and Hamas, and China and Taiwan" by Jordan Lippert

Today's sponsor:

• A common misconception about relationships is that they have to be easy to be "right." But sometimes, the best ones happen when both people put in the work to make them great. Therapy can be a place to work through the challenges you face in all of your relationships—whether with friends, work, your significant other, or anyone. If you're thinking of starting therapy, give BetterHelp a try. It's entirely online. Designed to be convenient, flexible, and suited to your schedule. Just fill out a brief questionnaire to get matched with a licensed therapist, and switch therapists any time for no additional charge. Visit BetterHelp.com/roundtable today to get 10 percent off your first month.

Audio production by Ian Keyser; assistant production by Hunt Beaty.

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

• Producer: Hunt Beaty

The post Nikki Haley's Primary Math Isn't Mathing appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, Katherine Mangu-Ward is in the driver's seat, alongside Nick Gillespie and special guests Zach Weissmueller and Eric Boehm. The editors react to the latest plot twists in Donald Trump's various legal proceedings and the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

00:41—The trials of Donald Trump in Georgia and New York

25:04—Weekly Listener Question

33:23—Sora, a new AI video tool

43:55—The death of Alexei Navalny

49:58—This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"How a New York Judge Arrived at a Staggering 'Disgorgement' Order Against Trump," by Jacob Sullum

"Prosecutor Fani Willis Touts the Value of Cash, but What About the Rest of Us?" by J.D. Tuccille

"Trump Ordered To Pay $364 Million for Inflating His Assets in Civil Fraud Trial," by Joe Lancaster

"Alvin Bragg Is Trying To Punish Trump for Something That Is Not a Crime," by Jacob Sullum

"Alexei Navalny's Death Is a Timely Reminder of How Much Russia Sucks," by Eric Boehm

"Why Is Nike Stomping on Independent Creators?" by Kevin P. Alexander

"Bury My Sneakers at Wounded Knee," by Nick Gillespie

"Creation Myth: Does innovation require intellectual property rights?" by Douglas Clement

"A Private Libertarian City in Honduras," by Zach Weissmueller

"The Real Reasons Africa Is Poor—and Why It Matters," by Nick Gillespie

Bono's Ukraine Speech

"Justice or persecution? The Trump dilemma"

Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsor:

• ZBiotics. Pre-Alcohol Probiotic Drink is the world's first genetically engineered probiotic. It was invented by Ph.D. scientists to tackle rough mornings after drinking. Here's how it works: When you drink, alcohol gets converted into a toxic byproduct in the gut. It's this byproduct, not dehydration, that's to blame for your rough next day. ZBiotics produces an enzyme to break this byproduct down. Just remember to make ZBiotics your first drink of the night and to drink responsibly, and you'll feel your best tomorrow. Go to zbiotics.com/roundtable to get 15 percent off your first order when you use code ROUNDTABLE at checkout. ZBiotics is backed with a 100 percent money-back guarantee, so if you're unsatisfied for any reason, they'll refund your money, no questions asked.

Audio production by Ian Keyser; assistant production by Hunt Beaty.

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

• Producer: Hunt Beaty

The post Goodbye, Navalny appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Nick Gillespie, Peter Suderman, and special guest Emma Camp react to the announcement that President Joe Biden will not be prosecuted for mishandling classified documents and parse a fresh batch of speech gaffes underpinning his apparent cognitive decline.

00:29—Quick reactions to last night's Super Bowl LVIII

06:10—Special counsel will not prosecute Joe Biden in classified documents case.

26:06—House Republicans attempt to tie foreign aid spending bill to domestic border crisis.

35:12—Weekly Listener Question

44:48—Congressional Budget Office delivers latest bleak report on future U.S. economic outlook

52:26—This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"Joe Biden's No Good, Very Bad Day," by J.D. Tuccille

"Nice Old Man," by Liz Wolfe

"Trump's Alleged Defiance and Deceit Distinguish His Handling of Secrets From Biden's," by Jacob Sullum

"Americans Unhappy With Politicians They'll Soon Vote Back Into Office," by J.D. Tuccille

"Biden's Bizarre 'Shrinkflation' Nonsense," by Eric Boehm

"Elizabeth Warren's 'Shrinkflation' Rant Is an Incredible Exercise in Blame Shifting," by Christian Britschgi

"The Real Student Loan Crisis Isn't From Undergraduate Degrees," by Emma Camp

"The Bankruptcy of Bidenomics," by Peter Suderman

"Border Bill Blows Up," by Robby Soave

"The Good and the Bad of the Senate Border Bill," by Fiona Harrigan

"'Zero Illegal Crossings' Is an Unattainable Goal for the Border," by Fiona Harrigan

"Peter Meijer: Can the GOP Change?" by Zach Weissmueller and Liz Wolfe

"Can Free Markets Win Votes in the New GOP?" by Stephanie Slade

"How Oregon Became a Linchpin for the Country's Drug Policies," by Maia Szalavitz

"A Study Finds 'No Evidence' That Decriminalization Boosted Drug-Related Deaths in Oregon," by Jacob Sullum

"Alcohol Prohibition Was a Dress Rehearsal for the War on Drugs," by Nick Gillespie

"Federal Government Will Borrow Another $20 Trillion in the Next Decade," by Eric Boehm

"Surging Immigration Will Reduce Deficits by $1 Trillion," by Eric Boehm

"How Increasing Immigration Can Reduce the Deficit," by Eric Boehm

"Debate: The U.S. Should Increase Funding for the Defense of Ukraine," by Cathy Young and Will Ruger

Reason's archive on "border crossings"

"Open Borders in America: A Look Back and Forward," by Ed Krayewski

"Politicians Need To Stop Pretending the National Debt Is Sustainable," by Veronique de Rugy

"Requiem for a Redneck: Mojo Nixon, 1957–2024," by Michael J. Socolow

"Oh, Mojo," by Matt Welch

"A Joe Biden (War on) Christmas," by Nick Gillespie, Meredith Bragg, and Austin Bragg

Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsor:

• A common misconception about relationships is that they have to be easy to be "right." But sometimes, the best ones happen when both people put in the work to make them great. Therapy can be a place to work through the challenges you face in all of your relationships—whether with friends, work, your significant other, or anyone. If you're thinking of starting therapy, give BetterHelp a try. It's entirely online. Designed to be convenient, flexible, and suited to your schedule. Just fill out a brief questionnaire to get matched with a licensed therapist, and switch therapists any time for no additional charge. Become your own soulmate, whether you're looking for one or not. Visit BetterHelp.com/roundtable today to get 10 percent off your first month.

Audio production by Ian Keyser; assistant production by Hunt Beaty.

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

• Producer: Hunt Beaty

The post Biden's Cognitive Shrinkflation appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Peter Suderman counter the twisted logic of former President Donald Trump's recent claim that he would raise tariffs on all Chinese imports if he were to retake the White House.

00:24—Trump proposes more tariffs

15:24—Bidenomics and the weird economy

30:49—Weekly Listener Question

44:22—Senate hearing on social media harms

52:41—This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"Can Free Markets Win Votes in the New GOP?" by Stephanie Slade

"David Stockman on Why Trump Can't Fix the Debt: 'This Guy Is Part of the Swamp,'" by Nick Gillespie

"Josh Hawley Thinks the White House Can Force an Aluminum Plant To Stay Open," by Eric Boehm

"On Economic Issues, the Populist Right and Left Share a Lot of Common Ground," by Veronique de Rugy

"The Bankruptcy of Bidenomics," by Peter Suderman

"Biden Considering Higher Tariffs on E.V.s Imported from China, Raising Prices for Americans," by Joe Lancaster

"Protectionism Ruined U.S. Steel," by Eric Boehm

"Americans Unhappy With Politicians They'll Soon Vote Back Into Office," by J.D. Tuccille

"How Will Reason Staffers Vote in 2020?" by Reason staff

"Who's Getting Your Vote?: Reason's Revealing Presidential Poll," by Reason staff

"Why Are Political Journalists More Scared of Revealing Their Votes Than Baseball Writers?" by Matt Welch

"Why Aren't Other Journalism Outlets Disclosing Their Presidential Votes?" by Matt Welch

"Show Us Your Vote!" by Matt Welch

"Mark Zuckerberg Is Not a Murderer, Mr. Senator," by Robby Soave

"Mark Zuckerberg Is Calling for Regulation of Social Media To Lock in Facebook's Position," by Nick Gillespie

"Is True Detective the Most Libertarian Show on TV?" by Nick Gillespie

"Enthusiasm, Curbed," by Nick Gillespie

"All Culture, All the Time," by Nick Gillespie

Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsors:

• The world would be a better, freer, and happier place if constitutional protections for private property were taken just a tad more seriously. That's according to our friends over at the Institute for Justice, who have just begun releasing a new season of their legal history podcast, Bound By Oath. Bound By Oath tells the story of how the Supreme Court has cleared the way for government officials to abuse property rights: to trespass on private land without a warrant, to restrict peaceful and productive uses of property, to seize and keep property without sufficient justification, and much more. Featuring interviews not only with scholars and litigators but also with the real-life people behind some of the Supreme Court's most momentous property rights decisions, the new season explores the history behind today's civil rights battles. So plug Bound By Oath into wherever you get your podcasts, and start with Episode 1.

Audio production by Ian Keyser; assistant production by Hunt Beaty.

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

The post Trump's Terrible, Popular Tariffs appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Peter Suderman weigh in on the unfolding situation along the U.S.-Mexico border and reckon with the recent deaths of three U.S. soldiers in Jordan.

01:14—Border crossing disputes at U.S.-Mexico border

19:49—U.S. soldiers killed in Jordan

29:12—Weekly Listener Question

37:39—White House halts natural gas export terminals

44:22—New Hampshire primary post-game

47:22—This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"The Twisted Logic of Greg Abbott's Border Policy," by Fiona Harrigan

"Death in Jordan," by Robby Soave

"Texas Gov. Greg Abbott Doubles Down on Dangerous Claim That Immigration Is 'Invasion,'" by Ilya Somin

"Massive Migrant Reduction," by Liz Wolfe

"The War on Terror Zombie Army Has Assembled," by Matthew Petti

"The Killing of 3 American Troops Was an Avoidable Tragedy," by Matthew Petti

"Does Biden Need Congressional Authorization for His Strikes Against the Houthis?" by Ilya Somin

"What Javier Milei Could Teach Democrats and Republicans About Capitalism," by Veronique de Rugy

"Free Markets Are the Best and Fastest Way to Cut Greenhouse Gas Emissions," by Ronald Bailey

"Capitalism Makes You Cleaner," by Matt Welch

"Independents Hate the Trump-Biden Rematch," by Matt Welch

"Goodbye to Haley the Hawk," by Liz Wolfe

"New Hampshire Takes Us Closer to a Trump-Biden Rematch," by Christian Britschgi

Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsors:

• The world would be a better, freer, and happier place if constitutional protections for private property were taken just a tad more seriously. That's according to our friends over at the Institute for Justice, who have just begun releasing a new season of their legal history podcast, Bound By Oath. Bound By Oath tells the story of how the Supreme Court has cleared the way for government officials to abuse property rights: to trespass on private land without a warrant, to restrict peaceful and productive uses of property, to seize and keep property without sufficient justification, and much more. Featuring interviews not only with scholars and litigators but also with the real-life people behind some of the Supreme Court's most momentous property rights decisions, the new season explores the history behind today's civil rights battles. So plug Bound By Oath into wherever you get your podcasts, and start with Episode 1.

Audio production by Ian Keyser; assistant production by Hunt Beaty.

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

The post Politics Created the Border Crisis appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Peter Suderman hold a postmortem examination of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' suspended campaign for president before considering Donald Trump's recent claim that presidents deserve full immunity from prosecution.

00:27—Ron DeSantis drops out of the race for the Republican presidential nomination

19:54—Trump claims full presidential immunity

30:05—Weekly Listener Question

47:00—Argentine President Javier Milei addresses Davos

54:38—This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"Ron DeSantis Could Have Run on a Message of Freedom," by Eric Boehm

"So Long to the Man in Lifts," by Liz Wolfe

"4 Reasons Why Dean Phillips Could Shock Write-in Joe Biden in New Hampshire Tuesday," by Matt Welch

"No Labels Has 13 Presidential Candidates, 14 State Ballots, and 7 Weeks To Decide Whether To Run," by Matt Welch

"Is DeSantis a Principled Governor or a Retaliatory Culture Warrior?" by Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Peter Suderman, and Nick Gillespie

"How Should Libertarians Think About Ron DeSantis?" by Nick Gillespie and Zach Weissmueller

"Trump's Demand for 'Total' Presidential Immunity Reflects His Authoritarian Impulses," by Jacob Sullum

"Meet the New Boss: Donald Trump, Who Wants To Tell You What You Can Buy and Sell," by Nick Gillespie

"Should Libertarians Vote For Trump? Nick Gillespie vs. Walter Block," a Soho Forum debate by Gene Epstein

"Donald Trump on Libertarianism: 'I like it. A lot of good things.'" by Nick Gillespie

"Javier Milei Tells World Leaders: 'The State Is Not the Solution,'" by Katarina Hall

"Is Javier Milei a 'Doctrinaire Hayekian' and a Secret Reason Science Project?" by Nick Gillespie

"Conservative Liberals for Mainstream Anti-MSMism," by Matt Welch

"Talking about Punk as a 'Cultural Antibiotic' for the Body Politic!" by Nick Gillespie

"School Choice Is Popular and Increasingly Common," by J.D. Tuccille

Reason's archive on National School Choice Week

Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsors:

• The world would be a better, freer, and happier place if constitutional protections for private property were taken just a tad more seriously. That's according to our friends over at the Institute for Justice, who have just begun releasing a new season of their legal history podcast, Bound By Oath. Bound By Oath tells the story of how the Supreme Court has cleared the way for government officials to abuse property rights: to trespass on private land without a warrant, to restrict peaceful and productive uses of property, to seize and keep property without sufficient justification, and much more. Featuring interviews not only with scholars and litigators but also with the real-life people behind some of the Supreme Court's most momentous property rights decisions, the new season explores the history behind today's civil rights battles. So plug Bound By Oath into wherever you get your podcasts, and start with Episode 1.

Audio production by Ian Keyser; assistant production by Hunt Beaty.

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

The post DeSantis Down and Out appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Peter Suderman stare down the results of last night's Iowa caucuses, which saw former President Donald Trump notch a resounding win in his bid to return to the White House.

01:45—Iowa caucuses results and recap

33:52—Weekly Listener Question

41:02—The U.S. attacks on Houthis in Yemen

47:13—The latest on the bipartisan spending deal drama in Congress

49:58—This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"Trump Romps Through Iowa Caucuses, Calls for GOP to 'Come Together,'" by Eric Boehm

"The Comeback Kid," by Liz Wolfe

"Vivek Ramaswamy Leaves the Field," by Jesse Walker

"Chris Christie Tried To Break Trump's Hold on the GOP. It Didn't Work." by Eric Boehm

"Most Iowans Don't Care About the Caucuses. You Shouldn't Either." by Adam Sullivan

"The Case Against Trump: Donald Trump Is an Enemy of Freedom," by Matt Welch

"Joe Biden's $11 Trillion Plan To Bankrupt America," by Nick Gillespie

"U.S. Attacks Houthis in Yemen," by Liz Wolfe

"The War on Terror Zombie Army Has Assembled," by Matthew Petti

"Storks Don't Take Orders From the State," by Elizabeth Nolan Brown

"Are Car Seat Laws Driving Down America's Birthrate?" by Christian Britschgi

"Does Biden Need Congressional Authorization for His Strikes Against the Houthis?" by Ilya Somin

"MLK's Contested Yet Universal Blueprint for Freedom," by Matt Welch

"The Beekeeper Is a Pulpy, Enjoyable Action Movie About a Rigged System," by Peter Suderman

"11 Trillion Reasons To Fear Joe Biden's Presidency" by Nick Gillespie

"RFK Jr.: The Reason Interview," by Nick Gillespie and Zach Weissmueller

"Jeb Bush: What He Thinks of Trump, Biden, DeSantis, and 'Florida Man,'" by Nick Gillespie

"Vivek Ramaswamy: Why He's Running for President—and Against 'Woke Capitalism,'"  by Nick Gillespie and Zach Weissmueller

"Baby Bust!" by Kerry Howley

"Can Governments Increase Birthrates? Should They?" by Nick Gillespie

"Child-proofing the World," by Nick Gillespie

"'American Fiction': The Great Awokening," by Kurt Loder

"Sharks Stuffed With Money," by Nick Gillespie

The Reason Speakeasy with David Stockman, January 22, 2024

Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsors:

• LibertyCon International 2024
• The world would be a better, freer, and happier place if constitutional protections for private property were taken just a tad more seriously. That's according to our friends over at the Institute for Justice, who have just begun releasing a new season of their legal history podcast, Bound By Oath. Bound By Oath tells the story of how the Supreme Court has cleared the way for government officials to abuse property rights: to trespass on private land without a warrant, to restrict peaceful and productive uses of property, to seize and keep property without sufficient justification, and much more. Featuring interviews not only with scholars and litigators but also with the real-life people behind some of the Supreme Court's most momentous property rights decisions, the new season explores the history behind today's civil rights battles. So plug Bound By Oath into wherever you get your podcasts, and start with Episode 1.

Audio production by Ian Keyser; assistant production by Hunt Beaty.

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

The post The Trump Train Rolls Through Iowa appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's episode of The Reason Roundtable, editors Peter Suderman and Katherine Mangu-Ward welcome back Nick Gillespie, alongside special guest Christian Britschgi. The editors check in on Nikki Haley's slight surge in the Republican primary race and then assess the Democratic Party's growing fears about the state of Joe Biden's reelection campaign.

00:32—Nikki Haley's campaign situation

25:23—Democratic concerns about the Biden campaign

38:19—Weekly Listener Question

40:44—Harvard President Claudine Gay resigns.

47:05—This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"No, Nikki Haley, We Don't Need to Turn Schools Into Airports, the Place Literally Everyone Hates," by C.J. Ciaramella

"Haley Rising," by Liz Wolfe

"Nikki Haley Opposed Boeing Subsidies at Tonight's GOP Debate. As Governor, She Gave Boeing Millions." by Christian Britschgi

"Nikki Haley's Crazy Plan To Require Verification on Social Media," by Robby Soave

"2024 GOP Candidates Are Competing To Restrict Immigration," by Fiona Harrigan

"Republicans Pivot to Bombing Iran in Third Debate," by Eric Boehm

"My Favorite Things (TSA Version)," by Remy, Austin Bragg, Meredith Bragg, and John Carter

"Southern Nationalism," by Charles Oliver

"Blame Joe Biden and the Fed for Inflation," by Nick Gillespie and Vernon Smith

"Joe Biden's $11 Trillion Plan To Bankrupt America," by Nick Gillespie

"Real Man of Genius: Joe Biden," by Nick Gillespie and Dan Hayes

"Blessed Are the Shitposters," by Liz Wolfe

"Does A.P. Really Think Conservatives Invented Plagiarism Accusations?" by Robby Soave

"Harvard's Affirmative Action Hire Gets the Boot," by Liz Wolfe

"Harvard President Claudine Gay Resigns After Plagiarism Scandal," by Robby Soave

"Hell Hath No Fury," by Liz Wolfe

"Andy Warhol—From A to B and Back Again," by Nick Gillespie

"Artifact: Andy Warhol's Ironic Achievement," by Nick Gillespie

"Supreme Court: Andy Warhol's Prince Prints Not 'Transformative' Enough for Fair Use," by Joe Lancaster

Milkshake Duck meme

Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsor:

Around New Year's, we get obsessed with how to change ourselves instead of just expanding on what we're already doing right. Maybe you finally organized one part of your space, and you want to tackle another. Or maybe you're taking your supplements every morning, and now you want to actually eat breakfast too. Therapy helps you find your strengths, so you can ditch the extreme resolutions and make changes that really stick. If you're thinking of starting therapy, give BetterHelp a try. It's entirely online. Designed to be convenient, flexible, and suited to your schedule. Just fill out a brief questionnaire to get matched with a licensed therapist, and switch therapists any time for no additional charge. Celebrate the progress you've already made. Visit BetterHelp.com/roundtable today to get 10 percent off your first month.

Audio production by Ian Keyser; assistant production by Hunt Beaty.

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

The post Nikki Haley's Last Stand? appeared first on Reason.com.

In this year's first episode of The Reason Roundtable, editors Peter Suderman and Katherine Mangu-Ward welcome special guests Elizabeth Nolan Brown and Zach Weissmueller to make predictions for 2024 and take one last look at 2023.

02:31—2024 predictions

20:08—Lessons from 2023

32:05—Assorted resolutions

36:32—Weekly Listener Question

43:22—State officials attempt to remove Donald Trump from the ballot.

46:24—This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"The Year of Bad Vibes," by Liz Wolfe

"Prediction: 2024 Will See Deadly Political Violence in the Streets," by Matt Welch

"Was Biden's Social Media Meddling Illegal?" by Zach Weissmueller

"Florida Gov. Scott Rejects Federal Funding for Flawed Orlando to Tampa High-Speed Rail Plan," by Robert Poole

Just Asking Questions podcast

"Milei Brings His Chainsaw to Argentina's Regulatory State," by Katarina Hall

"1972: The Year That Made 2018 Seem Sane," by Brian Doherty

"Jeb Bush: What He Thinks of Trump, Biden, DeSantis, and 'Florida Man,'" by Nick Gillespie

"Who Decides Whether Trump Can Run, and What Sort of Evidence Suffices?" by Jacob Sullum

Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsor:

Around New Year's, we get obsessed with how to change ourselves instead of just expanding on what we're already doing right. Maybe you finally organized one part of your space, and you want to tackle another. Or maybe you're taking your supplements every morning, and now you want to actually eat breakfast too. Therapy helps you find your strengths, so you can ditch the extreme resolutions and make changes that really stick. If you're thinking of starting therapy, give BetterHelp a try. It's entirely online, designed to be convenient, flexible, and suited to your schedule. Just fill out a brief questionnaire to get matched with a licensed therapist, and switch therapists any time for no additional charge. Celebrate the progress you've already made. Visit BetterHelp.com/roundtable today to get 10 percent off your first month.

Audio production by Ian Keyser; assistant production by Hunt Beaty.

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

The post In 2024, Teens Will Get Pregnant in Driverless Cars appeared first on Reason.com.

In this calendar year's last episode of The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Peter Suderman select various under-covered stories from the past year across three categories: politics, science, and culture. So long, 2023!

01:45—Under-covered stories in politics

30:13—Under-covered stories in science

46:00—Under-covered stories in culture

Mentioned in this podcast:

"Introducing REASON," by Lanny Friedlander

"Congress Admits It Has a Debt Problem, but Will It Do Anything?" by J.D. Tuccille

"After Moody's Warning, Federal Officials Continue To Ignore Fiscal Reality," by Eric Boehm

"The Real Scandal in Washington Is the Government's Reckless Spending," by Veronique de Rugy

"Medicare's Fiscal Ruin," by Peter Suderman

"'Bidenomics' Is Failing Everyday Americans," by Veronique de Rugy

"We Are Out of Money," by Matt Welch

"The Myth of the Broke Millennial," by Jean Twenge

"3 Myths About American Decline," by Nick Gillespie

"Capitalism Made Us All Richer. So Why Are We Unhappy?" by Nick Gillespie

"It's Time to Discard Piketty's Inequality Statistics," by Phil W. Magness and Vincent J. Geloso

"George Will: Brace Yourself for Donald Trump & the Authoritarian Moment," by Todd Krainin, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch

"The Equity Mess," by Matt Welch

"The Future Is Florida," by Katherine Mangu-Ward

"The DeSantis-Newsom Debate Was Really a Debate About COVID," by Eric Boehm

The Best of Reason Magazine podcast

"Will AI Destroy Humanity?" by Gene Epstein

"Biden Issues 'A.I. Red Tape Wishlist,'" by Ronald Bailey

"Despite the Doomsday Narrative, Global Inequality Has Significantly Declined," by Veronique de Rugy

"U.S. Life Expectancy Increases for the First Time in 4 Years," by Ronald Bailey

"The Great COVID Rupture," by Matt Welch

"Old People Are Hot Now," by Sarah Rose Siskind

"Kevin Kelly: Excellent Advice for Living From the World's Leading Optimist," by Nick Gillespie

"Hollywood must change—but how?" Q&A with Rob Long by Nick Gillespie and Zach Weissmueller

"Is the world going to hell?" Q&A with Stefan Sagmeister by Nick Gillespie

Now Is Better, by Stefan Sagmeister

"'I didn't realize people still think socialism is a good idea.'" Q&A with Agnieszka Pilat by Nick Gillespie

"Living our best fake lives online," Q&A with Dave Cicirelli by Nick Gillespie

Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Audio production by Ian Keyser; assistant production by Hunt Beaty.

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

The post 2023's Most Under-Covered Stories appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Peter Suderman review supposed items on the agenda for former President Donald Trump's potential second term.

00:26—Donald Trump's second-term agenda

34:56—Weekly Listener Question

44:00—Congress passes FISA Reform and Reauthorization Act of 2023

50:50—This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"The Case Against Trump: Donald Trump Is an Enemy of Freedom," by Matt Welch

"Demonic Dollar Store," by Liz Wolfe

"Why Electing Biden (or Trump) Won't Settle Anything for Long," by Nick Gillespie

"11 Trillion Reasons To Fear Joe Biden's Presidency," by Nick Gillespie

"How Much More Should Trump Be Spending on You?" by Nick Gillespie

"Restricting Asylum Will Cause More Border Chaos," by Fiona Harrigan

"2024 GOP Candidates Are Competing To Restrict Immigration," by Fiona Harrigan

"President Trump Freed Drug Offenders. Candidate Trump Wants To Kill Them." by Jacob Sullum

"Republicans' Dangerous Plans to Turn the War on Drugs into a Real War by Attacking Mexico," by Ilya Somin

"House Proposal Would Expand Federal Warrantless Spying Authority," by Eric Boehm

"Congress Prepares To Reauthorize a Warrantless Domestic Spying Program the FBI Abused," by Eric Boehm

"Congress Hasn't Passed a Budget on Time in 27 Years," by Peter Suderman

"10 Disturbing Things About the FBI Since 9/11. Plus, James Comey." by Nick Gillespie

"Edward Snowden: The Individual Is More Powerful Today Than Ever Before," by Nick Gillespie

FISA Section 702 Civil Rights Abuses, by the Brennan Center for Justice

"One-Shop Stopping: Do Wal-Mart and Home Deport spell the end of 'community?'" by Nick Gillespie

"Don't Throw the Book At Superstores," by Nick Gillespie

"Chain Heat: Are book superstores a threat to the reading public?" by Nick Gillespie

"Why Does Hollywood Hate Real Estate Developers?" by Christian Britschgi

Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsors:

• This time of year can be A LOT, and it's natural to feel some sadness or anxiety about it. But adding something new (and positive) to your life can counteract some of those feelings. Therapy can be a bright spot amid all of the stress and change—something to look forward to, to make you feel grounded, and to give you the tools to manage everything going on. If you're thinking of starting therapy, give BetterHelp a try. It's entirely online. Designed to be convenient, flexible, and suited to your schedule. Just fill out a brief questionnaire to get matched with a licensed therapist, and switch therapists any time for no additional charge. Find your bright spot this season, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/roundtable today to get 10 percent off your first month.

Audio production by Ian Keyser; assistant production by Hunt Beaty.

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

The post Welcome to the Hyperbole Factory appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Peter Suderman debate free speech on campus amid the fallout from a tense congressional questioning of elite university presidents last week.

02:35—University presidents face free speech questions during contentious congressional hearing

31:02—Weekly Listener Question

39:50—Another GOP debate

51:13—This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"Don't Excuse the Hypocrisy of University Presidents When It Comes to Free Speech," by Robby Soave

"Congress Shouldn't Encourage College Presidents To Censor Even More Speech," by Robby Soave

"Fight Hate Speech with More Speech, Not Censorship: ACLU's Nadine Strossen," by Nick Gillespie

"The Most Obnoxious Blowhard in America," by Liz Wolfe

"DeSantis Returns To 'Too Online' Roots With Debate Comments About Trans Kids," by Emma Camp

"Chris Christie Is Right, Trump's Trade War Accomplished Nothing," by Eric Boehm

"Vivek Ramasway's Crusade Against 'Woke, Inc.,'" by Zach Weissmueller and Nick Gillespie

"Nikki Haley's Crazy Plan to Require Verification on Social Media," by Robby Soave

"Why Pols from New Jersey Aren't Born to Run," by Nick Gillespie

"Nikki Haley Opposed Boeing Subsidies at Tonight's GOP Debate. As Governor, She Gave Boeing Millions." by Christian Britschgi

"A Private Libertarian City in Honduras," by Zach Weissmueller

"Honduras Ends Its Experiment With Charter Cities," by Brian Doherty

"The Croatian Invasion of the Micronation of Liberland," by Brian Doherty

"Thank You, Reason Donors, for a Huge Webathon Success," by Katherine Mangu-Ward

"San Francisco's Can-Kicking on Zoning Reform Could See It Lose All Zoning Powers," by Christian Britschgi

"Dave Smith: What Is a Libertarian?" by Zach Weissmueller and Liz Wolfe

"Hardcore History's Dan Carlin on Why The End Is Always Near," by Nick Gillespie

"Ken Burns, Lynn Novick: How Closed Borders Helped Facilitate the Holocaust," by Nick Gillespie

Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsors:

• LibertyCon International 2024
• Reason's Liz Wolfe and Zach Weissmueller have been hosting a weekly show on Reason's YouTube channel that they're rebranding and launching as a separate podcast called Just Asking Questions. Each week they'll bring you long-form conversations diving deep into a single topic for an hour or more at a time with data, media clips, and guests who can teach, challenge, and just have some fun. It will air every Thursday at 1 p.m. ET on YouTube and appear shortly thereafter on the Just Asking Questions podcast feed. The first episode is out now; it's a conversation with podcaster Dave Smith, where the title question of the show is: What is a libertarian?

Audio production by Ian Keyser; assistant production by Hunt Beaty.

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

The post Campus Speech Restrictions Come Back To Bite Universities appeared first on Reason.com.

Just Asking Questions is a new Reason podcast hosted by Zach Weissmueller and Liz Wolfe. Each week they bring you long-form conversations diving deep into a single topic for an hour or more, with data, media clips, and guests who can teach, challenge, and have fun. To hear future episodes, subscribe to Just Asking Questions and watch video premieres on Reason's YouTube channel every Thursday.

In this inaugural episode of Just Asking Questions, podcaster Dave Smith joins the show to tackle a fundamental question: "What is a libertarian?"

Smith discusses what has recently transpired in the Libertarian Party; his past and present disagreements with Reason-style libertarians; whether politicians are incompetent, evil, or both; and his greatest libertarian "white pill" for the future.

The post A New <I>Reason</I> Podcast Is <I>Just Asking Questions</I> appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Peter Suderman consider the ouster of Rep. George Santos (R–N.Y.) from Congress and unpack the debate between Gov. Ron DeSantis and Gov. Gavin Newsom, before examining the legacy of former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger.

01:33—Rep. George Santos (R–N.Y.) ousted from Congress

12:42—What matters when donating to Reason

17:19—Gov. Ron DeSantis vs. Gov. Gavin Newsom debate aftermath

34:19—Weekly listener question

47:03—This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"George Santos Arrested, Indicted on 13 Federal Counts, Pleads Not Guilty," by Joe Lancaster

"The Political Lies That Really Matter," by Nick Gillespie and Justin Zuckerman

"How Do We Solve a Problem Like George Santos?" by Matt Welch

"Why Did George Santos Lie About His Past To Get Elected to Congress?" by Scott Shackford

"Ask Reason Magazine's Editors Anything: Webathon 2023!" by Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Peter Suderman

"The DeSantis-Newsom Debate Was Really a Debate About COVID," by Eric Boehm

"Is California Over?" by Nick Gillespie and Regan Taylor

"Florida vs. California," by Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Peter Suderman, and Nick Gillespie

"Jeb Bush: Why Florida Is Winning," by Nick Gillespie, Adam Czarnecki, and Justin Zuckerman

"California's Recall Is a Revolt Against Gov. Gavin Newsom's Progressive Agenda," by Zach Weissmueller

"Henry Kissinger's Deadly Career Gives the Lie to the Myth of the Disinterested Statesman," by Christian Britschgi

"In Search of Libertarian Realism," by Matt Welch, Sheldon Richman, William Ruger, Christopher Preble, and Fernando Tesón

"A Tribute To Henry Kissinger," by Howard Landis

"Poor, Misunderstood Kissinger," by Jacob Sullum

"Henry Kissinger Rollins on Statecraft" by Nick Gillespie 

"Reason Can Do More Good With Your Money Than Government Can: Contribute to Our Annual Webathon," by Katherine Mangu-Ward

"How Reason Changes Minds, Lives, and Laws by Covering Criminal Injustice," by Matt Welch

"Give to Reason and Help Create the Next Generation of Libertarians!" by Nick Gillespie

Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsors:

• LibertyCon International 2024
• Do you ever feel like your brain is getting in its own way? Like you know what you should do, what's good for you, but you just can't do it? Like you know what you should do, what's good for you, but you just can't do it? Therapy helps you figure out what's holding you back. So you can work for yourself, instead of against yourself. If you're thinking of starting therapy, give BetterHelp a try. It's entirely online. Designed to be convenient, flexible, and suited to your schedule. Just fill out a brief questionnaire to get matched with a licensed therapist, and switch therapists any time for no additional charge. Make your brain your friend, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/roundtable today to get 10 percent off your first month.

Audio production by Ian Keyser
Assistant production by Hunt Beaty
Music: "Angeline" by The Brothers Steve

The post Goodbye to George Santos and Henry Kissinger appeared first on Reason.com.

It's that special time of year again when we ask you to open your wallets, dear listener, and make a tax-deductible donation to Reason's annual webathon.

In this special video episode of The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Peter Suderman respond to an array of listener questions. 

More Christians in the liberty movement? Is it a weird time for libertarianism? How to best celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States? Plus, Nick's treasured pen, Katherine's socks, Peter's power of the Mai Tai, and Matt's favorite pizza.

All this and so much more on this week's extra special episode of The Reason Roundtable.

Now go donate, you wonderful swashbuckling bunch of free-thinking freaks!

Audio production by Ian Keyser; assistant production by Hunt Beaty.

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve 

Videography by Isaac Reese, Justin Zuckerman, and Adam Czarnecki; edited by Adam Czarnecki.

The post Ask <I>Reason</I> Magazine's Editors Anything: Webathon 2023! appeared first on Reason.com.

In a special bonus Reason Roundtable podcast, Reason's very own Floridians Peter Suderman, Stephanie Slade, Zach Weissmueller, and C.J. Ciaramella discuss stories specific to the Sunshine State culled from the upcoming Florida-themed issue of the magazine. Topics include the origins of the infamous "Florida Man," monkeys with herpes, the colorful history of Key West, and alligator knowledge.

09:30—The Villages, a unique retirement community

21:44—Origins of the "Florida Man" meme

41:00—Key West, the Conch Republic

39:50—The Bushwacker cocktail

44:54—Favorite weird Florida stories

Mentioned in this podcast:

"The Villages Is America's Boomer Boomtown," by Zach Weissmueller

"Monkey Herpes, Face Eating, and the Pork Chop Gang: How Public Records Laws Created the Florida Man," by C.J. Ciaramella

"Long Live the Conch Republic," by Stephanie Slade

"How the Bushwacker Cocktail Migrated to Florida," by Peter Suderman

"Florida vs. California," by Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Peter Suderman

Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Audio production by Ian Keyser; assistant production by Hunt Beaty.

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

The post A Bonus <I>Reason Roundtable</I> Featuring Four 'Florida Men' of Our Own appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Peter Suderman compare and contrast Florida and California politics ahead of this week's debate between Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and California Gov. Gavin Newsom.

0:54—Ron DeSantis will debate Gavin Newsom this week.

24:43—Hamas begins releasing hostages.

34:29—Weekly Listener Question

45:35—Elizabeth Warren and a sandwich shop monopoly

50:49—This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"Jeb Bush: What He Thinks of Trump, Biden, DeSantis, and 'Florida Man,'" by Nick Gillespie

"Jeb Bush on Why Florida Thrives: 'We Don't Try To Micromanage People's Lives,'" Nick Gillespie

"Jayhawk Down: Economic freedom may be just another word for nothing else to do," by Nick Gillespie

"Infographic: Who's Moved to Florida Since COVID Started?" by Erin Davis

"Is California Over?" by Nick Gillespie and Regan Taylor

"Bridget Phetasy: Why I Left California for Texas," by Nick Gillespie

"Why I Left California for Florida," by Zach Weissmueller

"Ron DeSantis: Good or Bad for Florida?" by Zach Weissmueller and Nick Gillespie

"Chef Andrew Gruel on Capitalism, Cuisine, and Calling Gov. Gavin Newsom an Asshole," by Nick Gillespie and Zach Weissmueller

"I'm increasingly frustrated by whataboutist libertarian takes on indefensible Hamas terrorism," says Nick Gillespie

"Is Javier Milei a 'Doctrinaire Hayekian' and a Secret Reason Science Project?" by Nick Gillespie

"The World's First Libertarian President," by Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Peter Suderman, and Nick Gillespie

"Elizabeth Warren Wants the Government To Investigate America's 'Sandwich Shop Monopoly,'" by Christian Britschgi

"Does Bob Dylan Have a Politics and if Yes, What the Hell Are They?" by Nick Gillespie

"'Bob Dylan Is the Shakespeare of Our Time'—Penn Jillette on the Nobel Prize Winner" by Nick Gillespie and Meredith Bragg

Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's Sponsor:

• The last Reason Speakeasy of the year will be on Tuesday, December 12. Nick Gillespie will sit down with Stanford University historian Jennifer Burns to talk about The Last Conservative, her highly-praised and definitive biography of Milton Friedman. This one's at The Blue Building, located at 222 E. 46th St. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and your ticket for the evening includes beer, wine, soft drinks, and a buffet of light bites. More information is available here.

Audio production by Ian Keyser; assistant production by Hunt Beaty.

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

The post Florida vs. California appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Peter Suderman laud the election of libertarian economist Javier Milei in Argentina and parse the results of the federal case involving the online advertising platform Backpage.

0:31—Javier Milei elected president of Argentina

16:25—Verdicts in the Backpage trial

36:43—Weekly Listener Question

46:44—Sam Altman out at OpenAI

54:48—This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"Marcos Falcone: Can a Libertarian Still Win in Argentina?" by Zach Weissmueller and Liz Wolfe

"Is Javier Milei's Movement in Argentina a Cult of Personality in the Name of Liberty?" by Jose Benegas and Antonella Marty

"Photo: Argentina's Libertarian Moment?" by Jason Russell

"Gloria Álvarez and Eduardo Marty: The Potential for a Libertarian President in Argentina," by Zach Weissmueller

"The Argentine Libertarian Dog-Friendly Darling?" by Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Peter Suderman, and Nick Gillespie

"Don't Confuse Javier Milei With Jair Bolsonaro," by Daniel Raisbeck

"Backpage: The Monumental Free Speech Case the Media Ignored," by Matt Welch

"Why Kamala Harris Won't Be Asked About the Suicide of a Newspaperman She Persecuted," by Matt Welch

"Backpage Founder, Alt-Weekly Entrepreneur, and Free Speech Warrior James Larkin Has Died," by Elizabeth Nolan Brown

"Prosecutors Say Backpage Defendants Shouldn't Be Allowed To Reference the 1st Amendment," by Elizabeth Nolan Brown

"5 Years After the Backpage Shutdown, Sex Workers—and Free Speech—Are Still Suffering," by Elizabeth Nolan Brown

"The Sex-Ad Law FOSTA Was a Mistake. Some Lawmakers Want to Fix It." by Elizabeth Nolan Brown

"Maggy Krell Repackages Her Bogus Backpage Prosecution Into a Book," by Elizabeth Nolan Brown

"The War on Backpage.com Is a War on Sex Workers," by Paul Detrick

"The Senate Accused Them of Selling Kids for Sex. The FBI Raided Their Homes. Backpage.com's Founders Speak for the First Time," by Elizabeth Nolan

"Are Right-Wingers More Prone to Believe Conspiracy Theories than Left-Wingers?"  by Ilya Somin

"RFK Jr.: The Reason Interview," by Nick Gillespie and Zach Weissmueller

"Would Anarcho-Capitalism Be a Disaster? A Soho Forum Debate," by Gene Epstein, Bryan Caplan, and Yaron Brook

"I Used ChatGPT To Make Pokémon Versions of Trump, Biden, and RFK Jr.," by Nick Gillespie

"Will AI Destroy Humanity?" by Gene Epstein

"Biden Issues 'A.I. Red Tape Wishlist,'" by Ronald Bailey

"Competition, Not Antitrust, Is Humbling the Tech Giants," by Elizabeth Nolan Brown

"Coleman Hughes: The End of Race Politics?" by Nick Gillespie

Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's Sponsor:

• Do you ever find that just as you're trying to fall asleep, your brain suddenly won't stop talking? Do your thoughts start racing right before bed or at other inopportune moments? It turns out, one great way to make those racing thoughts go away is to talk them through. Therapy gives you a place to do that, so you can get out of your negative thought cycles and find some mental (and emotional) peace. If you're thinking of starting therapy, give BetterHelp a try. It's entirely online, designed to be convenient, flexible, and suited to your schedule. Just fill out a brief questionnaire to get matched with a licensed therapist, and switch therapists any time for no additional charge. Get a break from your thoughts, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/roundtable today to get 10 percent off your first month.
• Join us on November 27 in New York City for a viewing (and afterparty) of the new Reason documentary: Bitcoin, Bathhouses, and the Future of Energy. Tickets and details here.  

Audio production by Ian Keyser; assistant production by Hunt Beaty.

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

The post The World's First Libertarian President appeared first on Reason.com.

Last week, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Peter Suderman recorded an episode of The Reason Roundtable in front of a live audience at Reason's brand-new Washington, D.C., office. Topics ranged from Lina Khan's crusade against corporations at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to deciding which foreign policy views of the remaining Republican candidates are the least bad. 

1:15—The administrative state and Lina Khan's anti-corporatism 

17:53—Presidential politics and what Republican candidates think about Israel

33:08—The sequel to Choice: The Best of Reason 

46:54—Pieces of art or whatever that are about Washington, D.C. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

Why We Can't Have Nice Things, hosted by Eric Boehm.

"Is it Time to Trust-Bust Taylor Swift?" by Peter Suderman

"Cypherpunks Write Code," by Jim Epstein

"How Virginia's Hospital Licensing Laws Led to an Infant's Death," by Eric Boehm

"The Paranoid Center," by Jesse Walker

Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Video edit by Adam Czarnecki; audio production by Luke Allen; assistant production by John Carter and Hunt Beaty.

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

The post A Bonus <i>Reason Roundtable</i>. Live From Washington, D.C.! appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Peter Suderman commend the victories for pot legalization and abortion from last week's elections.

02:56: Election week takeaways

18:41: Sen. Joe Manchin (D–W. Va.) announces he's retiring.

33:33: Weekly Listener Question

38:40: Lightning round on last week's GOP debate

45:20: This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"Abortion's Big Night," by Liz Wolfe

"Ohio Becomes the 24th State To Legalize Recreational Marijuana," by Jacob Sullum

"Is Wichita Mayor-Elect Lily Wu a Libertarian?" by Eric Boehm

"Republicans Blow Another Opportunity at the Ballot Box," by J.D. Tuccille

"Exit poll: Most Ohio voters still largely favor legal abortion," by Ariel Edwards-Levy

"In Defense of Roe," by Nick Gillespie

"The U.S. Needs a Fiscal Commission Because Congress Won't Do Its Job," by Veronique de Rugy

"Joe Manchin Isn't the Fiscal Conservative We Need, but He's the Best We've Got," by Veronique de Rugy

"3 Reasons Mitt Romney and Republicans Lost Big in Election 2012," by Nick Gillespie and Meredith Bragg

"Mitt Romney, Like So Many NeverTrumpers, Was Hobbled by His Own Grubby Political Ambitions," by Matt Welch

"Third Party Candidates Shouldn't Get Their Hopes Up," by Andy Craig

"The Real Worry Behind the Unhinged Freakout Over No Labels," by Matt Welch

"Joe Manchin Is Once Again Telling Republicans and Democrats What They Don't Want To Hear," by Eric Boehm

"Exit Poll: Most Voters Think Trump, Biden Should Not Run in 2024," by Eric Boehm

"Are We Really Doing a Trump vs. Biden Rematch?" by Steven Greenhut

"Are Republicans Finally Getting Serious About Social Security?" by Eric Boehm

"The Libertarian Party's Internal Strife Is as Old as the Party Itself," by Brian Doherty

"What is the Ideal Strategy for the Libertarian Party?" by Nicholas Sarwark, Dave Smith, and Gene Epstein

"'A Tyranny of the Minority': Why This College Dropout Wants To Cancel Cancel Culture," by John Stossel

"The Canceling of the American Mind, by FIRE's Greg Lukianoff and Rikki Schlott," by Eugene Volokh

"Why Are College Kids Terrified?" by Nick Gillespie

"Jeff Flake Is a Casualty of Collectivist Conflict," by Matt Welch

Reason's interview with Vivek Ramaswamy, by Nick Gillespie and Zach Weissmueller

Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's Sponsor:

• Left-wing megadonors are shoveling money into pet projects that don't reflect American values. What's more, lawmakers continue to push bloated, big-government policies—like so-called student loan cancellation—and other programs that will inevitably raise prices and fail to reach the people they are meant to help. All isn't lost, though. You can help turn the tide with a charitable-giving account at DonorsTrust. DonorsTrust is a refuge from the storm of harmful, progressive philanthropy and big-government wheeling and dealing that's hurting our institutions and, more importantly, our loved ones. So, take cover and let my friends at DonorsTrust help you maximize your giving while minimizing your tax liability. Whether it's defending speech, empowering entrepreneurs to offer educational alternatives, or fighting green-energy extremists that want to consolidate power and raise prices on individuals and families, DonorsTrust is the charitable-giving-account provider for you. Visit www.donorstrust.org/reason to learn more.

Audio production by Luke Allen; assistant production by Hunt Beaty.

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The post The Two-Party System Abides appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Peter Suderman assess President Joe Biden's tanking poll numbers and parse the continuation of seething protests against the Israel-Hamas war.

1:04: New polls are bad news for Joe Biden.

15:09: Protests surge against Israel-Hamas war.

36:54: Weekly Listener Question

44:11: An executive order attempts to regulate artificial intelligence tech.

49:37: This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"Are We Really Doing a Trump vs. Biden Rematch?" by Steven Greenhut

"Both Biden and Trump Are Bad Candidates," by John Stossel

"Stop Calling Hillary Old," by Nick Gillespie

"Third Party Candidates Shouldn't Get Their Hopes Up," by Andy Craig

"RFK Jr. Dumps Democrats, Libertarian Party Blasts RFK Jr.'s Stance on Israel," by Robby Soave

"The Real Worry Behind the Unhinged Freakout Over No Labels," by Matt Welch

"Joe Biden More Vulnerable in 2024 Primary Than Donald Trump Ever Was in 2020," by Matt Welch

"The Very Strange New Respect for Authoritarian Democrat Robert F. Kennedy Jr.," by Matt Welch

"Blinken's Mission, Impossible," by Robby Soave

"Yascha Mounk: Avoiding the Identity Trap," by Nick Gillespie with Yascha Mounk

"Far-Left Support for Hamas is not an Aberration," by Ilya Somin

"Blaming Hamas Shouldn't Mean Ignoring the Palestinians' Plight," by Bonnie Kristian

"Is Restricting Pro-Israel-as-Jewish-Democracy Speech National Origin/Ethnicity Discrimination or Harassment?" by Eugene Volokh

"Don't Blame the Maine Shootings on 'Woefully Weak' Gun Laws," by Jacob Sullum

"Biden Issues 'A.I. Red Tape Wishlist,'" by Ronald Bailey

"Priscilla Is an Elvis Movie That Isn't About Elvis," by Peter Suderman

"Mitt Romney, Like So Many NeverTrumpers, Was Hobbled by His Own Grubby Political Ambitions," by Matt Welch

"Consultant in Chief," by Peter Suderman

"The Appeal of the Underdog," by Joseph A. Vandello, Nadav P. Goldschmied, and David A. R. Richards, in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin

Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsor:

• Do you ever find that just as you're trying to fall asleep, your brain suddenly won't stop talking? Do your thoughts start racing right before bed or at other inopportune moments? It turns out, one great way to make those racing thoughts go away is to talk them through. Therapy gives you a place to do that, so you can get out of your negative thought cycles and find some mental (and emotional) peace. If you're thinking of starting therapy, give BetterHelp a try. It's entirely online, designed to be convenient, flexible, and suited to your schedule. Just fill out a brief questionnaire to get matched with a licensed therapist, and switch therapists any time for no additional charge. Get a break from your thoughts, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/roundtable today to get 10 percent off your first month.
• Check out the new podcast The Best of Reason Magazine. Every Tuesday, listen to a curated selection of some of the best writing from Reason, read aloud to you by a robot voice modeled off Editor in Chief Katherine-Mangu Ward.

Audio production by Ian Keyser; assistant production by Hunt Beaty.

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The post No Malarkey: Even Democrats Think Biden Is Too Old appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Peter Suderman assess the latest batch of troublesome responses to the Israel-Hamas war, discuss Janet Yellen's shoddy wartime "girl math," and check in on the weird economy under President Joe Biden.

1:25: Distressing responses to Israel-Hamas war

24:17: Biden's weird economy

34:24: Weekly Listener Question

43:47: Rep. Mike Johnson (R–La.) is the new speaker of the House of Representatives

50:36: This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"Should pro-Hamas students be blacklisted?" by Nick Gillespie

"The Decolonization Narrative Is Dangerous and False," by Simon Sebag Montefiore

"What Should Israel Do Next?" by Ian Bremmer

"3 Myths About American Decline," by Nick Gillespie

"Feeling Good About the Future After an Ugly Election," by Nick Gillespie

"Joe Biden's Endless River of Debt and Regulation," by Nick Gillespie

"The Debt Crisis Is Getting Real," by Eric Boehm

"'Bidenomics' Is Failing Everyday Americans," by Veronique de Rugy

"Inflation Jump Highlights Biden's Vulnerability on Energy," by J.D. Tuccille

"New Speaker Mike Johnson's First Good Idea: A Debt Commission," by Eric Boehm

"Mike Johnson Is the Unlikely New Speaker of the House," by Eric Boehm

"Salman Khan: The Education Visionary," by Nick Gillespie

"'Micro-Schools' Might Be the Next Big Education Thing," by Nick Gillespie and Ian Keyser

"Saturday Night Live Fires New Cast Member Shane Gillis for Using Offensive Language," by Robby Soave

"In French Thriller Anatomy of a Fall, the Law Is No One's Friend," by Peter Suderman

Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Check out the new podcast The Best of Reason Magazine. Every Tuesday, listen to a curated selection of some of the best writing from Reason, read aloud to you by a robot voice modeled off Editor in Chief Katherine-Mangu Ward.

Audio production by Ian Keyser; assistant production by Hunt Beaty.

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

The post Don't Believe Janet Yellen's Shoddy Wartime 'Girl Math' appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Peter Suderman evaluate President Joe Biden's visit to Israel in the wake of the Hamas attacks and highlight particularly bad U.S. responses to the war in the Middle East.

0:24: President Biden visits Israel

16:24: Bad U.S. domestic responses to the war in Gaza

26:52: Weekly Listener Question

42:13: House Republicans' enduring embarrassment

48:23: This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"Unimaginable Force," by Liz Wolfe

"U.S. Faces Risks in Spreading Israel-Hamas Conflict," by J.D. Tuccille

"Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis Argue Who Is More Hostile to Refugees from Gaza," by Joe Lancaster

"Trita Parsi: Is De-escalation Feasible in the Middle East?" by Zach Weissmueller and Liz Wolfe

"Who Is—and Isn't—Ready To Change Their Minds About the Gaza Hospital Blast?" by Matt Welch

"Disinformation Reporter Ben Collins Failed To Correct the Gaza Hospital Story," by Robby Soave

"What Happens Next in the Israel-Hamas War?" by Zach Weissmueller and Liz Wolfe

"Biden's Foreign Policy Is Adrift," by Bonnie Kristian

"I find such unrestrained xenophobia particularly disgusting," writes Nick Gillespie on X.

"I urge @Heritage to delete this utterly disgusting, xenophobic post," writes Justin Amash on X.

"Why America Shouldn't Resettle Palestinians," by Lora Ries

"The Case Against Government-Provided Paid Parental Leave," by Veronique de Rugy

"This Law Will Kill Opportunities for Pregnant Workers," by John Stossel

"Jim Jordan Is Trying To Buy the Speakership With Tax Breaks for Wealthy Residents of Blue States," by Eric Boehm

"Jim Jordan: The Perfect Speaker for a Policy-Free GOP," by Eric Boehm

"In Killers of the Flower Moon, Martin Scorsese Plumbs the Depths of American Depravity," by Peter Suderman

"Martin Scorsese Is a Grumpy Old Fart—and Wrong About the State of 'Cinema,'" by Nick Gillespie

Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsor:

• Do you ever find that just as you're trying to fall asleep, your brain suddenly won't stop talking? Do your thoughts start racing right before bed or at other inopportune moments? It turns out, one great way to make those racing thoughts go away is to talk them through. Therapy gives you a place to do that, so you can get out of your negative thought cycles and find some mental (and emotional) peace. If you're thinking of starting therapy, give BetterHelp a try. It's entirely online. Designed to be convenient, flexible, and suited to your schedule. Just fill out a brief questionnaire to get matched with a licensed therapist, and switch therapists any time for no additional charge. Visit BetterHelp.com/roundtable today to get 10 percent off your first month.

Audio production by Ian Keyser; assistant production by Hunt Beaty.

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

The post What Joe Biden Got Right—and Wrong—Last Week in the Middle East appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Peter Suderman continue to survey the Israel-Hamas war a little over a week after the conflict began. They also discuss the array of U.S. reactions to the clash.

2:19: Israel-Hamas conflict continues apace

28:06: U.S. response to the conflict

37:25: Weekly Listener Question

44:58: The search for the next speaker of the House continues.

49:09: This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"Blaming Hamas Shouldn't Mean Ignoring the Palestinians' Plight," by Bonnie Kristian

"Ice Cream Truck Morgues," by Liz Wolfe

"Max Abrahms: Historic Escalation in the Israel-Hamas War," by Zach Weissmueller and Liz Wolfe

"Israel Eases Guns Restrictions Amidst Security Failures," by J.D. Tuccille

"Another Hostage Crisis Bedevils an American President," by Matt Welch

"Memo to Speaker Boehner: If You Won a Congessional Majority Because You Pledged to Cut Spending and You Can't Think of a Single Program to Cut Now, Please Go Home," by Nick Gillespie

"9/11's Lesson: War Doesn't Work," by Nick Gillespie with Stephen Wertheim

"Biden's ATF Can't Stop Cody Wilson's Ghost Guns," by Zach Wiessmueller and Nick Gillespie

"3D Guns Advocate Cody Wilson is About More Than Weapons and That's What Most Frightens People About Him," by Brian Doherty

"5 Other Fake Indians Besides Elizabeth Warren," by Nick Gillespie

"A Radical Takes the Stand," by Katherine Mangu-Ward

"Baby Boomers Are America's Sith Lords," by Nick Gillespie

"American Confetti," Mad magazine's original 1974 parody of American Graffiti

A live Reason Interview podcast taping with Greg Lukianoff and Rikki Schlott on Monday, October 23, in Manhattan.

Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name

Audio production by Ian Keyser; assistant production by Hunt Beaty.

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

The post Does It Matter What College Kids Say About Israel? appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Peter Suderman bemoan the atrocities committed by the militant group Hamas over the weekend in Israel and discuss the removal of Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R–Calif.) from his role as speaker of the House.

0:19: A massacre in Israel

23:29: Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy ousted

37:22: Weekly Listener Question

50:23: This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"Death Toll Passes 1,100," by Liz Wolfe

"Does America Need To Be Involved in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict?" by Matthew Petti

"Biden's Foreign Policy Is Adrift," by Bonnie Kristian

"Bitcoin: A Weapon for Peace in the Israel-Palestine Conflict," by Noor Greene

"A Surly Showdown for Speaker," by Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, Peter Suderman, and Matt Welch

"Why Justin Amash Should Be the Next Speaker of the House," by Matt Welch

"CPAC Confidential: Because Small-Government Conservatives Think the Gov't Should Be Big Enough To Hate on the Gays," by Nick Gillespie

"Steve Scalise's Legislative Record Is a Bigger Problem Than His Past Speaking Gigs," by Nick Gillespie

Kevin McCarthy as Comet Kohoutek, tweet by Nick Gillespie

A Postcard from Earth and Sphere robots, by Sarah Rose Siskind

"Love Is All Around…," by Nick Gillespie

"TV's Dysfunctional Family Affair," by Charles Oliver

Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's Sponsor:

• Do you ever find that just as you're trying to fall asleep, your brain suddenly won't stop talking? Do your thoughts start racing right before bed or at other inopportune moments? It turns out, one great way to make those racing thoughts go away is to talk them through. Therapy gives you a place to do that, so you can get out of your negative thought cycles and find some mental (and emotional) peace. If you're thinking of starting therapy, give BetterHelp a try. It's entirely online, designed to be convenient, flexible, and suited to your schedule. Just fill out a brief questionnaire to get matched with a licensed therapist, and switch therapists any time for no additional charge. Get a break from your thoughts, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/roundtable today to get 10 percent off your first month.

Audio production by Ian Keyser; assistant production by Hunt Beaty.

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

The post After Hamas Attack, There Are No Good Options in the Middle East appeared first on Reason.com.

https://youtu.be/XgKkAUVrDd4

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Peter Suderman sprint through a buffet of topics including government shutdowns, Mexican fentanyl, the second GOP presidential debate, and the death of Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D–Calif.).

1:04: The government didn't shut down.

10:03: Fentanyl and the border with Mexico

25:05: Reactions to the second GOP debate

38:18: Weekly Listener Question

42:52: Death of Sen. Dianne Feinstein

Mentioned in this podcast:

"Congressional Clown Show," by Liz Wolfe

"The Government Won't Shut Down," by Eric Boehm

"The GOP Can Always Get Worse—And It Will (Midterm Election Copout Edition)," by Nick Gillespie

"Josh Barro: A Republican Presidential Debate Detached From Reality," by Zach Weissmueller and Liz Wolfe

"Despite Debunking, Rainbow Fentanyl Myths Continue," by Emma Camp

"The Truth About Ron DeSantis' Fentanyl Horror Story," by Joe Lancaster

"Ban Teenagers From Social Media, Vivek Ramaswamy Says, Because Fentanyl," by Jacob Sullum

Ronald Reagan vs. 2024 Republicans on immigration, by Bess Byers

"The 5 Best Arguments Against Immigration—and Why They're WRONG" by Nick Gillespie and Todd Krainin

"Vivek Ramaswamy Is Wrong About the National Debt," by Nick Gillespie

"Vivek Ramaswamy: Why He's Running for President—and Against 'Woke Capitalism,'" by Zach Weissmueller and Nick Gillespie

"Vivek Ramaswamy Proposes a (Probably) Illegal Plan To End Birthright Citizenship," by Fiona Harrigan

"Ron DeSantis and Chris Christie Call Out Trump for Adding to Federal Debt," by Eric Boehm

"DeSantis Says He Would Use Justice Department To Bring Civil Rights Cases Against 'Soros-Funded Prosecutors,'" by C.J. Ciaramella

"On Guns, Drugs, and National Security, Dianne Feinstein Was Consistently Authoritarian," by Jacob Sullum

"Social Security, Snoopy Snoopy Poop Pants, & Alan Simpson: Ultimate Enema Man Remix," by Austin Bragg and Nick Gillespie

"The Noid," Domino's pizza 1986 ad

Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Audio production by Ian Keyser; assistant production by Hunt Beaty.

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

The post The 'Whack Jobs' Were Right appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Peter Suderman break down the politics of a potential government shutdown on the horizon and assess the United Auto Workers strike ahead of the next Republican presidential primary debate.

0:29: Another looming government shutdown

20:02: United Auto Workers strike

27:46: Weekly Listener Question

34:24: The next GOP debate is this week.

42:05: Bob Menendez, senator of sleaze

Mentioned in this podcast:

"It's Government Shutdown Theater, Again," by J.D. Tuccille

"5 Dissenters in the House," by Liz Wolfe

"Congress Is Still Using 'Emergency Spending' on Non-Emergencies," by John Stossel

"Don't Let the Government-Shutdown Charade Distract You From the Debt Crisis," by Romina Boccia

"Shutdown Highlights Basic Fact: Most of Government is 'Non-Essential,'" by Nick Gillespie

"Final Countdown to Government Shutdown," by Meredith Bragg and Nick Gillespie

"Government Shutdown: Planet of the Apes Remix," by Meredith Bragg and Nick Gillespie

"The Government Is Going to Shut Down Again (and That's Bad)," by Andrew Heaton and Sarah Rose Siskind

"5 Sequester Facts To Know Before Committing Suicide," by Meredith Bragg and Nick Gillespie

"Tim Scott Invokes Ronald Reagan and Says UAW Strikers Should Be Fired," by C.J. Ciaramella

"Biden, the 'Most Pro-Union President,' Reaps What He Sows," by J.D. Tuccille

"Strikers Demand 4-Day Workweek," by Liz Wolfe

"Baby Boomers Screwing Younger Workers, Private Sector Edition," by Nick Gillespie

"How to Make Unions More Powerful, the Libertarian Way," by Brian Doherty

"Are We Really Doing a Trump vs. Biden Rematch?" by Steven Greenhut

"Zelenskyy Goes To Washington," by Liz Wolfe

"Gen Xers are most worried with 86% saying they are worried about the future of Medicare and Social Security," according to Allianz Life insurance.

"The Real Class Warfare Is Baby Boomers vs. Younger Americans," by Nick Gillespie

"Generational Swindle: How D.C. Is Screwing Over Millennials," by Nick Gillespie

The Trump campaign's "Whoop a man's ass" commercial

Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsor:

• Do you ever find that just as you're trying to fall asleep, your brain suddenly won't stop talking? Do your thoughts start racing right before bed or at other inopportune moments? It turns out, one great way to make those racing thoughts go away is to talk them through. Therapy gives you a place to do that, so you can get out of your negative thought cycles and find some mental (and emotional) peace. If you're thinking of starting therapy, give BetterHelp a try. It's entirely online. Designed to be convenient, flexible, and suited to your schedule. Just fill out a brief questionnaire to get matched with a licensed therapist, and switch therapists any time for no additional charge. Visit BetterHelp.com/roundtable today to get 10 percent off your first month.

Audio production by Ian Keyser; assistant production by Hunt Beaty.

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

The post Are Government Shutdowns Good for Limited Government? appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Peter Suderman pore over last week's indictment of Hunter Biden on federal gun charges and weigh in on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's upcoming meeting with President Joe Biden.

1:00: Hunter Biden indicted on federal gun charges

23:39: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to meet with President Biden next week

32:56: Weekly Listener Question

46:40: Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s environmental plan

Mentioned in this podcast:

"There's Plenty of Evidence of Corruption Around Biden," by J.D. Tuccille

"Without a Diversion Agreement, Hunter Biden Could Go to Prison Under an Arbitrary Gun Law His Dad Supports," by Jacob Sullum

"How Hunter Biden's Plea Deal Fell Apart," by Jacob Sullum

"All Drug Offenders Should Be Treated Like Hunter Biden: Leniently," by Nick Gillespie

"Hunter Biden's Prison-Free Plea Should Be Available to Everybody," by J.D. Tuccille

"Squirtle's seen some shit, man," by Nick Gillespie

"Kevin McCarthy's Impeachment Inquiry Provokes Predictably Polarized Reactions," by Christian Britschgi

"Is a Government Shutdown Better Than More Reckless Borrowing?" by Eric Boehm

"Don't Let the Government-Shutdown Charade Distract You From the Debt Crisis," by Romina Boccia

"Ukraine Changes the Face of War Forever," by Nick Gillespie and Regan Taylor

"Should America keep funding Ukraine? Live with Emma Ashford, Nick Gillespie, and Zach Weissmueller"

"Ukraine Crisis: U.S. Must Use Restraint," by Nick Gillespie with Will Ruger

"Debate: The U.S. Should Increase Funding for the Defense of Ukraine," by Cathy Young and Will Ruger

"RFK Jr.: The Reason Interview," by Nick Gillespie and Zach Weissmueller

"RFK Jr. wanted to prosecute 'climate deniers.' Has he changed?" by Nick Gillespie and Zach Weissmueller

"RFK Jr.'s long con," by Liz Wolfe

"The Very Strange New Respect for Authoritarian Democrat Robert F. Kennedy Jr.," by Matt Welch

"The Top 5 Lies About Fracking," by Ronald Bailey

Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Audio production by Ian Keyser; assistant production by Hunt Beaty.

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

The post Hunter Biden Gets Caught in America's Double War on Drugs and Guns appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, Matt Welch and Katherine Mangu-Ward welcome back Nick Gillespie and Peter Suderman to the show. The editors examine the unfolding migrant crisis in New York City before denouncing the city's new law cracking down on Airbnb and other short-term rentals.

1:56: Migrant crisis in major cities

24:16: NYC kneecaps Airbnb

34:27: Weekly Listener Question

48:55: Memorable moments from the political gerontocracy

Mentioned in this podcast:

"New York's Migrant Crisis is Caused by a Combination of Federal Work Restrictions and Local Zoning Policy," by Ilya Somin

"Down 136,000 Students in Just Four Years, New York City's Public Schools Manage To Spend Billions More," by Matt Welch

"Let Asylum-Seeking Migrants Work," by Ilya Somin

"A Costless and Humane Fix to the Border Crisis," by Shikha Dalmia

"How Immigrants Make America Great Again (and Again and Again)," by Nick Gillespie, with Alex Nowrasteh and Benjamin Powell

"Don't Blame Airbnb For New York City's High Rents," by Allie Howell and Jared Meyer

"Airbnb and Its Enemies: Who's Afraid of a $10-a-Night Sofa?" by Jim Epstein

"The Government Is a Hit Man: Uber, Tesla and Airbnb Are in Its Crosshairs," by Nick Gillespie

"Libertarians Have Won the Culture Wars, Even Though Universities Are 'Constipated, Stultified,'" by Nick Gillespie

"Santa Monica Evicts Airbnb: The War on Homesharing," by Zach Weissmueller

"Did NYC Just Kneecap Airbnb?" by Liz Wolfe

"County Where It Took 50 Years To Approve New Subdivision Bans New Airbnbs," by Christian Britschgi

"Silk Road Trial: Read Ross Ulbricht's Haunting Sentencing Letter to Judge," by Nick Gillespie

"Robert Lipsyte on ESPN, Muhammad Ali, and Billie Jean King," by Nick Gillespie

"Chobani and GoFundMe Wipe Lunch Debts in School District That Planned To 'Lunch Shame' Students," by Billy Binion

"Some Critics of the Ruling Against Biden's Censorship by Proxy Have a Beef With the 1st Amendment Itself," by Jacob Sullum

"Elite Journalists Love Big Brother," by J.D. Tuccille

"Journalists Outraged That a Judge Would Dare Limit Biden's Censorship Powers," by Robby Soave

"Social Security, Snoopy Snoopy Poop Dog, & Alan Simpson: Ultimate Enema Man Remix," by Nick Gillespie and Austin Bragg

Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsor:

• Do you ever find that just as you're trying to fall asleep, your brain suddenly won't stop talking? Do your thoughts start racing right before bed or at other inopportune moments? It turns out, one great way to make those racing thoughts go away is to talk them through. Therapy gives you a place to do that, so you can get out of your negative thought cycles and find some mental (and emotional) peace. If you're thinking of starting therapy, give BetterHelp a try. It's entirely online. Designed to be convenient, flexible, and suited to your schedule. Just fill out a brief questionnaire to get matched with a licensed therapist, and switch therapists any time for no additional charge. Visit BetterHelp.com/roundtable today to get 10 percent off your first month.
• The Soho Forum: Yaron Brook vs. Bryan Caplan on anarcho-capitalism, September 18. Use REASON promo code to get 25 percent off all tickets.

Audio production by Ian Keyser; assistant production by Hunt Beaty.

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

The post What's the Libertarian Answer to New York's Migrant Crisis? appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch and Katherine Mangu-Ward welcome special guests C.J. Ciaramella and Joe Lancaster to consider the particularly long prison sentences handed out to Proud Boys leaders for their roles in the January 6 Capitol riot and discuss President Joe Biden's use of email aliases.

2:19: Proud Boys leaders sentenced for their roles in the January 6 Capitol riot

20:24: President Joe Biden's email aliases

30:44: Weekly Listener Question

48:38: The aftermath of Hurricane Idalia

Mentioned in this podcast:

"Proud Boys Leader Sentenced to 17 Years in Prison Over January 6 Riot," by Robby Soave

"Punishing Rioters Is Wise. Bogus 'Seditious Conspiracy' Charges Are Not." by J.D. Tuccille

"Do These Seditious Conspiracy Convictions Prove the Capitol Riot 'Was Not Spontaneous'?" by Jacob Sullum

"Fani Willis Is Abusing Georgia's Terrible RICO Law," by Joe Lancaster

"Joe Biden's Email Aliases Are a Potentially Serious Transparency Problem," by C.J. Ciaramella

"Protecting Kids on Social Media Act Cloaks Attack on Privacy Behind Concern for Children," by J.D. Tuccille

"In Scathing Rulings, Federal Courts Block Arkansas and Texas Age Verification Laws," by Elizabeth Nolan Brown

"Federal Prison Guards Confessed to Rape and Got Away With It," by C.J. Ciaramella

"Subsidized Flood Insurance Makes Storm Damage Worse," by Joe Lancaster

"Immigrants Welcome Here: Puzzle #5," by Stella Zawistowski

Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsor:

• Left-wing megadonors are shoveling money into pet projects that don't reflect American values. What's more, lawmakers continue to push bloated, big-government policies—like so-called student loan cancellation—and other programs that will inevitably raise prices and fail to reach the people they are meant to help. All isn't lost, though. You can help turn the tide with a charitable-giving account at DonorsTrust. DonorsTrust is a refuge from the storm of harmful, progressive philanthropy and big-government wheeling and dealing that's hurting our institutions and, more importantly, our loved ones. So, take cover and let my friends at DonorsTrust help you maximize your giving while minimizing your tax liability. Whether it's defending speech; empowering entrepreneurs to offer educational alternatives; or fighting green-energy extremists that want to consolidate power and raise prices on individuals and families, DonorsTrust is the charitable-giving-account provider for you. Visit www.donorstrust.org/reason to learn more.
• Health insurance is broken. Premiums are increasing, deductibles are getting larger, and claims denials are becoming more common. The headache of health insurance is exactly why CrowdHealth was created. It's not health insurance—it's a better way to pay for health care through crowdfunding. CrowdHealth gives their members the freedom to efficiently and affordably break free from the antiquated insurance system, and into a health care option that fits your needs. The insurance companies don't give you the peace of mind you need. CrowdHealth does. That's why your $50/month membership includes the tools and services you need to get the highest quality health care. You'll get access to telemedicine visits, discounted prescriptions, and so much more—without doctors' networks messing things up. Plus, you'll have access to your own personal care advocate, who will help you navigate the complexities of health events and even negotiate bills on your behalf. And of course, you'll join the Crowd: a group of members just like you who want to help pay for each other's unexpected medical events. It's time you opt out of restrictive health insurance plans and let CrowdHealth help fit your health care needs. Get started today for just $50 per month. Use code ROUNDTABLE to get the health care you deserve.

Audio production by Ian Keyser; assistant production by Hunt Beaty.

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

The post Do the Proud Boys Deserve To Be in Prison Forever? appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch and Katherine Mangu-Ward welcome special guests Eric Boehm and Zach Weissmueller for a post-mortem examination of the first Republican presidential primary debate last week and to discuss reactions to former President Donald Trump's mug shot.

0:42: First Republican presidential primary debate

23:08: Donald Trump's interview with Tucker Carlson

32:17: Weekly Listener Question

55:34: Persistent back-to-school COVID measures

Mentioned in this podcast:

"There Were No Anti-Interventionist Candidates at the GOP Debate," by Christian Britschgi

"Nikki Haley Burned Trump and Her Fellow Republicans for Blowing Up the Debt. She's Right." by Eric Boehm

"A GOP Consensus Emerges: Militarize the Border," by Fiona Harrigan

"Nikki Haley Slams Biden's 'Green Subsidies,'" by Joe Lancaster

"Vivek Ramaswamy: 'The Only War I Will Declare…Is on the Administrative State,'" by Robby Soave

"Vivek Ramaswamy's Popular Incoherence," by Matt Welch

"Candidates Spar Over National Abortion Ban in First Republican Debate," by Elizabeth Nolan Brown

"Tucker Carlson's Sycophantic Interview With Trump Illustrates the Advantages of Skipping the Debates," by Jacob Sullum

"Stop Publishing Mug Shots—Even Donald Trump's," by Billy Binion

"Baltimore Orioles Owners Demand Even More Unnecessary Taxpayer Money," by Jason Russell

"The Oakland Athletics Just Showed Why They Don't Need Taxpayers To Buy Their New Stadium," by Eric Boehm

"Voters Put Arizona Coyotes' Arena Project on Ice," by Eric Boehm

"Stadium Subsidy Stupidity Hits New Record," by Jason Russell

"The Expensive, Seductive Nostalgia of Field of Dreams," by Matt Welch

"Dozens of Colleges Still Require COVID Vaccines for Students," by Emma Camp

Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsor:

• Sometimes we're faced with a crossroads in life, and we don't know which path to take. Maybe you're thinking about a career change or feeling like your relationship needs some TLC. Whatever it is, therapy can help you map out your future, and trust yourself to find the way forward. If you're thinking of starting therapy, give BetterHelp a try. It's entirely online and designed to be convenient, flexible, and suited to your schedule. Just fill out a brief questionnaire to get matched with a licensed therapist, and switch therapists any time for no additional charge. Let therapy be your map, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/roundtable today to get 10 percent off your first month.

Audio production by Ian Keyser; assistant production by Hunt Beaty.

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

The post GOP Debate Stuff We Didn't Hate appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Peter Suderman consider libertarian responses to natural disasters in the wake of the recent wildfires in Hawaii and examine the outsider candidacy of Javier Milei, a self-described anarcho-capitalist, in his bid for the Argentinian presidency.

0:26: Maui wildfires

23:13: Javier Milei wins Argentina's presidential primary

37:03: Weekly Listener Question

50:34: This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"California Regulations Prevent Insurers From Accurately Pricing Wildfire Risk, so Now They're Fleeing the State," by Ronald Bailey

"When the Government Makes Wildfires Worse," by Tate Watkins

"Dozens Died in California Wildfires. Why Is the State Forcing Insurance Companies To Ignore Risks?" by Scott Shackford

"Can Fire Insurance Manage Wildfire Risks in California?" by Ronald Bailey

"Why Are People 'Outraged' That Private Firefighters Saved Kim and Kanye's Home?" by Joe Setyon

"Rant: Burn the Rich," by Matt Welch

"UnFAIR," by Matt Welch

Annual number of deaths from disasters, 1900-2020, by Our World in Data

"HECO Kept The Power Flowing In Lahaina Even As Poles Toppled," by Marcel Honore

"Confessions of a Welfare Queen," by John Stossel

"Eric Boehm: How Protectionist Trade Policies Screw Us All," a Q&A by Nick Gillespie

"The Jones Act Is Driving Up Prices and Making Crises Worse," by John Stossel

"A Self-Described Anarcho-Capitalist Won a Plurality in Argentina's Presidential Primary," by Marcos Falcone

"Don't Confuse Javier Milei With Jair Bolsonaro," by Daniel Raisbeck

"This Politician Just Won Argentina's Primary. His Hair Is Baffling the World," by Jacob Gallagher

"'Private Tyranny' Is Less Private Than You Think," by Stephanie Slade

"Domination Fantasies," by Ben Compaine

"Mergers and Disquisitions," by Nick Gillespie

Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsor:

• Sometimes we're faced with a crossroads in life, and we don't know which path to take. Maybe you're thinking about a career change or feeling like your relationship needs some TLC. Whatever it is, therapy can help you map out your future, and trust yourself to find the way forward. If you're thinking of starting therapy, give BetterHelp a try. It's entirely online and designed to be convenient, flexible, and suited to your schedule. Just fill out a brief questionnaire to get matched with a licensed therapist, and switch therapists any time for no additional charge. Let therapy be your map, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/roundtable today to get 10 percent off your first month.

Audio production by Ian Keyser; assistant production by Hunt Beaty.

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

The post The Argentine Libertarian Dog-Friendly Darling? appeared first on Reason.com.

Hey, Reason Roundtable listeners, we've got a special bonus for your Friday afternoon this week!

You might already know Eric Boehm from his occasional guest appearances on the Roundtable pod and from his written work at Reason over the past several years. But he's also the host of a brand-new, limited-run podcast that's going to be right up your alley if you're a fan of free minds and free markets—and we know that you are.

It's called Why We Can't Have Nice Things, and each week the show focuses on a different rule, regulation, or law that prevents the free market from working the way it should. These are stories about how protectionist policies get made and why they can be so difficult to undo.

Like, for example, a 100-year-old shipping law that makes traffic worse on American highways: The Jones Act. It's a law described as "a very classic case of everything wrong with Washington." That's the focus of this week's episode, the third in the six-part series.

You can listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcast feeds—and please don't forget to leave us a review.

Check out the rest of the series too:

• "The Ghosts of Protectionism Past"
• "The Great Baby Formula Shortage of 2022"

The post A New Podcast Explains <em>Why We Can't Have Nice Things</em> appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Peter Suderman are all back in action, and they tear into recent arguments by the Federal Communications Commission in favor of revoking Fox News' broadcast license. The editors also ponder the appointment of a special counsel in the ongoing Hunter Biden probe.

1:06: Special counsel appointed to investigate Hunter Biden

16:00: Misguided threats to yank Fox News' broadcast license

30:54: Weekly Listener Question

53:47: Age verification laws for online porn

Mentioned in this podcast:

"Hunter Biden and Donald Trump Should Both Have Jury Trials," by Clark Neily

"The Legally Authorized Charges Against Donald Trump and Hunter Biden Don't Tell Us What Justice Requires," by Jacob Sullum

"How Joe Biden Went from Middle-Class Joe to a Millionaire," by Caroline Hallemann

"Hunter Biden Shouldn't Go to Prison for Violating an Arbitrary Gun Law," by Jacob Sullum

"What the President Gets Wrong About Broadcast TV," by Jessica Rosenworcel

"How Deregulation Gave Us FM Radio, HBO, and the iPhone," by Nick Gillespie and Thomas W. Hazlett

"Celebrating the End of the Fairness Doctrine," by Nick Gillespie

"FCC Chair Preemptively Rubbishes Trump's Dumb Tweet About Challenging Media Licenses," by Matt Welch

"Child-proofing the World," by Nick Gillespie

"The New Campaign for a Sex-Free Internet," by Elizabeth Nolan Brown

"The EARN IT Act Is the New FOSTA," by Elizabeth Nolan Brown

"Small Porn Producers Will Be Hurt Most by New Age Verification Laws," by Jessica Stoya

"Childproofing the Internet," by Elizabeth Nolan Brown

"Social Media Age Requirements Are Anti-Free Speech," by Jeff Kosseff

"Ranked Choice Voting Worked in Alaska. Sarah Palin Came to CPAC To Complain About It." by Joe Lancaster

"Can ranked-choice voting save American democracy? We ask an expert," by Fredreka Schouten

"Reasons To Like Ranked‐Choice Voting," by Walter Olson

Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsor:

• Sometimes we're faced with a crossroads in life, and we don't know which path to take. Maybe you're thinking about a career change or feeling like your relationship needs some TLC. Whatever it is, therapy can help you map out your future and trust yourself to find the way forward. If you're thinking of starting therapy, give BetterHelp a try. It's entirely online, designed to be convenient, flexible, and suited to your schedule. Just fill out a brief questionnaire to get matched with a licensed therapist, and switch therapists any time for no additional charge. Let therapy be your map, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/roundtable today to get 10 percent off your first month.

Audio production by Ian Keyser; assistant production by Hunt Beaty.

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

The post Why Stripping Fox's Broadcast License Is a Terrible Idea appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Nick Gillespie, and Peter Suderman welcome special guest Elizabeth Nolan Brown as they unpack the latest indictment against former President Donald Trump. They also check in on the ongoing legal saga of the classified advertising site Backpage in the wake of founder James Larkin's untimely death.

0:46: The latest Trump indictment

21:21: The legacy of free speech warrior James Larkin

46:25: Weekly Listener Question

53:27: This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"Trump's Prosecution Could Be Stymied by the Blurry Line Between Deceit and Self-Delusion," by Jacob Sullum

"Did Trump Really Believe the Election Was Stolen? Here Is Why It Matters." by Jacob Sullum

"2 Reasons It's Not Clear That Trump 'Corruptly' Obstructed an Official Proceeding," by Jacob Sullum

"Should Trump go to prison?" by Zach Weissmueller and Nick Gillespie

"Don't Jail Trump for January 6," by Robby Soave

"Why the Press Conflates Prostitution with Sex Trafficking—and Why That's a Threat To Free Speech," by Nick Gillespie and Elizabeth Nolan Brown

"FCC Head Ajit Pai on Section 230 and Free Speech," by Nick Gillespie

"Emails show CDC policed COVID speech on Facebook," by Zach Weissmueller, Nick Gillespie, and Robby Soave

"The 26 Words That 'Created the Internet'—and Why They May Be on the Chopping Block," by Nick Gillespie

"Why the Government's Legal Assault on Backpage.com Backfired," by Nick Gillespie

"The War on Backpage.com Is a War on Sex Workers," by Paul Detrick

"Politicians Want To Destroy Section 230, the Internet's First Amendment," by Paul Detrick and Elizabeth Nolan Brown

"'Je suis Charlie'? No, You're Not, or Else You Might Be Dead," by Matt Welch

Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsor:

• Health insurance is broken. Premiums are increasing, deductibles are getting larger, and claims denials are becoming more common. The headache of health insurance is exactly why CrowdHealth was created. It's not health insurance—it's a better way to pay for health care through crowdfunding. CrowdHealth gives its members the freedom to efficiently and affordably break free from the antiquated insurance system and into a health care option that fits their needs. The insurance companies don't give you the peace of mind you need. CrowdHealth does. That's why your $50/month membership includes the tools and services you need to get the highest quality health care. You'll get access to telemedicine visits, discounted prescriptions, and so much more, without doctors' networks messing things up. Plus, you'll have access to your own personal care advocate, who will help you navigate the complexities of health events and even negotiate bills on your behalf. And of course, you'll join the Crowd—a group of members just like you who want to help pay for each other's unexpected medical events. It's time you opt out of restrictive health insurance plans and let CrowdHealth help fit your health care needs. Get started today for just $50 per month. Use code ROUNDTABLE to get the health care you deserve. CrowdHealth is not insurance. Learn more at joincrowdhealth.com, code ROUNDTABLE.

Audio production by Ian Keyser; assistant production by Hunt Beaty.

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

The post Have We Lost Track of the Trump Indictments Yet? appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Nick Gillespie, and Peter Suderman welcome special guest Jacob Sullum to wade through the latest Donald Trump indictments and Hunter Biden's legal woes.

1:11: Trump indictment roundup

24:18: Hunter Biden's plea deal

38:59: Weekly Listener Question

48:58: This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"Trump's Alleged Cover-Up of His Cover-Up Reinforces the Obstruction Charges Against Him," by Jacob Sullum

"2 Reasons It's Not Clear That Trump 'Corruptly' Obstructed an Official Proceeding," by Jacob Sullum

"Here Is Why Trump's 'Contingent' Electors Say They Did Nothing Illegal," by Jacob Sullum

"How Hunter Biden's Plea Deal Fell Apart," by Jacob Sullum

"Hunter Biden Shouldn't Go to Prison for Violating an Arbitrary Gun Law," by Jacob Sullum

"Clark Neily: Regardless of Guilt, Trump Won't Go to Jail," by Nick Gillespie and Zach Weissmueller

"Trump's Impeachment Trial Will Only Make Us Hate Washington Even More," by Nick Gillespie

"Judge Napolitano: Enough Evidence 'to Justify About Three or Four Articles of Impeachment.'" by Nick Gillespie

"All Drug Offenders Should Be Treated Like Hunter Biden: Leniently," by Nick Gillespie

"Squirtle's seen some shit, man," tweets Nick Gillespie

"First Family Follies," by Nick Gillespie

"Andrew Tatarsky and Maia Szalavitz: How 'Harm Reduction' Is Transforming Drug Policy," by Nick Gillespie

"What Will the End of the Drug War Mean for Addicts? Look to Oregon," by Zach Weissmueller

"Ethan Nadelmann: Legalize ALL Drugs. NOW." by Nick Gillespie and Zach Weissmueller

Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsor:

• Sometimes in life, we're faced with tough choices, and the path forward isn't always clear. Whether you're dealing with decisions around career, relationships, or anything else, therapy helps you stay connected to what you really want while you navigate life, so you can move forward with confidence and excitement. Trusting yourself to make decisions that align with your values is like anything—the more you practice it, the easier it gets. It's helpful for learning positive coping skills and how to set boundaries; it empowers you to be the best version of yourself; it isn't just for those who've experienced major trauma. If you're thinking of starting therapy, give BetterHelp a try. It's entirely online, designed to be convenient, flexible, and suited to your schedule. Just fill out a brief questionnaire to get matched with a licensed therapist, and switch therapists anytime for no additional charge. Let therapy be your map, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/roundtable today to get 10 percent off your first month.

Audio production by Ian Keyser; assistant production by Hunt Beaty.
Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

The post Should Donald Trump and Hunter Biden Both Be Prosecuted? appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Peter Suderman critique Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' plan to investigate the inclusion of Bud Light's parent company AB InBev in the state's pension funds.

00:40: Gov. Ron DeSantis politicizes Florida pension funds.

20:38: The summer of strikes

32:50: Weekly Listener Question

38:50: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. appears before the House Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government.

43:53: This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"Ron DeSantis Bullies Bud Light Like Elizabeth Warren Bullies Amazon," by Joe Lancaster

"How Corporations' Good Social and Environmental Intentions Undermine the Common Good," by Samuel Gregg

"DeSantis Unironically Frets About 'Criminalizing Political Differences,'" by Eric Boehm

"Politically Motivated Investment Guidelines Making Bad Public Pension Programs Worse," by Scott Shackford

"Three Reasons to Fix Public Sector Pensions Now," by Nick Gillespie and Todd Krainin

Is ESG a threat to capitalism? Live with Samuel Gregg, Russ Greene, and Zach Weissmueller

"Don't Expect Unions To Make a Comeback," by Nick Gillespie

"America Needs a Better Kind of Capitalism," by Veronique de Rugy

"UPS vs. FedEx: Ultimate Whiteboard Remix," by Nick Gillespie and Meredith Bragg

"Artifact: War's Nightmare Landscape," by Nick Gillespie

"Why Color Atom Bomb Footage of Hiroshima & Nagasaki Was Censored by the Government for Decades," by Nick Gillespie

"Obama, Trump, and the Nuking of Hiroshima," by Steve Chapman

Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Audio production by Luke Allen; assistant production by Hunt Beaty.

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

The post Get Your Culture War Out of Our Pension Funds appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Peter Suderman appraise the current state of "Bidenomics" as well as the self-described No Labels centrist movement.

0:58: Assessing Bidenomics

24:03: The No Labels movement

39:42: Weekly Listener Question

47:43: Over-the-counter birth control!

53:14: This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"'Bidenomics' Is Nothing New," by Veronique de Rugy

"Turns Out 'Bidenomics' Means Top-Down Economic Control," by Peter Suderman

"Joe Biden's Endless River of Debt and Regulation," by Nick Gillespie

"Joe Biden's $11 Trillion Plan to Bankrupt America," by Nick Gillespie

"The Fantasy of a 2020 Independent Centrist," by Matt Welch

"John Avlon: 'How the Lunatic Fringe Is Hijacking America,'" by Nick Gillespie

"On Independence Day, Find Common Ground Over Freedom," by J.D. Tuccille

"All Birth Control Pills, Not Just One, Should Be Over the Counter," by Jeffrey A. Singer

"What if the government banned birth control?" by Nick Gillespie, Elizabeth Nolan Brown, and Scott Winship

"Review: Mission: Impossible—Dead Reckoning Part One," by Kurt Loder

"Robert F. Kennedy Jr.: COVID, Ukraine, Bitcoin, Guns, Free Speech, and More," by Nick Gillespie and Zach Weissmueller

"Milan Kundera's Eternal Feud With Václav Havel," by Matt Welch

Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsor:

• Sometimes in life we're faced with tough choices, and the path forward isn't always clear. Whether you're dealing with decisions around your career, relationships, or anything else, therapy helps you stay connected to what you really want while you navigate life, so you can move forward with confidence and excitement. Trusting yourself to make decisions that align with your values is like anything—the more you practice it, the easier it gets. It's helpful for learning positive coping skills and how to set boundaries; it empowers you to be the best version of yourself; it isn't just for those who've experienced major trauma. If you're thinking of starting therapy, give BetterHelp a try. It's entirely online, designed to be convenient, flexible, and suited to your schedule. Just fill out a brief questionnaire to get matched with a licensed therapist, and switch therapists anytime for no additional charge. Let therapy be your map, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/roundtable today to get 10 percent off your first month.

Audio production by Ian Keyser; assistant production by Hunt Beaty.

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

The post 'Bidenomics,' Like All Industrial Policy, Sucks appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Peter Suderman mull over last week's ruling against the Biden administration concerning politically disfavored speech on social media as well as Twitter's latest competitor—Threads—and the latest from the Ron DeSantis campaign.

0:25: A federal judge orders Biden administration officials to stop encouraging social media companies to censor disfavored content.

19:57: Threads: Meta's Twitter competitor

31:50: Weekly Listener Question

39:14: The "Mamas for DeSantis" initiative

51:08: This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"Social media injunction unravels plans to protect 2024 elections," by Cat Zakrzewski, Naomi Nix, and Joseph Menn

"Federal Judge to Biden Administration: Stop Telling Social Media Sites To Limit Free Speech," by Eric Boehm

"Journalists Outraged That a Judge Would Dare Limit Biden's Censorship Powers," by Robby Soave

"'Mamas for DeSantis' Is Proof: The DeSantis Campaign Is Too Online," by Emma Camp

"US podcast misinformation goes largely unchecked," by Rob Lever

"'Build the wall,' Florida gubernatorial tells his young daughter in campaign ad," by Erin B. Logan

Casey DeSantis' "Mamas for DeSantis" campaign ad on Twitter

"Ron DeSantis: Good or Bad for Liberty?" by Nick Gillespie and Zach Weissmueller with Karol Markowicz

"What DeSantis Did to Disney's Dream City," by Zach Weissmueller

"The Casey DeSantis Problem: 'His Greatest Asset and His Greatest Liability,'" by Michael Kruse

Ron DeSantis' "Top Gov" 2022 ad

Ron DeSantis' pro-Trump 2018 gubernatorial ad

"How 'disinformation' became public enemy No. 1," by Nick Gillespie and Zach Weissmueller with Jacob Siegel

"Did SCOTUS roll back gay rights and civil rights?" by Nick Gillespie with Coleman Hughes and Walter Olson

"'60s Songs That Explain the '90s': 'Tubthumping' and the Chart-Topping Anarchists," by Rob Harvilla

"A Strange Museum Takes a Strange Turn," by Stephen Wahrhaftig

Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsor:

• Health insurance is broken. Premiums are increasing, deductibles are getting larger, and claims denials are becoming more common. The headache of health insurance is exactly why CrowdHealth was created. It's not health insurance—it's a better way to pay for health care through crowdfunding. CrowdHealth gives its members the freedom to efficiently and affordably break free from the antiquated insurance system and into a health care option that fits their needs. The insurance companies don't give you the peace of mind you need. CrowdHealth does. That's why your $50/month membership includes the tools and services you need to get the highest quality health care. You'll get access to telemedicine visits, discounted prescriptions, and so much more, without doctors' networks messing things up. Plus, you'll have access to your own personal care advocate, who will help you navigate the complexities of health events and even negotiate bills on your behalf. And of course, you'll join the Crowd—a group of members just like you who want to help pay for each other's unexpected medical events. It's time you opt out of restrictive health insurance plans and let CrowdHealth help fit your health care needs. Get started today for just $50 per month. Use code ROUNDTABLE to get the health care you deserve. CrowdHealth is not insurance. Learn more at joincrowdhealth.com, code ROUNDTABLE.

Audio production by Ian Keyser; assistant production by Hunt Beaty.

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

The post The Courts vs. Misinformation Cops appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, Matt Welch is back in the saddle alongside editors Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Peter Suderman as they discuss the recent batch of Supreme Court decisions ahead of the July 4 holiday.

1:04: The Supreme Court's decision on race-based affirmative action in college admissions

23:16: The Supreme Court's decision involving same-sex wedding websites and free expression

28:40: Weekly Listener Question

38:29: The Supreme Court strikes down President Joe Biden's student loan cancellation plan.

51:06: This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"Purple June," by Josh Blackman

"Joe Biden's Incoherent Student Loan Logic," by Eric Boehm

"Supreme Court to Biden: You Can't Just Forgive $400 Billion in Student Loan Debt Without Asking Congress," by Emma Camp

"Supreme Court on Affirmative Action: 'Eliminating Racial Discrimination Means Eliminating All of It,'" by Emma Camp

"Thoughts on the Supreme Court's Ruling in the Harvard and UNC Racial Preferences Cases," by Ilya Somin

"The Unsurprising Affirmative Action Decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard," by Will Baude

"52%-32% Support for Court's Decision 'Restricting the Use of Race as a Factor in College Admissions,'" by Eugene Volokh

"Biden Says He Will try to do Student Loan Forgiveness Under the Higher Education Act of 1965," by Ilya Somin

"Time To End Affirmative Action? Live With David Bernstein and Kenny Xu," by Nick Gillespie and Zach Weissmueller

"Colorado Can't Force a Graphic Designer To Create Same-Sex Wedding Websites, Supreme Court Rules," by Stephanie Slade

"A First Amendment for Everyone," by Dale Carpenter

"Self-Cancellation, Deplatforming, and Censorship," by Nick Gillespie

"Of Course Legacy Admissions Should Follow Affirmative Action to the Grave," by Robby Soave

"Should We Forgive Student Debt?" by Nick Gillespie

"The Immorality of Student Loan Forgiveness and Free College," by Nick Gillespie

"Exit Interviews," by Katherine Mangu-Ward and Mike Lynch

"On Independence Day, Find Common Ground Over Freedom," by J.D Tuccille

Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsor:

• Sometimes in life, we're faced with tough choices, and the path forward isn't always clear. Whether you're dealing with decisions around career, relationships, or anything else, therapy helps you stay connected to what you really want while you navigate life, so you can move forward with confidence and excitement. Trusting yourself to make decisions that align with your values is like anything—the more you practice it, the easier it gets. It's helpful for learning positive coping skills and how to set boundaries; it empowers you to be the best version of yourself; it isn't just for those who've experienced major trauma. If you're thinking of starting therapy, give BetterHelp a try. It's entirely online, designed to be convenient, flexible, and suited to your schedule. Just fill out a brief questionnaire to get matched with a licensed therapist, and switch therapists anytime for no additional charge. Let therapy be your map, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/roundtable today to get 10 percent off your first month.

Audio production by Ian Keyser; assistant production by Hunt Beaty.

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

The post Three Cheers for the Supreme Court appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Peter Suderman and Katherine Mangu-Ward host not one but two special guests! Reason's own Liz Wolfe and the one and only Kennedy. Buckle up and enjoy as they cover new reporting that lends legitimacy to the lab leak theory of COVID-19's origins, the candidacy of RFK Jr., and the Wagner Group's recent revolt in Russia. Huzzah!

2:20—New reporting supplies legitimacy to lab leak theory of COVID-19's origins

19:59—The candidacy of RFK Jr.

45:04—Weekly Listener Question

48:13—Wagner Group's armed revolt in Russia

57:09—This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"COVID-19's 'Patients Zero' May Have Been Wuhan Lab Scientists, Report Finds" by Robby Soave

"Lab Leak Theory: 1, Misinformation Cops: 0" by Robby Soave

"The Very Strange New Respect for Authoritarian Democrat Robert F. Kennedy Jr." by Matt Welch

"Joe Biden More Vulnerable in 2024 Primary Than Donald Trump Ever Was in 2020" by Matt Welch

"Do Conservatives Actually Like RFK Jr., or Do They Just Think He'll Hurt Biden?" Joe Lancaster

"Taxing the Rich Will Have No Meaningful Effect on Our Sky-High National Debt" by Veronique De Rugy

"Anticlimactic End to Wagner Group's Armed Rebellion in Russia" by Elizabeth Nolan Brown

Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Audio production by Ian Keyser

Assistant production by Hunt Beaty

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

The post A Special (Mostly) Kennedy Episode appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and special guest Eric Boehm consider the persistent inflation problem alongside government spending and the effect of indicting former President Donald Trump on the GOP election race.

0:33: Persistent inflation and perpetual spending

30:39: Trump's indictment and its effect on the GOP race

40:12: Weekly Listener Question

43:56: Joe Biden and the war on ticket "junk fees"

46:17: This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"Trump's New York Indictment Was Just the Beginning of His Legal Woes," by Eric Boehm

"Inflation Ticks Higher in April as Rents Keep Rising," by Eric Boehm

"The Debt Ceiling Deal Does Not Go Nearly Far Enough," by Veronique de Rugy

"Amid Inflation Relief, Rental Prices Continue Soaring," by Eric Boehm

"Should Trump Go to Prison?" by Zach Weissmueller and Nick Gillespie

"What 'Freedom' Means to Ron DeSantis," by Eric Boehm

"Ticketmaster's Taylor Swift Glitch Doesn't Require a Congressional Hearing," by Liz Wolfe

"The Flash Makes the Case Against the Multiverse," by Peter Suderman

Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsor:

• It's so easy to get caught up in what everyone else needs from you and never take a moment to think about what you need from yourself. But when we spend all of our time giving, it can leave us feeling stretched thin and burned out. Therapy can give you the tools to find more balance in your life, so you can keep supporting others, without leaving yourself behind. If you're thinking of starting therapy, give BetterHelp a try. It's entirely online, designed to be convenient, flexible, and suited to your schedule. Just fill out a brief questionnaire to get matched with a licensed therapist, and switch therapists any time for no additional charge. Find more balance, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/roundtable today to get 10 percent off your first month.
• The Reason Speakeasy. The Reason Speakeasy is a monthly, unscripted conversation in New York City with outspoken defenders of free thinking and heterodoxy. It doubles as a live taping of The Reason Interview podcast and always provides a great evening of camaraderie and conversation about cutting-edge topics and ideas. On June 26, Nick Gillespie talks with Tara Isabella Burton, author of the phenomenal new book Self-Made: Creating Our Identities From Da Vinci to the Kardashians. As in her previous Strange Rites: New Religions for a Godless World, Burton zeroes in on the amazing freedom we have to define our reality and all the complications, problems, and possibilities that come along with such freedom. They'll talk about her findings in Self-Made, whether Kim or Kris is the ultimate Kardashian, the insights she picked up while getting a Ph.D. in theology from Oxford, and how traditional and modern cultures mix uneasily. Tickets are $10 and include beer, wine, soda, food, and plenty of time to talk about politics, culture, and ideas in one of the coolest settings in midtown Manhattan. For details, go here.

Audio production by Ian Keyser; assistant production by Hunt Beaty.

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

The post The Fed Won't Save Us From the Inflation Iceberg appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Peter Suderman break down the latest indictment of former President Donald Trump associated with the collection of classified documents in his Mar-a-Lago home.

0:21: Donald Trump indicted again

31:59: Weekly Listener Question

40:57: Senseless constitutional amendments

49:18: This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"Trump's Own Attorney General Says Indictment Is 'Very, Very Damning,'" by Robby Soave

"Donald Trump Indicted on More Than 30 Charges in Classified Documents Case," C.J. Ciaramella

"Trump Indicted, Faces Federal Criminal Charges Under Espionage Act," by Elizabeth Nolan Brown

"Trump's New York Indictment Was Just the Beginning of His Legal Woes," by Eric Boehm

"Trump's Impeachment Trial Will Only Make Us Hate Washington Even More," by Nick Gillespie

"Let Us Now Thank Donald Trump for Revealing Brutal Truths About How Power and Privilege Operate," by Nick Gillespie

"All This Impeachment Talk Is Pure Trump Derangement Syndrome," by Nick Gillespie

"FBI Director Recommends Against Prosecuting Hillary Clinton Over Email Actions," by Nick Gillespie

"Trump Reportedly Viewed a Supposedly Declassified Document As a Secret He Was Not Allowed To Share," by Jacob Sullum

"Donald Trump's Handling of Classified Material Looks Worse Than Hillary Clinton's," by Jacob Sullum

"Trump's Lawyers Say It's Not Clear Whether 'Purported' Classified Documents at Mar-a-Lago 'Remain Classified,'" by Jacob Sullum

"Gavin Newsom Wants To 'Permanently Enshrine' Gun Control in the U.S. Constitution," by Jacob Sullum

"Hillary Clinton's Use of a Private Email Server Perfectly Explains Why People Don't Trust Her," by Peter Suderman

"Hillary Clinton Keeps Making Untrue Claims About Her Use of a Private Email Server," by Peter Suderman

"What Critics of the FBI's Clinton Investigation Get Right," by Jacob Sullum

"Clinton Lies About Lying About Her Lies," by Jacob Sullum

"Yet Another Shady, Hypocritical Document Hoarder," by Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, Peter Suderman, and Matt Welch

"How a college term paper led to a constitutional amendment," by Scott Bomboy at the National Constitution Center

"The Public Has a Right To See the Nashville Shooter's Writings," by J.D. Tuccille

Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsor:

• It's so easy to get caught up in what everyone else needs from you, and never take a moment to think about what you need from yourself. But when we spend all of our time giving, it can leave us feeling stretched thin and burned out. Therapy can give you the tools to find more balance in your life—so you can keep supporting others, without leaving yourself behind. If you're thinking of starting therapy, give BetterHelp a try. It's entirely online. Designed to be convenient, flexible, and suited to your schedule. Just fill out a brief questionnaire to get matched with a licensed therapist, and switch therapists any time for no additional charge. Find more balance, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/roundtable today to get 10 percent off your first month.
• The Reason Speakeasy. The Reason Speakeasy is a monthly, unscripted conversation in New York City with outspoken defenders of free thinking and heterodoxy. It doubles as a live taping of The Reason Interview podcast and always provides a great evening of camaraderie and conversation about cutting-edge topics and ideas. On June 26, Nick Gillespie talks with Tara Isabella Burton, author of the phenomenal new book Self-Made: Creating Our Identities From Da Vinci to the Kardashians. As in her previous Strange Rites: New Religions for a Godless World, Burton zeroes in on the amazing freedom we have to define our reality and all the complications, problems, and possibilities that come along with such freedom. They'll talk about her findings in Self-Made, whether Kim or Kris is the ultimate Kardashian, the insights she picked up while getting a Ph.D. in theology from Oxford, and how traditional and modern cultures mix uneasily. Tickets are $10 and include beer, wine, soda, food, and plenty of time to talk about politics, culture, and ideas in one of the coolest settings in midtown Manhattan. For details, go here.

Audio production by Ian Keyser; assistant production by Hunt Beaty.

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

The post Did Trump Break a Law That Shouldn't Exist? appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Peter Suderman attempt to disentangle the various roiling debates over sexuality, identity, and the state amid this year's Pride month celebrations.

0:25: Pride wars

31:10: Weekly Listener Question

43:15: California Assembly votes to pass Journalism Preservation Act

48:44: This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"Trump-Appointed Judge Rules Tennessee's Anti-Drag Law Unconstitutional," by Elizabeth Nolan Brown

"Uganda's New Anti-Gay Law Could Undermine AIDS Prevention," by William Rampe

"What Do Gadsden Flags and Pride Flags Have in Common?" by Scott Shackford

"Florida Bans Most Public School Instruction on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity," by Scott Shackford

"Tennessee's Anti-Drag Bill Is a Gaudy Public Performance," by Scott Shackford

"Gavin Newsom represents the worst kind of elites," says Nick Gillespie

"Is California Over?" by Nick Gillespie and Regan Taylor

"Babylon Bee Won't Back Down Over Trans Joke Twitter Ban," by Nick Gillespie

"Abigail Shrier: Trans Activists, Cancel Culture, and the Future of Free Expression," by Nick Gillespie

"Science Denialism on the Left: Sex, Gender, and Trans Identity," by Nick Gillespie

"Is Target Stock Going 'in Toilet' Due to Conservative Boycott Over Bathroom Policy?" by Nick Gillespie

"Bruce Jenner's Impossibly Great American Dream," by Nick Gillespie

"From Donald To Deirdre," by Deirdre McCloskey

"The Rise and Fall of the Spokestroll," by Abe Greenwald

"Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Does Cinematic Diversity Right," by Peter Suderman

"Cult Country," by Jesse Walker

Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsor:

• It's so easy to get caught up in what everyone else needs from you and never take a moment to think about what you need from yourself. But when we spend all of our time giving, it can leave us feeling stretched thin and burned out. Therapy can give you the tools to find more balance in your life—so you can keep supporting others, without leaving yourself behind. If you're thinking of starting therapy, give BetterHelp a try. It's entirely online. Designed to be convenient, flexible, and suited to your schedule. Just fill out a brief questionnaire to get matched with a licensed therapist, and switch therapists any time for no additional charge. Find more balance, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/roundtable today to get 10 percent off your first month.

Audio production by Ian Keyser; assistant production by Hunt Beaty.

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

The post Should Libertarians Be Noncombatants in the Pride Wars? appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Peter Suderman untangle the holiday weekend debt-ceiling deal between President Joe Biden and Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R–Calif.) and consider the recent sentencing of Oath Keepers leader Stewart Rhodes for his role in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.

0:36: President Biden and Speaker McCarthy announce debt-ceiling deal

17:32: Oath Keepers leader Stewart Rhodes sentenced to 18 years in prison.

29:24: Weekly Listener Question

42:36: Ron DeSantis officially announces his run for the White House

47:40: This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"Debt Ceiling Deal Curtails GOP-Backed Budget Cuts, Spending Caps," by Eric Boehm

"Debt Ceiling Bill 'Locks in the Inflated Spending Levels of Recent Years,'" by Elizabeth Nolan Brown

"3 Reasons Why The Debt-Ceiling Debate is Full of Malarkey," by Nick Gillespie and Meredith Bragg

"Why We Need Less Debt, and Fast!" by Nick Gillespie and Mark McDaniel

"What We Talk About When We Talk About the Debt Ceiling: Nothing Much, Sadly," by Nick Gillespie

"Stewart Rhodes Gets 18 Years After the DOJ Reiterates a Conspiracy Claim That Jurors Rejected," by Jacob Sullum

"Punishing Rioters Is Wise. Bogus 'Seditious Conspiracy' Charges Are Not." by J.D. Tuccille

"Storks Don't Take Orders From the State," by Elizabeth Nolan Brown

"Can Governments Increase Birthrates? Should They?" by Nick Gillespie

"My Parents Were 'Somebody Else's Babies'—And Model Americans," by Nick Gillespie

Let It Breed by Nick Gillespie

"The Real Class Warfare Is Baby Boomers vs. Younger Americans," by Nick Gillespie

"DeSantis Announces Too-Online Campaign in Most Online Way Imaginable," by Eric Boehm

"Succession Is a Darkly Comic Warning About the Transfer of Generational Power," by Peter Suderman

Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsor:

• Andrew Heaton is one of the funny people in Reason TV videos, like "Star Trek: The Libertarian Edition" or "Star Wars Libertarian Special." So it won't surprise you to discover he hosts a science fiction podcast: Alienating the Audience. Alienating the Audience does deep dives into science fiction, like Robert Heinlein's free love libertarianism, the economics of Dune, Kurt Vonnegut and the warfare state, and how Star Wars: Andor loves public choice theory. Guests on the show have included Peter Boghossian on what first contact with aliens would be like, Jonathan Last from The Bulwark defending the Empire in Star Wars, Tim Sandefur of Goldwater Institute on Star Trek's Cold War hot takes, and even Katherine Mangu-Ward has joined to discuss the work of Dan Simmons. If you don't like science fiction, do not listen to Alienating the Audience, as there's an excellent chance your virginity will grow back. But if you DO like science fiction, and with a dollop of politics and economics, served fresh by a mid-level comedian, then check out Alienating the Audience wherever you get your podcasts.

Audio production by Ian Keyser; assistant production by Hunt Beaty.

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

The post Banging Our Heads on the Debt Ceiling appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Peter Suderman wrestle with newfangled viewpoints and contradictions within National Conservatism and its core disagreements with libertarianism. Also, the editors assess a fresh batch of Republican presidential hopefuls.

0:23: Libertarians vs. the New Right

28:00: Appraising a fresh group of Republican presidential hopefuls

43:53: Weekly Listener Question

53:46: This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"Conservatives Pushing 'Common Good Capitalism' Sound a Lot Like Progressives," by Veronique de Rugy

"The Post-Liberal Authoritarians Want You To Forget That Private Companies Have Rights," by Stephanie Slade

"Ron DeSantis Confirms (Again) That His Attack on Disney Was Political Retribution," by Eric Boehm

"Pot Legalization Is a 'Big Mistake' Only If You Ignore the Value of Freedom and the Injustice of Prohibition," by Jacob Sullum

"No, Vivek Ramaswamy, 'Political Expression' Shouldn't Be a 'Civil Right'," by Stephanie Slade

"Elizabeth Nolan Brown and Scott Winship: Governments Can't Increase Birthrates. They Shouldn't Even Try." by Nick Gillespie

"What a New Report Gets Wrong About Economic Inequality," by Scott Winship

"3 Myths about American Decline," by Nick Gillespie and Noor Greene

The male labor force participation rate has declined from 87 Percent to 68 Percent, according to the St. Louis Federal Reserve.

"'Now Is Better,' Says Legendary Designer Stefan Sagmeister," by Nick Gillespie

"All Culture, All the Time," by Nick Gillespie

"Good Riddance To Chris Christie," by Christian Britschgi

"Why Pols from New Jersey Aren't Born To Run," by Nick Gillespie

"Fast X Is a Loud, Obnoxious, Campy Bore," by Peter Suderman

Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsor:

• Getting to know yourself can be a lifelong process, especially because we're always growing and changing. Therapy is all about deepening your self-awareness and understanding. Because sometimes we don't know what we want or why we react the way we do until we talk through things. BetterHelp connects you with a licensed therapist who can take you on that journey of self-discovery from wherever you are. If you're thinking of starting therapy, give BetterHelp a try. It's entirely online. Designed to be convenient, flexible, and suited to your schedule. Just fill out a brief questionnaire to get matched with a licensed therapist, and switch therapists anytime for no additional charge. Discover your potential with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/roundtable today to get 10 percent off your first month.

Audio production by Ian Keyser; assistant production by Hunt Beaty.

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

The post Do the Natcons Get Anything Right? appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Peter Suderman delve into U.S. immigration policy, prompted by the recent lifting of Title 42, a dreadful COVID-era hangover that restricted the ability of migrants to seek asylum.

1:51: Title 42 migrant expulsions finally come to an end.

23:50: The Congressional Budget Office's budget outlook projects a federal budget deficit of $1.5 trillion in 2023 alone.

35:05: Weekly Listener Question

45:53: Donald Trump's CNN town hall appearance

49:04: This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"Is Biden Replacing Bad Border Policy With Worse Border Policy?" by Elizabeth Nolan Brown

"Biden Keeps Another Trump Border Policy in Place," by Fiona Harrigan

"The End of Title 42 Expulsions of Migrants—and What Comes Next," by Ilya Somin

"US Regains Pre-Trump, Pre-Pandemic Immigration Levels," by Ilya Somin

"Biden's New Trump-Lite Asylum Policy Proposal," by Ilya Somin

"A Historic Refugee Crisis Miscast As a Border Emergency," by Stuart Anderson

"Biden's Immigration Plan Lays Out a Tougher Border, New Legal Pathway for Some Migrants," by Fiona Harrigan

"How Immigrants Make America Great Again (and Again and Again)," by Nick Gillespie

"How Mass Immigration Stopped American Socialism," by Alex Nowrasteh and Benjamin Powell

"The GOP's Suicide Pact on Immigration," by Nick Gillespie

"The Debt Ceiling Fight Is a Reminder of America's Dire Fiscal Future," by Veronique de Rugy

"Biden Falsely Bragged About Lowering the Budget Deficit. Now, It Is Predictably Rising Again." by Eric Boehm

"The House GOP Debt Ceiling Plan Would Restore Spending Caps. Good." by Eric Boehm

"Vivek Ramaswamy Is Wrong About the National Debt," by Nick Gillespie

"Nobel Prize–Winning Economist: Democrats Are Committed 'To Spending Other People's Money,'" by Nick Gillespie

"Why We Need To Shrink the National Debt, and Fast!" by Nick Gillespie and Mark McDaniel

"CNN Gave Trump a Megaphone, and He Used It Exactly As You'd Expect," by Elizabeth Nolan Brown

Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsors:

• Left-wing megadonors are shoveling money into pet projects that don't reflect American values. What's more, lawmakers continue to push bloated, big-government policies—like so-called student loan cancellation—and other programs that will inevitably raise prices and fail to reach the people they are meant to help. All isn't lost, though. You can help turn the tide with a charitable giving account at DonorsTrust. DonorsTrust is a refuge from the storm of harmful, progressive philanthropy and big-government wheeling and dealing that's hurting our institutions and, more importantly, our loved ones. So, take cover and let my friends at DonorsTrust help you maximize your giving while minimizing your tax liability. Whether it's defending speech, empowering entrepreneurs to offer educational alternatives, or fighting green-energy extremists that want to consolidate power and raise prices on individuals and families, DonorsTrust is the charitable giving account provider for you. Visit www.donorstrust.org/reason to learn more about how DonorsTrust can minimize your tax liability and maximize your giving.
• Andrew Heaton is one of the funny people in Reason TV videos, like "Star Trek: The Libertarian Edition" or "Star Wars Libertarian Special." So it won't surprise you to discover he hosts a science fiction podcast: Alienating the Audience. Alienating the Audience does deep dives into science fiction, like Robert Heinlein's free love libertarianism, the economics of Dune, Kurt Vonnegut and the warfare state, and how Star Wars: Andor loves public choice theory. Guests on the show have included Peter Boghossian on what first contact with aliens would be like, Jonathan Last from The Bulwark defending the Empire in Star Wars, Tim Sandefur of Goldwater Institute on Star Trek's Cold War hot takes, and even Katherine Mangu-Ward has joined to discuss the work of Dan Simmons. If you don't like science fiction, do not listen to Alienating the Audience, as there's an excellent chance your virginity will grow back. But if you DO like science fiction, and with a dollop of politics and economics, served fresh by a mid-level comedian, then check out Alienating the Audience wherever you get your podcasts.

Audio production by Ian Keyser; assistant production by Hunt Beaty.

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

The post There Is No Party of Immigration in American Politics appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Peter Suderman take a deep dive into the ongoing controversies around the Supreme Court justices as well as Rochelle Walensky's tenure at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

0:31: Ongoing SCOTUS controversies

24:10: Rochelle Walensky stepping down as head of the CDC

41:43: Weekly Listener Question

Mentioned in this podcast:

"Is Clarence Thomas Ethically Challenged?" by Matt Welch, Liz Wolfe, Peter Suderman, and Nick Gillespie

Supreme Court approval rating hits historic low, according to a Gallup poll.

"Randy Barnett: Abortion, Guns, and the Future of the Supreme Court," by Nick Gillespie

"Justice Thomas Long Ago Explained His Perspective On Disclosure Laws," by Josh Blackman

"Another Judicial Ethics Story About Justice Thomas Falls Apart," by Josh Blackman

"Law firm head brought Gorsuch-owned property," by Heidi Przybyla

All In with Chris Hayes on Twitter

"Rochelle Walensky Leaves a CDC That's Far More Powerful Than When She Entered It," by Robby Soave

"WHO Declares Global COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Over," by Ronald Bailey

"Don't Be Fooled by Randi Weingarten's Rehabilitation Tour," Liz Wolfe

"Surgeon General Vivek Murthy Refuses To Acknowledge the Government's Misrepresentation of Mask Research," by Jacob Sullum

"CDC's New 'Reopening' Guidance Will Keep Schools Closed in the Fall," by Matt Welch

"Democrats attack conservative Supreme Court justices but have long ignored liberal justices' ethical issues," by Joe Schoffstall

"Emails Show CDC Policed COVID Speech on Facebook," by Robby Soave, Nick Gillespie, and Zach Weissmueller

"The FDA and CDC's Coronavirus Response Is a 'Failure of Historic Proportions,'" by Nick Gillespie

"The CDC Made America's Pandemic Worse," by Peter Suderman

"COVID-19 Exposed the Truth About the CDC," by Justin Monticello

"A quarter of Americans distrust CDC recommendations," by Alexander Tin

"Garden Gnome Politics," by Greg Beato

"HOAs Are Popular Where Prejudice Is Strong and Government Is Weak," by David Montgomery

"Sandy Springs, Georgia: The City that Outsourced Everything," by Paul Feine and Alex Manning

"'Startup Cities,' Honduras, and Experiments in Freedom. Professor Tom W. Bell Talks With Reason," by Zach Weissmueller

"Meet Newton Howard, the Brain Scientist Who Put Giant Transformers in Front of His D.C. Home," by Noor Greene

Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's Sponsors:

• Getting to know yourself can be a lifelong process, especially because we're always growing and changing. Therapy is all about deepening your self-awareness and understanding. Because sometimes we don't know what we want or why we react the way we do until we talk through things. BetterHelp connects you with a licensed therapist who can take you on that journey of self-discovery from wherever you are. If you're thinking of starting therapy, give BetterHelp a try. It's entirely online. Designed to be convenient, flexible, and suited to your schedule. Just fill out a brief questionnaire to get matched with a licensed therapist, and switch therapists anytime for no additional charge. Discover your potential with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/roundtable today to get 10 percent off your first month.

Audio production by Ian Keyser; assistant production by Hunt Beaty.

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

The post Delegitimizing the Supreme Court appeared first on Reason.com.

Last week, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Peter Suderman touched the stage at New York City's eminent Comedy Cellar to record an episode of The Reason Roundtable in front of a live audience. Topics ranged from marijuana aromas to terrible 2024 presidential candidates, and included some geographical sparring over contrasting libertarian lifestyle choices. It's a lively NYC vs. D.C. cage match!

02:45—A profusion of high-profile firings on cable news

07:20—NYC smells like weed (finally!)

20:50—Why THIS presidential candidate would be terrible

36:20—NYC vs. D.C.

51:14—New York–centric cultural recommendations

56:40—Audience Q&A

Mentioned in this podcast:

"Why Is Tucker Carlson Leaving Fox News?" by Robby Soave

"Tucker Carlson is More a Symptom of Our Problems than a Cause," by Ilya Somin

"New York City Should Have Always Smelled Like Pot," by Liz Wolfe

"Bill Bratton: Fighting Crime Without Shredding Civil Liberties," by Nick Gillespie & Zach Weissmueller

"What 'Freedom' Means to Ron DeSantis," by Eric Boehm

"The Very Strange New Respect for Authoritarian Democrat Robert F. Kennedy Jr.," by Matt Welch

"Nikki Haley Is Running for President," by Scott Shackford

"During Surprise Trip to Kyiv, Biden Promises Endless Support for Ukraine War," by Christian Britschgi

Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Audio production by Ian Keyser; assistant production by Hunt Beaty; video edit by Adam Czarnecki.

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

The post A Bonus <i>Reason Roundtable</i>. Live From New York City! appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Peter Suderman puzzle over President Joe Biden's announcement that he's seeking reelection in 2024 and plod through the Republican-controlled House's recently passed debt ceiling plan.

1:46: President Joe Biden announces he's running again.

23:47: House Republicans pass a debt ceiling plan. Now what?

36:38: Weekly Listener Question

46:40: Revisionist history with Randi Weingarten

50:49: This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"President Joe Biden Announces He Is Running for Reelection," by Joe Lancaster

"The Very Strange New Respect for Authoritarian Democrat Robert F. Kennedy Jr.," by Matt Welch

"Choose Between a Douche and a Turd…or Die (Special Get Out the Vote Edition)," by Nick Gillespie

"Biden Has Added 220 Million Hours of Regulatory Paperwork Since His Inauguration," by Mike Riggs

"Kamala Harris Is a Flop," by Elizabeth Nolan Brown

"What We Talk About When We Talk About the Debt Ceiling," by Nick Gillespie

"3 Reasons Why the Debt-Ceiling Debate is Full of Malarkey," by Nick Gillespie and Meredith Bragg

"The Cult of the Presidency," by Gene Healy

"Don't Believe the Media Fearmongering About Spending Cuts," by Veronique de Rugy

"The House GOP Debt Ceiling Plan Would Restore Spending Caps. Good." by Eric Boehm

"Kevin McCarthy, Joe Biden, and the Deeply Unserious Debate Over the Debt Ceiling," by Eric Boehm

"Randi Weingarten's Hilariously Awful Media Rehabilitation Tour," by Matt Welch

Reason's 1976 review of Bugsy Malone, by Charles Barr

Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsors:

• A famous mustache. Saturday Night Live sketches. A college professor who's a Doja Cat fan. What do these three things have in common? They're all part of the wild world of Jeopardy! The brand new podcast, This Is Jeopardy! The Story of America's Favorite Quiz Show, peels back the curtain on the legacy of the show and takes you behind the scenes of the game that's kept us guessing, laughing, and cheering for more than 60 years. Each week celebrates some favorite moments from Jeopardy!'s history. It includes stories from contestants, staffers, and fans—from early days with Art Fleming, to the rise of Alex Trebek, to Ken Jennings' historic run, and many more! Hosted by Buzzy Cohen, find and listen to episodes now wherever you get your podcasts.
• Andrew Heaton is one of the funny people in Reason TV videos, like "Star Trek: The Libertarian Edition" or "Star Wars Libertarian Special." So it won't surprise you to discover he hosts a science fiction podcast: Alienating the Audience. Alienating the Audience does deep dives into science fiction, like Robert Heinlein's free love libertarianism, the economics of Dune, Kurt Vonnegut and the warfare state, and how Star Wars: Andor loves public choice theory. Guests on the show have included Peter Boghossian on what first contact with aliens would be like, Jonathan Last from The Bulwark defending the Empire in Star Wars, Tim Sandefur of Goldwater Institute on Star Trek's Cold War hot takes, and even Katherine Mangu-Ward has joined to discuss the work of Dan Simmons. If you don't like science fiction, do not listen to Alienating the Audience, as there's an excellent chance your virginity will grow back. But if you DO like science fiction, and with a dollop of politics and economics, served fresh by a mid-level comedian, then check out Alienating the Audience wherever you get your podcasts.

Audio production by Ian Keyser; assistant production by Hunt Beaty.

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

The post Joe Biden Wants 4 More Years 'To Finish the Job.' What Job? appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, Katherine Mangu-Ward is back alongside editors Matt Welch, Nick Gillespie, and Peter Suderman as they contextualize Fox News' defamation settlement with Dominion Voting Systems and Tucker Carlson's sudden departure from the network.

01:20: Fox News' defamation settlement

15:55: BuzzFeed News shuts down

29:55: Tucker Carlson out at Fox News

44:35: Weekly Listener Question

50:45: Elon Musk and rapid unscheduled disassembly

52:35: This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"The Fox/Dominion Settlement Highlights the Importance of Discovery in Proving 'Actual Malice,'" by Jacob Sullum

"In a $788 Million Defamation Settlement, Fox News Admits That It Spread False Claims About Election Fraud," by Jacob Sullum

"Fox's Excuses Reinforce Dominion's Defamation Case," by Jacob Sullum

"Tucker Carlson on The Daily Caller, His Infamous Jon Stewart Debate, and Walking out of the Ron Paul Convention," by Michael C. Moynihan

"Tucker Carlson Describes the Capitol Riot as 'Mostly Peaceful Chaos.' Is He Wrong?" by Jacob Sullum

"Does Tucker Carlson Get Anything Right About Libertarians?" by Matt Welch

"Tucker: The Man and His Dream," by Matt Welch

"The Death of BuzzFeed News Was a Facebook Murder-Suicide," by Robby Soave

"Democrats Threaten Matt Taibbi With Jail Time Over Twitter Files Testimony," by Robby Soave

Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsor:

• Getting to know yourself can be a lifelong process, especially because we're always growing and changing. Therapy is all about deepening your self-awareness and understanding. Because sometimes we don't know what we want or why we react the way we do until we talk through things. BetterHelp connects you with a licensed therapist who can take you on that journey of self-discovery from wherever you are. If you're thinking of starting therapy, give BetterHelp a try. It's entirely online. Designed to be convenient, flexible, and suited to your schedule. Just fill out a brief questionnaire to get matched with a licensed therapist, and switch therapists anytime for no additional charge. Discover your potential with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/roundtable today to get 10 percent off your first month.

Audio production by Tarcisio Longobardi; assistant production by Hunt Beaty.

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

The post What Does Tucker Carlson's Sudden Schism With Fox News Mean? appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Nick Gillespie, Peter Suderman, and special guest Liz Wolfe consider the recent revelation that Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas accepted lavish trips from his billionaire friend Harlan Crow and contextualize the leak of classified materials by 21-year-old Air National Guardsman Jack Teixeira.

0:42: Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas' controversial friendship with billionaire Harlan Crow

23:15: Air National Guardsman Jack Teixeira leaks classified materials to his online friends.

36:25: Weekly Listener Question

44:40: Tax Day animus

50:14: This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"Oh no! Rich collector of historical items has items by and about bad people!" by Eugene Volokh

"Supreme Court Senility," by Jesse Walker

"Not So Supreme," by Nick Gillespie

"Leaker of Ukraine Intelligence Was Reportedly a Gun Enthusiast Trying To Impress His Discord Friends," by Robby Soave

"Pentagon Leak Reveals 14 U.S. Troops in Ukraine," by Bonnie Kristian

"Massive Leak of Ukraine Intelligence Documents Angers U.S. Allies," by Robby Soave

"Kerry Howley: A Journey Through the Deep State," by Nick Gillespie

"The Degraded Currency of the Shadow Government," by Kerry Howley

"Debate: It's Time for a National Divorce," by Angela McArdle and Zach Weissmueller

"Jayhawk Down," by Nick Gillespie

"IRS Is 48 Days Late To Issue Report Telling American Public How It'll Spend New $80 Billion," by Liz Wolfe

"3 More Reasons to Fear the IRS," by Nick Gillespie and Meredith Bragg

"Taxes: The Price We Pay For Civilization," by Nick Gillespie and Meredith Bragg

Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsor:

• Andrew Heaton is one of the funny people in Reason TV videos like "Star Trek: The Libertarian Edition" and "Star Wars Libertarian Special." So it won't surprise you to discover he hosts a science fiction podcast: Alienating the Audience. Alienating the Audience does deep dives into science fiction, like Robert Heinlein's free-love libertarianism, the economics of Dune, Kurt Vonnegut and the warfare state, and how Star Wars: Andor loves public choice theory. Guests on the show have included Peter Boghossian on what first contact with aliens would be like, Jonathan Last from The Bulwark defending the Empire in Star Wars, Tim Sandefur of the Goldwater Institute on Star Trek's Cold War hot takes, and even Katherine Mangu-Ward joining to discuss the work of Dan Simmons. If you don't like science fiction, do not listen to Alienating the Audience, as there's an excellent chance your virginity will grow back. But if you do like science fiction, and with a dollop of politics and economics, served fresh by a mid-level comedian, then check out Alienating the Audience wherever you get your podcasts.

Audio production by Ian Keyser; assistant production by Hunt Beaty.
Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

The post Is Clarence Thomas Ethically Challenged? appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Peter Suderman question new opposing decisions from federal judges regarding the abortion pill mifepristone and take up the recent expulsion of two Democrats from the Tennessee state Legislature over their roles in a gun control protest.

2:13: New rulings on abortion pill mifepristone

22:07: Tennessee House expels two Democratic lawmakers

35:03: Weekly Listener Question

45:41: Lightning Round: The Trump indictment, continued

52:40: This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"Dueling Decisions Leave Abortion Pill's Fate Uncertain," by Elizabeth Nolan Brown

"The Abortion Debate Is Messy. Two Lawsuits Against the FDA May Make It Worse." by J.D. Tuccille

"What 'Freedom' Means to Ron DeSantis," by Eric Boehm

"Recent Supreme Court Decisions and Equality," by Eugene Volokh

"Idaho Takes Aim at Interstate Travel for Abortion. Health Care Providers Are Suing." by Elizabeth Nolan Brown

"Blue-State AGs Have A Mifepristone Lawsuit of Their Own," by Jonathan H. Adler

"In Defense of Roe," by Nick Gillespie and Regan Taylor

"Get Ready for the Post-Roe Sex Police!" by Nick Gillespie

"Do 'More Guns Lead To More Deaths'? by Nick Gillespie

"How To Create a Gun-Free America in 5 Easy Steps," Austin Bragg

"3 Reasons Not To Sweat The Citizens United Ruling," by Meredith Bragg and Nick Gillespie

"The Radical Freedom of Dungeons and Dragons," by C.J. Ciaramella

Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsor:

• Left-wing megadonors are shoveling money into pet projects that don't reflect American values. What's more, lawmakers continue to push bloated, big-government policies—like so-called student loan cancellation—and other programs that will inevitably raise prices and fail to reach the people they are meant to help. All isn't lost, though. You can help turn the tide with a charitable giving account at DonorsTrust. DonorsTrust is a refuge from the storm of harmful, progressive philanthropy and big-government wheeling and dealing that's hurting our institutions and, more importantly, our loved ones. So, take cover and let my friends at DonorsTrust help you maximize your giving while minimizing your tax liability. Whether it's defending speech; empowering entrepreneurs to offer educational alternatives; or fighting green-energy extremists that want to consolidate power and raise prices on individuals and families, DonorsTrust is the charitable giving account provider for you. Visit www.donorstrust.org/reason to learn more about how DonorsTrust can minimize your tax liability and maximize your giving.

Audio production by Ian Keyser;

assistant production by Hunt Beaty.

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

The post Abortion, Guns, Trump, and the New Era of Shout-Down Politics appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Peter Suderman anticipate the historic arraignment on criminal charges of former President Donald Trump this week in New York City, before turning back to the unfolding discussion surrounding potential risks posed by artificial intelligence.

1:07: Former President Donald Trump awaits arraignment on criminal charges.

19:16: Do A.I. systems pose serious risks to humanity and society?

38:48: Weekly Listener Question

43:45: Terrible things about the proposed RESTRICT Act

49:59: This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"The Shaky New York Case Against Trump Reeks of Desperation To Punish a Reviled Political Opponent," by Jacob Sullum

"Trump Indictment Could Be the Jolt His Flailing 2024 Campaign Needs," by Elizabeth Nolan Brown

"Is the Manhattan D.A. Upholding or Flouting the Rule of Law by Prosecuting Trump?" by Jacob Sullum

"Transforming Stormy Daniels' Hush Payment Into a Felony Would Reinforce Trump's 'Witch Hunt' Complaint," by Jacob Sullum

"Elon Musk, Andrew Yang, and Steve Wozniak Propose an A.I. 'Pause.' It's a Bad Idea and Won't Work Anyway." by Ronald Bailey

"Debate: Artificial Intelligence Should Be Regulated," by Ronald Bailey and Robin Hanson

"What Are the Bots Doing to Art?" by Crispin Sartwell

"Introducing AI Progress," by Matthew Mittelsteadt and Brent Skorup

"Mark P. Mills: Get Ready for the Roaring 2020s!" by Nick Gillespie

"Rand Paul Is Right: Banning TikTok Would Be Idiotic," by Robby Soave and John Osterhoudt

"Could the RESTRICT Act Criminalize the Use of VPNs?" by Elizabeth Nolan Brown

"Nobel Prize–Winning Economist: Democrats Are Committed 'To Spending Other People's Money,'" by Nick Gillespie and Justin Zuckerman

Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsor:

• Andrew Heaton is one of the funny people in Reason TV videos, like "Star Trek: The Libertarian Edition," or "Star Wars Libertarian Special." So it won't surprise you to discover he hosts a science fiction podcast: Alienating the Audience. Alienating the Audience does deep dives into science fiction, like Robert Heinlein's free love libertarianism, the economics of Dune, Kurt Vonnegut and the warfare state, and how Star Wars: Andor loves public choice theory. Guests on the show have included Peter Boghossian on what first contact with aliens would be like, Jonathan Last from The Bulwark defending the Empire in Star Wars, Tim Sandefur of Goldwater Institute on Star Trek's Cold War hot takes, and even Katherine Mangu-Ward has joined to discuss the work of Dan Simmons. If you don't like science fiction, do not listen to Alienating the Audience, as there's an excellent chance your virginity will grow back. But if you DO like science fiction, and with a dollop of politics and economics, served fresh by a mid-level comedian, then check out Alienating the Audience wherever you get your podcasts.

Audio production by Ian Keyser

Assistant production by Hunt Beaty

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

The post Apocalypse Tomorrow: Trump's Looming Indictment appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and special guest Elizabeth Nolan Brown unpack the ubiquitous sense that politicians of every stripe have abandoned a commitment to free expression. They also examine the fast evolution of artificial intelligence chatbots like ChatGPT.

0:42: Politicians choose the culture war over the First Amendment

20:04: Artificial intelligence and large language model (LLM) chatbots like ChatGPT

36:13: Weekly Listener Question

44:27: This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"Congress Asks Is TikTok Really 'An Extension of' the Chinese Communist Party?" by Elizabeth Nolan Brown

"TikTok Is Too Popular To Ban," by Elizabeth Nolan Brown

"Utah Law Gives Parents Full Access to Teens' Social Media," by Elizabeth Nolan Brown

"Florida's War on Drag Targets Theater's Liquor License," by Scott Shackford

"Welcoming Our New Chatbot Overlords," by Ronald Bailey

"Maybe A.I. Will Be a Threat—To Governments," by Peter Suderman

"The Luddites' Veto," by Ronald Bailey

"Artificial Intelligence Will Change Jobs—For the Better," by Jordan McGillis

"The Robot Revolution Is Here," by Katherine Mangu-Ward

"The Earl Weaver Case for Rand Paul's Libertarianism," by Matt Welch

"Rand Paul Tries (Again!) To Make It Harder for Police To Take Your Stuff," by Scott Shackford

Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsor:

• Getting to know yourself can be a lifelong process, especially because we're always growing and changing. Therapy is all about deepening your self-awareness and understanding. Because sometimes we don't know what we want or why we react the way we do until we talk through things. BetterHelp connects you with a licensed therapist who can take you on that journey of self-discovery from wherever you are. If you're thinking of starting therapy, give BetterHelp a try. It's entirely online. Designed to be convenient, flexible, and suited to your schedule. Just fill out a brief questionnaire to get matched with a licensed therapist, and switch therapists anytime for no additional charge. Discover your potential with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/roundtable today to get 10 percent off your first month.

Audio production by Ian Keyser

Assistant production by Hunt Beaty

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

The post Now Is the Best Time To Embrace Artificial Intelligence appeared first on Reason.com.

It's a surprise bonus Thursday episode of The Reason Roundtable! Peter Suderman is in the driver's seat this time, alongside editors Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and special guest Robby Soave, who taped this episode live during the recent Reason Weekend in Pasadena, California. Enjoy!

1:13—President Joe Biden and persistent inflation

14:20—The CHIPS Act, and never-ending government subsidies

27:08—Irrational re-editing of children's literature

38:48—Cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"Biden's 'Economic Plan' Is Industrial Policy That Will Be Terrible for Workers and Consumers" by Peter Suderman

"Inflation Isn't Going Away" by Eric Boehm

"Is Inflation Sneakily Starting To Rise Again?" by Eric Boehm

"America Needs a Better Kind of Capitalism" by Veronique De Rugy

"Politicians Use Subsidies To Squeeze Semiconductor Manufacturers" by J.D. Tucille

"Now the CHIPS Act Is Going To Subsidize Child Care Too" by Eric Boehm

"Kat Rosenfield: Why It's Important for Novelists To Speak Freely" by Nick Gillespie

"Save Roald Dahl Books From the Dreaded Sensitivity Readers" by Robby Soave

Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Audio production by Ian Keyser

Assistant production by Hunt Beaty

Video edit by Adam Czarnecki

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

The post A Thursday Bonus <em>Reason Roundtable</em>! Live From Reason Weekend in California appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Peter Suderman consider the recent announcement from former President Donald Trump that he expects to be arrested this week in New York City.

0:32: Impending Trump indictment

17:05: The continued fallout from the banking system bailout

31:16: Weekly Listener Question

43:58: Another Twitter Files on how Stanford's Virality Project encouraged social media companies to police true information

51:57: This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"New York Arrest Would Be a Gift for Trump," by Elizabeth Nolan Brown

"Is the Manhattan D.A. Upholding or Flouting the Rule of Law by Prosecuting Trump?" by Jacob Sullum

"Transforming Stormy Daniels' Hush Payment Into a Felony Would Reinforce Trump's 'Witch Hunt' Complaint," by Jacob Sullum

"New Regulations Won't Stop the Next Bank Collapse," by Elizabeth Nolan Brown

"How the Fed Broke Silicon Valley Bank," by Joakim Book

"Everyone Is Learning the Wrong Lessons From the Silicon Valley Bank Collapse," by Elizabeth Nolan Brown

"Volcker takes control," a Federal Reserve funds rate graph by Reuters graphics

"A Puzzling Bailout and A Perilous Economy," by Gerard Baker

"Researchers Pressured Twitter To Treat COVID-19 Facts as 'Misinformation'," by Christian Britschgi

"Democrats Deride the Twitter Files Reporters as 'So-Called Journalists'," by Robby Soave

"The Defiant Individualism of The Last of Us," by Peter Suderman

Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsor:

• Self-reliance… planning ahead… using our heads. These are just a few of the things we believe in here at The Reason Roundtable. That's why we'd like to tell you about AirMedCare Network (AMCN) membership and how it can take a financial worry off your plate. AirMedCare Network is America's largest emergency air ambulance membership network. AirMedCare Network providers operate state-of-the-art helicopters, and their specially-trained medical personnel provide the highest level of pre-hospital medical care in emergency situations. Even with insurance, these flights can be VERY expensive. But when you're an AirMedCare Network member, you won't see a bill for your flight only when flown by one of their providers. This is a financial safety net you should have. Membership is amazingly affordable: only $99 per year and just $79 for seniors. And your entire household is covered. Right now, our listeners get up to an $80 Mastercard or Amazon e-gift card when they join AMCN and use offer code: REASON. Simply visit AirMedCareNetwork.com/reason today.

Audio production by Ian Keyser

Assistant production by Hunt Beaty

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

The post Of Course, the Trump Indictment Is Political appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Peter Suderman analyze the fallout from the historic failure of Silicon Valley Bank and deride a recent congressional hearing concerning the reporting of independent journalists Matt Taibbi and Michael Shellenberger on the Twitter Files.

0:52: Silicon Valley Bank collapse

26:30: President Joe Biden's budget proposal

34:22: Weekly Listener Question

41:02: House Democrats vs. Twitter Files journalists

45:52: This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"How the Fed Broke Silicon Valley Bank," by Joakim Book

"Everyone Is Learning the Wrong Lessons From the Silicon Valley Bank Collapse," by Elizabeth Nolan Brown

"Biden's Budget Will Raise Taxes Without Addressing the Federal Government's Spending Problem," by Eric Boehm

"Democrats Deride the Twitter Files Reporters as 'So-Called Journalists'," by Robby Soave

"Twitter Files: Employees Knew the Media's Favorite Russian Bots List Was Fake," by Robby Soave

"FTC Seeks Names of All Journalists With Whom Musk Shared Twitter Documents," by Elizabeth Nolan Brown

"Oscar-Winning Everything Everywhere All At Once Celebrates Individualism, Free Will," by Eric Boehm

Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsor:

• Getting to know yourself can be a lifelong process, especially because we're always growing and changing. Therapy is all about deepening your self-awareness and understanding. Because sometimes we don't know what we want, or why we react the way we do, until we talk through things. BetterHelp connects you with a licensed therapist who can take you on that journey of self-discovery from wherever you are. If you're thinking of starting therapy, give BetterHelp a try. It's entirely online. Designed to be convenient, flexible, and suited to your schedule. Just fill out a brief questionnaire to get matched with a licensed therapist, and switch therapists any time for no additional charge. Discover your potential with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/roundtable today to get 10 percent off your first month.

Audio production by Ian Keyser

Assistant production by Hunt Beaty

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

The post Yes, There Are Libertarians During Bank Runs appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Peter Suderman scrutinize recurrent attacks on the social media app TikTok from the federal government and reiterate the delusional nature of government subsidies on goods and services across the economy.

0:56: TikTok under attack

21:55: Government subsidies don't create affordability.

33:09: Weekly Listener Question

47:46: Former President and presidential candidate Donald Trump lists his vision for America

52:07: This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"TikTok Is Not a National Security Threat," by Milton Mueller and Karim Farhat

"TikTok Admits It's as Clueless on Teens as the Rest of Us," by Bonnie Kristian

"Indiana Lawsuit Accuses TikTok of Fraud, Calls the App a 'Chinese Trojan Horse'," by Joe Lancaster

"Decades of Subsidies Have Made the Essentials of Middle-Class Life Increasingly Difficult To Afford," by Peter Suderman

"Don't Cancel Student Debt," by Emma Camp and Danielle Thompson

"Marc Andreessen: What the World Needs Most Is More Elon Musks," by Katherine Mangu-Ward and Nick Gillespie

"View Masters," by Nick Gillespie

The Political Orphanage podcast

Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsor:

• Self-reliance…planning ahead…using our heads. These are just a few of the things we believe in here at Reason Roundtable. That's why we'd like to tell you about AirMedCare Network membership and how it can take a financial worry off your plate. AirMedCare Network is America's largest emergency air ambulance membership network. AirMedCare Network providers operate state-of-the-art helicopters. And their specially-trained medical personnel provide the highest level of pre-hospital medical care in emergency situations. Even with insurance, these flights can be VERY expensive. But when you're an AirMedCare Network member, you won't see a bill for your flight only when flown by one of their providers. This is a financial safety net you should have. Membership is amazingly affordable: only $99 per year and just $79 for seniors. And your entire household is covered. Right now, our listeners get up to an $80 Mastercard or Amazon e-gift card when they join AMCN and use offer code: REASON. Simply visit AirMedCareNetwork.com/reason today.

Audio production by Ian Keyser

Assistant production by Hunt Beaty

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

The post TikTok and How Congress Treats Americans Like 'Unruly Children' appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and special guest Emma Camp look at the Cochrane Library's new study which concluded masks had "little or no difference" on COVID-19 and ponder a new Florida bill that proposes to remove legal protections against defamation lawsuits.

0:26: The Cochrane Library's review of masking trials

19:46: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and the bill to remove legal protections against defamation lawsuits

39:46: Weekly Listener Question

52:31: This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"Masks Make 'Little or No Difference' on COVID-19, Flu Rates: New Study," by Robby Soave

"A Scientific Review Shows the CDC Grossly Exaggerated the Evidence Supporting Mask Mandates," by Jacob Sullum

"The Real Science on Masks: They Make No Difference," by John Tierney

"The Perils of Trying To Curtail Hazily Defined 'Disinformation'," by Jacob Sullum

"U.S. State Department Funds a Disinformation Index That Warns Advertisers To Avoid Reason," by Robby Soave

"Ron DeSantis Wants To Rewrite Defamation Law," by Emma Camp

"Database Nation," by Declan McCullagh

"The Media Wildly Mischaracterized That Video of Covington Catholic Students Confronting a Native American Veteran," by Robby Soave

"In Praise of Vulgarity," Charles Paul Freund

"Both Left and Right Are Converging on Authoritarianism," by Stephanie Slade

October 2018: The Debate Issue

October 2022: The Authoritarian Convergence

August/September 2019 issue

July 2011: Criminal Injustice

Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsor:

• Getting to know yourself can be a lifelong process, especially because we're always growing and changing. Therapy is all about deepening your self-awareness and understanding, because sometimes we don't know what we want or why we react the way we do until we talk through things. BetterHelp connects you with a licensed therapist who can take you on that journey of self-discovery from wherever you are. If you're thinking of starting therapy, give BetterHelp a try. It's entirely online. Designed to be convenient, flexible, and suited to your schedule. Just fill out a brief questionnaire to get matched with a licensed therapist, and switch therapists any time for no additional charge. Discover your potential with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/roundtable today to get 10 percent off your first month.

Audio production by Ian Keyser

Assistant production by Hunt Beaty

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

The post Where Do We Go To Get Our Mask Apology? appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and special guest Zach Weissmueller consider President Joe Biden's surprise visit to Ukraine and the developing list of 2024 Republican presidential candidates.

0:23: Joe Biden's visit to Ukraine

17:51: Nikki Haley and the developing 2024 presidential race

34:43: Weekly Listener Question

46:28: Debt, inflation, and entitlements

55:06: This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"During Surprise Trip to Kyiv, Biden Promises Endless Support for Ukraine War," by Christian Britschgi

"Should America Keep Funding Ukraine? Live With Emma Ashford, Nick Gillespie, and Zach Weissmueller," by Zach Weissmueller and Nick Gillespie

"Russia's War in Ukraine Threatens Starvation for the World's Poor," by J.D. Tuccille

"Nikki Haley's Presidential Bid Is an Unappealing Mix of MAGA and RINO," by Eric Boehm

"Despite His Record, Donald Trump Plans To Run as an Anti-War Republican," by Joe Lancaster

"Speak Loudly and Carry a Big Bat: Ron DeSantis Is on Deck," by Eric Boehm from the April 2023 issue, which is available to subscribers.

"How Should Libertarians Think About Intellectual Property?" by Nick Gillespie

"Why Copyright Law Is so Mickey Mouse—And How To Fix It: Q&A With Jerry Brito," by Joshua Swain and Nick Gillespie

"Don't Let Disney Monopolize A.I.-Generated Art," by Jon Stokes

Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsor:

Self-reliance… planning ahead… using our heads. These are just a few of the things we believe in here at The Reason Roundtable. That's why we'd like to tell you about AirMedCare Network (AMCN) membership and how it can take a financial worry off your plate. AirMedCare Network is America's largest emergency air ambulance membership network. AirMedCare Network providers operate state-of-the-art helicopters, and their specially-trained medical personnel provide the highest level of pre-hospital medical care in emergency situations. Even with insurance, these flights can be VERY expensive. But when you're an AirMedCare Network member, you won't see a bill for your flight only when flown by one of their providers. This is a financial safety net you should have. Membership is amazingly affordable: only $99 per year and just $79 for seniors. And your entire household is covered. Right now, our listeners get up to an $80 Mastercard or Amazon e-gift card when they join AMCN and use offer code: REASON. Simply visit AirMedCareNetwork.com/reason today.

Audio production by Ian Keyser

Assistant production by Hunt Beaty

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

The post Did Biden Just Commit America to Another Forever War in Ukraine? appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Peter Suderman delve into Congress' perpetual lack of interest in meaningful reforms to entitlements and discuss new data on the student exodus from public schools.

0:26: Joe Biden and entitlement spending

32:08: Weekly Listener Question

38:16: New data on school kids exiting public schools

47:54: Super Bowl lightning round

55:03: This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"The State of Our Union Sucks," by Matt Welch

"Biden Promises To Let Social Security's Ship Keep Sinking," by Eric Boehm

"Joe Biden, Travel Agent in Chief," by Elizabeth Nolan Brown

"Biden and Journalists Agree: Republicans Would Deliberately 'Crash' the Economy," by Matt Welch

"The 19 Percent Solution," by Nick Gillespie and Veronique de Rugy

"Robert Pondiscio: Why Our Kids Can't Read," by Nick Gillespie

"Winsome Earle-Sears: School Choice 'Is New Brown v. Board' Fight," by Nick Gillespie

"How Do Democrats Want To Pay for Free College, Paid Leave, Expanding Social Security?" by Zach Weissmueller and Alexis Garcia

"Social Security, Snoopy Snoopy Poop Dogg, & Alan Simpson: Ultimate Remix," by Austin Bragg and Nick Gillespie

"Actually, Magic Mike's Last Dance Is About the Awfulness of Urban Zoning Regulations," by Peter Suderman

"Ben Affleck for a Day," by Matt Welch

Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Audio production by Ian Keyser

Assistant production by Hunt Beaty

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

The post Under No Circumstances Did Joe Biden Save Social Security appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and special guest Elizabeth Nolan Brown examine Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' latest proposals intended to combat various cultural grievances and a listener question concerning private power grids.

0:22: Gov. Ron DeSantis and the power of the state

27:02: President Joe Biden's upcoming State of the Union address

36:09: Weekly Listener Question

47:21: Super Bowl myths

52:44: This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"Ron DeSantis Wants $12 Million To Transport Migrants 'From Any Point' in the U.S.," by Fiona Harrigan

"Did Ron DeSantis Really Just Change the AP African American Studies Curriculum?" by Bonnie Kristian

"For Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Political Stunts Are More Important Than Substance," by Peter Suderman

"The Latest DeSantis Higher Ed Reform Proposals," by Keith E. Whittington

"University of Florida Suppresses Speech Ron DeSantis Might Not Like, Report Alleges," by Joe Lancaster

"The Problem With DeSantis' 'Stop WOKE' Act," by Zach Weissmueller and Danielle Thompson

"If Ron DeSantis Is So Bad, Why Is Living in Florida So Good?" by Nick Gillespie and Zach Weissmueller

"Biden's Spending Spree Is Unprecedented," by Jonathan Bydlak

"New York Times Blames 'Deregulation' for Regulated Electric Costs," by Josiah Neeley

"The 2021 Texas Power Crisis: What Happened and What Can Be Done to Avoid Another One?" by Michael Giberson

"Super Bowl Sex Trafficking Myth Gives Good Cover for Federal Security Theater," by Elizabeth Nolan Brown

Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsor:

• Self-reliance… planning ahead… using our heads… These are just a few of the things we believe in here at The Reason Roundtable. That's why we'd like to tell you about AirMedCare Network membership and how it can take a financial worry off your plate. AirMedCare Network is America's largest emergency air ambulance membership network. AirMedCare Network providers operate state-of-the-art helicopters. And their specially trained medical personnel provide the highest level of pre-hospital medical care in emergency situations. Even with insurance, these flights can be VERY expensive. But when you're an AirMedCare Network member, you won't see a bill for your flight only when flown by one of their providers. This is a financial safety net you should have. Membership is amazingly affordable: only $99 per year and just $79 for seniors. And your entire household is covered. Right now, our listeners get up to an $80 Mastercard or Amazon electronic gift card when they join AMCN and use offer code REASON. Simply visit AirMedCareNetwork.com/reason today.

Audio production by Ian Keyser

Assistant production by Hunt Beaty

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

The post Ron DeSantis' Misguided War on Woke appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and special guest Eric Boehm delve into policing and violence in the wake of the video release showing Memphis police killing Tyre Nichols.

0:30: Tyre Nichols killed by Memphis police

23:37: The ongoing debt limit drama

36:31: Weekly Listener Question

44:55: Sending tanks to Ukraine

49:25: This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"The Most Popular Police Reforms Can't Stop the Next Tyre Nichols From Being Killed. Here's What Might." by Elizabeth Nolan Brown

"New Video Shows Memphis Police Fatally Beating, Tasing, Pepper-Spraying Tyre Nichols," by Christian Britschgi

"Is a War on Policing Increasing Crime? Q&A With Rafael Mangual," by Nick Gillespie

Mapping Police Violence, by Samuel Sinyangwe

"If Republicans Want To Cut Spending, They Should Start With the Pentagon," by Eric Boehm

"Social Security Is on the Brink of Collapse. The GOP Won't Touch It." by Veronique de Rugy

"Generational Warfare," by Nick Gillespie and Veronique de Rugy

"The Failure To Enact Marijuana Banking and Crack Sentencing Reforms Is a Window on Congressional Dysfunction," by Jacob Sullum

"Should America Keep Funding Ukraine? Live With Emma Ashford, Nick Gillespie, and Zach Weissmueller," by Zach Weissmueller and Nick Gillespie

"What We Owe the Future Is Liberalism," by Ronald Bailey

Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsor:

• When you're at your best, you can do great things. But sometimes life gets you bogged down, and you may feel overwhelmed or like you're not showing up in the way that you want to. Working with a therapist can help you get closer to the best version of you. Because when you feel empowered, you're more prepared to take on everything life throws at you. If you're thinking of giving therapy a try, BetterHelp is a great option. It's convenient, flexible, affordable, and entirely online. Just fill out a brief questionnaire to get matched with a licensed therapist, and switch therapists anytime for no additional charge. If you want to live a more empowered life, therapy can get you there. Visit BetterHelp.com/roundtable today to get 10 percent off your first month.

Audio production by Ian Keyser

Assistant production by Hunt Beaty

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

The post Are We Making Any Progress on Police Brutality? appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Peter Suderman, and Nick Gillespie discuss the Facebook Files, which revealed the considerable influence the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) wielded in regard to what users were allowed to say on Meta platforms during the COVID-19 pandemic.

0:55: The CDC silenced COVID-19 dissent on Facebook.

27:25: Weekly Listener Question

36:53: National School Choice Week

55:09: This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"How the CDC Became the Speech Police," by Robby Soave

"Inside the Facebook Files: Emails Reveal the CDC's Role in Silencing COVID-19 Dissent," by Robby Soave

"Emails Show CDC Policed COVID Speech on Facebook. Live with Robby Soave, Nick Gillespie, and Zach Weissmueller," by Zach Weissmueller and Nick Gillespie

"Inside the CDC's Campaign To Police COVID Speech," by Elizabeth Nolan Brown

"The Biggest Education Innovation Is Growing Use of School Choice," by J.D. Tuccille

"Kentucky's Governor Wants School Choice for His Kids, But Not Yours," by J.D. Tuccille

"School Choice Is a Noble Cause," by John Stossel

"Does School Choice Help Students Learn? All Signs Point To Yes," by Nick Gillespie

"N.Y. Can't Teach Kids To Read on $30,000 a Year," by Nick Gillespie and Regan Taylor

"Watch Elizabeth Warren Lie About Her Son's Private School Education," by Nick Gillespie and John Osterhoudt

"It Can Happen Here," by Arnold Kling, David R. Henderson, and Maurice McTigue

Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsor:

• Self-reliance…planning ahead…using our heads. These are just a few of the things we believe in here at The Reason Roundtable. That's why we'd like to tell you about AirMedCare Network membership and how it can take a financial worry off your plate. AirMedCare Network is America's largest emergency air ambulance membership network. AirMedCare Network providers operate state-of-the-art helicopters. And their specially trained medical personnel provide the highest level of pre-hospital medical care in emergency situations. Even with insurance, these flights can be VERY expensive. But when you're an AirMedCare Network member, you won't see a bill for your flight when flown by one of their providers. This is a financial safety net you should have. Membership is amazingly affordable: only $99 per year and just $79 for seniors. And your entire household is covered. Right now, our listeners get up to an $80 Mastercard or Amazon electronic gift card when they join AMCN and use offer code: REASON. Simply visit AirMedCareNetwork.com/reason today.

Audio production by Ian Keyser
Assistant production by Hunt Beaty
Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

The post Where Does Big Tech End and Government Start? appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Peter Suderman, and Nick Gillespie consider the revelation that, like former President Donald Trump, President Joe Biden also had a stash of classified documents in his private office and residence.

0:23: President Biden also had classified materials in his house

10:35: House GOP introduces the Curriculum Review of Teachings, or CRT, Transparency Act

31:33: Weekly Listener Question:

I have long held what I consider to be a libertarian position on college admissions and affirmative action: that private colleges ought to be able to control their own admissions policies and that those who don't like those policies can seek admission elsewhere. I am somewhat surprised that I do not find any libertarians making this argument. It seems to me that if the Supreme Court makes a determination that affirmative action is illegal, as well as other types of arguably discriminatory admissions policies such as preferences for alumni and attempts to achieve geographic diversity in the student body, then we are in for a tsunami of lawsuits in which every damn college applicant in the country who is turned down by her top college pick will argue that she was the victim of discrimination. Where does it end? I'm an alumnus of Wesleyan University. I always accepted that racial diversity is a laudable goal in assembling a student body, as is geographical diversity (although I read recently that a desire for geographic diversity is just a scheme to keep out Jews; I didn't know I was antisemitic), or a distribution of interests in the arts versus the sciences, or a wide variety of extracurricular activities. So it touched my heart when today's New York Times ran a headline, "If Affirmative Action Ends, College Admissions May Be Changed Forever," with a picture of my dear old alma mater, Wesleyan. What does the panel think? By what logic are the details of private college admissions policies a matter for the courts? How does the Constitution say that the courts need to make these decisions? How did we get here? And again, where will it all end?

47:21: This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"With Classified Documents, the Real Divide Is Between the Powerful and the Rest of Us," by J.D. Tuccille

"Biden Looks Careless, Shady, and Hypocritical After the Revelations About His Handling of Classified Material," by Jacob Sullum

"Like Trump, Biden Had a Private Stash of Secret Documents, but It Was Much Less Impressive," by Jacob Sullum

"The Redacted Mar-a-Lago Search Warrant Affidavit Sheds Light on the FBI's Concerns and Trump's Defense," by Jacob Sullum

"Corey DeAngelis: How COVID Has Changed the Face of Education Forever," by Nick Gillespie

"Florida All in for Assault on Academic Freedom," by Keith E. Whittington

"Chris Rufo's Battle To 'Stop Woke'," by Zack Weissmueller and Nick Gillespie

"Time To End Affirmative Action? Live With David Bernstein and Kenny Xu," by Zach Weissmueller and Nick Gillespie

"Want To Stop School Book Battles? Give Parents Real Choice in Education," by Nick Gillespie

Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsor:

• When you're at your best, you can do great things. But sometimes life gets you bogged down, and you may feel overwhelmed or like you're not showing up in the way that you want to. Working with a therapist can help you get closer to the best version of you. Because when you feel empowered, you're more prepared to take on everything life throws at you. If you're thinking of giving therapy a try, BetterHelp is a great option. It's convenient, flexible, affordable, and entirely online. Just fill out a brief questionnaire to get matched with a licensed therapist, and switch therapists any time for no additional charge. If you want to live a more empowered life, therapy can get you there. Visit BetterHelp.com/roundtable today to get 10 percent off your first month.

Audio production by Ian Keyser

Assistant production by Hunt Beaty

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

The post Yet Another Shady, Hypocritical Document Hoarder appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Peter Suderman, and Nick Gillespie look back on the House speaker battle and discuss President Joe Biden's trip to the southern border.

1:33: Kevin McCarthy is finally selected as speaker of the House.

26:44: Weekly Listener Question:

In the last episode, you all discussed the (at least at the time of this message) ongoing process for electing a new speaker of the House. You discussed the demand/request of the 19 or so Republicans who don't back McCarthy that he return to more normal House proceedings like the introduction of amendments, debate on the floor, etc. One of their demands, the introduction of the FairTax Bill, was unaddressed in the last podcast. What do the panel members think of the FairTax (both within the speaker vote context but also more broadly)? I'd be interested in a libertarian take on the FairTax. Assuming that abolishing taxation is unlikely, does the FairTax represent a much better alternative to our current system?

35:35: President Biden visits the southern border to Mexico.

45:57: George Santos and other political fabulists

57:44: This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"Finally Approved as House Speaker, McCarthy Aims To Cut IRS Funding," by Elizabeth Nolan Brown

"Cameras Should Stay in Place After the House Picks a Speaker," by Joe Lancaster

"Fixing Congress' Broken Appropriations Process Is Worth This Mess," by Eric Boehm

"Ignoring the Anti-McCarthy Faction's Avowed Goals, The New York Times Sees Only 'Chaos and Confusion'," by Jacob Sullum

"Justin Amash: Kevin McCarthy Is a 'Compulsive Liar' Who 'Cares Only About Power'," by Matt Welch

"Biden's Immigration Plan Lays Out a Tougher Border, New Legal Pathway for Some Migrants," by Fiona Harrigan

"Real Man of Genius: Joe Biden," by Nick Gillespie, Dan Hayes, and Matt Welch

"The for Cameras in the Supreme Court" by Nick Gillespie and Meredith Bragg

"5 Other Fake Indians Besides Elizabeth Warren," by Nick Gillespie

Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsor:

• When you're at your best, you can do great things. But sometimes life gets you bogged down, and you may feel overwhelmed, or like you're not showing up in the way that you want to. Working with a therapist can help you get closer to the best version of you. Because when you feel empowered, you're more prepared to take on everything life throws at you. If you're thinking of giving therapy a try, BetterHelp is a great option. It's convenient, flexible, affordable, and entirely online. Just fill out a brief questionnaire to get matched with a licensed therapist, and switch therapists any time for no additional charge. If you want to live a more empowered life, therapy can get you there. Visit BetterHelp.com/roundtable today to get 10 percent off your first month.
• Self-reliance… planning ahead… using our heads. These are just a few of the things we believe in here at The Reason Roundtable. That's why we'd like to tell you about AirMedCare Network membership and how it can take a financial worry off your plate. AirMedCare Network is America's largest emergency air ambulance membership network. AirMedCare Network providers operate state-of-the-art helicopters. And their specially trained medical personnel provide the highest level of pre-hospital medical care in emergency situations. Even with insurance, these flights can be VERY expensive. But when you're an AirMedCare Network member, you won't see a bill for your flight when flown by one of their providers. This is a financial safety net you should have. Membership is amazingly affordable: only $99 per year and just $79 for seniors. And your entire household is covered. Right now, our listeners get up to an $80 Mastercard or Amazon electronic gift card when they join AMCN and use offer code: REASON. Simply visit AirMedCareNetwork.com/reason today.

Audio production by Ian Keyser

Assistant production by Hunt Beaty

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

The post Did the House Rebellion Against Kevin McCarthy Have an Upside? appeared first on Reason.com.