The Political Orphanage

Michael Glennon, author of 'National Security and Double Government,' discusses America's national security apparatus and its impact on democracy. Topics covered include the growth of the apparatus, lack of oversight, deep state concept, intelligence clearance, civic virtue, and the need for CIA reform.

Randy Barnett, one of America's foremost jurists and a professor at Georgetown Law, discusses unenumerated rights in the context of the 9th and 10th amendments. The podcast covers the evolution of judicial philosophy, the concept of natural rights, government regulation of public morality, the distinction between negative and positive rights, federalism 3.0 and the 10th amendment, and the originalist interpretation of cruel and unusual punishment.

Yascha Mounk, author of 'The Identity Trap', joins the podcast to discuss the clash of identity in politics and the influence of identitarianism. They explore the origins of critical race theory, examine the implications of vaccination prioritization, and delve into the dynamics of the 'woke' discourse.

Michael Malice discusses the evil nature of the Soviet Union and the failures of communism. The podcast explores the stark differences between growing up in the Soviet Union and a Norman Rockwell painting. It also delves into the economic failures of the Soviet system and compares concentration camps and gulags. The American perspective on the Soviet Union and the future of America is explored, along with a playful banter and reflection on American history. The podcast discusses opposing the war machine, youth sacrifice, and restrictions on freedom of speech.

Emmy-award winning journalist John Stossel joins the Political Orphanage to talk about journalism and politics. They discuss running a humorous political campaign, navigating criticism and online feedback, maintaining consistency in content creation, observations of the Fox case, overcoming stuttering as a libertarian, creating engaging content, and the benefits of internships and career advice.

Exploring the concept of the commons, its historical significance, and potential in reshaping society. Discussion on state paternalism, devaluation of non-labor work, and the importance of understanding property ownership in relation to commons. Emphasis on preserving social cooperatives as commons and concerns about the dominance of private equity finance.

A high schooler from Iraq discusses the invasion of his hometown, life under Saddam Hussein's regime, anarchy and its implications, living in a war-torn country, becoming an interpreter for the American Army, the dangerous collaboration, the perceived legitimacy of democracy, meeting online and a long-distance relationship, presuming good intentions, preparations for societal breakdown, the experience of having children and the potential for civil unrest, concerns about red states and blue states splitting up.

Dr. Michael Webber, Professor of Energy Resources at the University of Texas, discusses how energy experts approach different energy sources, trade-offs in policy discussions, bipartisan opportunities for clean energy, the potential of solar energy, LED lights' efficiency, exploring fusion technology, and transitioning to renewable energy sources.

Former intelligence officer David Grusch recently appeared before Congress, claiming that the US government possesses extraterrestrial vehicles and alien bodies. How credible are these claims and how should the government respond? Brian Dunning, host of The Skeptoid podcast and "The UFO Movie THEY Don't Want You To See," joins the discussion on UFOs and the government's knowledge.

Dr. Robert Zubrin, author of “The Case for Nukes,” discusses the safety and benefits of nuclear power, debunking misconceptions about renewable energy and highlighting the importance of nuclear power in addressing global poverty and energy demands. He also addresses radiation exposure, cancer rates, and the safety of storing nuclear waste in salt caverns.