Right on Business

In today's entirely unscripted episode, we discuss the moralization and normativization of political language and discourse. Today, right and wrong, black and white, and other false dichotomies, forced binaries, and unhealthy dualisms are tearing our nation apart. How do we navigate the current political landscape where right and wrong are anchored in power not principle, where principles and values are not static, but change for no other reason but to dominate the Other and demonize the opposition? 

In today's episode, we discuss Vice President Biden's path to November, the value Senator Kamala Harris brings to his campaign, the DNC Convention and the mail-in balloting controversy. Like most discussions about the coming election, we acknowledge that there's more to dislike than to like, and wonder if the entire framework of our democracy needs to be rethought for the 21st century to ensure equal justice and liberty for all.

This week, we talk with Rich Hebron, author and podcast host who unpacks his experiences living homeless in Chicago, nearly dying in a tractor fire, and embracing life as an autodidact. In a wide ranging conversation that serves as a natural follow up on last week's discussion on philosophy in business, we discuss everything from philosophy to reading to art to the future of capitalism to the meaning of life. 

In this week's episode, we discuss how philosophy and the humanities can help people excel in business and in life. Despite the focus on STEM and other subjects society perceives to be more practical, philosophy and the humanities can help people become better leaders, better innovators, better managers, and more resilient professionals in the age of automation and Covid.

Today, we walk through some of former Vice President Joe Biden's economic and trade policies as espoused on his website. After diving in for the first time in real-time, we discover that Mr. Biden's policies are not that different from President Trump's on specific issues, such as American manufacturing, foreign trade, and the future of the U.S. economy. Both are largely protectionist, with a hint of nationalism, leading us to believe that this messaging will become more prominent in the final months of the election as Mr. Biden looks to court blue collar independents, the people who elected President Trump and President Obama before him. 

In today's episode, we talk about a wide range of issues related to Covid's impact on the 2020 election. We focus on how controversies like mail-in ballots and President Trump's inaction on Covid might affect the outcome of the election, and make a few predictions that will merit further discussion in future episodes.

In this episode, we dig into doomsday preppers, a now-global phenomenon that's more relevant than ever given the tremendous amount of social and economic uncertainty facing us today. Are preppers nuts or prescient? Why is prepping important today? What are some considerations for those looking to become silent preppers, people who want to be prepared but don't let prepping consume them? We discuss.

In this week's episode, we discuss the global revolt against prevailing institutions and the growing desire to forget, or even outright annihilate, history. Using analogies from the evolution of Christianity, we conclude that the desire to forget the past, however abhorrent, is also because we as a nation don't see a certain future. If we aren't happy with where we are and don't know where we're going, all we can do is be frustrated with where we've been. 

In this week's episode, we discuss the growing popularity of retail stock investing platforms like Robinhood and the heard mentality among retail investors that is driving up the prices of various stocks in ways that are likely unsustainable. This creates a precarious scenario that may lead to large losses for many unsophisticated, inexperienced, or first time investors. Part of the popularity of the digital platforms facilitating this rise in retail investing is due to their gamification elements, which create the dangerous impression that investing is a game. Investing is not a game and not something people should engage in without first educating themselves on the mechanics of investing in public equities, the role of the stock market in society, and the potential consequences of trading stocks.

In this week's episode, we talk with Charles Blain from Urban Reform and The Urban Reform Institute about how free market principles can help address the challenges of inequality and injustice facing America's cities. From gentrification and housing to urban policing and community representation, we cover a wide ranging set of hot button issues that social market economic policies have, for decades, tried and failed to address.

This week, we dispel the myth that conservatives are somehow silent or apathetic on the George Floyd crisis, or that we've been inconsistent in our application of our values. We unpack the murder of George Floyd and discuss the implications that the subsequent protests, riots and police and military responses have on our democracy. We conclude that what we're witnessing is indeed a form of government tyranny and that protest and action are merited, perhaps even required, of citizens who care about the future of this country. 

This week, at the request of a few of our listeners, we're discussing how people can find opportunity in uncertainty and take control of their professional destiny in times of crisis.  Everyone has capabilities, knowledge, talents, and skills that can be applied in other companies, industries, and places. When its time to strike out on your own, how do you put yourself in the right frame of mind? How do you identify what paths are available and which to take? How do you find the support your need to seize the opportunities that present themselves? We discuss in this week's episode. 

In this week's episode, we debate one of the most pressing questions facing governors, mayors, business owners and citizens: to open or not to open. How do we get Main Street economies across the country going again? How do we prevent further transmission of Covid-19 and avoid a second wave? How do we obtain the necessary information to make the right decisions? Who do we listen to? Who do we trust? These are some of the questions we unpack this week as we look to find a balance between individual autonomy, the nation's economy, and public health.

In this week's episode, we explore why reading intentionally and consuming information thoughtfully is critical for a well-functioning society and fulfilling life in the information age. We're constantly gathering information and data from the world around us. In an era of fake news, misinformation, bias, apathy and ignorance, nothing is perhaps more important than being able to systematically collect, understand, interpret and determine how best to act on information. Reading, although increasingly unpopular, is a vital means to being able to do this in a way that equips people to be better professionals, better citizens and better humans.

In this week's episode, we ask tough questions about how the future of society, humans and our cultural institutions will be transformed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Calling out myopic and biased perspectives on the impact of this crisis on different populations of people, we argue that this may be the Great Pause for some, but it's also a Great Panic for others. Indeed, the coronavirus crisis will affect different people and companies in very different ways. For some, this crisis could actually change how they work and relate to their families for the better. Others, however, may never recover. 

In this episode, we expand on last week's themes of localism and community, proposing that the coronavirus pandemic may help accelerate a shift towards more decentralized government. In one extreme, such a system would abandon political parties in favor of more granular sub-culture based interest groups that would convene and collaborate digitally to effect coordinated change. Although this notion may seem radical to some, these shifts are already emerging and are now being accelerated by the current crisis. 

In this episode, Remington and Keith discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic is challenging our understanding of both politics and economics and why capitalism and democracy may never be the same. Far from reinforcing the effectiveness of capitalism and democracy, the current pandemic has demonstrated the flaws and shortcomings of both. With the ingredients for change rising to the surface of society, we wouldn't be surprised if this crisis accelerates the emergence of decentralized and localist models of government and commerce.

After a long hiatus, Keith and Remington return to Right on Business by popular demand to discuss the implications of the Coronavirus pandemic on politics, economics, and society.  In a wide-ranging conversation, the guys discuss the need to focus on preventing, not just treating, coronavirus, as well as the impact this pandemic will have on civil liberties, globalism, and small businesses. 

After taking a week off for the Fourth, Keith and Remington return to discuss the first Democratic primary debate and make predictions for the debates and months to come. Setting aside partisan views, Keith and Remington look at the major contenders from a politically objective perspective. Although the field is bloated, we anticipate a high attrition rate coming out of the next debate, which may see some of the frontrunners like former Vice President Joe Biden and Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders cede more ground to sharper, more energetic candidates like Senators Elizabeth Warren and Kamala Harris, both of who emerged victorious from their first skirmish on NBC in June.

Far too often we get it backwards. We think that inequality can only be solved by bringing down the rich. But this is wrong. The way to decrease poverty is to increase wealth. We should be focused on creating wealth. Article referenced: https://mises.org/power-market/economics-101-more-wealth-means-less-poverty-0  

In this episode, Remington goes it alone, surveying the overcrowded field of Democratic candidates for President of The United States. With 20 candidates set to appear in a two night first debate, Democrats have to question whether or not this robust of a group gives them options or fragments the party ahead of a crucial general election. Bemoaning the revolving door of usual suspects such as former Vice President Joe Biden (another old white male), Remington cited a few candidates he likes and a few he doesn't, urging voters on the Left and the Right to consider fresh candidates and new perspectives. We can't fix our problems of we only try the same people with the same solutions over and over again.

In this episode, Keith and Remington tackle a more practical topic: how to secure funding for your startup or small business. We look across the capital landscape at venture capital, private equity, crowdfunding and equity crowdfunding, and conventional (bank) financing, exploring the benefits and shortcomings of each funding source. A must-listen to, this episode serves as an important primer for entrepreneurs, startups, small business owners, and established businesses looking to grow.

One of the biggest hinderances to growing your business or having a more fulfilled robust life is being unproductive. In this solo episode, Keith turns to neuroscience and psychology understand how the brain works. Based on that knowledge, there are some real concrete tips and tricks on becoming more productivity. Being more productive, means more time with your family, making more money in business, or doing something new and different like learning a language or instrument. This episode only scratches the depth of the literature on productivity, but it’s a great introduction with some resources that can get you well on your way to finally stop spinning your wheels and ‘get it done.’ Resources mentioned and recommended: David Allen, “Getting Things Done” David Rock, “Your Brain at Work”Attention Students, Put Your Laptop AwaySlackEvernote

In the second part of our discussion on religion's role in America, we look at Christianity vis a vis capitalism and the free market. Differentiating capitalism from the free market, we explore the inherent alignment between Christian freedom and free market principles while wrestling with the inherent tensions between Christian doctrine and capitalism as we know it today. We argue that while Christianity seems to support free market principles, it is not immutably linked to conservatism, Republicanism, or capitalism. We conclude that Christians should embrace the concept of free markets, but should feel at liberty to voice their concern over the direction of modern American capitalism, conservative politics, and the Republican party. Two decades ago, all of these ideological threads were tightly interwoven, but the state of our society and economy today has demonstrated that they can and should be decoupled.

Many people, particularly those on the Left, decry the influence of religion in the political and economic spheres. The truth, however, is that everyone has beliefs that influence their political and commercial decisions—and even if those beliefs aren't sanctioned by an organized religion, they're just as valid (or invalid) as those that are. In this episode, we explore the ubiquity and power of belief, peeling back the biases and presuppositions that prevent most people from recognizing that most of what they know they believe. Religious beliefs are one type of faith, but there are many others. Once we acknowledge and reflect on our own beliefs, we may be better equipped to engage with those of others. Show notes: http://rightonbusiness.com/religion-and-society-part-1—the-inescapable-power-of-belief-in-politics/

Today, people and companies are too quick to ban, block, de-platform, and dismiss disagreeable and at times offensive points of view. Yet, in an effort to create safe spaces we are ostracizing entire factions of people and their ideas while allowing our own ideas to go unchallenged. This is the definition of closed mindedness, and it makes the ideas we value less resilient and more incestuous.   We argue that a free marketplace of ideas, where we learn to peacefully listen and consider (or try to) all points of view no matter how vitriolic, is necessary to a well-functioning economy. Just as diverse genetics are requisites for physical evolution, so too are diverse ideas required for intellectual evolution.

In this episode, Keith and Remington discuss the rise of extremism and related movements such as populism and nationalism, two often-extreme movements that, in many ways, transcend party lines. In wrestling with the definition, history, and significance of these movements, our hosts acknowledge that the fundamental flaws in our prevailing social and economic institutions are fueling the rise of extremes on both the right and the left, calling into question the authority of traditional institutions and creating emotional focal points for people to unite behind. Show Notes: http://rightonbusiness.com/the-rise-of-extremism—populism,-nationalism,-and-the-fall-of-institutions/

In this episode, we discuss Keith's provocative claim that people can have a more meaningful impact on society through institutions like faith, family, and business than they can through our political institutions. From adding value to our economy to achieving justice in our society, our broken political system is perhaps not the ideal way to drive positive change. Using one of Keith's recent Facebook posts as a point of departure, we grapple with the promise of politics in our society today and discuss its relationship with other social institutions. We conclude that, while the political does have an important role to play, other institutions are perhaps better suited to overcome polarization and address our most significant social problems. Show notes: http://rightonbusiness.com/politics-and-justice—the-broken-promises-of-our-political-system/

Over the last 100 years, the motivations of entrepreneurs have changed immensely. Historically, the idea of starting and owning your own business was rooted in a desire to provide for their family now and for generations to come. Today, many entrepreneurs hope to secure a rapid exit at a generous multiple. As our society and economy has evolved, however, so too have the motivations of entrepreneurs—along with the types of companies they want to start. In this episode, we discuss these changes and their impact on American values and economic well-being. As with many things, these changes are neither good nor bad, but they are impactful and meaningful. They reveal an evolving worldview and demonstrate that our values have a profound impact on the future of our country.

In this episode, Keith and Remington tackle AI and automation—technologies that are poised to fundamentally transform our economy, society, and our entire understanding of what it means to be human. We explore the potential of AI and automation, what it is and is not, and how small businesses and startups can take advantage of it—or at least avoid being disrupted by it.  Show notes: http://rightonbusiness.com/ai-and-automation—adapting-to-transformative-technologies/

In the second installment of our co-host conversations, Remington interviews Keith to uncover his background, beliefs, and motivations. Our goal in these conversations is to give listeners more context behind our co-hosts. Why did we start this podcast? What do we believe about business and politics? Why do we think they way we do? What qualifies us to talk about these issues? Be sure to also check out last week's interview with Remington. Next week, we'll return to our regularly scheduled programming. Show notes: http://rightonbusiness.com/co-host-conversations—an-interview-with-keith/

We're taking a couple of episodes to explore the motivations of our co-hosts. Why did we start this podcast? What do we believe about business and politics? Why do we think they way we do? What makes us qualified to talk about these issues? In this episode, Keith dives into Remington's background to give listeners more context behind our co-hosts. Next week, Remington will interview Keith, after which we'll return to our regularly scheduled programming.

Pete Buttigieg, Andrew Yang and Elizabeth Warren—three Democratic candidates for president that we can tolerate listening to. Each has accomplished much in their careers, and each has demonstrated reasonableness and intelligence. We nonetheless disagree with many of their positions, particularly their vision for the American economy. In this episode, Remington rides solo, and discusses each of these three candidates' economic policies and assumptions. He concludes that, while all of them are well-intentioned, their proposals reveal a vision for America that is anti-growth. Yet, it's economic growth we believe that will unlock upward mobility for all, not the creation of safety nets that will provide for people in the short-term but do nothing to help them thrive in the long-term. Show notes: http://rightonbusiness.com/a-critique-of-three-candidates—buttigieg,-yang-and-warren/

People often claim that capitalism is broken because of the cronyism that's infected our politico-economic system. The influence of special interests, and the subsidies, credits, tariffs, investments, and preferences that work to elevate some industries and companies at the expense of others, has undoubtedly reached staggering and nauseating proportions. In this episode, we argue that this state of affairs is a corruption of capitalism and the free market economy. Although even Adam Smith warned against cronyism in his explication of the economic system that we now know as capitalism, politicians on both sides of the aisle frequently engage in this anti-competitive, anti-free market practice. We contend that, while cronyism is not a partisan issue, conservatives in particular need to reject crony capitalism and re-embrace a truly free free market. Episode Notes: http://rightonbusiness.com/crony-capitalism—why-it's-not-capitalism-at-all/

In this episode, the last of our series on conservatives and change, we argue that business leaders, entrepreneurs, and intrapreneurs must embrace a culture of creativity and change to drive free market growth. Similarly, if conservatives want to preserve their cultural values, they'll have to abandon their aversions to change. Change is inevitable. It's natural, and standing against it all but guarantees your values will be consumed by it. The only way to reinforce free market principles is to embrace the process of Creative Destruction, embrace change, innovation, creativity, entrepreneurship, and intrapreneurship and direct change, rather than be directed by it. Show notes: http://rightonbusiness.com/conservatives-and-creativity—conservatives-and-change-part-iii/

Keith and Remington talk about the need for conservatives to once again champion Creative Destruction—the engine of change and progress in a free market economy.  Today, both conservatives and liberals stand in the way of Creative Destruction. Conservatives support large, incumbent business interests at the expense of the small and more innovative enterprises that have historically been the engines of growth. Liberals, in their desire to protect consumers, suffocate innovation and creativity with regulation and red tape. As a party that's traditionally championed capitalism, conservatives must re-embrace Creative Destruction and enact policies that support, not hinder it. Show notes: http://rightonbusiness.com/episode-003:-conservatives-and-change-part-ii—the-importance-of-creative-destruction/

Studies have shown that conservatives are more cautious than liberals, and are generally more averse to change. The very word "conservative" implies a desire to conserve or preserve the status quo. In this episode, we embark on an open, entirely unscripted conversation on why conservatives often resist change, what the term "conservative" means, what values do conservatives share that define them and make them more fearful of change, and whether conservatives should resist or embrace change. The conversation doesn't shy away from disagreement, and touches on anthropology, philosophy, theology, and metaphysics. Show notes: http://rightonbusiness.com/episode-004-conservatives-and-change-part-i-why-are-we-often-against-it/

Occupational licensing—the legal requirement that people register, obtain training, and pay a fee prior to being able to perform certain jobs—is an often-overlooked drag on our economy. Nearly 30% of workers in the United States need some type of license to do their job (legally). These restrictions serve as a barrier to entry for entrepreneurs and laborers that we've simply come to accept. Nevertheless, licensing requirements cost our economy over $200 billion annually. Show notes: http://www.rightonbusiness.com/episode-003:-occupational-licensing—the-hidden-drag-on-our-economy  

In this episode, Remington and Keith talk about millennials (and by extension Generation Z) in politics. They discuss current millennial congressmen and congresswomen, millennial staffers, and how millennials are using social media to communicate. Finally, Remington and Keith give a recommendation for millennials (and general Zers) going into politics. It's easy: DON'T DO IT! Go into business.

Although inequality deniers exist, there’s a growing consensus on the right that inequality is a very real problem. 45% of Republicans in a Hill-Harris poll, for example, said they would support Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s proposal for a 70% income tax on those making over $10 million. In this episode, we ask whether or not inequality is a real problem and, if it is, what should be done about it. Remington apologizes to Rep. Ocasio-Cortez for not using her full, hyphenated last name. According to the cited Oxfam report, the wealthiest 26 billionaires control more wealth than 3.8 billion people. At one point Keith cites the number as 23. At one point, Remington mentions the New York Post and “Washington Times,” but means the Washington Post.