The Tom Woods Show

In this unique episode, Professor Jeff Herbener and I explain why the economy goes up and down in boom-bust cycles (hint: it's not the fault of "capitalism"), but we describe it in three ways: how we would explain it to a graduate student, a teenager, and a 5-year-old. Sponsors: &

What you learned in fifth grade about government employees being wise public servants innocently pursuing the common good is a fairy tale, and once you see that, you never look at the world the same way again. C-SPAN covered this speech I delivered in Montana that was attended by the governor, the two senators, and other dignitaries. I gave the same rip-roaring speech against government power I would have given under any other circumstances. Enjoy!

If you were part of the Ron Paul Revolution in 2008 and/or 2012, you'll remember the great Jordan Page, who opened for so many Ron Paul events. We're going to walk down memory lane a bit and revisit those amazing times, but also discuss what Jordan is up to these days, including his new song against the commies. Sponsor: If you're interested in investing in crypto but it all seems like Greek to you, you'll love John Bush's course Demystifying Crypto: How to Buy, HODL, & Multiply Your Cryptocurrency. You'll learn how to buy and securely hold your crypto -- and how to prosper with it. Sign up at

Tho Bishop of the Mises Institute discusses the treatment of dissident voices and what our correct strategy should be. Sponsor: If you're interested in investing in crypto but it all seems like Greek to you, you'll love John Bush's course Demystifying Crypto: How to Buy, HODL, & Multiply Your Cryptocurrency. You'll learn how to buy and securely hold your crypto -- and how to prosper with it. Sign up at

Some of the most vile so-called libertarians imaginable ran the Libertarian Party of Nevada for years. During 2020 they didn't think it was worth bothering speaking about the lockdowns -- why, we can't contradict Dr. Fauci! Why, he's an expert, and only cranks contradict the experts! And so on in that vein. But last weekend actual libertarians swept every last one of the crazies from office. Charles Melchin, the new state chair, joins us to tell the story, as well as to discuss what's ahead for the Nevada LP. Sponsor: Merk Investments -

Southern historian Brion McClanahan joins me to discuss John C. Calhoun, the American historical figure everyone is supposed to hate, along with D.C. statehood and court packing.

I spend some time on (and name representatives of) milquetoast libertarianism, and also cover "cancel culture," what libertarians ought to think of COVID/Fauci, and a lot more juicy stuff. Thanks to Reed Coverdale of the Naturalist Capitalist. Sponsor: If you're interested in investing in crypto but it all seems like Greek to you, you'll love John Bush's course Demystifying Crypto: How to Buy, HODL, & Multiply Your Cryptocurrency. You'll learn how to buy and securely hold your crypto -- and how to prosper with it. Sign up at

Adam Schneider, eCommerce consultant to the Libertarian Party's Mises Caucus, reports on the ongoing severity of Canadian lockdowns, along with high-profile cases of resistance. Sponsor: If you're interested in investing in crypto but it all seems like Greek to you, you'll love John Bush's course Demystifying Crypto: How to Buy, HODL, & Multiply Your Cryptocurrency. You'll learn how to buy and securely hold your crypto -- and how to prosper with it. Sign up at

F.H. Buckley, a professor at George Mason University's law school, joins us to discuss curiosity -- a topic that may itself appear curious, and yet turns out to be at the heart of so much that's wrong with the world, and with ourselves. Sponsor: If you're tired of doom and gloom in your financial analysis, Merk Research offers a balanced, unbiased approach to the market and economy. Get a three-month free trial of their material at

In recent episodes I have called on documentary filmmakers to embark on the ultimate anti-Fauci project: a documentary covering COVID and the absurd response. And although it should include the charts that tell the story, it should also tell real stories -- human-interest stories of people who were devastated by the lockdowns. Well, I'm happy to report that a group of talented filmmakers will be doing precisely that, and in today's episode one of them joins us to lay out his vision.

My friend and co-author Kevin Gutzman joins us to discuss the original function of the Supreme Court and what has happened since, including the Democrats' latest attempt at court packing.

Instead of just complaining about YouTube's arbitrariness, Jeremy Kauffman created a better platform: Odysee.

Sheriff David Hathaway of Santa Cruz County, Arizona, joins me to discuss what it has been like being sheriff since late last year. Sponsor: If you're tired of doom and gloom in your financial analysis, Merk Research offers a balanced, unbiased approach to the market and economy. Get a three-month free trial of their material at

Track coach Brad Keyes of New Hampshire's Pembroke Academy was fired recently for refusing to force his athletes to use masks while racing outdoors, citing (among other arguments) the virtually unanimous opinion these days that outdoor mask wearing is unnecessary.

I recently read an editorial in Modern Age by editor Dan McCarthy arguing that progressivism's strength is only apparent, and in fact its prospects are not nearly as great as we think. I'd love to believe this. I talk through it in this episode.

The Chicago School of Milton Friedman and the Austrian School of Ludwig von Mises and F.A. Hayek differ in important ways, and although individuals from both schools have made important contributions to the free society, it's important that we recognize these differences and choose accordingly.

Stanford's Jay Bhattacharya covers a wide range of issues in this episode: asymptomatic transmission and how common (or otherwise) it is, how concerned people should be about the variants, what the prospects are for fall and winter, YouTube censorship, what his opinions are of the vaccines, the problems with "vaccine passports," and more.

John Bush joins us for an overview of the importance of Bitcoin and his recommendations for beginners.

Jeff Perry and Logan Davies of Voluntaryism in Action join us to discuss private solutions to poverty and distress. Sponsor: If you're tired of doom and gloom in your financial analysis, Merk Research offers a balanced, unbiased approach to the market and economy. Get a three-month free trial of their material at

Michael Malice joins us to exchange strategies for introducing ideas (like ours) that will likely shock people who have never encountered them before. It's a great discussion as usual.