The Curious Task

Alex Aragona chats with Pete Boettke as he dives into what the curious task of economics is and relates it back to the work of Friedrich Hayek. References from Episode 40 with Pete Boettke You can purchase Pete Boettke’s book on F.A. Hayek on Amazon Canada here Check out Pete Boettke’s economics blog here

Alex Aragona speaks with Mike Munger as he explores what's truly happening when we see rapid price changes during a crisis, and whether suppliers raising their prices in a time of crisis is wrong. References 1. “Is Capitalism Sustainable?” by Michael Munger Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Capitalism-Sustainable-Michael-Munger/dp/1630691739  2. “Three Undeniable Problems with Anti-Gouging Laws” by Michael Munger Link: https://thedailyeconomy.org/article/three-undeniable-problems-with-anti-gouging-laws/

Alex speaks with the Consumer Choice Centre's David Clement about why Canada's marijuana legalization regulations missed the mark, and what government could have done to make legalization work.  References from Episode 38 with David Clement: Here are a few articles by David Clement on marijuana legalization Globe and Mail: Ottawa is baking a bitter taste into its rules around edibles Globe and Mail: Minor changes could have a major positive impact on Ontario’s cannabis plan Globe and Mail: Health Canada shows again that it can’t properly regulate cannabis Globe and Mail: Consumers are paying for government’s failure to understand cannabis Globe and Mail: Are excise taxes killing the cannabis industry? Globe and Mail: Quick and smart fixes for Canada’s cannabis mess Globe and Mail: Ontario Cannabis Lottery was a disaster. It should be the last National Post: Ontario delivers yet another cannabis decision that hurts retailers and helps illegal dealers National Post: Ottawa’s latest rules risk ruining cannabis-infused beverages before they’re even legal National Post: Liberals are blowing smoke with claim that they’ve wiped out half of the illicit market Toronto Star: Banning cannabis at local level is bad policy

Alex Aragona chats with Cardus' Ray Pennings as he explores the benefits of more school choice to both students and society, and look at some data to see if, and how, it works.  References from Episode 37 with Ray Pennings: You can check out the Canadian Cardus Survey here You can read the U.S. Cardus Education Survey 2018 here You can read the Cardus survey on Who Chooses Ontario Independent Schools and Why here

Alex Aragona chats with Jason Brennan's about his response to G.A. Cohen's book and question "Why Not Socialism?" and his thoughts on ideal capitalism. References from Episode 36 with Jason Brennan: You can purchase Jason Brennan’s book Why Not Capitalism on Amazon Canada here

Alex Aragona speaks with Jesse Walker as they explore whether a human being truly set foot on the moon. References 1. “Rebels on the Air: An Alternative History of Radio in America” by Jesse Walker Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Rebels-Air-Alternative-History-America/dp/0814793827  2. “The United States of Paranoia: A Conspiracy Theory” by Jesse Walker Link: https://www.amazon.ca/United-States-Paranoia-Conspiracy-Theory/dp/0062135562

Matt Bufton talks with Alex Aragona about the effects the response to COVID-19 will have on freedom, the proper government response to a pandemic, how lifting certain regulations can help, and more.  References from Episode 34 with Matt Bufton: You can read the Atlantic article referenced in the podcast  here You can read more about hand sanitizer regulations being relaxed here Check out more information on the Mercatus COVID-19 Innovation Prizes here

Alex Aragona speaks with Scott Beyer as he explores the basic tenets of market urbanism and the ideas behind market driven solutions to problems in our communities. References from Episode 33 with Scott Beyer: You can check out Scott’s website The Market Urbanism Report here You can check out the popular Market Urbanism Report Facebook page here

Alex Aragona speaks with Jason Sorens as he explores what it takes for a group to secede or gain independence from a state, and whether Alberta could leave Canada. References from Episode 32 with Jason Sorens: You can purchase Jason Sorens’ book on Secessionism on Amazon Canada  here You can listen to Jason Sorens’ appearance on the Danielle Smith show in Alberta here

Alex Aragona speaks with Christopher Freiman as he explores why you might be happier, and ultimately contribute more to society, if you choose to ignore politics. References from Episode 31 with Chris Freiman: You can purchase Chris Freiman’s book when it’s out  here You can check out the Bleeding Heart Libertarians blog here You can purchase Bryan Caplan’s book ‘The Myth of the Rational Voter’ on Amazon Canada here