The Tom Woods Show

Antony Sammeroff joins me to discuss his recent Soho Forum debate, in which he argued in the negative, on the resolution: "Robotics will soon lead to widespread joblessness, underemployment, and the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few." Sponsor: Policy Genius Show notes for Ep. 1574

Legal scholar Mark Pulliam joins me to discuss the commonly believed myths that underlie U.S. labor law. Show notes for Ep. 1573

In this potpourri solo episode I hit on several issues. First, is it fair to draw conclusions about Bernie Sanders and his campaign on the basis of violent, pro-gulag remarks from one of his field coordinators (as recorded by Project Veritas)? Then I review a recent episode on Twitter in which libertarianism was attacked, and one libertarian group responded in the most self-defeating and grotesque way. Finally, I revisit the controversy over "deplatforming," and respond to libertarians who think they should cheer ("it's a great free-market outcome!") when dissident voices are silenced. Sponsor: Skillshare Show notes for Ep. 1572

Last week a discussion thread in my Supporting Listeners group discussed the pros and cons of traditional employment versus working for oneself, particularly online. Good points were raised all around, so I decided to continue the discussion on this episode, with my guest and me discussing the pros and cons of entrepreneurship, why the Uber version of the gig economy isn't all it's cracked up to be and what people would do much better with instead, and what the best practices are in 2020 for starting a basic but potentially lucrative eCommerce business. Live Presentation: Register at tomwoods.com/booth. Stay for the whole presentation, and (in addition to other goodies) I'll send you my Tom Woods Email Domination Program, which I normally sell for $97, for free. Show notes for Ep. 1571

Mark Skousen, an author and college professor whose investment newsletter Forecasts & Strategies is celebrating its 40th year, joins me to discuss what he saw at the recent American Economic Association meeting, including some 41 sessions on gender bias and sex discrimination, along with discussion (and criticism) of Modern Monetary Theory. Ben Bernanke told the audience the Fed needed to raise its inflation target. We discuss this and a whole lot more in today's episode. Show notes for Ep. 1570

The Betrayal of the American Right is a book that appeared more than a decade after the death of its author, Murray N. Rothbard, known in his lifetime as "Mr. Libertarian." I had the privilege of writing the introduction to the book when it was finally released, after having circulated throughout liberty circles for many years in unpublished form. Here is the closest thing we will ever get to a Rothbard memoir, and there's plenty of history of libertarianism and conservatism in here, too. Show notes for Ep. 1569

The strike that took out Iranian general Qasem Soleimani was cheered by a great many Americans, including some who ordinarily speak out against the U.S. government's foreign interventions. If this wasn't a righteous killing, what would be? Scott Horton joins me for perspective. Sponsor: Save yourself the time and hassle of going to the Post Office, and get discounts on postage, with Stamps.com. Get a four-week free trial plus free postage and a digital scale when you go to Stamps.com, click on the microphone at the top right of the screen, and type code WOODS. Show notes for Ep. 1568

Jeff and I talk about a much-discussed recent article by George Mason University's Tyler Cowen, which finds merit in the market system but insists we recognize and appreciate the value of the state. Well, we ain't doing it. Show notes for Ep. 1567

Jeff Deist and I discuss the Trump phenomenon, the U.S. political establishment, and what a post-Trump Republican Party will look like. Sponsor: Blinkist Show notes for Ep. 1566

When people have radically incompatible worldviews, is it sensible or humane to try to govern them all according to the same set of rules? Yet neither progressives nor conservatives stop to consider decentralization, the only approach that can possibly work. They're too busy jamming round holes into square pegs. Jeff Deist and I discuss the decentralist alternative. Sponsor: Skillshare Show notes for Ep. 1565

Jeff Deist week continues with this discussion of the fundamentals of libertarianism, and how it's been transformed into a bizarre mutation of its former self. Sponsor: Policy Genius Show notes for Ep. 1564

We kick off Jeff Deist week on the Tom Woods Show with an episode on Ron Paul and what it was like to work in his congressional office, as Jeff himself did as the former congressman's chief of staff. Juicy stuff here, folks. Sponsor: Take $5 off a trial set from Harry's -- the official razor of the Tom Woods Show -- at harrys.com/woods. Show notes for Ep. 1563

As we wind up what's been a great 2019 for the Tom Woods Show I turn my attention briefly to the "libertarian socialist" phenomenon and the problem of establishment-friendly libertarianism, which consists of people who have no idea what it's like to hold a genuinely unpopular position that will get them hated. To the contrary, these are people who – if the New York Times cared what they had to say – would make darn sure the Times knew how boring and respectable they were, and how edgy and dangerous radical libertarians like me are. But do not despair, folks, because I reveal precisely why these folks burn with such intense hatred for your host here, and one specific thing we can do to make them run home crying to their mothers. Sponsor: Blinkist Show notes for Ep. 1562

Hayek said that if we misunderstand history and draw the wrong lessons from it, we will make the wrong decisions in the present. This is why even now, over a decade later, it is still essential that we understand and communicate the true causes of the crisis of 2008. In this episode I talk to Jimmy Morrison, with whom I share a writing credit on the new documentary The Housing Bubble. The story behind it is almost as interesting as the crisis itself. Sponsor: Skillshare Show notes for Ep. 1561

Immediately after the New York City premiere of our documentary, The Housing Bubble, we were joined by an all-star panel of commentators, including Gene, Peter, and several other important voices. We discussed the true lessons of the 2008 crisis, and what to expect in 2020. Sponsor: Blinkist Show notes for Ep. 1560

Last night's debate at Loyola Marymount University saw the candidates rather more combative with each other than they'd been up to now. Lew and I have our usual fun reviewing the proceedings! Show notes for Ep. 1559

Entrepreneur Toby Baxendale joins me to talk about Labour's crushing defeat in the recent elections and what to expect from Boris Johnson and his party. Sponsor: Skillshare Show notes for Ep. 1558

The Washington Post recently released a substantial array of documents showing that the war in Afghanistan has been accompanied by lies and distortion, particularly about the war's progress and success. Scott Horton, who literally wrote the book on the war in Afghanistan, joins me to discuss what it all means. Sponsor: Blinkist Show notes for Ep. 1557

Very refreshing to see, of all places, the Claremont Review of Books trumpeting decentralization and nullification as the correct approaches against a hostile regime. I spend this episode elaborating on these important points, which are ignored by the conservative movement and by predictable portions of the libertarian world as well. Sponsor: Honey Show notes for Ep. 1556

As we wrap up Gene Epstein week, Gene offers various nuggets of wisdom for libertarians which, if followed, will contribute to a happy and successful life. Show notes for Ep. 1555