Let People Prosper

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

We hear it all the time: the planet is doomed unless we regulate energy into the ground. But what if the real path forward is the opposite—more energy, fewer mandates, and stronger markets?In this week's Let People Prosper Show, I'm joined by Gabriella Hoffman, Director of the Center for Energy and Conservation at the Independent Women's Forum and one of the most insightful voices in energy policy today. Gabriella brings a refreshing take to the conversation—rooted in liberty, informed by experience, and focused on prosperity through abundance.We discuss her journey, from the daughter of Lithuanian immigrants to a leading advocate for market-based energy and conservation. We delve into the energy crisis in Europe, explore how over-regulation backfires, and discuss why America must resist the urge to centralize energy decisions in Washington, D.C.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. 

President Trump's recent visit to the Federal Reserve was more than symbolic—it was a direct challenge. At a time when Americans are grappling with rising grocery bills, housing costs, and debt payments, the Fed is spending up to $3.1 billion to renovate its D.C. headquarters. Trump's question—“What's going on at the Fed?”—is one more people are starting to ask, and rightly so.How do we actually spur growth? It's encouraging to see the administration tackling that question, but some of the answers, like new tariffs, risk doing more harm than good by raising costs on American consumers.In this week's edition, we'll dive into the latest trade developments, GDP and jobs reports, Texas' special legislative session, the new Trump AI action plan, and more. You can catch the full episode on YouTube, Apple Podcast, or Spotify.Visit: VanceGinn.comSubscribe: VanceGinn.Substack.com

What's going on in South Carolina? A lot more than people realize—and not all of it's good.In this week's Let People Prosper Show, I sit down with Sam Aaron, Research Director at the South Carolina Policy Council and one of the most promising young voices in state-level policy today. Sam and I have worked together for years on the Responsible South Carolina Budget. In this episode, we dig into the real issues driving South Carolina's future: from runaway spending to the need for bold tax reform, smarter judicial selection, and a stronger education marketplace.Sam is clear-eyed and sharp-tongued. He's not afraid to say it: "Government kind of sucks at everything." But that's not defeatism—it's a call to action. People in government need limits, people in markets need breathing room, and taxpayers need better advocates. This episode is all about what it'll take to keep South Carolina competitive, accountable, and free.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. 

America's healthcare system is the most expensive in the world, costing nearly $5 trillion annually—almost $15,000 per person.Yet despite that staggering price tag, millions of Americans still struggle to access basic care. Routine procedures are delayed for months, providers are buried in bureaucracy, and even those with insurance often feel powerless and frustrated. If healthcare is meant to help people heal, our current system is failing.So how did we end up here—and what can be done to fix it?That's precisely what I tackle in This Week's Economy. We'll explore the roots of our broken healthcare system—and the path to empower patients.You can catch the full episode on YouTube, Apple Podcast, or Spotify.Visit: VanceGinn.comSubscribe: VanceGinn.Substack.com

What if we stopped pretending that insurance coverage equals care?In this week's Let People Prosper Show, I'm joined by Dean Waldman, MD MBA—physician, policy expert, and my co-author of our recent book, Empower Patients: Two Doctors' Cure for Healthcare. We tackle what's truly broken in American healthcare: it's not just the cost or complexity, but who holds the power. Spoiler: it's not the patient.From Medicaid to Medicare, and private insurance to the ACA, the system we have today serves bureaucrats, insurers, and politicians, not the people receiving care. Dr. Dean and I break down why health care isn't a right, why it is a service, and how we can return to patient-first solutions. If you're ready to rethink how America does healthcare, this conversation is for you!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's time to set the record straight on prices. They're not just random numbers set by sellers—they're powerful signals that reflect what the market is willing to pay for goods and services.But when the government steps in—through price controls, subsidies, or bailouts—those signals get distorted. This results in market confusion, unintended consequences, and long-term economic harm.In this episode of This Week's Economy, I break down why prices matter and why policymakers need to tread carefully. You can catch the full episode on YouTube, Apple Podcast, or Spotify.Visit: VanceGinn.comSubscribe: VanceGinn.Substack.com

What happens when your life changes in an instant, and you have to rebuild it from the ground up?In this week's Let People Prosper Show, I talk with Rachel Barkley, a policy advocate, wife, mother, and one of the most resilient individuals I know. After a rare spinal cord tumor left her paralyzed just weeks after giving birth to her first child, Rachel began a long and painful road of recovery—one marked by faith, perseverance, and incremental miracles.But her story isn't just one of personal triumph. Rachel now leads state and national efforts to reform the safety net for individuals with disabilities and those facing hardship. She's championing policies like the One Door Policy to streamline services, shift the conversation from “able-bodied” to work-capable, and ensure the system supports human dignity and independence. Don't miss this episode!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. 

My family recently returned to Texas after a week-long vacation in Colorado. It was heartbreaking to come home to news of the deadly flooding in Kerrville, which took so many lives. While our area was spared, the grief and devastation in nearby communities are deeply felt. My prayers are with the families who are mourning and those beginning the hard work of rebuilding.Policy usually slows down in the summer, but this year is different. From the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill to new tariff developments and a special legislative session starting in Texas next week, there's a lot to catch up on.You can catch the full episode on YouTube, Apple Podcast, or Spotify.Visit: VanceGinn.comSubscribe: VanceGinn.Substack.com

What happens when men lose their sense of meaning? Why are so many in their prime—ages 25 to 45—struggling to lead lives that matter?In this week's Let People Prosper Show, I talk with Rick Walker, entrepreneur and author of 9 Steps to Build a Life of Meaning, about the personal and cultural challenges facing today's men. We delve into topics ranging from failure and faith to entrepreneurship, books, family, and the transformative power of silence. Rick shares hard-won lessons from business, nonprofit work, and fatherhood—and he doesn't hold back. This episode serves as a wake-up call and a roadmap for those who are ready to take personal responsibility and grow.For more insights, visit vanceginn.com. You can also get even greater value by subscribing to my Substack newsletter at vanceginn.substack.com. 

There's no shortage of economic confusion in Washington, from tariffs and trade wars to myths about trade deficits. But these misguided narratives lead to bad policies that raise consumer costs, hurt workers, and weaken America's economy.Let's set the record straight.Tariffs don't create jobs—they destroy them. Protectionism raises prices, stifles innovation, and undermines our competitiveness. It's time to get back to economic basics.During This Week's Economy, I'm breaking down what trade is, why it matters, and how free markets—not government planners—create prosperity.You can catch the full episode on YouTube, Apple Podcast, or Spotify.Visit: VanceGinn.comSubscribe: VanceGinn.Substack.com

What if education dollars followed students, not systems?That's the idea Milton Friedman planted decades ago, and it's the one powering the school choice revolution sweeping America today. In this week's Let People Prosper Show, I talk with Robert Enlow, President and CEO of EdChoice, to discuss how the movement is finally turning Friedman's vision into reality.Robert brings deep experience and a clear-eyed view of what's working—and what still needs fixing. We discuss Universal Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), state-level successes such as Arizona's, the dangers of federal overreach, and the rapid growth of innovation in education across the country. If you care about parental rights, accountability, or economic freedom, this one's for you.For more insights, visit vanceginn.com. You can also get even greater value by subscribing to my Substack newsletter at vanceginn.substack.com. 

Summer is typically a slow season for policy in D.C. and the states. Legislative sessions wrap up, and Congress heads into recess. But if you thought that meant a quiet summer, think again.With the bombings in the Middle East, the “One Big Beautiful Bill” moving slowly through Congress, and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott calling a special session, this summer is shaping up to be anything but calm.On This Week's Economy, I expose what lawmakers should be focused on. Spoiler: it's mostly about spending restraint and getting the government out of the way!You can catch the full episode on YouTube, Apple Podcast, or Spotify.Visit: VanceGinn.comSubscribe: VanceGinn.Substack.com

Why does New Mexico, rich in resources and culture, remain poor in economic freedom?That's the question I explore in this week's Let People Prosper Show with Paul Gessing, president of the Rio Grande Foundation. Paul brings nearly two decades of insight into New Mexico's political and economic trends, offering a sobering look at why the state is falling behind and what must change to turn it around.New Mexico has a shrinking population, high poverty, and a growing dependency on government, despite a $61 billion sovereign wealth fund and booming oil revenues. The problem isn't money; it's policy.For more insights, visit vanceginn.com. You can also get even greater value by subscribing to my Substack newsletter at vanceginn.substack.com. 

What's driving state-level prosperity—or stagnation?While Washington obsesses over headlines and dysfunction, the real policy battles shaping Americans' lives are happening in state capitals. From tax cuts and spending reforms to school choice and regulatory rollbacks, we're seeing a tale of two paths: one that embraces economic freedom and another that doubles down on top-down control.In this episode of This Week's Economy, I talk with Patrick Gleason, Vice President of State Affairs at Americans for Tax Reform and regular contributor to Forbes, about the most important trends in state policy. We get into who's doing it right, who's doing it wrong, and how to push back against the growing threats of government overreach.You can catch the full episode on YouTube, Apple Podcast, or Spotify.Visit: VanceGinn.comSubscribe: VanceGinn.Substack.com

Is capitalism really crushing the middle class—or are bad policies and worse narratives to blame?In this episode of the Let People Prosper Show, I'm joined by Dr. Norbert Michel, vice president and director of the Cato Institute's Center for Monetary and Fiscal Alternatives. We dig into his new book, Crushing Capitalism: How Populist Policies Are Threatening The American Dream.Norbert pulls back the curtain on the false story of a stagnating middle class, exposes the economic harms of tariffs and industrial policy, and makes the principled case for decentralization and free-market capitalism. This is a must-listen if you're tired of political narratives distorting economic reality—and want honest solutions that let people prosper.For more insights, visit vanceginn.com. You can also get even greater value by subscribing to my Substack newsletter at vanceginn.substack.com. 

There's been a lot of conflict making headlines lately—from the clash between Elon Musk and President Trump over the “Big, Beautiful Bill” (BBB) to riots in Los Angeles sparked by immigration raids. These events all point to the true national emergency: overspending in Washington. Congress has a critical opportunity to take action. As a strong advocate for sustainable budgeting, we must cut current spending, not just slow the growth as in “DC speak,” but actually reduce spending to at least 2019 levels before COVID nonsense, and cap annual spending growth to a maximum rate based on population growth plus inflation. Instead, lawmakers discuss raising the federal debt ceiling by up to $5 trillion with the BBB.In this week's episode, I explain why now is the time to restore fiscal discipline. Americans are already feeling the strain of rising costs due to inflation. Our leaders have the power to address this crisis by tackling Washington's out-of-control spending. You can catch the full episode on YouTube, Apple Podcast, or Spotify.Visit: VanceGinn.comSubscribe: VanceGinn.Substack.com

Can 12-year-olds really grasp supply and demand, entrepreneurship, and the role of government in the economy? In this episode of the Let People Prosper Show, I talk with Jon Foster, a passionate advocate for teaching economics early and often. As a former leader in Junior Achievement and president of the Middle School MBA, Jon is on a mission to improve economic literacy where it matters most—before bad ideas take root. We discuss the gaps in today's education system, how teachers can better engage students, and why real-world application is key to shaping informed citizens. For more insights, visit vanceginn.com. You can also get even greater value by subscribing to my Substack newsletter at vanceginn.substack.com. 

In This Week's Economy episode, Dr. Vance Ginn emphasizes returning to fundamental economic principles. He discusses the rationality of human behavior, the functionality of markets, and the detrimental effects of government intervention. By exploring concepts such as opportunity cost, market signals, and subjective value, he advocates for a free market approach that respects individual choices and promotes prosperity. The conversation highlights the need for clear market signals and the dangers of government distortions in the economy. To push back effectively, we must return to the basics: Econ 101. Markets work. And we are better off when we allow them to do so. You can catch the full episode on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.Visit: VanceGinn.comSubscribe: VanceGinn.Substack.com

Why is housing so expensive in many cities—and is the government making it worse?In this episode of the Let People Prosper Show, I interview Dr. Emily Hamilton, senior research fellow and director of the Urbanity Project at the Mercatus Center. We explore the big questions in housing policy: What drives rising costs? How do land-use regulations distort supply? And what reforms would make it easier for families to afford homes?Dr. Hamilton is a leading voice on urban economics and has worked extensively to evaluate how government decisions, particularly at the local level, restrict housing development and make affordability harder to reach for many Americans. We break down the challenges of the modern housing market through a free-market lens, offering real solutions that expand opportunity, protect property rights, and let people prosper.For more insights, visit vanceginn.com. You can also get even greater value by subscribing to my Substack newsletter at vanceginn.substack.com. 

Today marks the conclusion of the 89th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature, and what a session it's been. Once renowned for its commitment to pro-freedom and pro-growth policies, Texas now grapples with decisions that challenge its conservative principles. This session has strayed from the fiscal conservatism Texans expect, from expanding corporate handouts to unprecedented spending. The people of Texas deserve better. It's time to return to the pro-growth policies that have enabled the state to thrive and lead the nation. On the federal front, the passage of the “One Big, Beautiful Bill” in the House reveals a similar mix of commendable and concerning developments. How can we reconcile the benefits of tax cuts with the drawbacks of increased government spending?In this episode, I delve into these significant legislative moves and assess their impact on the nation's economic health. Let's examine both the positive and negative aspects to gain a clear understanding of where things stand.  You can catch the full episode on YouTube, Apple Podcast, or Spotify.Visit: VanceGinn.comSubscribe: VanceGinn.Substack.com

What does it mean to be a conservative in the 21st century—and how do we bridge liberty with virtue?In this milestone 150th episode of the Let People Prosper Show, I interview John Hood, president of the John William Pope Foundation and a leading voice behind the Freedom Conservatism movement (sign the statement of principles at the link).We talk about his career as a journalist and policy expert, how fiction writing helped him rediscover deeper meaning, and why a renewed framework for conservatism is essential for America's future. From education and immigration to family and fiscal responsibility, this conversation unpacks the foundations for prosperity in a free society.For more insights, visit vanceginn.com. You can also get even greater value by subscribing to my Substack newsletter at vanceginn.substack.com.

How do we make sense of inflation, government overreach, or why housing costs keep climbing? It all comes back to basic economic principles—ideas too often ignored by those crafting the laws that shape our lives. So this week on This Week's Economy, I'm kicking off a new Econ 101 series to reconnect the fundamentals of economics with the everyday issues Americans face. These aren't abstract theories. They're tools for protecting prosperity.In today's episode, I explain what economics really means, why strong institutions and secure property rights are the foundation of growth, and how bad incentives and broken systems have left our economy in a fragile state. You can catch the full episode on YouTube, Apple Podcast, or Spotify.Visit: VanceGinn.comSubscribe: VanceGinn.Substack.com

What do the American Revolution, free trade, and the fragility of global supply chains have in common?In this episode of the Let People Prosper Show, I talk with Austin Petersen—former presidential candidate, liberty advocate, and media entrepreneur—about how understanding our nation's founding principles and sound economics is critical to restoring freedom and prosperity.We unpack what a recent flag controversy at the Smithsonian tells us about modern politics, how symbols shape civic culture, and why tariffs fail to protect national security. Plus, Austin shares insights from his political campaigns and why even losing the race can mean winning hearts and minds.For more insights, visit vanceginn.com. You can also get even greater value by subscribing to my Substack newsletter at vanceginn.substack.com. 

Why does the economy feel so uncertain right now—and what can we do about it?From Washington's protectionist tariffs to Austin's bloated budget, Americans feel the consequences of poor economic policy. Rising prices squeeze families, businesses struggle under new regulatory burdens, and taxpayers foot the bill for government expansion at every level.In this week's Let People Prosper Show, I discuss the big stories driving economic uncertainty and what real reform looks like. Watch now and subscribe for weekly updates on how we can let people prosper.Visit: VanceGinn.comSubscribe: VanceGinn.Substack.comListen and Subscribe on: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify

Why is the electricity market so broken—and what can we do to fix it?In this episode of the Let People Prosper Show, I interview Glen Lyons, a Texas-based energy expert and advocate for Consumer Regulated Electricity (CRE). Glen shares his journey from advertising to energy policy, offering unique insights on ERCOT's dysfunction, the original sin of electricity monopolies, and how free markets—not central planning—can finally unleash innovation, reliability, and cost savings for consumers.We also explore the growing demands of data centers, the role of AI in energy usage, and why Texas has a golden opportunity to lead the way with CRE.For more insights, visit vanceginn.com. You can also get even greater value by subscribing to my Substack newsletter at vanceginn.substack.com. 

In Washington, Congress is hard at work trying to pass a “one big, beautiful bill” that brings together key parts of the Trump administration's agenda—covering energy, taxes, immigration, and more. There's hope it could deliver real benefits for Americans, including tax cuts, health care reform, and regulatory relief. Getting it across the finish line by the desired July Fourth deadline will be no easy task.Back home in Texas, we're seeing policies branded as “conservative” but are not. A massive, California-style spending bill just passed. What's conservative about that? During this session, Texans were promised real property tax relief and universal school choice, but lawmakers haven't delivered. There's still work to be done to keep Texas a bold beacon of pro-growth policy and prosperity, with Sine Die on June 2.Watch now and subscribe for weekly updates on how we can let people prosper.Visit: VanceGinn.comSubscribe: VanceGinn.Substack.comListen on: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify

Are we really in control of our government—or is it hiding in plain sight?In this eye-opening episode of the Let People Prosper Show, I interview John Hart, CEO of Open the Books, to expose the hidden costs of big government and the vital need for transparency in public spending. We explore how real-time data, civic engagement, and digital accountability are reshaping the conversation around fiscal responsibility before it's too late. We cover everything from the infamous Bridge to Nowhere to Elon Musk's DOGE initiative.This conversation is for you if you care about liberty, limited government, and making every dollar count.For more insights, visit vanceginn.com. You can also get even greater value by subscribing to my Substack newsletter at vanceginn.substack.com. 

The Trump administration has inherited a broken financial policy landscape. President Biden's legacy of regulatory overreach and heavy-handed interventions stifled growth, distorted markets, and limited opportunity for individuals and businesses.The good news? The Trump White House and a Republican-led Congress now have an opportunity to reverse course and restore financial freedom, creating a more dynamic and inclusive economy. Americans are counting on them to deliver.In this edition of This Week's Economy, I'm sharing my top financial policy reform priorities—from ending the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to empowering fintech innovation.Watch now and subscribe for weekly updates on how we can let people prosper.Visit: VanceGinn.comSubscribe: VanceGinn.Substack.comListen on: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify

Why do so many families turn down work opportunities—and how can we fix that?In this thought-provoking episode of the Let People Prosper Show, I sit down with Nic Dunn, vice president of strategy at the Sutherland Institute, to explore how benefit cliffs, broken welfare incentives, and poorly designed safety nets can trap people in poverty instead of lifting them out of it.Nick shares his personal journey into public policy, his belief in the dignity of work, and the data-driven case for state-led welfare innovation that removes the fear of losing benefits for earning more. This episode is all about restoring upward mobility and helping families truly prosper.For more insights, visit vanceginn.com and get even greater value with a subscription to my Substack newsletter at vanceginn.substack.com.