Let People Prosper

Economic policy affects more than just spreadsheets. When leaders fail to control spending, undermine markets, or delay hard decisions, families feel it through higher prices, fewer opportunities, and slower growth. With rising concerns about affordability, the consequences of poor economic policy aren't abstract — they shape how people live, work, and plan for the future. Price controls, restrictive immigration policies, and higher taxes don't solve these problems. They make them worse.In the episode of This Week's Economy, we examine what happens when policymakers ignore first principles. I break down why recurring shutdowns expose deeper budgeting failures, how states are approaching tax relief and economic freedom, what a new pick for Fed chair could mean for inflation and stability, and why labor shortages and immigration policy matter for long-term growth. Across each issue, the lesson is the same: prosperity follows discipline, sound incentives, and trust in markets — not political shortcuts.Catch the full episode on YouTube, Apple Podcast, or Spotify, and visit my website at vanceginn.com for show notes and more information about my work at Ginn Economic Consulting.

If you listen closely to today's labor debates, you'll hear a familiar refrain: workers need more protection from Washington. But scratch the surface, and what many politicians really mean is more power for unions, more mandates for employers, and fewer choices for workers themselves.That's backward.In this episode of the Let People Prosper Show, I talk with Vinnie Vernuccio, one of the sharpest labor-policy minds in the country and a longtime advocate for actual worker freedom. We talk about what it really means to be pro-worker in a 21st-century economy—one defined by flexibility, technology, and individual choice, not 1930s labor law.This is a timely conversation. Between renewed pushes for the PRO Act, rising use of AI in the workplace, and growing attacks on independent contracting and right-to-work laws, the future of work is being shaped right now. And too often, workers are treated as political props rather than individuals with agency.This episode pushes back—hard.

Affordability is not an abstract debate for American families—it's the defining issue of daily life. Grocery bills, housing costs, energy prices, healthcare, and childcare all shape whether families feel secure or stretched.Families don't become pessimistic out of nowhere. Confidence erodes when planning for the future feels harder, margins feel thinner, and basic economics no longer seem to work in their favor.Meanwhile, leaders on both sides of the aisle are increasingly pointing the finger at free-market capitalism for nearly everything—high prices, inequality, corporate power, even government debt. But what's often labeled “capitalism” today is really a mix of subsidies, bailouts, protectionism, regulatory micromanagement, and monetary manipulation—policies that distort markets rather than allow them to function.True free markets are not chaos or greed. They are a rules-based system built on voluntary exchange, price signals, competition, and accountability. When people are free to trade, build, innovate, and respond to real prices, costs fall and opportunity expands—giving families the freedom to flourish.In today's episode of This Week's Economy, we explore how free-market capitalism supports families, restores dignity through work, and lowers prices to make life more affordable. We'll also examine how these principles apply at the federal, state, and local levels. Tune in to the full episode on YouTube, Apple Podcast, or Spotify, and visit my website vanceginn.com for the show notes in my newsletter and more information.

We talk a lot about opportunity in America—but far less about where opportunity actually exists and why.Why do some states consistently help people climb the economic ladder while others trap families in place for generations? Why do well-intended policies often backfire? And why is “doing more” by the government so often the wrong answer when it comes to social mobility?That's exactly what we unpack in Episode 186 of the Let People Prosper Show with Dr. Justin Callais, Chief Economist at the Archbridge Institute and lead author of the new Social Mobility in the 50 States (2025) report.Justin brings data, clarity, and—refreshingly—humility to one of the most politicized topics in economics. The findings challenge both the left's obsession with redistribution and the right's tendency to overlook the very real policy barriers that states create.Watch the full episode on YouTube, Apple Podcast, or Spotify, Substack for show notes at vanceginn.substack.com, and visit my website at vanceginn.com for more information about my work at Ginn Economic Consulting.

How property taxes undermine homeownership—and what states and localities can do to fix it.Affordability is a major issue for voters. Families are feeling squeezed by higher housing costs, rising insurance premiums, and everyday expenses that often outpace income. For many Americans, the question is no longer just whether they can buy a home, but whether they can afford to keep the one they are in.Across the country, states are beginning to confront one overlooked driver of the housing affordability crisis: property taxes. From proposals to cap assessments to more ambitious efforts to reduce or even eliminate property taxes, lawmakers are reexamining a tax that quietly raises housing costs annually.In This Week's Economy, we'll look at how property taxes undermine true homeownership, why they fall hardest on those least able to pay, and what meaningful reform would require if states and localities want to restore affordability and let people prosper. Check out the show notes at vanceginn.substack.com and more information on my work at Ginn Economic Consulting at vanceginn.com. Thank you for watching. Please subscribe and share now!

Few projects in recent memory have done more to distort America's past—and poison our present debates—than the 1619 Project. What was marketed as a serious historical reckoning quickly hardened into political dogma, shutting down debate, smearing critics, and rewriting the story of capitalism, freedom, and the American founding.That's why this conversation matters.In Episode 182 of the Let People Prosper Show, I'm joined by Dr. Phillip W. Magness, Senior Fellow at the Independent Institute and one of the earliest and most rigorous critics of the 1619 Project. Phil didn't approach this debate with slogans or counter-myths. He approached it the only way serious scholarship should: with evidence, primary sources, and a willingness to follow the facts—even when they cut against the narrative.What follows is a conversation about history, yes—but also about capitalism, academic integrity, and why truth still matters in a politicized age. Subscribe to my YouTube channel and Substack newsletter with show notes at vanceginn.substack.com, and for more information, visit my website at vanceginn.com.

Today's episode is our first of 2026 focused squarely on the latest economic headlines—and what they mean for your wallet, your work, and the direction of the country.Washington has been busy. From another federal budget fight and renewed debates over health care subsidies, to fresh inflation data and major corporate developments, policymakers are already setting the tone for the year ahead. The choices being made now will shape whether families see real relief—or continued pressure—from higher costs and slower growth.In this episode, we'll look beyond the headlines to examine what's really driving these developments, where policy is helping—or hurting—affordability, and what leaders should prioritize if they're serious about restoring growth and prosperity in 2026. Tune in to the full episode on YouTube, Apple Podcast, or Spotify, and visit my website for more information.

If you've ever wondered why it's easier to order groceries on your phone than to legally cut hair, start a home business, or switch careers, this episode explains exactly what's gone wrong.America's labor policies are stuck in the past—designed for a 1930s economy that no longer exists. Meanwhile, workers have moved on. They want flexibility. They want choice. They want opportunity. And increasingly, government is standing in the way.My guest is Austen Bannan, Workforce Policy Fellow at Americans for Prosperity and one of the sharpest voices making the case for worker freedom over bureaucratic control. Austen works at the intersection of labor policy, occupational licensing, and education reform—where outdated rules quietly crush opportunity for millions of Americans.This is a conversation about why empowering workers—not protecting systems—is essential if we actually want people to prosper.

As we turn the page on another year, the questions facing the economy aren't abstract—they're personal.Families are watching prices, businesses are weighing risk, and policymakers are deciding whether 2026 brings stability or more uncertainty. The choices made in the months ahead won't just shape headlines—they'll shape paychecks, savings, and opportunity.In this episode of This Week's Economy, I look ahead to the policy fights most likely to define 2026. From trade and inflation to artificial intelligence and regulation, these decisions will determine whether we move toward prosperity or remain stuck in cycles of dysfunction.I make the case for returning to basic economic principles that work—and for choosing policies that truly let people prosper.

If you've ever wondered why so many people assume progress is automatic, why trillion-dollar deficits barely raise eyebrows anymore, or why “economic planning” keeps making a comeback despite its long record of failure—this episode gets to the heart of the issue.Prosperity doesn't happen by accident. Freedom doesn't sustain itself. And history doesn't bend toward progress unless the rules of the game allow it to.That's why this conversation matters.My guest is Dr. Peter Boettke, Distinguished University Professor of Economics at George Mason University and Director of the F.A. Hayek Program at the Mercatus Center. This is Peter's third appearance (episodes 10 and 119) on the Let People Prosper Show, and every time he joins, he brings clarity to questions most policymakers avoid.Today's discussion centers on his new book, The Historical Path to Liberty and Human Progress, which makes a simple but uncomfortable point: human flourishing depends on institutions—and bad institutions destroy progress faster than good intentions can save it.At a time of runaway federal spending, renewed industrial policy, and bipartisan refusal to confront tradeoffs, this conversation couldn't be more timely.

As we kick off a new year, state legislatures across the country are gearing up for their 2026 sessions. What lawmakers decide in the next few months will shape the economic health, competitiveness, and long-term prosperity of their states. With Americans continuing to vote with their feet—seeking opportunity, affordability, and freedom—states have every incentive to get their policies right.From sustainable budgeting and tax relief to school choice to debanking regulations to the future of AI innovation, these are the reforms that can strengthen economies, expand competition, and help states attract new people and new investment. If policymakers want prosperity, this is where to start.In this episode of This Week's Economy, I'll break down the key priorities that should be at the top of every state's agenda. Catch the show notes on my Substack newsletter, and visit my website for more information.

As we turn the page into a new year, many of us take stock, set goals, and make resolutions that help us grow. Policymakers should be no different. After years of rising debt, higher prices, regulatory overreach, and political gridlock, America is overdue for a reset—one rooted in timeless principles and practical reforms. This New Year's resolutions list isn't about sweeping government plans or partisan wish-casting. It's about returning to what works: fiscal responsibility, economic freedom, empowering families, and trusting people—not bureaucracies—to drive prosperity. If lawmakers commit to these resolutions, 2026 can be a year of renewed opportunity and a stronger, freer America.For more insights, visit vanceginn.com. You can also get even greater value by subscribing to my Substack newsletter at vanceginn.substack.com. Please share with your friends, family, and broader social media network. 

As we head into the Christmas season, there's something about twinkling lights, slower evenings, and gatherings with family and friends that reminds us what really matters. It's a moment to take stock, look around, and appreciate the freedoms and opportunities that make our lives possible.This week, we're leaning into that spirit with a special episode of This Week's Economy: a classical liberal's Christmas policy wishlist. Classical liberals know that freedom works—and it's a message we need now more than ever, with politicians on all sides reaching for more control.For more insights, visit vanceginn.com. You can also get even greater value by subscribing to my Substack newsletter at vanceginn.substack.com. Please share with your friends, family, and broader social media network.

If you've ever wondered why so many young people are confused about capitalism, skeptical of markets, or convinced that government control is the answer to rising prices and shrinking opportunity, this episode gets straight to the root of the problem.Economic ignorance isn't accidental. It's the predictable outcome of bad policy, bad education, and a culture that treats inflation and government growth as unavoidable facts of life rather than man-made choices. That's why this conversation matters.My guest is Diogo Costa, president of the Foundation for Economic Education (FEE)—one of the most important institutions advancing free markets, individual liberty, and economic understanding. Diogo didn't come to these ideas through theory alone. He lived through inflation firsthand while growing up in Brazil, watching savings evaporate and trust in institutions collapse. That experience shaped his worldview long before he ever led one of the most influential freedom organizations.Today, Diogo is focused on a long game most politicians ignore: building a liberty pipeline by educating students before politics hardens their views and bad ideas take root.

If you've felt like your paycheck doesn't stretch as far as it used to, you're not alone. Families across the country are finding that grocery prices, gas costs, and even utility bills are putting new strain on their wallets. It's not just that prices are higher — it's that the pace of the increases feels relentless.Inflation isn't an abstract economic term. It's the frustration of working hard yet still feeling like you're falling behind.In today's episode of This Week's Economy, we'll break down what's really driving inflation, how the Federal Reserve is involved, and, most importantly, what can be done to fix it. When we understand the problem, we're empowered to demand better solutions — ones that protect our paychecks, rebuild trust, and help every household breathe a little easier.For more insights, visit vanceginn.com. You can also get even greater value by subscribing to my Substack newsletter at vanceginn.substack.com. Please share with your friends, family, and broader social media network.

If you're trying to understand why starter homes have vanished, why marriage and birth rates are falling, or why your kids can't afford to move out, you won't find a clearer guide than Dr. Emily Hamilton. Her latest piece in Governing, “To Support Families, Repair the Housing Ladder,” is a must-read. It makes a simple but devastating point: We've eliminated the low rungs of the housing ladder—and now we're shocked people can't climb it.Starter apartments? Outlawed. Manufactured housing? Zoned out.SROs? Gone. Family-friendly rentals? Blocked by NIMBY politics. And now the U.S. is flirting with population decline for the first time ever. This conversation explains why—and what to do about it.

As we close out 2025, the economic and policy landscape isn't slowing down for the holidays. This final news brief of the year brings a flurry of developments that will shape the year ahead — from sinking consumer confidence and major antitrust rulings to DOGE shutting down, to state budgets sliding deeper into the red, to new scrutiny on algorithmic pricing tools.It's a fitting close to a year defined by big economic questions — and even bigger opportunities to return to the principles that let people prosper. Understanding basic economic fundamentals is essential for lawmakers to make decisions that allow Americans to thrive.In This Week's Economy, we examine the nation's economic health, new developments in competition and innovation, how the end of the government's DOGE initiative fits into the broader fight against waste, and the warning California's budget crisis sends to other states.For more insights, visit vanceginn.com. You can also get even greater value by subscribing to my Substack newsletter at vanceginn.substack.com. Please share with your friends, family, and broader social media network.

This week on the Let People Prosper Show, I sit down with someone who has lived enough life experience to fill three biographies: Dr. Meaghan Mobbs. She's a West Point grad, paratrooper, combat veteran of Afghanistan, clinical psychologist, humanitarian leader in Ukraine, national security advisor, and now one of the sharpest voices at the Independent Women's Forum. Her new report, Women and the West: Liberty, Tyranny, and True Liberal Values, is a wake-up call. It argues that women's rights are being quietly eroded inside the very societies that claim to be the most “progressive.” And she's right — something is slipping.This episode digs into the uncomfortable truth: freedom for women isn't collapsing in some distant corner of the world; it's being chipped away here at home under slogans like “equity,” “inclusion,” and “progress.” We talk about true liberalism (the good kind), the danger of what Meaghan calls “suicidal empathy,” why motherhood sharpened her perspective, and how Western civilization can still protect what made it great. It's an important conversation — and an encouraging one — at a moment when the West badly needs clarity.For more insights, visit vanceginn.com. You can also get even greater value by subscribing to my Substack newsletter at vanceginn.substack.com. Please share with your friends, family, and broader social media network.

Tariffs are a misguided way to raise revenue—and they're already hurting Americans. Businesses warn that rising import costs are squeezing margins, consumers are paying more at the store, and uncertainty is growing as companies pause hiring and investment while they wait to see what tariffs come next. As of this recording, the Supreme Court has an opportunity to set an important precedent: the president cannot impose taxes by executive order. If the Court affirms this ruling, it will be a win for constitutional order and taxpayers alike.But this moment didn't appear out of nowhere. For decades, Congress has steadily handed its trade and tax authority to the executive branch—granting presidents of both parties broad tariff powers with little oversight. What began as narrow tools has evolved into sweeping authority used to manage the economy, wage trade wars, and pressure allies. Administrations have leaned on tariffs as a fix for real concerns, and every time, Americans have paid the price.In this episode of This Week's Economy, we're going to break down how we got here, why tariffs create more problems than they solve, and the constitutional, economic, and strategic policy reforms that would actually help American workers, businesses, and families. For more insights, visit vanceginn.com. You can also get even greater value by subscribing to my Substack newsletter at vanceginn.substack.com. Please share with your friends, family, and brader social media network. 

This Thanksgiving, I'm grateful to bring you a conversation that captures exactly why freedom matters so much for human flourishing. In this special holiday episode of the Let People Prosper Show, I sit down with Dr. Jason Sorens, Senior Research Fellow at the American Institute for Economic Research, whose work shows—again and again—that prosperity grows when government gets out of the way and lets people build, create, move, and thrive.We talk about housing affordability, zoning reform, migration trends, and the economic importance of local freedom. On this day of gratitude, Jason's message is a needed reminder: America's prosperity has always come from free people making free choices, not from bureaucratic micromanagement.If you're thankful for liberty, opportunity, and the chance to build a better life, this episode fits the moment perfectly.For more insights, visit vanceginn.com. You can also get even greater value by subscribing to my Substack newsletter at vanceginn.substack.com. Please share with your friends, family, and broader social media network. 

We're entering the final days of the first year of Trump's second term, and the economic picture looks very different from his first.Last time, America saw strong growth driven by pro-market reforms — tax cuts, regulatory reductions, and a broader effort to unleash productivity. This time, the administration led with the opposite approach: sweeping tariffs and industrial policy first, and only later moved to tax cuts and deregulation. That reversal in priorities has stalled, not strengthened, the economy.Now those tariffs are at a defining moment before the US Supreme Court, where the Justices are weighing whether any president can unilaterally impose “emergency” taxes on Americans. Yet even as SCOTUS debates the limits of executive power, the administration is doubling down with tariff rebate checks instead of simply lowering the taxes themselves.But there is good news amid the chaos: health policy is finally front and center. That opens the door to meaningful reforms that put patients — not bureaucracies, insurers, or federal mandates — at the center of care.In This Week's Economy, I break down the challenges and the real opportunities ahead for economic growth and the issues that let people prosper. Tune in to the full episode on YouTube, Apple Podcast, or Spotify, and visit my website for more information.

In a world where protectionism, trade wars, and anti-capitalist rhetoric persist, few voices explain economic freedom with greater clarity and conviction than Dr. Don Boudreaux.This week on the Let People Prosper Show, I'm joined by Don, Professor of Economics at George Mason University, Senior Fellow at the Mercatus Center, and one of the most articulate defenders of liberty and markets in America today. Don is co-author, with former Senator Phil Gramm and Robert Ekelund, of the new book The Triumph of Economic Freedom: Debunking the Seven Great Myths of American Capitalism. Through his writing, teaching, and his widely read Cafe Hayek blog, he has spent his career making the moral and empirical case for free markets, open trade, and voluntary exchange as the foundation of human progress.In this episode, we examine the myths surrounding capitalism and trade that continue to mislead voters and policymakers — from the notion that globalization has “hollowed out” the middle class to the misconception that tariffs enrich nations.For more insights, visit vanceginn.com. You can also get even greater value by subscribing to my Substack newsletter at vanceginn.substack.com. Please share with your friends, family, and broader social media network. 

It goes by many names: cronyism, corporatism, political favoritism, corporate welfare, and more. No matter what you call it, it's the same idea — government picking winners and losers in our economy. Some companies get special treatment through subsidies, tax breaks, loopholes, government contracts, low-interest loans, or in-kind support.In short, whenever the government promises a company a shortcut or special favor, that's corporate welfare in action. It undermines competition, punishes smaller competitors, and costs taxpayers. It happens at every governmental level — local, state, and federal — and it's always the public who pays the price.In today's episode of This Week's Economy, we'll unpack the real costs of corporate welfare — who truly benefits, and who gets left behind. You can catch the full episode on YouTube, Apple Podcast, or Spotify. Visit: VanceGinn.com. Subscribe: VanceGinn.Substack.com

In a time when personal discipline and fiscal restraint feel out of fashion, Robert Ordway reminds us that the path to prosperity—both individually and nationally—still runs through faith, family, and responsibility.This week on the Let People Prosper Show, I'm joined by Robert Ordway, a writer, speaker, entrepreneur, and policy professional whose life story bridges small-town America and the halls of power in Washington. Robert currently serves as Senior Policy Advisor to Indiana Governor Mike Braun, supporting the Freedom & Opportunity Agenda. Previously, he worked in the U.S. Senate as Deputy Legislative Director and Senior Policy Advisor to then-Senator Braun, where he specialized in budget and tax issues, and with the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) advancing pro-growth policy across the states.Robert's upcoming memoir, Mill Rat: A Memoir from the Multiethnic Working Class, tells the remarkable story of growing up in Gary, Indiana, caring for his father during a five-year battle with ALS, and overcoming profound family adversity through faith and perseverance. It's a moving portrait of working-class America—and a lesson in personal agency that applies as much to the federal budget as to everyday life. We discuss the parallels between personal health and national spending, why faith and family remain the bedrock of freedom, and how fiscal conservatism is not just a policy preference but a moral necessity.For more insights, visit vanceginn.com. You can also get even greater value by subscribing to my Substack newsletter at vanceginn.substack.com. Please share with your friends, family, and broader social media network. 

The federal government shutdown is still dragging on — now stretching into its second month — freezing key economic data and labor reports. This adds more uncertainty to already shaky markets, which are struggling under tariffs. Meanwhile, major developments are unfolding in the courts, from a pivotal Supreme Court case that could redefine presidential power over tariffs to an antitrust battle involving Pfizer and Novo Nordisk.At the state level, voters weighed in on key tax and spending measures that will shape local economies for years to come. A lot is happening across every level of government — and each of these stories ties back to one question: how do we keep America's economy free, competitive, and growing? In This Week's Economy, I explore this question in light of recent news. You can catch the full episode on YouTube, Apple Podcast, or Spotify.Visit: VanceGinn.comSubscribe: VanceGinn.Substack.com

In a world drowning in talk about government aid, redistribution, and populist “solutions,” it's refreshing to hear from someone who has actually seen what works.This week on the Let People Prosper Show, I'm joined by Dr. Tom G. Palmer, one of the most respected and influential advocates for liberty around the globe. Tom serves as Executive Vice President for International Programs at Atlas Network, where he holds the George M. Yeager Chair for Advancing Liberty, and he's a Senior Fellow at the Cato Institute.He's helped freedom movements in more than 100 countries—from Poland to Peru—and his work has shown time and again that free people, not foreign aid, drive prosperity. He's the author of Realizing Freedom and the editor of The Morality of Capitalism and Why Liberty. His latest book, co-authored with Matt Warner, Development with Dignity: Self-Determination, Localization, and the End to Poverty, offers a roadmap for true, bottom-up progress.We talk about the moral foundations of capitalism, the failures of foreign aid, and how dignity and innovation—not dependency—lift people out of poverty. This conversation is a reminder that prosperity isn't granted by governments—it's earned by free individuals.For more insights, visit vanceginn.com. You can also get even greater value by subscribing to my Substack newsletter at vanceginn.substack.com. Please share with your friends, family, and broader social media network. 

Last week, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates by a quarter percentage point, marking the second of what some expect to be a series of rate reductions in the coming months.The move came after new data showed consumer inflation rose 3% over the past year—slightly less than expected but above the Fed's 2% inflation target. Traders are already betting on more cuts ahead.But the real question isn't whether lower rates will boost the economy in the short term. It's whether the Fed has learned from its mistakes—or is setting us up for yet another boom-and-bust cycle.In this episode of This Week's Economy, we'll break down what the Fed's decision means, why it matters, and what real reform should look like if we want lasting prosperity. You can catch the full episode on YouTube, Apple Podcast, or Spotify.Visit: VanceGinn.comSubscribe: VanceGinn.Substack.com

Artificial intelligence isn't just transforming industries—it's redefining freedom, opportunity, and the future of human work. This week on the Let People Prosper Show, I talk with Kevin Frazier, the inaugural AI Innovation and Law Fellow at the University of Texas School of Law, where he leads their groundbreaking new AI Innovation and Law Program.Kevin's at the center of the national conversation on how to balance innovation with accountability—and how to make sure regulation doesn't crush the technological progress that drives prosperity. With degrees from UC Berkeley Law, Harvard Kennedy School, and the University of Oregon, Kevin brings both a legal and policy lens to today's most pressing questions about AI, federalism, and the economy. Before joining UT, he served as an Assistant Professor at St. Thomas University College of Law and conducted research for the Institute for Law and AI. His scholarship has appeared in the Tennessee Law Review, MIT Technology Review, and Lawfare. He also co-hosts the Scaling Laws Podcast, bridging the gap between innovation and regulation.This episode goes deep into how we can harness AI to promote human flourishing, not government dependency—how we can regulate based on reality, not fear—and how federalism can help America remain the global leader in technological innovation.For more insights, visit vanceginn.com. You can also get even greater value by subscribing to my Substack newsletter at vanceginn.substack.com. Please share with your friends, family, and broader social media network. 

We shouldn't fear progress. It brings countless benefits. Just think about how much easier it is to make plans with a friend today than 30 years ago—you can send a quick text and meet up in minutes, instead of calling a landline and hoping they're home to answer.Yet in the headlines, progress is often framed as a threat—from manufacturing jobs moving overseas to warnings that AI will cause mass layoffs. What's often forgotten is that new industries rise to take their place. New jobs emerge. Entrepreneurs adapt and create.This continual cycle of innovation and renewal—what economist Joseph Schumpeter called creative destruction—was recently spotlighted by the Nobel Prize in Economics awarded to Joel Mokyr, Philippe Aghion, and Peter Howitt for their work on sustained growth through innovation. For great analyses of the prize, check out Brian Albrecht's commentary and Justin Callais's deep dive. In today's episode of This Week's Economy, we'll explore creative destruction, how governments often try to protect us from it, and why it's best left to run its course. You can catch the full episode on YouTube, Apple Podcast, or Spotify.Visit: VanceGinn.comSubscribe: VanceGinn.Substack.com

Can a man find freedom inside a prison cell?Today's guest did—and he's using that hard-won wisdom to help others do the same.In this week's Let People Prosper Show, I sit down with Michael Liebowitz, host of The Rational Egoist podcast, author, and prison reform advocate who spent 25 years behind bars before transforming his life through philosophy, reason, and purpose.Michael's story isn't just one of redemption—it's a case study in what happens when a man discovers the moral and economic power of rational self-interest. Drawing from Ayn Rand's Objectivism, he argues that true morality isn't about self-sacrifice—it's about living productively, rationally, and responsibly.We explore how his years in prison shaped his philosophy, why he believes America's criminal justice system is broken, and how rational egoism directly connects to the free-market ideas that allow people to prosper.For more insights, visit vanceginn.com. You can also get even greater value by subscribing to my Substack newsletter at vanceginn.substack.com. Please share with your friends, family, and broader social media network. 

As of this recording, forecasts suggest this could become the longest federal government shutdown in modern American history. In Washington, tensions are high over mass layoffs and congressional gridlock.Yet across much of the country, it's business as usual—aside from the twenty-two states sliding toward recession and revising revenue forecasts amid tariff-driven uncertainty. Add in speculation about the Federal Reserve's next rate cut, and the picture becomes even more unsettled.In this episode of This Week's Economy, I break down the latest developments—from the shutdown to potential interest rate cuts—and explore solutions rooted in sound, time-tested economic principles. You can catch the full episode on YouTube, Apple Podcast, or Spotify.Visit: VanceGinn.comSubscribe: VanceGinn.Substack.com

Is America's debt crisis the biggest threat to prosperity—and can we fix it before it's too late?In this week's Let People Prosper Show, I sit down with Romina Boccia, one of the nation's top fiscal minds and a fearless reformer when it comes to Washington's runaway spending. Romina is the Director of Budget and Entitlement Policy at the Cato Institute, where she leads research on federal spending, debt, and entitlement reform. She's also the principal author of Debt Dispatch—the number-one fiscal newsletter read by members of Congress—and author of the new book Reimagining Social Security: Global Lessons for Retirement Policy Changes.I first met Romina during my time at the White House Office of Management and Budget, and I've admired her work ever since. In this episode, we talk about her journey from Germany to D.C., how she became one of the fiercest advocates for limited government, and why entitlement reform isn't just a numbers issue—it's about moral responsibility to future generations.We unpack why the national debt—now over $37 trillion and rising by about $2 trillion a year—is a bipartisan failure decades in the making. Romina explains how unchecked spending, not too little revenue, is driving the crisis—and why sustainable reform to Social Security and Medicare is critical to preserving both freedom and prosperity.For more insights, visit vanceginn.com. You can also get even greater value by subscribing to my Substack newsletter at vanceginn.substack.com. Please share with your friends, family, and broader social media network. 

As I record this, the federal government is in yet another shutdown. Sadly, this isn't new. Washington has become addicted to chaos in budgeting, marked by shutdowns, continuing resolutions, and bloated omnibus bills. We must be clear that this shutdown is just a symptom. The disease is runaway government spending.The U.S. debt has soared past $37 trillion. We're running nearly $2 trillion in annual deficits. And Congress hasn't passed a full budget on time since 1997—that's almost three decades of fiscal irresponsibility. Instead, lawmakers punt with short-term patches and massive, unread spending packages. That's fiscal malpractice.VIDEOIn this episode of This Week's Economy, I'll be covering who needs to take responsibility and what steps must be taken to prevent future shutdowns, address our nation's spending problems, and get America back on track. You can catch the full episode on YouTube, Apple Podcast, or Spotify.Visit: VanceGinn.comSubscribe: VanceGinn.Substack.com

What if our approach to vaccines—one of the greatest medical achievements in history—has lost sight of its most important principle: trust?In this week's Let People Prosper Show, I talk with Dr. Monique Yohanan, a physician, policy leader, and innovator who's spent more than 20 years at the crossroads of medicine, technology, and public policy. She's the Chief Medical Officer at Adia Health, where she leads work on AI-powered diagnostic tools, and a Senior Fellow at Independent Women's Forum, where she's shaking up the national conversation with her new paper, Rethinking Vaccine Policy: A Case for Humility, Precision, and Parental Partnership.Dr. Yohanan trained at Dartmouth, Brown, Harvard, and Stanford, and has taught at UCSF and Stanford. She's a nationally recognized voice on evidence-based medicine, having worked on issues from pain management and mental health parity to the opioid crisis and healthcare technology reform.In this conversation, we delve into how public health can rebuild trust by respecting parents, embracing precision, and utilizing technology wisely.Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube, and visit VanceGinn.com and my handle on X for more pro-growth policy content that doesn't pull punches.

Washington is once again at a standstill. The latest federal shutdown is more than a partisan clash—it's a reminder of how badly America needs real fiscal discipline. Endless spending battles, continuing resolutions, and bloated budgets have left taxpayers footing the bill for a government that refuses to live within its means. President Trump has warned of “irreversible” changes to the federal workforce during this shutdown, but the deeper problem isn't staffing levels—it's a budgeting process that's broken at its core.Sound economics goes beyond fiscal responsibility. Free trade, open markets, and competition—not tariffs, subsidies, or mandates—are what drive prosperity. From tariffs on movies and medicine to micromanagement of banking and biotech, Washington has drifted far from the principles that once made America the world's economic leader. It's time to rein in unnecessary spending, reject protectionism, and return to policies that let people prosper!In this episode of This Week's Economy, I'll break down the latest news—from the shutdown to new Trump administration tariffs—and share solutions that can move us forward. In today's episode of This Week's Economy, join me for Econ 101 as we explore whether markets ever truly fail. You can catch the full episode on YouTube, Apple Podcast, or Spotify.Visit: VanceGinn.comSubscribe: VanceGinn.Substack.com

What really empowers women—bigger government programs, or the freedom to pursue opportunity on their own terms?On this week's Let People Prosper Show, I sit down with Patrice Onwuka, Director of the Center for Economic Opportunity at the Independent Women's Forum. You may know her as a regular Friday co-host on WMAL's O'Connor & Company, a fellow at The Steamboat Institute and The Philanthropy Roundtable, and a frequent guest on Fox News. Her work has also appeared in USA Today, The Washington Post, Barron's, and many more.Born in the Caribbean and raised in Boston, Patrice now lives in Maryland with her husband and three kids. With more than a decade of experience in D.C. policy and advocacy, she has made it her mission to combat identity politics and advocate for practical solutions—such as portable benefits, safety net reform, and dismantling barriers that hinder women's ability to build wealth. Don't miss our discussion and share it with your network.For more insights, visit vanceginn.com. You can also get even greater value by subscribing to my Substack newsletter at vanceginn.substack.com. Please share with your friends, family, and broader social media network. 

The conservative movement is growing. In the days since the assassination of Charlie Kirk, many have stepped forward to advance traditional values and conservative ideals. There is much to elevate in this renewed movement.But it must remain anchored in the pro-growth principles that have fueled conservative victories throughout American history. Conservatives have long resisted government spending and control. Yet today, too many conservatives support tariffs, industrial policy, and special favors for select businesses. These are forms of economic socialism—central planning that shifts power from the people to politicians.What we need instead is a principled, practical defense of free markets—and the courage to press leaders to embrace it, even when it's politically inconvenient. That's why I've put together a list of basic economic principles.In today's episode of This Week's Economy, join me for Econ 101 as we explore whether markets ever truly fail. You can catch the full episode on YouTube, Apple Podcast, or Spotify.Visit: VanceGinn.comSubscribe: VanceGinn.Substack.com

Today's guest is David Ditch, Senior Analyst in Fiscal Policy at the Economic Policy Innovation Center (EPIC). With over a decade of experience examining the federal budget, David has worked at the Senate Budget Committee and at The Heritage Foundation, where he helped launch the Grover M. Hermann Center for the Federal Budget. His work has been published in outlets like FoxNews.com, the Los Angeles Times, and the Chicago Tribune.David's reputation is clear: he cuts through Washington spin with data-driven analysis, showing how Congress, bureaucrats, and special interests have fueled a debt crisis that threatens the future. In our conversation, we dive into the national debt as a failure of elites, the false fights over discretionary vs. mandatory spending, and what Washington could learn from low-tax, low-spend states. We also cover the gimmicks that dominate appropriations and the challenge of making fiscal responsibility popular again.For more insights, visit vanceginn.com. You can also get even greater value by subscribing to my Substack newsletter at vanceginn.substack.com. Please share with your friends, family, and broader social media network. 

In the aftermath of Charlie Kirk's assassination, many are asking what comes next. Free speech feels under attack. Policy debates feel more heated than ever. But now is not the time to retreat—it's the time to fight for truth. We need clarity about which policies work and which don't, and we must pursue those that let people prosper.Part of that fight is advancing pro-growth policies that get government out of the way. The latest economic data paint a troubling picture: inflation is running hot, the national debt is soaring, the labor market is weakening, and a third of U.S. states are slipping into recession. Now more than ever, we need policies that can steady the ship and put America back on the path to prosperity.In this episode of This Week's Economy, I'll break down what all this data means—and what solutions can move us forward. You can catch the full episode on YouTube, Apple Podcast, or Spotify.Visit: VanceGinn.comSubscribe: VanceGinn.Substack.com

What happens when innovation runs headfirst into big government?On this week's Let People Prosper Show, I'm joined by Jake Morabito, Senior Director at the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), where he leads both the Communications and Technology Task Force and the Energy, Environment, and Agriculture Task Force. Jake is working directly with state lawmakers to make sure freedom—not federal micromanagement—drives the future of innovation.From AI and broadband expansion to smart cities and age verification, Jake has been at the center of some of the most pressing debates in technology policy. His background—from Capitol Hill with Rep. Darrell Issa to his work with Software.org—gives him a unique perspective on how lawmakers handle innovation and how often they get it wrong. Together, we explore how states can lead in AI without replicating California's regulatory overreach, how to bridge the digital divide without fostering dependency, and how free-market principles can guide a more prosperous digital future.For more insights, visit vanceginn.com. You can also get even greater value by subscribing to my Substack newsletter at vanceginn.substack.com. Please share with your friends, family, and broader social media network.

Across the U.S., students are heading back to school. But here's the reality: despite record levels of public education funding, student performance is flat—or more likely declining—in many places.Nearly twenty states have adopted near-universal Education Savings Accounts, giving families more freedom. Yet in many others, progress lags. Even where legislation has recently passed, like in Texas, the programs often fall short of true, universal choice in terms of all students, all options, and all dollars.The time for a school choice revolution is now! In this episode of This Week's Economy, I break down why education needs choice, competition, and innovation—and how those principles can transform not just the lives of individual students, but families, communities, and the future of our nation.You can catch the full episode on YouTube, Apple Podcast, or Spotify.Visit: VanceGinn.comSubscribe: VanceGinn.Substack.com

Today's guest is Kurt Couchman, Senior Fellow in Fiscal Policy at Americans for Prosperity—and a trusted fiscal ally since our days in Washington, back when he was at the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. Kurt's cutting-edge thinking on balanced-budget amendments, statutory fiscal targets, and bipartisan reform has made him one of the most respected voices in the fight against runaway spending.His new book, Fiscal Democracy in America: How a Balanced Budget Amendment Can Restore Sound Governance, is out now—and it's essential reading if you care about fiscal responsibility, government accountability, and long-term economic growth.For more insights, visit vanceginn.com. You can also get even greater value by subscribing to my Substack newsletter at vanceginn.substack.com. Please share with your friends, family, and broader social media network. 

Many lawmakers have lost sight of the basic economic principles that build flourishing societies. From putting Washington in private boardrooms to imposing tariffs, this administration seems intent on focusing on anything but the real problem: runaway government spending.Inflation and many of today's economic woes are made worse by federal deficits that fuel higher interest rates and add relentless inflationary pressure. These challenges won't be solved by squeezing “revenues” out of private industry or taxing imports. They'll only be solved by spending less, taxing less, and regulating less.We'll break down the latest news on these issues and more in this edition of This Week's Economy.You can catch the full episode on YouTube, Apple Podcast, or Spotify.Visit: VanceGinn.comSubscribe: VanceGinn.Substack.com

What keeps the socialist temptation alive—and why does it resonate with younger Americans?On this week's Let People Prosper Show, I interview Iain Murray, Vice President for Strategy at the Competitive Enterprise Institute. Iain is one of the sharpest voices in the movement for economic liberty, directing CEI's Center for Economic Freedom and shaping the debate on labor, trade, energy, and beyond.We discuss his journey from the UK to the US, his time as a civil servant under heavy bureaucracy, and his work at CEI to expose the hidden costs of “regulatory dark matter.” We also dive into his book The Socialist Temptation, unpacking why socialism still attracts voters—and how free markets can win the argument with better storytelling. Along the way, we tackle Brexit, trade, environmental stewardship, and the battle of values driving today's political realignment.For more insights, visit vanceginn.com. You can also get even greater value by subscribing to my Substack newsletter at vanceginn.substack.com. Please share with your friends, family, and broader social media network. 

With socialist policies coming from progressives and conservatives, it's clear America's political class — left and right — has lost its economic compass.Headlines tell the story: student loan forgiveness, tariffs, income redistribution, protectionist trade. Each is a form of central planning that shifts decisions from people in markets to lawmakers and regulators in government. No wonder the economy feels stuck — with $37 trillion in national debt, a bloated Federal Reserve balance sheet, and growing doubts about the American Dream.What we need is a practical, principled defense of free markets — and the courage to push leaders to embrace it, even when it's politically inconvenient. You can catch the full episode on YouTube, Apple Podcast, or Spotify.Visit: VanceGinn.comSubscribe: VanceGinn.Substack.com

What happens when principles collide with politics—and you refuse to back down?On this week's Let People Prosper Show, I interview The Honorable Konni Burton, former Texas State Senator and Founder & CEO of The Texan. Konni has lived the journey from grassroots activist to policymaker to media entrepreneur—and she's never wavered from putting liberty first.We talk about her battles in the Texas Senate—taking on taxpayer-funded lobbying and corporate welfare long before it was fashionable—and her bold decision to start The Texan, an outlet built to restore integrity to journalism in Texas. Along the way, we dig into faith, family, free markets, and the future of conservatism in Texas.For more insights, visit vanceginn.com. You can also get even greater value by subscribing to my Substack newsletter at vanceginn.substack.com. Please share with your friends, family, and broader social media network. 

Economist Julian Simon said, “Energy is the master resource, because energy enables us to convert one material into another. As natural scientists continue to learn more about the transformation of materials from one form to another with the aid of energy, energy will be even more important.”Energy powers our homes, fuels our industries, and drives the innovations that secure our future. However, when Washington attempts to micromanage the energy sector through regulations, subsidies, and political agendas, it distorts the market and drives up costs.But it doesn't have to be this way. When markets are free to work, America thrives. We've seen that energy abundance, competition, and innovation emerge naturally when government steps back and entrepreneurs step forward. The path to a stronger economy and a more reliable grid isn't more government planning—it's less!In This Week's Economy episode, I discuss how we got here, what's at stake, and the four steps we must take to unleash America's full energy potential. From ending regulations and subsidies, to rejecting ESG mandates, to fueling innovation, the blueprint is clear: trust markets, not bureaucrats, to power America's future. You can catch the full episode on YouTube, Apple Podcast, or Spotify.Visit: VanceGinn.comSubscribe: VanceGinn.Substack.com

What if I told you the most important tool for building generational wealth isn't sitting in a 401(k)—it's digital, decentralized, and already here?This week on the Let People Prosper Show, I sat down with Stewart Arthur Pelto, host of Sat Chats, to talk about why Bitcoin is not just a financial instrument—it's a movement. A movement about freedom, about family, and about finally reclaiming control of your financial future.Stewart's journey is compelling: from PAC manager to tech sales to now full-time Bitcoin evangelist. His passion isn't just philosophical—it's deeply personal. “I do it for my kids,” he told me. And frankly, that hit hard. Because Bitcoin isn't just for the tech-savvy—it's for anyone who wants real ownership in a world of manipulated, fiat money.For more insights, visit vanceginn.com. You can also get even greater value by subscribing to my Substack newsletter at vanceginn.substack.com. Please share with your friends, family, and broader social media network. 

In the name of “fixing” the economy, this administration has its hands deep in the market. From firing the Bureau of Labor Statistics commissioner to inserting itself into corporate deals and demanding a cut of it to imposing tariffs on Americans, President Trump is disrupting vital market signals. That's no place for a president, especially in what should be a free-market capitalist system (it's not).There is a place for presidential leadership—urging fiscal discipline, lowering taxes, and cutting red tape. It's encouraging to hear the president express interest in these areas, but continued actions will speak louder than words.Meanwhile, Texas' first special legislative session called by Governor Abbott to revisit bills he vetoed ended on Friday. How much progress was made?You can catch the full episode on YouTube, Apple Podcast, or Spotify.Visit: VanceGinn.comSubscribe: VanceGinn.Substack.com

Is trade a tool of the elite—or the secret weapon of everyday Americans?On this week's Let People Prosper Show, I sit down with Bryan Riley, Director of the Free Trade Initiative at the National Taxpayers Union. Bryan has spent his career fighting for economic freedom and debunking the myths that protectionists love to spread—especially the idea that trade makes us weaker or poorer.This episode is a crash course in real-world trade economics. We unpack NAFTA's lasting legacy, challenge the narrative around trade deficits, and dismantle the idea that tariffs are a smart negotiating tool. Bryan argues that free trade embodies freedom in action—the ability for individuals to choose, compete, and prosper without government interference.For more insights, visit vanceginn.com. You can also get even greater value by subscribing to my Substack newsletter at vanceginn.substack.com. Please share with your friends, family, and broader social media network. 

I'm consistently inspired by the entrepreneurial journeys shared by my guests on the Let People Prosper Show. Their stories of building businesses, overcoming challenges, and innovating to improve lives remind me of the incredible value entrepreneurs bring to our world.At the same time, it's frustrating to see how policymakers can undermine entrepreneurship through higher taxes, regulatory hurdles, and other government interventions that stifle growth. This often stems from a fundamental misunderstanding of the crucial role businesses play in driving progress and prosperity.In This Week's Economy, I'm diving into the principles of entrepreneurship—why it's so essential and why policies must support businesses to nurture the growth and prosperity they fuel. You can catch the full episode on YouTube, Apple Podcast, or Spotify.Visit: VanceGinn.comSubscribe: VanceGinn.Substack.com