The Human Action Podcast

Dr. Jonathan Newman returns to the Human Action Podcast to discuss the relaunch of the Mises Academy—including his new course based on Bob's Lessons for the Young Economist textbook. But this conversation goes much deeper than curriculum. Bob and Jonathan unpack the fundamental question: What is economics, really? They explore how Austrian economics differs from psychology, history, and the natural sciences, why economics is more about understanding than prediction, and how praxeology reveals the logical structure of human choice.The New Mises Academy: Mises.org/HAP498aBob's Lessons for the Young Economist Textbook: Mises.org/HAP498bBob's Lessons for the Young Economist Teacher's Manual: Mises.org/HAP498cThe Mises Institute is giving away 100,000 copies of Murray Rothbard's, What Has Government Done to Our Money? Get your free copy at Mises.org/HAPodFree

Dr. Joe Salerno joins Bob to review the recent tensions between Donald Trump and Fed Chairman Jerome Powell. As Trump questions Powell's leadership and Fed policy, they explore the deeper issues: Should central banks really be "independent"? Does the Fed's shield from political oversight protect sound economics—or merely insulate elites from accountability? Murphy and Salerno tackle myths about interest rates, inflation, debt monetization, and the Fed's true relationship with government spending.Trump's Truth Social Post on Inflation: Mises.org/HAP497aCan Trump Fire Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell?: Mises.org/HAP497bThe Mises Institute is giving away 100,000 copies of Murray Rothbard's, What Has Government Done to Our Money? Get your free copy at Mises.org/HAPodFree

The Modern Monetary Theory (MMT) crowd prides itself on fidelity to actual history. But Murphy shows how leading MMT guru Randall Wray completely distorts his discussion of two historical episodes in his college lecture.Wray, "Modern Money Theory for Beginners": Mises.org/HAP496aThe NBER Paper on Colonial Virginia's Money Regime: Mises.org/HAP496bNPR Planet Money, "A Giant Stone Coin At The Bottom Of The Sea": Mises.org/HAP496cMilton Friedman, "The Island Of Stone Money": Mises.org/HAP496dBob's Article, "MMT and Treasury Debt Payoff": Mises.org/HAP496eThe Mises Institute is giving away 100,000 copies of Murray Rothbard's, What Has Government Done to Our Money? Get your free copy at Mises.org/HAPodFreeJoin the Mises Institute on April 26 in Phoenix, Arizona, as we expose the danger and waste of bureaucracy: Mises.org/Phoenix25

In this episode, Bob breaks down the Triffin dilemma, explaining why it's wrong to assume that maintaining global reserve currency status requires ever-increasing U.S. trade deficits. He shows that America's chronic deficits are driven more by government spending and fiat money than by global necessity, making the case that returning to fiscal discipline and sound money—not tariffs—is the key to reversing America's economic decline.Bob and Jonathan Newman on Misleading Charts: Mises.org/HAP495aHow Economists Evaluate Tariffs Versus Income Taxes: Mises.org/HAP495bThe St. Louis Federal Reserve Article on Historical U.S. Trade Deficits: Mises.org/HAP495cThe Charts Referenced in this Episode: Mises.org/HAP495dSaez and Zucman, "The Rise of Income and Wealth Inequality in America": Mises.org/HAP495eTrump's Remarks on the US being a "Tariff-Backed Nation": Mises.org/HAP495fThe Tucker Carlson Show with Bob Lighthizer: Mises.org/HAP495gThe Mises Institute is giving away 100,000 copies of Murray Rothbard's, What Has Government Done to Our Money? Get your free copy at Mises.org/HAPodFreeJoin the Mises Institute on April 26 in Phoenix, Arizona, as we expose the danger and waste of bureaucracy: Mises.org/Phoenix25

Jonathan Newman joins Bob to discuss the debate between Austrians and MMTers on the origins of money. In the Anti-MMT panel at the Austrian Economics Research Conference (AERC), Jonathan presented his research on the archeological evidence that silver was used as money in ancient Mesopotamia and how the evidence vindicates Menger's theory on the origins of money. Jonathan and Bob walk through various MMT responses and make the case that the Austrian school is especially suited to critique Modern Monetary Theory.The Anti-MMT Panel from the 2025 AERC: Mises.org/HAP494aElon Musk and Ted Cruz Discussing "Magic Money Computers": Mises.org/HAP494bJonathan's Overwhelming Evidence that Silver was Money in Ancient Mesopotamia: Mises.org/HAP494cThe X Thread by Patricia Pino on the Measure of Value of Money: Mises.org/HAP494dBob's "Origin of the Specie" in The American Conservative: Mises.org/HAP494eR.A Radford's "The Economic Organization of a P.O.W. Camp": Mises.org/HAP494fThe Mises Institute is giving away 100,000 copies of Murray Rothbard's, What Has Government Done to Our Money? Get your free copy at Mises.org/HAPodFreeJoin the Mises Institute on April 26 in Phoenix, Arizona, as we expose the danger and waste of bureaucracy: Mises.org/Phoenix25

Patrick Newman joins Bob to discuss one of his talks at the Austrian Economics Research Conference (AERC), where he explained that Simon Kuznets–who developed the method of calculating GNP and GDP statistics–had serious doubts about how to include government expenditures.Patrick's Talk at the 2025 AERC: Mises.org/HAP493aRothbard's Man, Economy, and State: Mises.org/HAP493bBob's 2014 Talk on the Great Depression: Mises.org/HAP493cThe Mises Institute is giving away 100,000 copies of Murray Rothbard's, What Has Government Done to Our Money? Get your free copy at Mises.org/HAPodFreeJoin the Mises Institute on April 26 in Phoenix, Arizona, as we expose the danger and waste of bureaucracy: Mises.org/Phoenix25

Bob responds to recent tweets that believe trade deficits are a sign of economic strength. He also includes an op-ed from Robert Barro and a clip from Milton Friedman, to show that even big gun economists can often speak in misleading ways when it comes to trade deficits.Bob's Article on Free Traders Defending Deficits: Mises.org/HAP492aThe FRED Chart Referenced in this Episode: Mises.org/HAP492bBob's 2007 Mises Daily article on Capital Surplus: Mises.org/HAP492cBob's 2007 Mises Daily article Predicting the Recession: Mises.org/HAP492dThe Human Action Podcast Episode on International Trade: Mises.org/HAP492eThe Mises Institute is giving away 100,000 copies of Murray Rothbard's, What Has Government Done to Our Money? Get your free copy at Mises.org/HAPodFreeJoin us May 15–17, 2025, at the Mises Institute for our Revisionist History of War Conference: Mises.org/RHW

One of the common worries about a hard money like gold or Bitcoin is that large price deflation could make lending and investment impossible because nominal interest rates can't go below 0%. Bob explains why these fears are invalid.The Charts Used in This Episode Can Be Viewed Here: Mises.org/HAP491aThe Mises Institute is giving away 100,000 copies of Murray Rothbard's, What Has Government Done to Our Money? Get your free copy at Mises.org/HAPodFreeJoin us May 15–17, 2025, at the Mises Institute for our Revisionist History of War Conference: Mises.org/RHW

Bob first reviews the standard libertarian case for legalizing drugs as the way to neutralize the Mexican drug cartels. Then he plays a recent clip where Dave Smith argues that drug prohibition leads to violence because (among other factors) you can't call the cops if someone steals your product. Bob argues that libertarians should stop making this (invalid) argument.Bob's Lessons for the Young Economist: Mises.org/HAP490aPart of the Problem Episode 1233: Mises.org/HAP490bThe Mises Institute is giving away 100,000 copies of Murray Rothbard's, What Has Government Done to Our Money? Get your free copy at Mises.org/HAPodFreeJoin the Mises Institute on April 26 in Phoenix, Arizona, as we expose the danger and waste of bureaucracy: Mises.org/Phoenix25

Grove City College has recently digitized its collection of post-war materials—including photos, correspondence, and manuscripts—from the great Austrian economist, Ludwig von Mises. Mises' biographer, Guido Hülsmann, joins Bob to discuss some of the treasures that have been made available online.Explore the Grove City College's Digital Mises Archive: Mises.org/HAP489aDr. Hülsmann's Biography of Mises, The Last Knight of Liberalism: Mises.org/HAP489bMurray's 99th birthday is March 2. Please share pictures of yourself (hashtag #happybirthdayrothbard) reading a Rothbard book or wearing a Rothbard t-shirt. The Mises Institute is celebrating with its Murray99 campaign: Everyone who donates $26 or more using the mises.org/murray99 link will receive a copy of Economic Depressions: Their Cause and Cure, originally published in 1969, and Nations by Consent, originally published in 1994. The first 26 donors will also receive the Rothbard lapel pin. All donations will fund student scholarships.Join the Mises Institute on April 26 in Phoenix, Arizona, as we expose the danger and waste of bureaucracy: Mises.org/Phoenix25

Some have proposed that the spending cuts identified by DOGE be directed towards a $5000 tax rebate for Americans who pay federal taxes. Critics warn it could be inflationary, just like the COVID-era stimmies. Bob disagrees, explaining that the DOGE spending cuts offset the impact.Rothbard's Making Economic Sense: Mises.org/HAP488aBob's Understanding Money Mechanics: Mises.org/HAP488bJoin the Mises Institute on April 26 in Phoenix, Arizona, as we expose the danger and waste of bureaucracy: Mises.org/Phoenix25

Josh Hendrickson is the chair of the Economics Department at the University of Mississippi. He recently brought to Twitter's attention a 41-page document released in November by Stephen Miran, the Harvard PhD whom Trump has nominated as the new chair of the Council of Economic Advisors. The document spells out a strategy of using tariffs and deregulation to Make America Great Again.The 41-Page Tariff Document: Mises.org/HAP487aJosh's X Thread Detailing the Document: Mises.org/HAP487bJoin the Mises Institute on April 26 in Phoenix, Arizona, as we expose the danger and waste of bureaucracy: Mises.org/Phoenix25

Erick Brimen is the CEO of Honduras Próspera, which is described as a "start up city" that offers choice in regulatory treatment. It is an exciting application of libertarian theory to the messy real world of existing States.Find Out More about Honduras Próspera: Mises.org/HAP486aJoin the Mises Institute on April 26 in Phoenix, Arizona, as we expose the danger and waste of bureaucracy: Mises.org/Phoenix25The Mises Institute is giving away 100,000 copies of Murray Rothbard's, What Has Government Done to Our Money? Get your free copy at Mises.org/HAPodFree

Bob analyzes President Trump's recent remarks praising the revenue capacity of tariffs. He shows that historically, tariffs only bought in a small fraction of what income taxes currently yield, meaning federal spending would have to be sharply cut in order to phase out the income tax.HAPod Ep. 458 on Tariffs vs. Income Taxes: Mises.org/HAP485aBrian Domitrovic's Forbes Article, "Supply-Siders Battle Their Tariff Critics": Mises.org/HAP485bTrump on Tariffs: Mises.org/HAP485cThe Chart Shown in this Episode: Mises.org/HAP485dUse code Action25 to get 10% off your ticket to Educating for Liberty Mises Circle in Tampa on February 22: Mises.org/Tampa25The Mises Institute is giving away 100,000 copies of Murray Rothbard's, What Has Government Done to Our Money? Get your free copy at Mises.org/HAPodFree

Murphy recently squared off against Nathan Tankus in a ZeroHedge debate focusing on Austrian economics vs. Modern Monetary Theory (MMT). Jonathan Newman watched the debate and selected three clips highlighting key areas of dispute. Jonathan and Bob elaborate on the issues and anticipate possible MMT replies.Bob's ZeroHedge Debate with Nathan Tankus: Mises.org/HAP484aBob and Jonathan's Tag-Team Mises University Lecture on MMT: Mises.org/HAP484bBob's Quarterly Journal of Austrian Economics Paper on The Deficit Myth: Mises.org/HAP483cWilliam Hutt's The Theory of Idle Resources: Mises.org/HAP484dUse code Action25 to get 10% off your ticket to Educating for Liberty Mises Circle in Tampa on February 22: Mises.org/Tampa25The Mises Institute is giving away 100,000 copies of Murray Rothbard's, What Has Government Done to Our Money? Get your free copy at Mises.org/HAPodFree

Lawrence McQuillan from the Independent Institute joins Bob to delve into the regulatory failures and mismanagement behind the wildfire crisis in California. They discuss the environmental policies that exacerbate risks, offer practical solutions to firefighting and prevention shortcomings, and examine the role of private stewardship in mitigating future disasters. This episode overall sheds light on how California's political landscape and approach to wildfires continues to fuel a recurring tragedy.Lawrence's 2017 Article Detailing the CA's Fire Prevention Problem: Mises.org/HAP483aLawrence's 2019 Golden Fleece Report Submission on Mismanagement in CA: Mises.org/HAP483bLawrence's 2020 Interview on the Reasons Ca's Fires Keep Happening: Mises.org/HAP483cLawrence's 2024 Article on Lessons From the Lahaina Wildfires:: Mises.org/HAP483dUse code Action25 to get 10% off your ticket to Educating for Liberty Mises Circle in Tampa on February 22: Mises.org/Tampa25The Mises Institute is giving away 100,000 copies of Murray Rothbard's, What Has Government Done to Our Money? Get your free copy at Mises.org/HAPodFree

Bob looks at the misconceptions and misuses of GDP accounting, explaining why this widely accepted metric often paints a misleading picture of economic health.Bob's 2009 Mises Article on Krugman: Mises.org/HAP482aHuman Action Podcast Episode 481 on Business Cycle Theory: Mises.org/HAP482bBob's Mises Article on GDP: Mises.org/HAP482cThe Mises Institute is giving away 100,000 copies of Murray Rothbard's, What Has Government Done to Our Money? Get your free copy at Mises.org/HAPodFree

Bob walks through diagrams from Hayek's famous LSE lectures to explain the Austrian view of the boom-bust cycle.The Diagrams Referenced in this Episode: Mises.org/HAP481aHayek's Prices and Production: Mises.org/HAP481bRothbard's Man, Economy, and State: Mises.org/HAP481cBob's Study Guide to Man, Economy, and State: Mises.org/HAP481dRoger Garrison's PowerPoint on the Hayekian Triangle: Mises.org/HAP481eThe Mises Institute is giving away 100,000 copies of Murray Rothbard's, What Has Government Done to Our Money? Get your free copy at Mises.org/HAPodFree

Matt McCaffrey is a former Mises Institute research fellow with an expertise in the American economist (and Austrian fellow-traveler) Frank Fetter. He joins Bob to discuss his newly published journal article exploring the dispute Fetter had with the august British economist Alfred Marshall over the theory of rent.Dr. McCaffrey's Journal Article: Mises.org/HAP480aFrank Fetter's Capital, Interest, and Rent: Mises.org/HAP480bMatt McCaffrey, “Frank Fetter and the Austrian Tradition in the United States”: Mises.org/HAP480cFor just $25, you can receive our December Bundle, including three essential reads:Tom DiLorenzo's Axis of Evil: America's Three Worst Presidents, Per Bylund's How to Think About the Economy,and Murray Rothbard's What Has Government Done to Our Money?. Claim your bundle now at Mises.org/HumanAction24

Keith Smith, MD is an anesthesiologist and founder of the cash-price Surgery Center of Oklahoma. In the wake of the shooting of UnitedHealth CEO Brian Thompson, Keith explains why US health care is so expensive and how to fix it. The Surgery Center of Oklahoma: Mises.org/HAP479aThe Story of the $100 Hospital Aspirin: Mises.org/HAP479bPrimal Prescription: Surviving the 'Sick Care' Sinkhole: Mises.org/HAP479cFor just $25, you can receive our December Bundle, including three essential reads:Tom DiLorenzo's Axis of Evil: America's Three Worst Presidents, Per Bylund's How to Think About the Economy,and Murray Rothbard's What Has Government Done to Our Money?. Claim your bundle now at Mises.org/HumanAction24

Using the heavily marketed movie "Wicked" as his news hook, Bob explains that the beloved Wizard of Oz movie involved an allegory of the bimetallism debates of the late 1800s, including William Jennings Bryan's famous "Cross of Gold" speech. Bob fills in the details about the Wizard of Oz lore, and then explains the economics of bimetallism in the United States.Bob's Book, Understanding Money Mechanics: Mises.org/HAP478aThe Wikipedia Article on the Political Interpretations of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: Mises.org/HAP478bThe Wikipedia Article on the Wicked Novel: Mises.org/HAP478cFor just $25, you can receive our December Bundle, including three essential reads:Tom DiLorenzo's Axis of Evil: America's Three Worst Presidents, Per Bylund's How to Think About the Economy,and Murray Rothbard's What Has Government Done to Our Money?. Claim your bundle now at Mises.org/HumanAction24The Mises Institute is giving away 100,000 copies of Murray Rothbard's, What Has Government Done to Our Money? Get your free copy at Mises.org/HAPodFree

David Glasner is a UCLA-trained economist specializing in monetary theory and the history of economic thought. He has disagreed in print with Murphy's take on the famous Sraffa-Hayek debate. David first explains his general views and then comments on the debate.Bob's Paper, "A Problem With the Pure Time Preference Theory of Interest": Mises.org/HAP477aDavid's Paper "The Sraffa-Hayek Debate on the Natural Rate of Interest": Mises.org/HAP477bFor just $25, you can receive our December Bundle, including three essential reads:Tom DiLorenzo's Axis of Evil: America's Three Worst Presidents, Per Bylund's How to Think About the Economy,and Murray Rothbard's What Has Government Done to Our Money?. Claim your bundle now at Mises.org/HumanAction24The Mises Institute is giving away 100,000 copies of Murray Rothbard's, What Has Government Done to Our Money? Get your free copy at Mises.org/HAPodFree

In 1997, Bryan Caplan wrote an essay explaining why he was no longer a self-described Austrian. Recently, a reader asked him to comment on that essay. Bob reacts to Bryan's current views, arguing that the history of economic thought is indeed important, and the Misesian approach to praxeology is crucial.Bryan Caplan's Recent Article: Mises.org/HAP476aBryan Caplan's "Why I Am Not an Austrian Economist": Mises.org/HAP476bHoppe's Economic Science and the Austrian Method: Mises.org/HAP476cBob's Cambridge University Press Article on Böhm-Bawerk's Critiques: Mises.org/HAP476dA Modern Guide to Austrian Economics: Mises.org/HAP476eBob and David Freidman, "The Chicago Vs. Austrian School Debate": Mises.org/HAP476fThe Mises Institute is giving away 100,000 copies of Murray Rothbard's, What Has Government Done to Our Money? Get your free copy at Mises.org/HAPodFree

Bob discusses common talking points that pro-free-trade economists often use when making the case against tariffs. The purpose is to facilitate discussion so both sides have a deeper understanding of the subtle issues involved.Bob's Article on Trade Deficits: Mises.org/HAP475aSteve Landsburg on Obama's State of the Union Remarks about Exports: Mises.org/HAP475bThe Mises Institute is giving away 100,000 copies of Murray Rothbard's, What Has Government Done to Our Money? Get your free copy at Mises.org/HAPodFree

Amy LePore's doctoral dissertation covered the perverse incentives of federal money for disaster management on local officials. She joins Bob to talk about FEMA's poor track record in recent disasters but also going back to Hurricane Katrina.Amy's Dissertation on the Effects of Federal Financial Aid: Mises.org/HAP474aThe Mises Institute is giving away 100,000 copies of Murray Rothbard's, What Has Government Done to Our Money? Get your free copy at Mises.org/HAPodFree

After explaining the backstory of how Bob put forth a proposal for codifying property rights in space-based resources, Bob then explains how the prospect of a future inflow of extraterrestrial riches could boost the standard of living on Earth in the near term.Bob Murphy Show, "Scott Horton on American Interference in the 1996 Russian Election": Mises.org/HAP473aThe Mises Institute is giving away 100,000 copies of Murray Rothbard's, What Has Government Done to Our Money? Get your free copy at Mises.org/HAPodFree

Mises Fellow Kristoffer Hansen joins Bob to discuss Mises' perspective on fractional reserve banking and free banking. Earlier this month, Larry White referenced Hansen's work on fractional reserve banking, asserting that Hansen indicated Mises acknowledged the benefits of FRB. Kristoffer clarifies his paper and examines what Mises wrote in Human Action on the topic.Additionally, Bob and Kristoffer delve into the influence of the Currency School on banking and economic instability, as well as how commodity-backed money might impact the business cycle.Kristoffer's Article in the QJAE, "Sound Money without Free Banking": Mises.org/HAP472aKristoffer and Jonathan Newman's Article in the QJAE Clarifying Rothbard's Definition of Inflation: Mises.org/HAP472bHuman Action Podcast Episode 470 on the Debate Over Fractional Reserve Banking: Mises.org/HAP472cThe Mises Institute is giving away 100,000 copies of Murray Rothbard's, What Has Government Done to Our Money? Get your free copy at Mises.org/HAPodFree

In response to Murphy's recent article on comparative advantage, economist Jorge Morales Meoqui objected that Murphy was continuing the same erroneous story about Adam Smith vs. David Ricardo. In this episode, Murphy clarifies what is right and wrong in Meoqui's own paper on the topic.Jorge Morales Meoqui's Article on Comparative Advantage: Mises.org/HAP471aThe Bob Murphy Show, Episode 352 on Comparative Advantage: Mises.org/HAP471bBob's Article, "The Beauty and Importance of Comparative Advantage": Mises.org/HAP471cThe Mises Institute is giving away 100,000 copies of Murray Rothbard's, What Has Government Done to Our Money? Get your free copy at Mises.org/HAPodFree

Murphy lays out the various camps in the debate over FRB. He endorses the view of Joe Salerno, namely that Mises favored "free banking" as the best means for limiting credit expansion and ensuring banks carry high reserve ratios.Bob's Article in the QJAE on Fractional Reserve Banking: Mises.org/HAP470aJoe Salerno, "Ludwig von Mises as Currency School Free Banker": Mises.org/HAP470bThe Mises Institute is giving away 100,000 copies of Murray Rothbard's, What Has Government Done to Our Money? Get your free copy at Mises.org/HAPodFree

Dr. Philipp Bagus explains the main ideas from his new book, Full Reserve Banking versus the Real Bills Doctrine, which defends Misesian business cycle theory from a recent critique. Bagus provides an in-depth criticism of the Real Bills Doctrine, emphasizing the importance of real savings in economic stability. He defends full reserve banking and critiques fractional reserve systems for creating money without real economic backing, leading to inflation and business cycles.Full Reserve Banking versus the Real Bills Doctrine: Mises.org/HAP469aBob's Study Guide to The Theory of Money and Credit: Mises.org/HAP469bPhilipp Bagus, "Entrepreneurial Error Does Not Equal Market Failure" Mises.org/HAP469cThe Mises Institute is giving away 100,000 copies of Murray Rothbard's, What Has Government Done to Our Money? Get your free copy at Mises.org/HAPodFree

Paul Cwik revisits the podcast to explain his new book, which aims to simplify ABCT for economics students and professors, especially those teaching at the principles level. Dr. Cwik critiques mainstream economic theories for oversimplifying business cycles, arguing that the Austrian theory better explains systemic errors and the boom-bust cycle driven by distorted interest rates.Dr. Cwik's New Book, Austrian Business Cycle Theory: An Introduction: Mises.org/HAP468aRoger Garrison's Famous Lecture, "The Austrian Theory of the Business Cycle": Mises.org/HAP468bRichard Ebeling's Monograph, The Austrian Theory of the Trade Cycle: Mises.org/HAP468cCarilli and Dempster, "Expectations in Austrian Business Cycle Theory: An Application of the Prisoner's Dilemma": Mises.org/HAP468dThe Mises Institute is giving away 100,000 copies of Murray Rothbard's, What Has Government Done to Our Money? Get your free copy at Mises.org/HAPodFree

Donate $5 today to support our Fall Campaign and receive a physical copy of Anatomy of the State: Mises.org/HH5Tom Luongo hosts the Gold, Goats, 'n Guns podcast and newsletter. He explains the different factions among bankers, including rivalries between New York and San Francisco, and the US versus Europe.Read More from Tom Luongo: Mises.org/HAP467a

Donate $5 today to support our Fall Campaign and receive a physical copy of Anatomy of the State: Mises.org/HH5David R. Henderson is a research fellow with the Hoover Institution at Stanford University. He joins Bob to critique a recent Brad DeLong essay, which argued that the US had tried an experiment in "neo-liberalism" and that it failed utterly.DeLong's Article, "America Has No Alternative to Industrial Policy": Mises.org/HAP466aHenderson's Critique of DeLong's Article: Mises.org/HAP466bBob's Journal Aritcle on 1970s Crude Oil Price Controls: Mises.org/HAP466cSubscribe to David's Substack, "I Blog to Differ": Mises.org/HAP466d

In this episode of the Human Action Podcast, Bob welcomes guest Joshua Mawhorter to discuss his recent article on the role of government in sustaining slavery. The conversation covers several key points, including slave patrols, fugitive slave laws, manumission restrictions, and constitutional subsidies. Mawhorter argues that slavery persisted largely due to government intervention rather than free-market mechanisms and highlights the inefficiencies and extensive costs associated with maintaining the institution. They also touch on modern discussions of reparations and the historical patterns of slavery's abolition in other countries.Josh's Mises Wire Article, "Governments Had a Major Role in Sustaining Slavery": Mises.org/HAP465aMark Thornton, "Slavery, Profitability, and the Market Process": Mises.org/HAP465bJeffrey Hummel, "The Political Economy of Slavery, Secession, and Emancipation": Mises.org/HAP465cJeffrey Hummel, "U.S. Slavery and Economic Thought": Mises.org/HAP465dAlan Olmstead, "Cotton, Slavery, and the New History of Capitalism": Mises.org/HAP465eRegistration for the 2024 Mises Institute Supporters Summit is open for Mises Members: Mises.org/SS24

Bob goes solo to explain the contributions of Carl Menger and Ludwig von Mises to monetary theory. He then deals with the critique of David Graeber, who argues that the economists' story of the origin of money is bogus.Bob's Article, "Origin of the Specie": Mises.org/HAP464aR. A. Radford, "The Economic Organisation of a P.O.W": Mises.org/HAP464bBob's Book, Understanding Money Mechanics: Mises.org/HAP464cGet your ticket to Living Free in an Unfree World in Albuquerque, New Mexico: Mises.org/NM24

Dr. Jonathan Newman joins Bob to analyze Kamala Harris's proposals against price gouging, and how some mainstream economists defend Government price controls. They also address misconceptions about price gouging and the evolving mainstream narrative on inflation.Bob's Article on Harris's Anti-Price Gouging Proposals: Mises.org/HAP463aThe Boston Globe Article Supporting Harris's Proposal: Mises.org/HAP463bFor the week only, get a FREE copy of Dr. Per Bylund's How to Think About the Economy: Mises.org/HAPodFree

Bob quotes from David Ricardo to show that the classical economists understood that utility was essential to explaining market value, but then he also explains why the Marginalist Revolution was a scientific advancement.Bob's Journal of Libertarian Studies Article on The Labor Theory of Value: Mises.org/HAP462aHuman Action Podcast Episode 460, "What Does Say's Law Really Say?": Mises.org/HAP462bDavid Ricardo, On the Principles of Political Economy and Taxation: Mises.org/HAP462cFor the next two weeks only, get a FREE copy of Dr. Per Bylund's How to Think About the Economy: Mises.org/HAPodFree

With recent market turbulence and new potential recession indicators emerging, Peter St. Onge joins Bob to examine whether market performance accurately reflects the true state of economic health. There is rising debt, growing entitlements, and ongoing structural issues within the US economy, Bob and Professor St. Onge analyze how these factors contribute to our current economic landscape and whether recent developments are indicative of a 1987-style crash or a 2008-style crash.They also explain the Japanese carry trade, its impact on the dollar and Japanese markets, and the recent market fluctuations, including the significant decline in the Japanese stock exchange and the S&P 500. Dr. St. Onge, "Is it Black Monday or Another 2008?": Mises.org/HAP461aThe Mises Institute is giving away 100,000 copies of Murray Rothbard's, What Has Government Done to Our Money? Get your free copy at Mises.org/HAPodFree

Bob goes solo to give the historical context and true meaning behind "Say's Law," as well as the caricature presented by Keynesian critics.J.B. Say's A Treatise on Political Economy: Mises.org/HAP460aJames Mill, "On the Overproduction and Underconsumption Fallacies": Mises.org/HAP460bThe Mises Institute is giving away 100,000 copies of Murray Rothbard's, What Has Government Done to Our Money? Get your free copy at Mises.org/HAPodFree

Recorded in front of a live audience at the 2024 Mises University, Bob discusses recent market turbulence with Mark Thornton. They also delve into the Skyscraper theory and the practicality of the Austrian Business Cycle Theory.Mises University is the world's leading instructional program in the Austrian School of economics, and is the essential training ground for economists who are looking beyond the mainstreamDr. Thornton's Minor Issues Episode on the Inverted Yield Curve: Mises.org/HAP459aThe Skyscraper Curse: Mises.org/HAP459bDr. Thornton's Article From 2004 on the Housing Market: Mises.org/HAP459cThe Inverted Yield Curve from Understanding Money Mechanics: Mises.org/HAP459dBob's Econlib Article on Fiscal Austerity and Tax Rates: Mises.org/HAP459eJoin Peter Klein and Ryan McMaken in Albuquerque, New Mexico for a Mises event on strategy, economics, and decentralization of power. Register now: Mises.org/NM24The Mises Institute is giving away 100,000 copies of Murray Rothbard's, What Has Government Done to Our Money? Get your free copy at Mises.org/HAPodFree

Prompted by a listener request, Bob gives the standard economic analysis of tariffs and other types of taxes. This is relevant because the populist Right is arguing for a hike in tariffs to fund income tax cuts.Bob's Article, "Carbon Taxes and the 'Tax Interaction Effect'": Mises.org/HAP458aTrump-Biden Tariff Tracker: Mises.org/HAP458bBob and Dave Smith on Open Borders: Mises.org/HAP458cFrédéric Bastiat's Candlestick Makers' Petition: Mises.org/HAP458dJoin Peter Klein and Ryan McMaken in Albuquerque, New Mexico for a Mises event on strategy, economics, and decentralization of power. Register now: Mises.org/NM24The Mises Institute is giving away 100,000 copies of Murray Rothbard's, What Has Government Done to Our Money? Get your free copy at Mises.org/HAPodFree

Jason Purcell is an analyst at a major financial institution with a specialty in bond analysis. He joins Bob to discuss his historical analysis of yield curves (in both UK and US) going back to the 1870s, which shows that central banks do indeed manipulate short-term interest rates.Bob's Article on the Inverted Yield Curve: Mises.org/HAP457aGoerge Selgin's Cato Article on the Fed: Mises.org/HAP457bThe Charts Referenced in this Episode: Mises.org/HAP457cJoin us in Fort Myers, Florida, on November 9, 2024, to cut through the political noise and discuss the state of the economy. Distinguished speakers Tom DiLorenzo, Mark Thornton, and Murray Sabrin will challenge prevailing economic myths and take a critical look at the US political theater, offering insights into how political interventions distort our economy. It's an opportunity to move beyond partisan rhetoric and examine the way the government affects our lives and livelihoods. Register now: Mises.org/FtMyers24The Mises Institute is giving away 100,000 copies of Murray Rothbard's, What Has Government Done to Our Money? Get your free copy at Mises.org/HAPodFree

Bob critiques MMT godfather Warren Mosler's recent interview on the Odd Lots podcast, where Mosler argued that the Fed rate hikes have been fueling the strong economy.Bob's Critique of Stephanie Kelton's MMT Documentary: Mises.org/HAP456aJoin us in Fort Myers, Florida, on November 9, 2024, to cut through the political noise and discuss the state of the economy. Distinguished speakers Tom DiLorenzo, Mark Thornton, and Murray Sabrin will challenge prevailing economic myths and take a critical look at the US political theater, offering insights into how political interventions distort our economy. It's an opportunity to move beyond partisan rhetoric and examine the way the government affects our lives and livelihoods. Register now: Mises.org/FtMyers24The Mises Institute is giving away 100,000 copies of Murray Rothbard's, What Has Government Done to Our Money? Get your free copy at Mises.org/HAPodFree

Are wealthy people getting wealthier because they work harder? Dr. Jonathan Newman is back on the show to discuss Robert Reich's latest videos about debunking economic myths.Robert Reich incorrectly blames the free market when businesses act on incentives provided by the government. He condenses this information into short, impactful videos for his audience. However, most of what Reich talks about isn't really economics. And when he does discuss economics, he relies on flawed assumptions that have been meticulously refuted over the past century. Bob and Dr. Newman dissect the misconceptions and provide some insights.Robert Reich's "Debunking Economic Myths" Episode 3: Mises.org/HAP455aRobert Reich's "Debunking Economic Myths" Episode 4: Mises.org/HAP455bDr. Newman's Post on Reich's Episode 5: Mises.org/HAP455cJoin us in October for a weekend of celebration at the 2024 Mises Institute Supporters Summit in Hilton Head, South Carolina. Registration is open for Mises Members at Mises.org/SS24The Mises Institute is giving away 100,000 copies of Murray Rothbard's, What Has Government Done to Our Money? Get your free copy at Mises.org/HAPodFree

Kyle Anzalone from AntiWar.com and the Libertarian Institute joins Bob to discuss the timeline of Wikileaks and why the US government disliked Julian Assange.This week, Assange was offered his freedom in exchange for admitting to espionage charges, but what exactly did he do? And how can the US prosecute Assange when he is not a US citizen? Bob and Kyle review the facts, including how Wikileaks began, the information they leaked, and the reasons behind Julian Assange's arrest.Kyles Article on AntiWar.com: Mises.org/HAP454aKyle's Libertarian Institute Page: Mises.org/HAP454bJoin us in October for a weekend of celebration at the 2024 Mises Institute Supporters Summit in Hilton Head, South Carolina. Registration is open for Mises Members at Mises.org/SS24The Mises Institute is giving away 100,000 copies of Murray Rothbard's, What Has Government Done to Our Money? Get your free copy at Mises.org/HAPodFree

Bob continues his feud with George Selgin, explaining why the alleged free banking period in Scotland doesn't show that free-market banks would carry low reserve ratios.Reason Debate Between Bob and George Selgin: Mises.org/HAP453aGeorge Selgin Interview on Free Banking: Mises.org/HAP453bSelgin's Response to Bob on Twitter: Mises.org/HAP453cRothbard's Economic Controversies: Mises.org/HAP453dJoin us in October for a weekend of celebration at the 2024 Mises Institute Supporters Summit in Hilton Head, South Carolina. Registration is open for Mises Members at Mises.org/SS24The Mises Institute is giving away 100,000 copies of Murray Rothbard's, What Has Government Done to Our Money? Get your free copy at Mises.org/HAPodFree

In a new YouTube series, former US Secretary of Labor Robert Reich promises to explode ten "economic myths." Jonathan Newman joins Bob to respond to the first two episodes in the series, regarding whether economics is an objective science, and whether government intervention interferes with a free market.Robert Reich's 'Debunking Economic Myths' Series: Mises.org/HAP452aThe Mises Institute is giving away 100,000 copies of Murray Rothbard's, What Has Government Done to Our Money? Get your free copy at Mises.org/HAPodFree

Economics researcher Joakim Book joins Bob to discuss his recent article on the dollar's international dominance at the American Institute for Economic Research. US Sanctions incentivize foreign governments to find alternatives to the dollar, but none have successfully escaped Washington's grip. Joakim argues that alternative payment systems are in the works, but even international banking transactions still use US banking systems. How much longer will the US dollar be the king currency? Why aren't foreign Governments fleeing to BTC and Gold? Bob and Joakim discuss.Joakim's Article at the AIER: Mises.org/HAP451aThe Mises Institute is giving away 100,000 copies of Murray Rothbard's, What Has Government Done to Our Money? Get your free copy at Mises.org/HAPodFree

Jonathan Newman returns to help Bob dissect a Twitter thread melting down about Rep. Massie's new bill to End the Fed.The X thread discussing the "End the Fed Bill": Mises.org/HAP450aSelgin, Lastrapes, and White, "Has the Fed Been a Failure?": Mises.org/HAP450bBob's Article, "Putting the Country Back on Gold": Mises.org/HAP450cThe Mises Institute is giving away 100,000 copies of Murray Rothbard's, What Has Government Done to Our Money? Get your free copy at Mises.org/MoneyHuman Action Podcast listeners can get a free book: Mises.org/HAPodFree

Garett Jones is Associate Professor of Economics at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. He joins Bob to discuss his book, detailing the impact that immigrants' culture has on the institutions of their new home.Professor Jones' New Book, The Culture Transplant: Mises.org/HAP449aThe Mises Institute is giving away 100,000 copies of Murray Rothbard's, What Has Government Done to Our Money? Get your free copy at Mises.org/MoneyHuman Action Podcast listeners can get a free book: Mises.org/HAPodFree

Mateusz "Matt" Machaj holds a PhD in economics and is a Fellow with the Mises Institute, who has also won both the Douglas E. French and the Lawrence Fertig prizes in Austrian economics. He joins Bob to discuss his new booklet from Routledge, which explains how mainstream economists have responded to the recent bout of price inflation.Dr. Machaj's Monetary Policy and Inflation: Mises.org/HAP448aBob's Book on MMT, Understanding Money Mechanics: Mises.org/HAP448bBob's MisesU Lecture, "Price Inflation: Corona vs. QE": Mises.org/HAP448cThe Mises Institute is giving away 100,000 copies of Murray Rothbard's, What Has Government Done to Our Money? Get your free copy at Mises.org/MoneyHuman Action Podcast listeners can get a free book: Mises.org/HAPodFree