What the Hell Does the Federal Reserve Do?
What is the purported aim of the Federal Reserve? Why is it independent, or shoot for 2% targeted inflation? In part one of our series on the Fed, Jeremiah Johnson of the New Liberal podcast joins to explain, discuss, and field objections.
30 Jul 1h 29min
How to Become Rich Serving in Congress
How can an unscrupulous person get elected to high office and make a buck by abusing public trust? To look into this matter we speak with former congressman (and former lobbyist) Scott Klug.
23 Jul 1h
China Hates These Two People
Melissa Chan and Badiucao have both been exiled from the People's Republic of China; the former as a journalist and the latter as an artist and political cartoonist. They join the show to discuss censorship and authoritarianism in China, and their new book, "You Must Take Part in Revolution: A Graphic Novel."
17 Jul 1h 37min
The Two Times We Invaded Canada
Ever wonder why Canada didn’t become the 14th colony during the American War of Independence? It turns out, America invited Canada to join. Then, when they turned down the invitation, invaded. Then again in 1812. In this episode we return to States that Weren’t: Canada. Plus, how Nova Scotia and Newfoundland almost became states. www.ThePoliticalOrphanage.com
10 Jul 31min
Populist Hillbillies vs. Fake Lordlings: The Almost-States of Franklin, Nickajack, and Transylvania
America is littered with lots of almost-states, which very nearly joined the Union in their own right, but for some reason did not. In today’s episode we cover Vandalia, Transylvania, Westylvania, Franklin, and Nickajack. By investigating these almost-states, we delve into constitutional law on matters of succession, and tap into a centuries-old conflict between populist hillbillies and English lordlings. www.ThePoliticalOrphanage.com
2 Jul 1h 9min
Government Grocery Stores and Free Bussing! (WSPN)
This week New York City Democrats held their primary for mayor, and nominated Zohran Kwame Mamdani. Mamdani is a Democratic Socialist who promises to implement free bussing, a $30 per hour minimum wage, universal childcare, and a government-run grocery store program. Hosts of the World's Smartest Podcast Network hosts, Turner Sparks and Dr. Andrea Jones-Rooy join to discuss.
27 Jun 1h 26min
Churchill, Non-Proliferation, and Iranian Nuclear Ambitions
Iran is accused by Israel of pursuing a nuclear weapons program, and President Trump is weighing US military intervention. In this episode we chart the history of nuclear non-proliferation, and assess Iran in light of it.
19 Jun 1h 13min
Assassins Part III: An Anarchist Murders McKinley
A terrorist shot William McKinley at a World's Fair in Buffalo in 1901. In this episode, we go over the specter of anarchism in that era, why McKinley embodied the establishment, and how he died.
12 Jun 1h 4min
