Podcast appearances and mentions of Alex Epstein

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Graham Plattner is running for Senate in Maine. He's not a career politician. He's not a household name. He's a newcomer, and he's coming in with the kind of video that's designed to break through the noise. It's everything you'd expect from someone trying to signal that they're different — kettlebell lifting, scuba diving, oyster farming, military gear. This is Fetterman-core, and I mean that in the pre-stroke, media-savvy, meme-friendly way. It's intentionally loud, intentionally masculine, and intentionally designed to get people talking.But this isn't just a vibe campaign. Plattner's already built a real team. He's working with the same media shop that did ads for Zohran Mamdani in New York and helped elect Fetterman in Pennsylvania. These aren't DCCC types. They're insurgent operatives with a history of getting attention — and winning. That tells me Plattner's not just here to make a point. He's running to win. And in a state like Maine, where ideological boundaries don't map neatly onto party lines, he might actually have a shot.Democratic leadership, though, has other plans. Chuck Schumer and his operation would clearly prefer Janet Mills. She's the sitting governor, she's 77 years old, and she'd walk into the race with a national fundraising network already behind her. But that's exactly the kind of candidate a guy like Plattner is built to run against. If she enters, it turns this race into a referendum on the Democratic establishment. And it gives Susan Collins exactly what she wants: two Democrats locked in a bitter primary while she gears up for a calm general election campaign.Maine is weird politically. I don't mean that as an insult — I mean it's unpredictable in a way that defies national modeling. This is a state that elects independents, splits tickets, and shrugs at coastal assumptions. A candidate like Plattner, who's running a progressive but culturally savvy campaign, could actually catch fire. He's already signaling that he's not going to run from the Second Amendment — which would make him a unicorn among progressives — and he seems to get that guns, culture, and economic populism all intersect here in a way that's not neat or clean.It's early, and most people outside the state probably haven't even heard of him. But he's getting coverage. And he's trying to frame himself as the guy who will show up everywhere — from left-wing podcasts to centrist fundraisers to gun ranges in rural districts. If he pulls it off, it won't just be a Maine story. It'll be a signal that Democrats are still capable of producing candidates who can speak across class and cultural lines without watering down the message. We'll see if he holds up under pressure.Trump, Zelensky, and the Shape of a Ukraine DealTrump's pushing a peace summit with Russia and Ukraine, and the location that's gained traction is Budapest. That's not a random choice. Budapest is where Ukraine gave up its nuclear weapons in exchange for guarantees that turned out to be meaningless. Putin invaded anyway. So now, years later, trying to broker a peace deal in that same city feels almost poetic — or cynical, depending on how you look at it. Macron wants Geneva. Putin wants Moscow. Orbán, who runs Hungary, is offering Budapest as neutral turf. That offer seems to be sticking.The terms of the talks are shifting. Zelensky isn't being required to agree to a ceasefire before negotiations begin — which is a major departure from the Biden administration's stance. Trump's team seems to believe that real movement can happen only if you start talking now, without preconditions. That's risky. But it's also more flexible. The Russians are now suggesting they might accept something like NATO-style security guarantees for Ukraine — just without the name “NATO.” That's a big shift. If they're serious, it opens up a lane for something that looks like independence and protection without triggering all-out war.Zelensky, for his part, is in a bind. His approval rating has dropped. His party just lost ground. The economy is on life support. And the longer the war goes on, the harder it is to keep Ukrainians fully on board with total resistance. That's not a moral failing — it's exhaustion. What Ukraine wants now, more than anything, is certainty. If they're going to give up territory — and no one's saying that out loud, but everyone's thinking it — then they want to know they'll never have to fight this war again. That's where the Article 5-style guarantees come in.Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, is reportedly testing those waters. And Marco Rubio said the quiet part out loud — that if Ukraine can get real security commitments in exchange for ending the war, it's worth exploring. This isn't the “bleed Russia dry” strategy the Biden administration backed. That was about regime change through attrition. This is something else. It's about containment, closure, and trying to make sure the region doesn't explode again five years down the line.No one's pretending this is clean. Crimea isn't coming back. Parts of the Donbas are going to remain contested forever. But if a deal gets Ukraine real protection, even without NATO branding, and gets Russia out of the areas it's willing to surrender, that's movement. And right now, movement is the only thing that separates this from another decade of trench warfare and broken promises. Whether it holds is anyone's guess. But it's on the table now — and for the first time in a long time, that actually matters.Chapters00:00:00 - Intro00:04:42 - Maine Midterms00:18:08 - Update00:19:04 - Trilateral Meetin00:30:04 - DC Fed Takeover00:33:24 - Epstein Files00:36:00 - Interview with Alex Epstein01:34:40 - Wrap-up This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.politicspoliticspolitics.com/subscribe

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**August 7, 2025 | Privatizing Fannie; Fed Picks; Crypto Crazy; Israel/World; Ukraine War; Media | Yaron Brook Show**

August 7, 2025 | Resizing Gov; Putin/Trump; Tariffs; Jones Act; mRNA; Satellites; Gaza | Yaron Brook ShowFrom shrinking government to the Putin–Trump power game, Yaron takes on tariffs, the Jones Act, mRNA breakthroughs, satellites, Gaza, and Hezbollah. No spin—just hard truths about economics, foreign policy, and freedom.Live Q&A: Revolutionary spirit vs. today's complacency, falling TV prices vs. rising college costs, Gaza's “starvation” claims, school choice ethics, moral judgment, Israel's PR problem, animal rights, Trump's tariffs myth, WWI, socialism's war on the family, and more.Key Time Stamps:02:15 Resizing Gov17:50 Putin/Trump30:15 Tariffs49:05 Jones Act1:01:40 mRNA1:08:40 Satellites1:11:20 Gaza1:19:55 Hezbollah1:27:00 Putin/TrumpLive Questions:1:28:49  Did early Americans think they would win v Britain? What principle changed to make it tolerable now?1:39:10 Is this "starvation in Gaza" narrative nothing but a modern day anti-Semitic olood libel? Or has Hamas found a way to effectively starve its own population?1:39:58 What about late Andrew Coulson's argument that non-refundable tax credits are only acceptable school choice option, with other options too coercive and associated with subsidization? Do ESAs facilitate single-payer education?1:49:41 College tuition went up 194.4% in the past 25 years. Has the VALUE of a college education gone up by at least that much since 2000?1:52:26 Rand had a principle that one must never fail to pronounce moral judgement. Could condemning and shaming someone who cheats on their spouse be an application of this principle?1:56:00 Are most Americans morally good most of the time and just don't realize they're being moral because altruism is the accepted morality? What are the consequences of denying egoism intellectually even if one practices it?1:57:02 Why is Israel so bad at PR? Or is antisemitism so entrenched, no matter what they do, they will be crushed by ignorance? Netanyahu tried to get on Joe Rogan's podcast and was turned down.1:58:22 Are animals our slaves?1:58:37 Some animals have demonstrated a limited but very real capacity for reason. Such as Elephants, Chimps, Magpies, and Dolphins. Should they have some limited rights to the degree of their limited reason?2:01:07 Who'd be in the coalition on Dodd-Frank repeal?2:01:38 Bill Maher, etc., are saying: “I guess Trump's tariffs aren't bad; economy is good; I was wrong.” But they're not even in effect yet. What's the deal?2:02:32 is it helpful to debate policy on social media?2:04:03 I've heard you say that USA shouldn't have entered WW1. Did you know that Germany bombed NY harbor in 1916 and were sinking US vessels in 1915 & 172:05:50 did you see any clips from the DSA (dem-soc of A) Town Hall? they want to abolish the family. Said marriage=prostitution; childhood=slavery2:08:10 Do you have time for Portugal/Spain recommendations if I send an itinerary? Mostly looking for great food.2:08:12 See pinned comment for timestamps of additional questions

August 6, 2025 | School Choice; Intl Students; Economic Data; Russia; Jones act; Ships; China | Yaron Brook ShowDon't miss this episode if you want to understand how ideas shape events—and how to fight back with reason, individualism, and freedom.

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Epstein; Tariffs; GM; Fed; Energy; Sugar; Cronyism; Russia; China; Fusion; AI |The Yaron Brook Show | July 22, 2025 In this packed and provocative episode, Yaron dives into the latest headlines—from the moral rot surrounding Jeffrey Epstein and the cowardice of those in power, to the destructive resurgence of protectionism in the form of tariffs. He takes on General Motors and the growing web of corporate-state entanglement, lambasting the Federal Reserve for its continued economic manipulation. In segments on energy and sugar, Yaron exposes the deep-rooted cronyism distorting prices and crushing innovation—all while enriching the politically connected.The conversation then turns global, with sharp commentary on Russia's aggression, China's authoritarian ambitions, and the West's philosophical disarmament in the face of both. Yaron explores the promise and peril of emerging technologies—like the bold (but dubious?) claims of nuclear fusion breakthroughs, and the race to harness AI without sacrificing individual rights and human purpose. Can the West still lead? Only if it reclaims its moral and philosophical foundations.**Live Questions:**In a dynamic and wide-ranging Q&A, Yaron answers questions about the psychology behind public shaming and resentment, the loneliness epidemic, the relationship between logic and reason, and whether a love of money is virtuous. Viewers asked about favorite rockstars to resurrect (hello, Freddie Mercury), Kurosawa films, NYC boroughs, and even the ethics of eternal post-death consciousness. One question explored how proximity to people who refuse to truly *Live* can affect your own ability to thrive. As always, thoughtful, unscripted, and unapologetically rational.Key Time Stamps:05:00 Jeffrey Epstein10:15 Tariffs15:15 General Motors19:10 Federal Reserve27:00 Energy30:45 Sugar35:55 Cronyism44:20 Russia48:40 China53:40 Fusion1:03:00 AILive Questions begin at 1:08:18---

July 21, 2025 | Trump/WSJ; Abortion; Coldplay; Colbert; Equal Pay?; Insider Dealing; Japan | Yaron Brook ShowIn this wide-ranging and high-energy episode of *The Yaron Brook Show*, Yaron dives into a mix of headlines and cultural flashpoints. He kicks things off by dissecting the *Wall Street Journal*'s recent editorial stance on Donald Trump and exposes the dangers of the right's increasing embrace of authoritarianism. From there, he shifts to a searing takedown of anti-abortion laws in America, highlighting their destructive moral and medical consequences. Yaron also reacts to the online mob attack over a couple's display of affection at a Coldplay concert, critiques Stephen Colbert's brand of smug progressive comedy, and unpacks the flawed rhetoric around “equal pay.” He then covers the real issue behind insider trading laws and takes a thoughtful look at Japan's demographic and cultural stagnation.In the final portion, Yaron fields a barrage of live audience questions. Topics include whether pro-capitalist politicians like Milei are just the beginning of a global trend, the dangers of anti-abortion policies discouraging early medical care, and whether technological innovation can survive regulatory gatekeeping. He's also asked about middle America's mythologizing, the political ironies of Coldplay concert criticism, and the tragedy of elderly crime in Japan. The audience also probes philosophical questions—on individual rights, metaphysical individualism, and whether Texas' abortion laws should deter Objectivist organizing. Engaged and opinionated as always, Yaron delivers hard-hitting answers with clarity and conviction.Key Time Stamps:02:00 Trump/The Wall Street Journal11:40 Abortion30:40 Coldplay38:10 Colbert45:50 Equal Pay?51:30 Insider Dealing1:03:00 Japan1:08:10 Jubilee1:12:05 Upcoming Shows Schedule1:23:45 Live Questions

July 22, 2025 | Epstein; Fed; Energy; Sugar; GM; Cronyism; Russia; China; Fusion; AI | Yaron Brook Show

The Evil of Socialism -- Why it Won't Go Away | Yaron Brook Show*

July 20, 2025 | *The Evil of Socialism — Why It Won't Go Away* | The Yaron Brook Show Why does socialism—despite its history of death, destruction, and dysfunction—still seduce the minds of so many? In this fiery and insightful episode, Yaron Brook takes on the moral, psychological, and cultural roots of socialism's enduring appeal. From the altruist ethics that make it seem noble to the intellectual cowardice that allows its ideas to persist, Yaron shows how and why socialism keeps returning in new disguises—and why we must reject it not just economically but philosophically.He explores how today's intellectuals and politicians repackage collectivism under the banners of "equity," "community," or "social housing," and reveals how even well-meaning advocates fall into the same traps that led past societies into ruin. It's not just about economics—it's about morality, values, and the fight for individualism against a rising cultural tide of self-sacrifice.

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Inflation/Stocks/Bitcoin; NPR; Lawfare; Israel; Russia; China; Scans | Yaron Brook Show**

Bitcoin; Bonds; Tariffs; Ukraine; Asylum; Biotech & China | Yaron Brook Show

Norbert J. Michel is vice president and director of the Cato Institute's Center for Monetary and Financial Alternatives. Michel leads a team of nearly one dozen scholars that develop original policy solutions to expand freedom through improving financial markets and monetary policy. In addition to producing policy publications, his team regularly engages with policymakers on Capitol Hill. Michel is also the author of the forthcoming book Crushing Capitalism: How the Stagnation Narrative is Threatening the American Dream, and coauthor (with the CMFA's Jen Schulp) of Financing Opportunity: How Financial Markets Have Fueled American Prosperity for More than Two Centuries.Michel was most recently the Director for Data Analysis at the Heritage Foundation where he edited, and contributed chapters, to two books: The Case against Dodd–Frank: How the “Consumer Protection” Law Endangers Americans, and Prosperity Unleashed: Smarter Financial Regulation.Michel was previously a tenured professor at Nicholls State University's College of Business, teaching finance, economics and statistics. Before that, he worked at Heritage as a tax policy analyst in the think tank's Center for Data Analysis from 2002 to 2005. He previously was with the global energy company Entergy, where he worked on models to help predict bankruptcies of commercial clients.Michel holds a doctoral degree in financial economics from the University of New Orleans. He received his bachelor of business administration in finance and economics from Loyola University. He currently resides in Virginia.Crushing Capitalism: How the Stagnation Narrative is Threatening the American Dreamhttps://www.amazon.com/Crushing-Capit...

Deportations; Immigration; Tariffs; Air Conditioning; De-industrialization; Putin | Yaron Brook Show

Milei; Birthright; Denaturalize; ICE; Tariffs; Grok & AI; Rare-Earth; France/UK | Yaron Brook Show

Vance; ICE; IRS; Twitter; Google; Gaza; Houtis; Russia Windows; Crazy 2; Weather | Yaron Brook Show

Conversation with Scott Lincicome -- Trade & Tariffs | Yaron Brook Show

J.Epstein; Floods; Tariffs; TSA; Crazy Prof; Tucker; Building; Ukraine; Milei | Yaron Brook Show

AMA & Hangout with Contributors (June '25) | Yaron Brook Show

MOP & Missile Defense; Trade, Medicaid; SCOTUS; MTG | Yaron Brook Show

Iran Nuclear Destroyed?; Big Beautiful Bil; Powell; Economy | Yaron Brook Show

Trump's Cease Fire; Mamdani; Land Sale; Manufacturing; Colombian Military; Drones | Yaron Brook Show

USA Enters the War -- What Next? Why Iran? | Yaron Brook Show *

Iran War Update; Stablecoin Regulation; ICE | Yaron Brook Show

Israel War Update; Trump Mobile; Golden Share; NYC Mayor | Yaron Brook Show

Iran/Israel War Update | Yaron Brook Show

Iran Strikes Back - What Next?; Israel Haters; NYC Mayor Race | Yaron Brook Show

Israel Attacks Iran | Yaron Brook Show

LA Riots; Free Speech; China Trade; Musk; Fort Lee; Nazis?; Sinwar | Yaron Brook Show