

Radio Rothbard
Mises Institute
Radio Rothbard is a weekly podcast hosted by Ryan McMaken and a rotation of Mises Institute-aligned experts to dive deeper into some of the most pressing issues. The show tackles politics, current events, culture, media, and the predatory state—all from an uncompromising Rothbardian perspective. Radio Rothbard is the weekly anti politics podcast you don't want to miss!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 27, 2026 • 0sec
What Would a Strategic Victory Look Like in Iran?
Foreign policy scholar Brandan Buck join Ryan McMaken to talk about whether or not a US tactical victory in Iran can lead to a strategic victory as well. And what does victory for the Iranian state look like? Are there any prospects for a lasting peace? Be sure to follow Radio Rothbard at https://Mises.org/RadioRothbardRadio Rothbard mugs are available at the Mises Store. Get yours at https://Mises.org/RothMug PROMO CODE: RothPod for 20% off

Mar 24, 2026 • 0sec
Big Government vs. Small Business in America
America has a long history of vibrant small business. But small business went into decline in the twentieth century, and it wasn't just due to large scale industrialization. Government has played a big role. Be sure to follow Radio Rothbard at https://Mises.org/RadioRothbardRadio Rothbard mugs are available at the Mises Store. Get yours at https://Mises.org/RothMug PROMO CODE: RothPod for 20% off

13 snips
Mar 6, 2026 • 0sec
Why The Iran War Won't Go the Way Trump Hopes
Zachary Yost, foreign policy analyst known for military and geopolitical analysis, breaks down why US aims like regime change are unlikely. He discusses depleted interceptors, naval and drone risks, regional escalation, and how energy and insurance realities reshape strategy. Short predictions on political spin and long-term proliferation risks.

9 snips
Feb 20, 2026 • 0sec
The European View of Debt, Deficits, and Inflation
Bernardo Ferrero, a Ph.D. candidate in economics at Universidad Rey Juan Carlos and author, explores European debates on taxes, spending, inflation, and fiscal accounting. He discusses Italy's budget battles, how QE and MMT shifted debt perceptions, the limits of treating governments like firms, and why political culture shapes attitudes toward deficits and finance.

Feb 6, 2026 • 0sec
Why Politicians Want Higher Home Prices
Ryan McMaken of the Mises Institute and Christopher Calton of the Independent Institute talk about why politicians want higher home prices. Even Trump now admits he wants higher home prices, and it's because older voters want their asset prices to go up forever. Be sure to follow Radio Rothbard at https://Mises.org/RadioRothbardRadio Rothbard mugs are available at the Mises Store. Get yours at https://Mises.org/RothMug PROMO CODE: RothPod for 20% off

10 snips
Jan 23, 2026 • 0sec
The Declaration of Independence Created 13 New Sovereign Countries
Larsen Plyler, historian and curriculum developer for the Mises Academy, explains how 1770s Americans envisioned 13 independent sovereign states. He highlights the Declaration’s plural language and the Articles of Confederation’s confederal design. The conversation contrasts that original pluralism with later moves toward a centralized national state.

10 snips
Jan 16, 2026 • 0sec
A Closer Look at John C. Calhoun
Economic historian Patrick Newman, author of "Cronyism: Liberty vs. Power in Early America," explores the complex legacy of John C. Calhoun. He discusses Calhoun's early nationalist politics, revealing his support for tariffs and internal improvements. Newman argues that Calhoun shifted from a War Hawk to a proponent of limited government as he aimed for political survival in South Carolina. The nuances of Calhoun's motives, including his stance on nullification and the Texas annexation, provide a thought-provoking look at a controversial figure.

9 snips
Jan 9, 2026 • 0sec
Why Vivek Is So Wrong about the Founding of the United States
Zachary Yost, a political commentator and historian, dives into the misconceptions surrounding American history promoted by Vivek Ramaswamy. They explore the false dichotomy of America as merely a civic 'creed' versus its rich Christian heritage. Yost argues that the American nation and state have distinct historical roots, predating 1787, and critiques the notion of an ideological founding. The discussion highlights the myths of creedal nationalism and reflects on generational shifts away from such ideologies in modern America.

Dec 19, 2025 • 0sec
Why We Hate Thomas Hobbes
Ryan and Josh Mawhorter talk about how Thomas Hobbes, even nearly 400 years later, remains a popular spokesman for almost limitless state power. In fact, by Hobbes's logic, the world should by ruled by a single global dictatorship. Be sure to follow Radio Rothbard at https://Mises.org/RadioRothbardRadio Rothbard mugs are available at the Mises Store. Get yours at https://Mises.org/RothMug PROMO CODE: RothPod for 20% off

10 snips
Dec 12, 2025 • 0sec
Modern Marriage and the Homeownership Rate
Jeffrey Degner, an economics professor and author of "Inflation and the Family," explores the intriguing link between marriage rates and homeownership. He discusses how government intervention has complicated home buying, particularly for younger generations. Jeffrey reveals that marriage often precedes homeownership due to combined finances, but rising ages and economic pressures create a growing gap. He cautions against viewing property as mere investment and emphasizes the importance of long-term financial practices, especially for Gen Z.


