The Political Orphanage

Flee Not To Canada, My Countrymen (Live Show) Nov 01, 2024

So does America suck if your candidate loses? In this live episode of the show, we hear an uplifting Nazi story, what POW treatment says about American character, domestic terrorism, and why America is ultimately pretty awesome.

Musical guests: Toothy Gibbons; Mister Jenkins and the Hoofbeats

ENJOY THE SHOW? BUY MY BOOK! "Tribalism is Dumb: Where It Came From, How it Got So Bad, and What to Do About It."

https://www.amazon.com/Tribalism-Dumb-Where-Came-about/dp/B0DJKSZP6J

Pitch me on Trump: Austin Petersen Oct 23, 2024

Austin Petersen joins to make the case for why independents should cast their vote for Donald Trump.

Pitch me on Kamala Harris: Jeremiah Johnson & Jeff Maurer Oct 23, 2024

Jeremiah Johnson of the New Liberal Podcast and Jeff Maurer of I Might Be Wrong join the show to make the case for why independents should vote for Kamala Harris.

The Green Party, War, and Ecosocialism Oct 17, 2024

The Green Party is America's fourth-largest party, and also has sufficient ballot access to have a legal path to an electoral victory.

The party is a blend of environmentalism, socialism, and non-interventionist foreign policy. Jen Briney joins to discuss the latter.

Cornel West: The People’s Party Oct 16, 2024

Cornel West is a philosopher, former professor, and civil rights activist, running for president as the People’s Party candidate.

Chase Oliver: The Libertarian Oct 15, 2024

Chase Oliver is the Libertarian Party’s presidential candidate, and the standard bearer for America’s third largest political party. He joins to discuss his campaign, and make his pitch to independent voters.

How Tribalism Ruined Politics (NEW HEATON BOOK!) Oct 10, 2024

Why did politics become so nasty, so partisan, so... tribal?

Well now. I wrote a book for you on this very subject: "Tribalism is Dumb: Where it Came From, How it Got So Bad, and What to Do About It."

It's out now! This episode features the first two chapters. Please grab a copy, and enjoy!

www.mightyheaton.com/books

Paternalism as Class Warfare Oct 03, 2024

Jonathan Ainslie is a law lecturer at the University of Aberdeen, with a focus on Roman Law. He joins the show to discuss free speech rules in the United Kingdom, and the broader topic of what role the government ought to play in protecting you from yourself.

Kevin Williamson on Political Anxiety, The Future, Eating Cats Sep 27, 2024

Kevin Williamson is national correspondent at The Dispatch, and writer-in-residence at the Competitive Enterprise Institute. He joins to give a thousand-foot view of what our political era will look like in retrospect.

Fetishizing Jobs Sep 19, 2024

What if we’re focusing on jobs too much?

Guy Standing is the author of “The Politics of Time: Gaining Control in the Age of Uncertainty.”

He joins to discuss laborism, why GDP is a stupid economic indicator, and solutions to the economy’s most vexing problems.

Maybe I'm Wrong About Woke? Sep 13, 2024

What is “woke” exactly? And why is it it irritating? Lawrence Titley joins to make the case that Wokeness is an older historical phenomenon of loudly drawing attention to cognitive dissonance and moral correction.

Stupid Taxes vs. Smart Taxes Sep 04, 2024

What’s the difference between effective, ethical taxes vs. stupid stuff with a bunch of loop holes for rich people? Scott Hodge is President Emeritus & Senior Policy Advisor at the Tax Foundation. He is the author of “Taxocracy: What You Don’t Know Abou Taxes And How They Rule Your Daily Life.”

Book at: www.mightyheaton.com/featured

Why Nations Fail Aug 28, 2024

How do the histories of countries set up the greater context in which they become rich or poor?

Daron Acemoglu believes it boils down to whether or not they’ve been organized according to extractive or inclusive institutions.

He joins to discuss his book, Why Nations Fail.

What the DNC Means by "Freedom" Aug 23, 2024

Final thoughts on attending the Democratic National Convention; the underlying ideology and policy goals, and who will win in the face off between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.

The Good and Bad on Tim Walz Aug 21, 2024

Who's this Tim Walz guy?

Live from the Democratic National Convention, we go into his National Guard record, his tenure in Congress and as governor of Minnesota, and explore the underpinnings of his political philosophy.

How to Stop A Drug Cartel Aug 14, 2024

El Salvador used to be the murder capital of the world. Now it’s arguably as safe as Canada. In 2019 Nayib Bukele became president, and initiated a draconian crackdown on drug cartels, suspending the Constitution and civil liberties. It knocked gangs out of neighborhoods, but flirted with tyranny to do so. Was the trade worth it? Peter Gietl of Frontier Magazine joins to discuss.

Link to Chicago Live Show: https://ci.ovationtix.com/36644/production/1210915?performanceId=11512974

Collapse of the Middle: Scott Klug Aug 07, 2024

Scott Klug is a former representative from Wisconsin, and the host of the podcast Lost in the Middle.

He joins to discuss partisanship, “both sideism” and electoral solutions to America’s current, horrible political quagmire.

The College Cartel Jul 31, 2024

Why is college so expensive, and also, why do rich families keep trying to bribe their ways into the most elite schools?

Sahaj Sharda is the author of “The College Cartel.” He joins to discuss the underlying structures ruining higher ed.

His book at: www.mightyheaton.com/featured

Matt Taibbi Against the Gatekeepers Jul 24, 2024

Matt Taibbi is an independent journalist and winner of the National Magazine Award. Formerly a gonzo journalist at Rolling Stone, he now runs Racket News.

He joins to discuss the relationship between power and journalism, and the role of newsmakers in a chaotic era.

Hulk Hogan Formally Endorses Donald Trump Jul 19, 2024

Thoughts on Donald Trump's acceptance speech at the 2024 RNC Convention. AND what happens next, at the forthcoming DNC bloodbath.

So Who's this Vance, Then? Jul 16, 2024

Donald Trump has tapped J. D. Vance of Ohio as his running mate, cementing the Republican Party as a populist movement--and ending the old balance between Goldwater and Rockefeller Republicans, or Reagan fusionists. In this episode we discuss the implications.

Bad Takes on a Near Miss Jul 15, 2024

Some takes on bad takes following the assassination attempt, followed by rambling but heartfelt plea not to shoot each other.

The Tory Downfall and What it Means Jul 10, 2024

The British Labour Party just picked up dizzying, historical amounts of seats in Parliament, at the expense of the Conservative Party. Is it just the pendulum swinging the other way around, or does it signify something more seismic?

Douglas Carswell, President of the Mississippi Institute and former member of Parliament, and Lawrence Titley join to discuss.

Discord Link: www.mightyheaton.com/discord

Homeless Thought Experiments Jul 04, 2024

In City of Grants Pass v. Johnson the Supreme Court rejects Martin vs. Boise, which forbade cities from dispersing homeless encampments if there weren't sufficient beds around to go to instead.

Anna Gorisch joins to discuss.

"Homelessness and our Stupid Solutions" https://politicalorphanage.libsyn.com/homelessness-and-our-stupid-solutions

"The Best Tiny House Village in America"

https://www.patreon.com/posts/best-tiny-house-61663866

Presidential Immunity & Death Squads Jul 03, 2024

This week the United States Supreme Court ruled on Donald Trump, and subsequently, on immunities afforded to the president and former presidents. In this episode we explore the ramifications of that decision.

Bump Stocks, Guns, and Psycho Ex-Boyfriends Jul 02, 2024

On this episode of Judge Week we tackle two Supreme Court decisions pertaining to firearms: United States v. Rahimi, and Garland vs. Cargill. Anastasia Boden of the Pacific Legal Foundation and Jacob Sullum of Reason join respectively to discuss.

Support the show! Patreon.com/andrewheaton

Chevron is Dead Jul 01, 2024

The Chevron Doctrine is the longtime bete noir of conservatives and libertarians hostile to the administrative state.

Tim Sandefur of the Goldwater Institute joins to discuss the reasoning behind it, and the reasoning that smite it.

Support the show! patreon.com/andrewheaton

Past Judge Weeks: https://www.patreon.com/collection/140707?view=expanded

Debate!: The Musical Jun 28, 2024

Part 1: Debate: The Musical!

Part 2: Andrew Heaton and Justin Robert Young give intial thoughts directly after the debate.

Tips:

Paypal: andrew@mightyheaton.com

Venmo: @andrew-heaton-1

The War On Prices Jun 26, 2024

Ryan Bourne is the former head of public policy at the Institute of Economic Affairs in the United Kingdom, an economist at the Cato Institute, and editor and contributing author of the new book The War on Prices.

Book at: mightyheaton.com/featured

RFK, Jr. in Terms of Vaccines, Peace, Inflation & Spoilers Jun 19, 2024

Is Robert Kennedy, Jr. a nutbag or a truth-telling disruptor? Can he actually win the presidency, or just spoil it? In this episode we tackle RFK.

Part 1: Heaton’s assessment of his politics, positives, and his position on vaccines.

Part 2: David Drucker of The Dispatch joins to discuss his candidacy, campaign, impact, and spoilage.

The Economics of Midlife Crises Jun 12, 2024

Jonathan Rauch is a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, a contributing writer at The Atlantic, and the author of the book "The Happiness Curve: Why Life Gets Better After Age Fifty." He joins to discuss the reality, economics, and neurology of midlife crises.

Find his book at www.mightyheaton.com/featured

Presenting LPS: America's Most Colorful Quack Jun 07, 2024

John Romulus Brinkley became wealthy, famous, and powerful as one of America's most colorful, ludicrous quacks. He made his fortune by "curing" male impotence by sewing goat testicles into clients. As well as becoming a radio tycoon, politician, and more.

Check out more on the podcast Losers, Pretenders & Scoundrels

Trump Conviction: Kangaroo Court or Al Capone? Jun 03, 2024

Last week a New York court found former president Donald Trump guilty on thirty-four felony counts. Is this rule of law in action, or a corrupt judiciary undermining the law?

Paul Townsend and Anna Gorisch join to sort things out.

Batya Ungar-Sargan on the Working Class May 29, 2024

What are the insecurities of the Working Class, and what policies hurt or exploit them? Batya Ungar-Sargon is an editor at Newsweek and the author of Second Class: How the Elites Betrayed America's Working Men and Women.

BOOK AT: www.mightyheaton.com/featured

Batya’s handle: @bungarsargon

Heaton & Batya on Heaton’s TV show:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBh3sLlgRx4

Batya on The Political Orphanage: “Woke Hysteria is Actually Class Warfare”

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/woke-hysteria-is-actually-class-warfare/id1439837349?i=1000557442141

The Difference Between Psychopaths and Sociopaths May 22, 2024

Daniel J. Fox, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist in Texas, international speaker, and multiple-award winning author. He has been specializing in the treatment and assessment of individuals with personality disorders for over 20 years in the state and federal prison system, universities, and in private practice.

How Nations Escape Poverty May 16, 2024

Dr. Rainer Zitelmann is the author of "How Nations Escape Poverty: Vietnam, Poland, and the Origins of Prosperity." He joins to discuss the efficacy of international development aid, and what we can learn from the economic growth of Asia vs. that of Africa.

Book at: www.mightyheaton.com/featured

Dr. Zitelmann on Nazi Economics: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-nazis-thought-about-economics/id1439837349?i=1000577197764

Dr. Zitelmann on his book “In Defense of Capitalism”

https://politicalorphanage.libsyn.com/capitalism-remains-undefeated

Film: “Poland: From Socialism to Prosperity”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBIhsZ9GNHc&t=118s

Cicero and the Founding Fathers May 08, 2024

Jeffrey Rosen is a legal scholar and the President of the National Constitution Center. He’s the author “the Pursuit of Happiness: How Classical Writers on Virtue Inspired the Lives of the Founders and Defined America.”

Book at www.mightyheaton.com/featured

College Campuses Are So Very Very Passionate (WSPN) May 01, 2024

Protests over Israel and Hamas have become so heated at Columbia that it’s canceled in-person classes the rest of the semester.

Anti-Israel protests are becoming not just a flashpoint in America’s culture war, but within Blue Team itself.

What’s happening?

The World’s Smartest Podcast Network assembles to discuss: Andrew Heaton, Dr. Andrea Jones-Rooy, and Michael Ira Kaplan.

We’re Not Wrong Live Show: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/were-not-wrong-live-in-washington-dc-tickets-882962824577?aff=erelexpmlt

Understanding Immigration Through Circus Folk Apr 24, 2024

James Judkins started out as a circus worker, eating swords and fire, then working up to ringleader and manager. As a talent scout operating in other countries, he became professionally involved in sorting visas foreign countries, then eventually transitioned to a full-time visa agency. He joins the show to discuss 1) what it’s like working at the circus, and 2) how temp visas work for seasonal workers, and how they could work better.

Was Life Easier in the Fifties? Apr 19, 2024

There’s a pervasive idea that in the 1950s America had single-earner families who could more easily afford housing, car payments, groceries and college, so maybe we should go back to the political economy of that era? In this special, we visit Fiftiesland and see how it stacks up to modern America.

Support the show! Patreon.com/andrewheaton

Venmo: @andrew-heaton-1

What People Get Wrong About A. I. Apr 10, 2024

Tom Merritt of Daily Tech News joins to discuss the underlying technology of AI and Large Language Models, and what people get wrong about both.

Pre-order Tom’s book at: www.tomsnewbook.com

SUPPORT THE SHOW! www.patreon.com/andrewheaton

Heaton and Nick sketch comedy: mightyheaton.com/vagabonding

Bonus Episode: How to Use AI for Work https://www.patreon.com/posts/bonus-how-to-use-98003840?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Bonus: A.I. Wrote and Recorded An En Entire Episode

https://www.patreon.com/posts/bonus-i-wrote-77020469?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Why Violent Crime is Up Apr 03, 2024

Jennifer Doleac is Executive Vice President of Criminal Justice at Arnold Ventures, a major funder of criminal justice research and reform in the United States. She joins to discuss trends in crime, causes and deterents of crime, and cheap or easy ways we can make the country safer.

Support the show! www.patreon.com/andrewheaton.

Just How Much Fraud is in Government? Mar 27, 2024

Adam Andrzejewski is CEO and Founder of Open The Books, an organization which files thousands of FOIA requests each year to document and expose government budgets and employee salaries, to identity waste and fraud.

Website: https://www.openthebooks.com/

Totalitarianism and the Gays Mar 20, 2024

Jonathan Rauch of the Brookings Institution joins to discuss the most openly totalitarian period of American history: the Lavender Scare. And to point out that there are still people alive who suffered through it, and what restitutions can be made. Article at The Atlantic: “The U.S. Should Apologize to Gay People.” https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/01/lavender-scare-gay-people-public-service-erasure/677236/

Trump, RICO Law, and Lawyer Sex Mar 13, 2024

Donald Trump is being prosecuted under RICO law in Georgia, wherein District Attorney Fanni Willis has charged him and parts of his campaigns as criminal conspirators in a criminal enterprise.

What is RICO law, and does Trump qualify for prosecution under it? Attorney Paul Townsend rejoins to discuss.

The Economics of Illegal Immigration Mar 06, 2024

In this travel episode our intrepid hosts journeys to McAllen, TX on the US-border to see the river, the wall, and to interview employers who hire immigrants as well as US Border agents. Guests: Former Border Patrol chief Clem Clemson, and Lee Wicker, Deputy Director for the North Carolina Growers Association. Support the Show! www.patreon.com/andrewheaton Relevant Links: Bryan Caplan on Open Borders https://politicalorphanage.libsyn.com/bryan-caplan Anna Gorisch: Sucks to Legally Immigrate https://politicalorphanage.libsyn.com/if-i-want-to-naturalize-my-foreign-bastard-foreign

The New Mao Feb 28, 2024

Xi Xinping, the leader of China, has dramatically consolidated power and extended his reign indefinitely. What does he think and what does he want? Steve Tsang is the Director of the SOAS China Institute at the School of Oriental and African Studies in London. He is the author of “The Political Thought of Xi Xinping,” and joins to discuss.

America is Eleven Different Countries Feb 21, 2024

Rudyard William Lynch is the host of WhatifAlHist, a popular history channel on YouTube.

He joins to discuss how the origins and circumstances of America’s regions permanently imprinted on its cultures and political outlooks.

Colin Woodard's Map: https://www.businessinsider.com/the-11-nations-of-the-united-states-2015-7

Rudyard's Map: https://preview.redd.it/cultural-map-of-america-done-by-whatifalthist-on-youtube-v0-7clddg9nunpa1.jpg?auto=webp&s=663b38b9434bdf7791fac983f0d5e5beb643b779

Relevant Book: American Nations: A History of the Eleven Rival Regional Cultures of North America, by Colin Woodard

Working with Commies and Frenchmen Feb 14, 2024

Alain Bertaud is a feted urbanist, who before becoming a professor at NYU, worked in city planning in communist China, as well as on projects in Algeria, Cuba, and his native France. He joins to discuss what work and results look like in top-down command economies.

Alan Bertaud from City Week:

https://www.patreon.com/posts/sim-city-was-79663680?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

The Politics of Artificial Intelligence Feb 07, 2024

Is AI biased towards a particular viewpoint, and if so, how does it affect national sentiment and elections? Maxim Lott has built an AI tracking website that charts the political orientation of Large Language Models, and watches their development in real time. He joins to discuss.

Maxim’s Website: trackingai.org

Maxim’s Substack: https://maximumtruth.substack.com/

Political Compass Quiz: https://www.politicalcompass.org/test

The Two Kinds of Independents Feb 01, 2024

I flew to New Hampshire to check out the primaries, and to visit this historically independent-minded state to see how independents think. In this episode we see a Nikki Haley concert, and get invited to a Libertarian Clubhouse.

TPO: Don't Screw This Up, New Hampshire (Feb, 2020) https://five.libsyn.com/show/episodes/view/13086767

Knocking Trump Off the Ballot Jan 26, 2024

Donald Trump has been removed from the ballot in Colorado and in Maine, on the grounds that he is an insurrectionist ineligible to hold office under the U.S. Constitution. The Supreme Court will hear an appeal from the Trump campaign in the following weeks.

Anna Gorisch comes to discuss the specifics and impacts of this case, and what will be of issue to the highest court in the land.

Iowa, Ancient Greece, and Rome Jan 17, 2024

Live from Des Moines, Iowa, Heaton transforms into a 'thinky travelogue' guide, unraveling the mysteries of state-by-state primaries, and the often confusing blend of direct democracy and representative democracy that characterizes American politics.

This episode isn't just about the mechanics of the caucus; it's an exploration of the philosophical underpinnings of the American political system, drawing parallels between ancient Greece and Rome, and our modern-day practices.

TPO: Glen Weyl on How Weighted Voting Could Actually Work https://politicalorphanage.libsyn.com/glen-weyl

Announcement: Live Show in New Hampshire! Saturday, January 20th Jan 16, 2024

Hey gang, I will be joining Jen Briney and Justin Robert Young for a live show of our podcast "We're Not Wrong" at 7:00 PM at the Share Brewing Company in Manchester, NH, this Saturday, January 20th. If you're in the area, this is a great alibi--come on out!

Moon Base Economics Jan 12, 2024

Zach Weinersmith is the author of “A City on Mars: Can we settle space, should we settle space, and have we really thought this through?”

He joins to discuss the legal and economic feasibility of building settlements on Mars or the Moon

SUPPORT THE SHOW! www.patreon.com.andrewheaton

Robert Zubrin: Want to Build a Moon Base

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-98-i-want-to-build-a-moon-base-guest-robert-zubrin/id1439837349?i=1000434628317

Robert Zubrin on Mars

https://alienating.libsyn.com/turns-out-were-all-probably-martians

How to Make Money on Mars

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/alienating-the-audience/id1488171922?i=1000470956981

Lori Garber: Space Billionaires vs Space Bureucrats

https://politicalorphanage.libsyn.com/space-bureaucrats-vs-space-billionaires

The Cancelling of the American Mind Jan 03, 2024

Greg Lukianoff is the President of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, and along with Rikki Schlott, is the author of "The Cancelling of the American Mind: Cancel Culture Undermines Trust, Destroys Institutions, and Threatens Us All--But There Is a Solution."

Get the the book: www.mightyheaton.com/featured

TPO: Greg Lukianoff discussing his last book, “The Coddling of the American Mind.” https://omny.fm/shows/something-s-off-with-andrew-heaton/ep-19-the-coddling-of-the-american-mind-guest-greg?in_playlist=something-s-off-with-andrew-heaton!podcast

TPO: “The Enemies of How We Know Stuff” with Jonathan Rauch

https://politicalorphanage.libsyn.com/the-enemies-of-how-we-know-stuff

TPO: “This Comedy Club Owner Un-Canceled Louis C. K.”

https://politicalorphanage.libsyn.com/getting-canceled-diet-death-penalty

TPO: “How to Be A Better Vulcan” (Logical Fallacies)

https://politicalorphanage.libsyn.com/logical-fallacies-main-feed

David Brooks Wants To Know You Better Dec 28, 2023

New York Times columnist David Brooks believes a basic breakdown in interpersonal skills is the origin of our current political rancor. His new book, "How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply And Being Deeply Seen" aims to fix that. He joins to discuss how to better connect with people, and its implications.

Support the show! www.patreon.com/andrewheaton

Buy the book: www.mightyheaton.com/featured

A Very Snuffy's Rerun Dec 23, 2023

Highlights from Christmas comedy specials of years gone by. Enjoy!

A Rugged Snuffy's Christmas Dec 21, 2023

It's the sixth annual comedy Christmas special! Underwritten by Snuffy's (Off Route 44). This year's Christmas special includes: Muppets, Artificial Intelligence, circumcision, a robotic horse, and beloved English actors. Enjoy! Link for Christmas Zoom: www.mightyheaton.com/christmas Venmo: andrew-heaton-1 PayPal: andrew@mightyheaton.com PREVIOUS CHRISTMAS SPECIALS Snuffy's Explosion-Proof Christmas - https://politicalorphanage.libsyn.com/snuffys-explosion-proof-christmas A Rather Snuffy's Christmas - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-political-orphanage/id1439837349?i=1000545755269 A Grander Snuffy's Christmas - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/a-grander-snuffys-christmas/id1439837349?i=1000503286243 Another Snuffy's Christmas - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/another-snuffys-christmas/id1439837349?i=1000460559897 A Very Snuffy's Christsmas - https://politicalorphanage.libsyn.com/ep-30-a-very-snuffys-christmas-0

Dead People Control Your House: Deed Restrictions Dec 13, 2023

Deed restrictions allow you to make contractual obligations with other homeowners–often, dead ones. How do deed restrictions and HOA’s drive up housing costs and hurt density? How do we allow private contracts to exist without running into the downsides of neighborhood covenants.

Chris Gannon works with the American Institute of Architects on their Housing Committee. He joins to discuss.

Life After Home Internet Dec 06, 2023

Chris Moody and his wife called their telecom provider, to ask that their Internet service be scrapped, and replaced by a landline. They do not have cell reception on the mountain where they live, so eschew wifi and the world wide web in favor of a single hardwired phone inside their home. Chris joins the show to discuss how the change affected his lifestyle and happiness, and offer advice on what others can do.

REFERENCES:

TPO: Would You Shut Down the Internet If You Could?

https://politicalorphanage.libsyn.com/would-you-shut-down-the-internet-if-you-could

The Atlantic: Life Is Really Better Without the Internet, by Chris Moody

https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/11/home-internet-landline-amazon-smartphone/676070/

Reason: Essentials for Van Life, by Chris Moody

https://reason.com/2023/11/09/17-essentials-for-van-life/

Funny! “When Life was Simple” from Harry & Paul

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqE9TS4jsJM

How to Grayscale Your Phone

https://www.makeuseof.com/how-to-enable-grayscale-on-iphone/#:~:text=Setting%20up%20grayscale%20on%20your,Color%20Filters%22%20in%20your%20settings.

Revolt of the Jury: Jury Nullification Nov 29, 2023

Juries have the ability to vote “not guilty” even when it’s clear the accused violated established law.

If a jury judges a law as unjust and refuses to convict, is that a needed recourse within our judicial system, or contrary to objective and universal justice?

Attorney Paul Townsend joins to discuss.

Rerun: Your Life Is Way Better Than King Louis XVI's Nov 23, 2023

This Thanksgiving Brian Brushwood joins to discuss the many ways an average American's life is more comfortable, affluent, and magical than the vast majority of human history--including that of pharaohs and kings. BOOKS: This episode relies heavily on "The Rational Optimist" by Matt Ridley, "Ten Global Trends Every Smart Person Should Know" by Ron Bailey, and "The Better Angels of Our Nature" by Stephen Pinker, and "Abundance: The Future is Better Than You Think" by Peter H. Diamandis. All great books that present convincing stats on the positive trajectory of the world. They're all linked to at www.mightyheaton.com/featured RELATED INTERVIEWS: Matt Ridley on Rational Optimism Ron Bailey on Positive Trends

How Nuclear Deterrence Works Nov 21, 2023

How many nuclear bombs do we actually need to sufficiently scare an enemy? How many is too many? If we agree to reduce our stockpiles… how can we trust that the other guy really did? Travis Halleman is an expert on nuclear deterrence, and joins to discuss.

Links:

Who Actually Survives a Nuclear War: https://www.patreon.com/posts/who-actually-war-71978682?utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&utm_campaign=postshare_creator

Ward Wilson: Everything You Know About Nukes is Wrong

https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/ep-133-everything-you-know-about-nukes-is-wrong-guest/id1439837349?i=1000440171975

Political Orphanage Primer on Foreign Policy: https://politicalorphanage.libsyn.com/liberals-realists-and-the-real-cause-of-war

Mark Galeotti - https://warontherocks.com/author/mark-galeotti/

Cenk Uygur And Polemicism Nov 15, 2023

Cenk Uygur is a flame-throwing progressive pundit, host of The Young Turks, co-founder of Justice Democrats, and author of “Justice is Coming: How Progressives Are Going to Take Over The Country And America Is Going to Love It.” He joins to discuss his book, polemics, and his possible presidential run.

“Was Abraham Lincoln Leftwing or Rightwing?” https://podcasts.apple.com/gr/podcast/was-abraham-lincoln-leftwing-or-rightwing/id1439837349?i=1000613342722

Cenk’s book at: www.mightyheaton.com/featured

"Trickle Down Economics" Nov 08, 2023

Gene Epstein is the founder and moderator of the Soho Forum, a debate society, and is the former Economics editor at Barron’s.

He joins to discuss the nature of trickle down economics, its proponents and detractors, and the biggest factors in political economy which lead to inequality.

LINKS :

Soho Forum https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-soho-forum-debates/id1485021246

When Identities Fuse in Politics Nov 01, 2023

What happens when your religious, ethnic, and political identities converge into a mega identity? Dannagal Goldthwaite Young is the author of "Wrong: How Media, Politics, and Identity Drive our Appetite for Misinformation." She joins to discuss identity, and how it leads to misinformation.

Her book at: www.mightyheaton.com/featured

Previous appearance: “Late Night Comedy vs. The Outrage Industry” https://politicalorphanage.libsyn.com/late-night-comedy-vs-the-outrage-industry

But If There’s No Free Will… Oct 25, 2023

Robert Sapolsky is a professor of biology and neurobiology at at Stanford University, and the recipient of a MacArthur Genius Grant. He is the author of "Determined: A Science of Life Without Free Will." He joins to discuss the case against free will, and its societal implications.

Robert’s Book at www.mightyheaton.com/featured

Socrates Sketch:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2QrrYug_VQ&t=35s

The Emperor Claudius

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emperor-claudius-killed-a-whale/id1596616667?i=1000546859060&l=ru

The Actual Deep State Oct 18, 2023

Michael Glennon is the author of “National Security and Double Government.” He joins to discuss the growth of America’s national security apparatus, and how it functionally upends Madisonian democracy while leaving constitutional rhetoric in tact.

Support the Show! Patreon.com/andrewheaton

Glennon’s book at: www.mightyheaton.com/featured

LINKS:

Charles Cooke on Abolishing the FBI https://www.patreon.com/posts/bonus-charles-to-75324382?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Ron Paul on Foreign Policy and the Deep State https://www.patreon.com/posts/40187874/

Your Invisible Rights: Randy Barnett Oct 12, 2023

Randy Barnett is one of America’s foremost jurists, and a professor at Georgetown Law. He joins to discussed unenumerated rights, in the context of the 9th and 10th amendments.

SUPPORT THE SHOW! www.patreon.com/andrewheaton

Randy Barnett’s books at: www.mightyheaton.com/featured

Law Episodes Collection: https://www.patreon.com/collection/140707

Yascha Mounk on the Identity Trap Oct 04, 2023

Depending on whether society treats people primarily as individuals or as identity groups has deep ramifications for worldviews, government policy, and the long-term health of society. Yascha Mounk is the author of “The Identity Trap: A Story of Ideas and Power in our Time.” He joins to discuss.

Book at: www.mightyheaton.com/featured

“When Wokes and Racists Actually Agree on Everything” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ev373c7wSRg

Michael Malice Vs. the Soviet Union Sep 27, 2023

Antipathy towards communism tends to come from its consequences–liberal democracy and markets have yielded greater prosperity, so we should embrace them over socialism. Michael Malice posits a different argument–that regardless of consequence, the Soviet Union and allied communists were evil from the get go, and should be remembered and condemned for it. He is the author of “The White Pill: A Tale of Good and Evil.” He joins to discuss.

Michael’s book at: www.mightyheaton.com/featured

"Adults Are Talking with Andrew Heaton" on YouTube Adults Are Talking with Andrew Heaton | Ep 1 "Adults Are Talking with Andrew Heaton" on Twitter: https://twitter.com/i/status/1704993914900406574

REFERENCED EPISODES: "Who Actually Survives a Nuclear War?" https://www.patreon.com/posts/who-actually-war-71978682?utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&utm_campaign=postshare_creator

"How to Destroy a Country in Four Years: Cambodia" https://www.patreon.com/posts/how-to-destroy-55904459

John Stossel Gives Me Journalism Advice Sep 21, 2023

Emmy-award winning journalist John Stossel joins the Political Orphanage to talk about journalism and politics. Stossel’s career spans work on ABC News, Fox Business, and Reason TV. He's the winner of five national press award and 19 Emmies. His YouTube show, Stossel TV, appears every Tuesday.

Buck Shwartzmore for 7th Floor Fire Marshall https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdcRCj9QBtg&t=1s

The Plunder of the Commons Sep 13, 2023

Guy Standing stipulates that we should not think of property as either being private or state controlled, but ought to think of a third category: the commons. The commons is something wholly distinctive from either, and ought to be preserved. He joins to discuss this concept, outlined in his book, “Plunder of the Commons: A Manifesto For Sharing Public Weath.”

Support the show! www.patreon.com/andrewheaton

Book at: www.mightyheaton.com/featured

When Your Home Town Gets Invaded Sep 06, 2023

What’s life like for a high schooler who’s home town gets invaded by a foreign army? Ali Ali was living in historic Babylon, in Iraq, during the War on Terror. He joins to discuss what an invasion is like, what life is like in a lawless state, and his interpretations of the United States as an immigrant to it.

https://abzu.blog/

Clean Energy and Yucky Energy: Michael Webber Aug 30, 2023

How do energy experts approach energy? Are there good sources and bad sources? What should we try to abolish and what should we lob subsidies at?

Dr. Michael Webber is a professor of Energy Resources and Mechanical Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin. He is the author of more than 500 scientific articles, columns, and books, including op-eds for the New York Times and Scientific American.

UFO Whistleblowers and Congress Aug 23, 2023

Recently former intelligence officer David Grusch appeared before Congress, and made the bold claims that the U.S. government owns multiple recovered extraterrestrial vehicles, as well as "biotics"--which is to say, alien bodies. How credible are these assertions, and how should the government respond to UFO's in general?

Brian Dunning is the host of The Skeptoid podcast, and host of the new film "The UFO Movie THEY Don't Want You To See."

Links:

Brian Dunning’s “The UFO Movie THEY Don’t Want You To See” https://www.briandunning.com/ufo/

TPO: Why UFOs are in the News https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-ufos-are-in-the-news/id1439837349?i=1000489860085

Heaton’s novel, Frank Got Abducted https://www.amazon.com/Frank-Got-Abducted-Andrew-Heaton-ebook/dp/B00HSE9OZI/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=qNkeY&content-id=amzn1.sym.ed85217c-14c9-4aa0-b248-e47393e2ce12&pf_rd_p=ed85217c-14c9-4aa0-b248-e47393e2ce12&pf_rd_r=136-0886507-5175312&pd_rd_wg=1QCog&pd_rd_r=70c12931-a2c0-4e79-b4a1-130dac827ad2&ref_=aufs_ap_sc_dsk

Orphan Meetup - Wings Edinburgh on Old Fishmarket Close in Edinburgh, Scotland at 7:00 PM, Wednesday Sept 6th.

Nuclear Renaissance of Tomorrow Aug 16, 2023

Is nuclear power cheap and safe, or dangerous and expensive? Dr. Robert Zubrin is the author of “The Case for Nukes: How We Can Beat Global Warming and Create a Free, Open, and Magnificent Future.”

Zubrin holds Master of Science degrees in Nuclear Engineering and Aeronautics and Astronautics, and a doctorate in Nuclear Engineering, from the University of Washington. Prior to his work in aerospace, Dr. Zubrin worked in areas of radiation protection, nuclear power plant safety, thermonuclear fusion research, and as a secondary school science and math teacher.

Find his book at: mightyheaton.com/featured

SUPPORT THE SHOW! Patreon.com/andrewheaton

LINKS:

Zubrin on TPO: “I Want to Build a Moon Base” https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-98-i-want-to-build-a-moon-base-guest-robert-zubrin/id1439837349?i=1000434628317

Zubrin on ATA: “Turns Out, We’re All Probably Martians” https://podcasts.apple.com/dk/podcast/turns-out-were-all-probably-martians/id1488171922?i=1000474556038&l=da

Upwingers Fighting Downwingers Aug 09, 2023

Dr. Steve Fuller of Warwick University says the meaningful split in society is not Leftwing vs. Rightwing, but rather Upwing vs. Downwing. Both have radically different attitudes to both risk and human nature, which informs their policy decisions and the direction they want to steer society.

SUPPORT THE SHOW! www.patreon.com/andrewheaton

Dr. Fuller’s book at: www.mightyheaton.com/featured

Referenced in the show today:

TPO: “Was Abraham Lincoln Leftwing or Rightwing?” https://politicalorphanage.libsyn.com/hyrum-lewis

“Transcenant Man” – Documentary by Ray Kurzweill about the Singularity https://www.amazon.co.uk/Transcendent-Man-Ray-Kurzweil/dp/B016V7WCLA

ATA: The Bioethics of Gattica – Discussed on Alienating the Audience https://alienating.libsyn.com/gattaca

ATA: How Cryonics Works – Interview on Alienating the Audience https://alienating.libsyn.com/we-can-freeze-you-how-cryonics-works

Lizard People and SuperPACs Aug 02, 2023

Lawrence Lessig of Harvard University is the nation’s foremost thinker and advocate for campaign finance reform around SuperPAC’s. He joins the show to argue for governing political campaigns and SuperPAC’s under the same rules.

Lessig’s website and contest: https://equalcitizens.us/crowdfund-video/

How to Spot Statistical Garbage Jul 26, 2023

Statistics can be mangled to say whatever you’d like, and sometimes they’re garbage to begin with.

Aaron Brown teaches statistics at New York University and at the University of California. He joins to tip us off on statistical malfeasance.

Government Minus Geography Jul 19, 2023

America is less geographically-focused than ever, but her government is still foundationally built around land areas. What would politics look like if geography played less of a role? Max Borders joins to discuss. SUPPORT THE SHOW! Patreon.com/andrewheaton TOP TEN EPISODES: www.mightyheaton.com/bestof Max's Constitution writing contest: https://underthrow.substack.com/p/the-constitution-of-consent-contest Referenced Today: The Network State, by Balaji Srinivasan The Dawn of Everything, by David Graeber and David Wengrow

The Economics of Bad Films Jul 12, 2023

Thom Taylor is Los Angeles financial advisor who spent a decade writing for movie magazines. He knows the creative and business side of Hollywood, and how the current writer strike is apt to alter the trajectory of entertainment. Thom's website is www.delreycap.com Raymond Chandler article: https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/1945/11/writers-in-hollywood/306454/?fbclid=IwAR1_W5PZ_esxYb8WCRViCmsVfnEyyw8eedUhOVN1hiPrXQ3ji3nIYemTtOI

Clarence Thomas Hates Affirmative Action Jul 06, 2023

Last week the Supreme Court effectively banned race considerations in higher education admissions. Anastasia Boden returns to discuss the relevant constitutional law, and the underlying ideological issues.

Support the show! www.patreon.com/andrewheaton

Top Ten Episodes: mightyheaton.com/bestof

Mugs at: www.mightyheaton.com/merch

Anastasia’s Twitter: @Anastasia_esq

The Longest Happiness Study in History Jun 29, 2023

The Harvard Study of Adult Development spans 83-years of health and happiness data analysis, and counting! Its director is Dr. Robert Waldinger, author of “The Good Life: Lessons from the World’s Longest Scientific Study of Happiness.” He joins to discuss his findings.

Support the show! www.patreon.com/andrewheaton

Top 10 Episodes! www.mightyheaton.com/bestof

Discord Link: https://discord.gg/9JnUfp627n

Find the Book at: www.mightyheaton.com/featured

Waldinger’s Sangha: http://newtonzen.org/teachers.html

Cancel Culture Runs Out of Steam (WSPN) Jun 21, 2023

The World’s Smartest Podcast Networks convenes to ask: is Cancel Culture on its way out? Comedian Hannah Gadsby’s art exhibit “Pablo-Matic” draws attention to the misogynist side of Pablo Picasso… but didn’t seem to get much attention itself. Turner Sparks, Andrea Jones-Rooy, and Andrew Heaton combine forces to discuss the end of Cancel Culture and how funny comedy needs to be to be comedy.

NYT piece: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/01/arts/design/hannah-gadsby-brooklyn-museum-picasso.html

Poll: Who Gets Canceled? https://www.patreon.com/posts/poll-who-gets-84935788?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Because of the Commerce Clause! Jun 15, 2023

Attorney Anna Gorisch returns to explain the Commerce Clause, and how it’s gone from a restraint on state-on-state protectionism to a trump card for federal oversight to subvert local control.

Big Ag's Meat Ethics Jun 07, 2023

This episode we dive into animal suffering, big agriculture, and the laws Big Meat has on the books to restrict freedom of speech. As well as what basic animal welfare laws would look like, and how much they would cost. Guest Lewis Bollard leads Open Philanthropy’s strategy for Animal Farm Welfare.

TOP EPISODES: www.mightyheaton.com/bestof

SUPPORT THE SHOW! www.patreon.com/andrewheaton

The Three Personalities in Politics May 31, 2023

Bijoy Goswami is the author of “The Human Fabric: Unleashing the Power of Core Energy in Everyone.” He joins the show to discuss the personalities that make teams flop or excel, and how they apply to politics.

Bijoy’s course: www.aviri.com/p/mre

What Happens with the National Debt May 24, 2023

The National Debt engorges daily--when does it collapse in on itself and crater the economy? In this special we tackle the nature of federal debt, the apocalyptic scenarios its current trajectory leads to, and the pitfalls along the way. Plus, where the train went off the rails, when deficits are smart or dangerous, and the solutions we could enact to ward off fiscal Armageddon.

SAVE WALLACE! - https://mightyheaton.com/savewallace

PayPal: andrew@mightyheaton.com

Venmo: @andrew-heaton-1

P.O. Box: Andrew Heaton, 1401 Lavaca Street, No. 594, Austin, TX 78701

Was Abraham Lincoln Leftwing or Rightwing? May 17, 2023

Where would Lincoln fall on the Left-Right spectrum? Was Jefferson a radical leftist? Was Hamilton a reactionary conservative? If the whole Left-Right spectrum is bunk... where did it come from, and when did it become universal? Professor Hyrum Lewis joins to discuss his new book, "The Myth of Left and Right: How the Political Spectrum Misleads and Harms America."

Top Ten Best Episodes: www.mightyheaton.com/bestof

SUPPORT THE SHOW! Patreon.com/andrewheaton

Featured Books at: www.mightyheaton.com/featured

Disneyland with The Death Penalty: Singapore May 11, 2023

Think tanks from the right and left regularly glorify Singapore’s economy as either an exemplary free market or a progressive rockstar. Meanwhile, it’s regularly lampooned as an authoritarian state with questionable democracy. What the hell is it?! Comedian Sam See, of Singapore, joins to discuss

TOP TEN EPISODES: www.mightyheaton.com/bestof

Confirmation Bias is Hilarious But Expensive May 03, 2023

What do military research boondoogles on astral projection, psychic boon-bending children, and extensive bouts of policy antics all have in common? Confirmation bias.

Brian Brushwood and Justin Robert Young join the show to discuss confirmation bias vis a vis their hit podcast, "World's Greatest Con"

World's Greatest Con: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/worlds-greatest-con/id1572307941

Salesmen Beat Engineers at Politics Apr 26, 2023

Jason Voiovich is a sales and marketing professional, and author of "Marketer in Chief." He joins the show to discuss how advertisers see politics, and what policy wonks and electioneers do not.

TOP TEN EPISODES: Mightyheaton.com/bestof

Bonus Episode: Pitch to Red and Blue States! https://www.patreon.com/posts/bonus-game-pitch-69066400?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

SUPPORT THE SHOW! www.patreon.com/andrewheaton

The Answer is Always Status Apr 20, 2023

Will Storr is the author of “The Status Game: On Human Life and How to Play It.” He joins to discuss the never-ending scrum for status which defines human hierarchies.

We’re Not Wrong Live Show

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/were-not-wrong-live-in-austin-alamo-drafthouse-on-south-lamar-tickets-616098586457

Capitalism Remains Undefeated! Apr 12, 2023

Rainer Zitelmann is the author of “In Defense of Capitalism: Debunking the Myths.” He joins to make a plea for free markets and economic freedom, and counters the most common arguments against capitalism. “How Nazis Thought About Economics” https://www.patreon.com/posts/how-nazis-about-70960173?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

What Do Marxists Actually Think? Apr 06, 2023

Freddy deBoer is an author, academic, and Marxist. He joins the show to discuss the nature and worldview of Marxism.

"Laughter is Better Than Communism" https://www.amazon.com/Laughter-Better-Communism-Andrew-Heaton-ebook/dp/B00IC4H1PS

Sucks to Legally Immigrate Mar 29, 2023

What hoops do you have to jump through to work in America or become a citizen? Is it worse under Democrat or Republican administrations? What could make it better? Immigration attorney Anna Gorisch joins to discuss.

Coastal Bias Mar 22, 2023

Media trust is on the decline, but what’s causing it? If it’s bias, what accounts for the perceived increase?

Steve Krakauer is a long-time journalist from NBC, Fox, Mediate, CNN, The Blaze, and now the producer of the Megyn Kelley show.

He's the author of the new book "Uncovered: How the Media Got Cozy with Power, Abandoned Its Principles, and Lost the People."

Would You Shut Down the Internet, If You Could? Mar 15, 2023

The Internet brings astonishing knowledge, convenience, and communication to modern society. But overall does it make us more or less happy than before we invented it?

Rex Williams, host of The Whiskey Tribe, joins to ask: If you could pull the plug on the Internet, forever–would that really be so bad?

"We Try to Match Churchill Drink for Drink... send help." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrbwvG0XeUQ

How to Run a Scottish City Mar 10, 2023

Robert Aldridge is the 258th Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Scotland.

He previously served a Councilor in Edinburgh since 1984, focusing on city enviornment, recycling, refuse collection, street cleaning, parks, and homelessness. He is the former Chief Executive of the Scottish Council for Single Homeless and latterly Homeless Action Scotland.

Design Your City's Ugly Away - Dave Amos Mar 09, 2023

Dave Amos is a the producer and host of “City Beautiful” on YouTube, and Assistant Professor of City Planning at Caly Poly San Luis Obispo. He joins to discuss urban design, and how to make cities more attractive and livable.

Sim City Was Always Wrong Mar 08, 2023

What should urban planners design, and what should they leave to citizens and markets? To answer that question we summon none other than Alain Bertaud, an urban planner who has worked in major cities across multiple continents. He is a senior fellow at NYU's Marron Institute of Urban Design, and was the principle urban planner for the World Bank. He's the author of "Order without Design: How Markets Shape Cities."

SUPPORT THE SHOW! www.patreon.com/andrewheaton

What Do Mayors Actually Do? - David Holt Mar 07, 2023

David Holt is Mayor of Oklahoma City, one of the top twenty largest cities in the United States. He joins to discuss the nature of his position, and the issues facing major cities.

SUPPORT THE SHOW! www.patreon.com/andrewheaton

The Coming Suburban Apocalypse - Charles Marohn Mar 06, 2023

American cities are prioritizing big box stores over small businesses, in a model predicated on permanent growth. But when growth hits a snag, will suburbs collapse?

Charles Marohn is the founder and president of Strong Towns. He is a land use planner and (retired) professional engineer. He is the author of Strong Towns: A Bottom-Up Revolution to Rebuild American Prosperity

SUPPORT THE SHOW! Patreon.com/andrewheaton

Why Do We Do Tipping? (WSPN) Mar 01, 2023

What are the underlying economics and origins of tipping? Is the practice expanding to new sectors, and if so, is this good or just irritating? The World’s Smartest Podcast Network joins to discuss!

Kristaps Andrejsons’ PayPal address: ihatebalrog@gmail.com

National Divorce and James O'Keefe - "We're Not Wrong" Feb 28, 2023

We’re Not Wrong is my other political podcast, with host fellows Justin Robert Young and Jen Briney.

On this episode we discuss “national divorce,” the rise and fall of James O'Keefe of Project Veritas, and the difference between journalism and activism.

If you enjoy it, check out the podcast WE'RE NOT WRONG!

Addicted to Dopamine Feb 23, 2023

Why is addiction (booze, drugs, and more) on the rise in the United States?

Dr. Anna Lembke is a professor of psychiatry at Stanford University School of Medicine, and chief of the Stanford Addiction Medicine Dual Diagnosis Clinic. She is the author of “Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence.”

Book at: www.mightyheaton.com/featured

Support the show! Patreon.com/andrewheaton

The Dictator’s Handbook Feb 15, 2023

Alistair Smith proposes that the only real thing governments differ on is how many selectors are needed for a leader to gain and keep power–everything is window dressing.

He advocates for understanding politics realistically and strategically, and designing our systems around the idea that leaders are self interested.

Also Relevant: “Dr. Jeffrey Pfeiffer on The Rules of Getting and Keeping Power” https://politicalorphanage.libsyn.com/the-rules-of-getting-and-keeping-power

SUPPORT THE SHOW! www.patreon.com/andrewheaton

Bonus: Ukraine Counterpoint with Kristaps Feb 13, 2023

Kristaps Andrejsons is the host of "Eastern Borders" podcast, which formerly explored Soviet History, and is now an in-the-field news report on the conflict in Ukraine.

Kristaps is a big NATO proponent and promotes strong American intervention in Ukraine. I've brought him on to contrast with the positions of this week's guest, Ben Abelow.

Also--Kristaps got banned from Twitter when an argument about Ukraine and Russia got out of hand. We discuss the circumstances.

The Cost of Ukraine Feb 09, 2023

We're almost a year into the conflict in Ukraine. What does a conclusion look like? How much is costing in terms of money and lives, and to what end? Author Ben Abelow joins to discuss the situation and his book, "How the West Brought War to Ukraine: Understanding How U.S. and NATO Policies Led to the Crisis, War, and the Risk of Nuclear Catastrophe."

Why America Can’t Europe Feb 01, 2023

What's the optimum size of a country? As countries get bigger, does the nature of governance necessarily change? In this episode, we explore scaling—how an increasingly large nation-state adapts, or fails, to deliver services competently.

Stanford's Forbidden Words of Hilarious Evil Jan 25, 2023

Stanford’s Elimination of Harmful Language Initiative includes everything from the words “brave” to “crazy.” The World’s Smartest Podcast Network assembles to read the list and mercilessly laugh at it. Then, turn their attention to the astonishing and hilarious lies of freshman representative George Soros.

LINKS:

SUPPORT THE SHOW! www.Patreon.com/andrewheaton

Episode: “When To Scrap Politically Incorrect Words”

https://politicalorphanage.libsyn.com/when-to-scrap-politically-offensive-words

Stanford’s Elimination of Harmful Language Initiative

https://stanforddaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Stanford-EHLI-Harmful-Language-List.pdf

ATA: Hollywood Sermonizing vs. Good Storytelling Jan 23, 2023

CROSSOVER EPISODE from Alienating the Audience

When does science fiction get "too political"? What separates a film with a strong point of view from stale publum or Woke pulpitry?

Josh Jennings joins to discuss how political messaging can derail or suffocate good storytelling.

Fix Teenagers By Putting Them to Work Jan 18, 2023

America has one educational path: go get a university degree! If you stray from it, you're in trouble. Could shifting the education system towards apprenticeships be a more effective way to help prepare students for life and careers? Noel Ginsburg is the Founder and CEO of CareerWise, following the 41-year stint as the founder and CEO of the manufacturing company Intertech Plastics. He's a national advocate for apprenticeships, and has testified to the U.S. Senate on their effectiveness.

Here's Why Partisanship is Skyrocketing Jan 11, 2023

A new study shows that “affective polarization” is on the upswing: negative feelings about enemy parties is on the increase, even if policy positions and ideology are not. What’s the main drive behind the increase? Dr. Andrea Jones-Rooy joins to discuss the primary factor in partisan rancor.

Morris Fiorina: The Country Isn’t Polarized

https://politicalorphanage.libsyn.com/ep-28-the-country-isnt-polarized-guest-morris-fiorina-0

Tim Carney: Loneliness is Worse for Cities Than Godzilla

https://podcasts.apple.com/ng/podcast/ep-109-loneliness-is-worse-for-cities-than-godzilla/id1439837349?i=1000436493673

Amusing Ourselves to Death

https://politicalorphanage.libsyn.com/amusing-ourselves-to-death

“The Origins and Consequences of Affective Polarization in the United States”

https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/pdf/10.1146/annurev-polisci-051117-073034

Heaton on Andrea’s show:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-kKDkeauj4&list=PLoGqAxLE0kqxeilRQgba67-b45UCE9tQw&index=18

Automation Comes for Lawyers and Shrinks Jan 04, 2023

Generative AI like ChatGPT and Dall-E 2 are poised to change… everything. Tom Merritt of the Daily Tech News Show and Darren Kitchen of Hak5 join to discuss its ramification, and how automation will free up everybody… or put everyone out of a job. See Heaton’s AI artwork from Lensa and Dall-E 2 at www.mightyheaton.com/aiart SUPPORT THE SHOW! www.patreon.com/andrewheaton

Inequality and the New Feudalism Dec 28, 2022

Joel Kotkin worries that we're careening into a new bout of feudalism. He sees a resurgence of intellectual dogmatism, coupled with inequality and lack of mobility, pushing civilization back into a feudalistic power structure of lords, peasants, and priests. He joins to discuss his book "The Coming Neo-Feudalism: A Warning to the Global Middle Class"

Snuffy's Explosion-Proof Christmas Dec 23, 2022

It's the fifth annual comedy Christmas special! All underwritten by Snuffy's (Off Route 44). This year's Christmas special includes: Inappropriate curse words; World War I; discussions about bats; hilarity; gluten Enjoy! PRIOR SPECIALS: A Rather Snuffy's Christmas - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-political-orphanage/id1439837349?i=1000545755269 A Grander Snuffy's Christmas - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/a-grander-snuffys-christmas/id1439837349?i=1000503286243 Another Snuffy's Christmas - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/another-snuffys-christmas/id1439837349?i=1000460559897 A Very Snuffy's Christsmas - https://politicalorphanage.libsyn.com/ep-30-a-very-snuffys-christmas-0

Carnage and Blowback in American Foreign Policy Dec 15, 2022

Scott Horton wants America to go home. He does not think we should be the world’s policeman. And when we try to be, our foreign policy incites blowback, foreign chaos, and unnecessary bloodshed. He joins to discuss isolationism and non-interventionism.

His Soho Forum Debate with Bill Kristol

Bill Kristol interview

IR Theory: How to Prevent and Provoke Stupid Wars

We’re Defining Inequality Wrong Dec 07, 2022

Phil Gramm is the author of “The Myth of Inequality: How Government Biases Policy Debates.” He joins to discuss the metrics by which we identify poverty, and how otherwise sound data is frequently misinterpreted.

Bill Kristol on Military Intervention Dec 01, 2022

Should America actively promote democracy and liberalism abroad, to the point of destabilizing authoritarian regimes, or arming their enemies? Bill Kristol is a prominent Neocon, and proponent of muscular liberalism–the idea that a robust American presence abroad is integral to global peace and security.

IR Theory Episode: “How to Prevent and Provoke Stupid Wars” https://www.patreon.com/posts/how-to-prevent-63903085?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

PATREON.COM/ANDREWHEATON to support the show and get weekly bonus episodes!

Bonus: Your Life Is Way Better Than King Louis XVI's Nov 24, 2022

This Thanksgiving Brian Brushwood joins to discuss the many ways an average American's life is more comfortable, affluent, and magical than the vast majority of human history--including that of pharaohs and kings.

BOOKS: This episode relies heavily on "The Rational Optimist" by Matt Ridley, "Ten Global Trends Every Smart Person Should Know" by Ron Bailey, and "The Better Angels of Our Nature" by Stephen Pinker, and "Abundance: The Future is Better Than You Think" by Peter H. Diamandis. All great books that present convincing stats on the positive trajectory of the world. They're all linked to at www.mightyheaton.com/featured RELATED INTERVIEWS:

Matt Ridley on Rational Optimism

Ron Bailey on Positive Trends

What Skinny Dipping Taught Me About Greed Nov 23, 2022

The idea that we can eliminate poverty by outlawing greed is like trying to increase marriage rates by making people less horny. In this episode we go over the Medieval understanding of greed, against that employed by economists.

This Comedy Club Owner Un-Canceled Louis C.K. Nov 16, 2022

Noam Dworman is owner of the Comedy Cellar in New York City. A huge critic of Cancel Culture, he caught flak for allowing Louis C. K. to perform at his club. He joins to discuss: should anyone ever be canceled?

SUPPORT THE SHOW! www.patreon.com/andrewheaton

We Should Abolish Student Councils Nov 11, 2022

Student Councils are meant to teach young people about democracy, but what lesson are they learning? Namely that elections are popularity contests with no stakes or results!

Turner Sparks and Michael Ira Kaplan join to discuss the abolition of student councils, and also give updates on Ruby Kaplan's elementary school candidacy

The Huge, Dumb Permit You’ve Never Heard Of Nov 03, 2022

Jeremiah Johnson of The Neoliberal Podcast joins to discuss how NEPA and environmental impact reports stall construction pretty much everywhere, and alternatives to the red tape.

So I Got Canceled at Oxford Oct 28, 2022

My recent speaking engagement at Oxford University, the various ne'er-do-wells claiming I am a fascist, and why politics attracts toxic personalities.

Plus, protocols to help us remain good faith actors and not drink deep of the bile.

Find the Heaton Protocols at: https://www.patreon.com/posts/so-i-got-at-73864329?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator

The Iranian Regime Still Sucks Oct 20, 2022

The government of Iran has shut down its Internet, and brutally clamped down on dissent. Why are the people protesting, and are they within striking distance of revolution? Should America root for them from the sidelines, or send guns?

Lisa Daftari of The Foreign Desk joins to discuss

Who Screwed Up Worst on Covid Oct 13, 2022

Did Florida's fast-and-loose Covid policies fail compared to New York's strict lockdowns? How effective were mask mandates? How did the United States stack up against Europe and Australia?

Maxim Lott of "Maximum Truth" crunched the numbers on which regimes saved or lost lives during Covid 19. And offers a tool to asses if otherwise effective restrictions are actually worth it.

Russia’s Sham Referendums in Ukraine Oct 05, 2022

Kristaps Andrejsons is a war correspondent regularly covering the conflict in Ukraine, ad the host of the Eastern Border podcast. He joins the show to discuss: * Why Russia pushed patently false referendums in Ukraine * Who blew up the Nord 2 pipeline * How the Ukrainian conflict might play out * What the West should do in its aftermath

Make Congressmen Share a District Sep 29, 2022

Lee Drutman is the author of “Breaking the Two-Party Doom Loop: The Case for Multiparty Democracy in America.” He joins to discuss electoral reform, multi-member districts, and proportional voting.

America Ought to Get Herself A King Sep 22, 2022

The British monarch reigns as the United Kingdom’s head of state, while war and taxes are carried out by the head of government, its Prime Minister. Meanwhile, in the United States of America, the President is both. In this episode we explore the nature and benefits of ceremonial monarchs.

Who Actually Survives a Nuclear War Sep 15, 2022

Radiation, fallout, and perpetual winter – would you survive a nuclear war? What about the president, Australia, and modern civilization? In this episode we do a deep dive on nuclear warfare, how bad it might be, and what rebuilding civilization would entail.

SUPPORT THE SHOW:

Patreon.com/andrewheaton

Venmo: @andrew-heaton-1

PayPal: andrew@mightyheaton.com REFERENCES & SHOW LINKS: https://www.patreon.com/posts/who-actually-war-71978682?utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&utm_campaign=postshare_creator

The Rules of Getting and Keeping Power Sep 07, 2022

Dr. Jeffrey Pfeffer is a Professor of Organizational Behavior at Stanford University, and the author of “7 Rules of Power: Surprising–but True–advice on how to get things done and advance your career.” He joins the show to talk about ways to increase your power in life and at work, and how to avoid stumbling blocks to its accumulation.

Book at www.mightyheaton.com/featured

The Church of Woke Aug 31, 2022

When does an ideology become a full-blown religion? Does Social Justice qualify? The World’s Smartest Podcast Network convenes a roundtable to discuss, including Andrea Jones-Rooy, Turner Sparks, and Michael Ira Kaplan.

(Rebroadcast) The Berlin Wall Aug 25, 2022

Since this week's show and bonus episode both take place in Germany, we'll go ahead and throw in a rerun of my all-time favorite: "What Really Brought Down the Berlin Wall." Original air date: January 21, 2021 SUPPORT THE SHOW! www.patreon.com/andrewheaton

How Nazis Thought About Economics Aug 24, 2022

Heaton flies to Berlin to interview German historian Rainer Zitelmann, author of "Hitler's National Socialism," about the ideology and political economy of Nazi Germany.

Book at www.mightyheaton.com/featured

Space Bureaucrats vs. Space Billionaires Aug 17, 2022

How do we best get space tourism and moon colonies – big public projects, or cocky entrepreneurs? Lori Garver is the former Deputy Administrator of NASA, and the author of “Escaping Gravity: My Quest to Transform NASA and Launch a New Space Age.”

Book at: www.mightyheaton.com/featured

Robert Zubrin on "How to Build a Moon Base": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEEgdmimSWg

The Supreme Court Messed Up on Prayer in Schools Aug 12, 2022

In Kennedy v. Bremerton the Supreme Court revisited–and reversed–long-standing precedents on public teachers and administrators leading prayers in school and at events.

Paul Townsend, of “In Summation - The Final Word” joins to assess its impact and diagnose the decision.

Can I Eat Peyote if it’s Religious? Aug 11, 2022

What happens when a law affecting public safety or basic governance comes into conflict with someone’s deeply-held religious beliefs?

In this episode we explore religious exemptions, and how the court addresses carveouts from otherwise applicable laws.

Hunting for Theocracy in America Aug 10, 2022

The Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, but also forbids the establishment of religion. What happens when the two come into conflict?

In Judge Week 2: Separation of Church and State, we investigate the First Amendment, and how the courts balance its competing clauses.

Bad News About Humane Warfare Aug 03, 2022

Civilization has made warfare more indirect, streamlined, technological, and distant.

What if making warfare nicer makes us less hesitant to begin conflicts, and slower to stop them?

Samuel Moyn is the author of “Humane: How the United States Abandoned Peace and Reinvented War.”

America’s Dueling Enlightenments Jul 27, 2022

The Founding Fathers were all children of the Enlightenment, and they agreed on kicking King George out, but they never agreed on how to run the country.

Seth Radwell, author of American Schism: How the Two Enlightenments Hold the Secret to Healing Our Nation joins on to discuss these two halves of our Founding, and how they are ultimately complimentary.

When To Scrap Politically Incorrect Words Jul 20, 2022

How do we determine when to retire truly offensive words and replace confusing ones, against virtue signaling and shifting goal posts?

Ron Hayden of “Worth Watching” and Dr. Andrea Jones-Rooy of “Majoring in Everything” join to discuss.

Inflation Is Losing You Money Jul 14, 2022

Inflation is at an 11-year high--what's causing it!

How do we solve it, and how does it effect us (and our bank accounts)? John Cochrane, "The Grumpy Economist" joins to discuss. Plus: Hyperinflation . . . via the French Revolution!

How to Change Your Idiot Uncle’s Mind About Stuff Jul 06, 2022

In “How to Change Minds: The Surprising Science of Belief, Opinion, and Persuasion,” science writer David McRaney explores proven ways to get people to unstuck themselves from entrenched opinions and think straight.

Get “How to Change Minds” at www.mightyheaton.com/featured

Relevant Episodes:

Peter Boghassian on “How to Talk to Insufferable Ideologues” https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-talk-to-insufferable-ideologues-featuring-peter/id1439837349?i=1000464778737

Andrea Jones-Rooy on “How to Unstuck Idiot Political Beliefs” https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-unstuck-idiot-political-beliefs/id1439837349?i=1000463382249

Adaam Levin-Areddy on Cognitive Dissonance: https://politicalorphanage.libsyn.com/cognative-dissonance

David McRaney on Groupthink https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-monkey-groupthink-beats-human-logic/id1439837349?i=1000556387655

Every Time We've Rigged the Supreme Court Jul 01, 2022

Court Packing! In the wake of Roe v. Wade, Progressives want to insert new justices to tip back the majority. In this episode we explore the several times politicians have rigged the courts. And then analyze the best available reforms to make the Supreme Court less of a partisan volcano.

The Laws and Economics of Treasure Hunting Jun 22, 2022

Let’s talk to a treasure hunter about the laws and politics of finding old gold at the bottom of the ocean! Who owns the gold? Do governments squabble over it? What ratio of lawyers to diving equipment do you need to salvage and sell said gold? Chip Forsythe is establishing a multi-million dollar treasure hunting expedition along the Atlantic seafloor--in search of sunken gold.

A Spock and Scotty Approach to Gun Control Jun 16, 2022

Let’s take a numbers-first approach to gun legislation. In the wake of horrible mass shootings, gun control and advocacy groups are digging their heals, and often relying on bumper sticker canards. Rather than approaching this issue ideologically, or even inductively, we’re going to look at ways to dramatically reduce gun deaths by looking at the numbers.

“Gun Deaths by the Numbers” with Guy Smith:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gun-deaths-by-the-numbers/id1439837349?i=1000508430461

Other Nations Are Insufficiently Horny Jun 08, 2022

"Demographic Winter" occurs when a nation's population growth is so bottlenecked that its labor is unable to sustain the economy in basics like tax revenue, health care services--and food. Much of the developed world, with laggardly birthrates, is poised to tumble off that demographic cliff. Ken Gronbach is an internationally lauded demographer. Analyzing population macrotrends, he forecasts calamities, upswings, and political and economic changes in the near future. He joins to discuss the “Demographic Winter” poised to afflict much of the world, plus what the United States can anticipate over the next two decades as Baby Boomers retire and a fresh generation steps up.

Real Science Hates Scientism Jun 01, 2022

What happens when authorities try to shield their decisions by draping themselves in lab coats?

What's the difference between the Scientific Method, and a religious "appeal to authority" where the authority is a scientist we agree with?

Ron Hayden joins to discuss the difference between science and scientism, and the downsides of conflating the two.

What Happens When You Get Canceled May 27, 2022

Jamie Kilstein got canceled and canceled hard–in 2017 his marriage, podcast, standup comedy career, and social life all imploded in a fiery explosion.

He joins the show to talk about what happens when you build a career around instigating the mob, and then the mob suddenly turns on you. And what rehabilitation looks like after. YouTube version: https://youtu.be/q5_EFZ7K-sM

SUPPORT THE SHOW! Patreon.com/andrewheaton

(Rebroadcast) Originalism - How Conservative Judges Think May 25, 2022

Rerun from Judge Week! Originalism is the favored jurisprudence of conservative scions like Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas. It's predicated on the notion that laws have fixed meanings, determined at the moment of their ratification according to the language of their day. Professor Green is the H.L.A. Hart Scholar of Law & Philosophy at the University of Mississippi. A graduate of Princeton, Yale, and Notre Dame, he has clerked for the U.S. Court of Appeals on the Fifth Circuit, practiced as a private litigator, is the author of multiple books, and is a sought-after speaker about Originalism, executive power, and the 14th Amendment.

(Rebroadcast) The Living Constitution - How Liberal Judges Think May 23, 2022

A rerun from Judge Week! When the Constitution says "cruel and unusual punishment" does it mean by the standards of the 18th century, or our own? How much latitude should jurists take when interpreting the law? Professor David Strauss of the University of Chicago has argued nineteen cases before the United States Supreme Court, formerly served as Special Counsel to the Committee on the Judiciary of the United States Senate, and sits on the Board of Directors of the American Constitution Society. He joins Heaton to discuss Living Constitutionalism: the school of jurisprudence favored by progressive judges.

The Guts of Roe v. Wade May 19, 2022

Does the Constitution affirm a right to abortion? The Supreme Court is poised to overturn Roe v. Wade, removing federal protections on abortion.

We explore this historic case, as well as the leaked Alito draft on Dobbs v. Jackson, and how constitutional law applies to abortion.

YouTube at: https://youtu.be/7D2ozfZOab4

The Duopoly Hates Third Parties May 12, 2022

Larry Sharpe is running for governor in New York as a Libertarian, but may not even be able to get on the ballot. When third parties pick up steam, state governments erect barriers to keep them off the ballot and maintain the system. In this episode we explore the issue of ballot suppression, and how it stacks up alongside gerrymandering and voter suppression.

Why Comedy Leans Left (But Doesn't Have To) May 05, 2022

Comedians, television, and film all tend to lean Democrat. Why is that? Is there something inherently unfunny about Republicans, or do the powers that be just not let the funny ones inside the building?

Comedians Jeff Maurer and Andrew Young discuss orthodoxy and anti-authoritarianism in comedy, and media scholar Matt Sienkiewicz discusses his new book “That’s Not Funny: How the Right Makes Comedy Work for Them”

Why I'm an Angry Carnivore Apr 28, 2022

Cognitive dissonance occurs when our actions are out of sync with our perception of ourself or the world, or a new opinion or piece of data makes us question our worldview. It's an incredibly uncomfortable feeling, which most people wave away by dismissing the objection, redefining the situation, or sometimes outright violence. Adaam Levin-Areddy, host of the "Uncertain Things" podcast joins to discuss why we should plow directly into cognitive dissonance, rather than avoid it.

Does Local Control Actually Work? Apr 20, 2022

Does distributed power check tyranny, or simply empower petty tyrants? What's the relationship between efficiency, scale, and the size of government? In this episode we explore the pro's and con's of dispersed power. Join the Orphanage! www.patreon.com/andrewheaton

Woke Hysteria Is Actually Class Warfare Apr 13, 2022

Batya Ungar-Sargon says liberal pieties have more to do with the managerial class’s disdain for the poor and maintaining elite status than with actual racism in the country.

She is the deputy opinion editor of Newsweek, and the author of “Bad News: How Woke Media is Undermining Democracy.”

JOIN THE ORPHANAGE: www.patreon.com/andrewheaton

Paypal: andrew@mightyheaton

Venmo: andrew-heaton-1

Why Monkey Groupthink Beats Human Logic Apr 06, 2022

David McRaney is host of the "Your Are Not So Smart" podcast, and joins to discuss how our monkey brains are more wired to promote group cohesion than to think critically or logically--and what to do about it. JOIN THE ORPHANAGE! www.patreon.com/andrewheaton

Crony Capitalists Are Spoiling Your Food Mar 24, 2022

Scuzzy businesses routinely try to regulate away competitors so they don’t have compete in a free and open market. Those cads!

Justin Pearson of the Institute for Justice joins to discuss the many ways in which dubious characters use the power of the state to stifle competition.

Join the Orphanage! www.patreon.com/andrewheaton

How to Prevent or Provoke Stupid Wars Mar 17, 2022

Are you a Liberal or a Realist when it comes to geopolitics? This episode is a crash course in International Relations Theory: What is the fundamental nature of conflict between states? Naked power, relationships, or a clash of ideas? By the end of today’s program, you’ll grasp the fundamentals of IR Theory.

JOIN THE ORPHANAGE: www.patreon.com/andrewheaton

Venmo: andrew-heaton-1

PayPal: andrew@mightyheaton.com

The Brain Fog of War Mar 10, 2022

As the situation in Ukraine continues to escalate, it's important to keep our tribal impulses in check, and ensure we remain level-headed and credulous when everyone gets excited and starts bandwagoning.

Ukraine is Backfiring on Putin Mar 02, 2022

Michael Weiss joins the show to discuss Russia’s “Potemkin Military” and how a pratfall invasion coupled with global pariah status could lead to Putin's downfall.

Michael Weiss on How Putin Thinks: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-vladimir-putin-thinks/id1439837349?i=1000473057626

Michael Weiss on Darth Vader: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/darth-vader-is-a-19th-century-supervillain/id1488171922?i=1000511538475

Sanctions are the Virtue Signaling of Economics Mar 01, 2022

Jen Briney of "Congressional Dish" joins to discuss sanctions, economic warfare, and the underlying rationale for Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Support the show! www.patreon.com/andrewheaton

Venmo: @andrew-heaton-1

Paypal: andrew@mightyheaton.com

Time Travel Bureaucracy / New Audio Book Feb 24, 2022

My new book "Inappropriately Human: 21 Short Stories" is now available as an audio book! You can listen to it via Audible.com.

To pique your interest, here is a funny story from it: "RE: Your Timeline Infractions." Download your copy on Amazon.com, or mightyheaton.com/books

Why Revolutions Ignite or Flop Feb 23, 2022

Why do some activist movements change the world, when others make a big bang and then fizzle out? Gal Beckerman is the author of “The Quiet Before: On the Unexpected Origins of Radical Ideas.”

You can find a copy at mightyheaton.com/featured

PJ O'Rourke Once Got Me Laid Feb 17, 2022

My hero just died.

In this special episode, I talk about the beloved political satirist P. J. O'Rourke, and his impact on me personally. Then play a rerun of his final interview on this program, wherein we discuss his book "A Cry From the Far Middle."

Joe Rogan and the Authoritarians Feb 16, 2022

Charles Cooke of National Review joins the show to discuss embattled podcast host Joe Rogan as the flashpoint between authoritarianism and free speech. And to elaborate on the difference between state censorship, and a culture of open expression against that of self-censorship.

Joe Biden's Identity Politics Feb 09, 2022

Joe Biden has pledged to nominate a black woman to the forthcoming Supreme Court vacancy--should race and gender factor in at all? In politics, does ideology or identity weigh more heavily? Jeremiah Johnson and Andrea Jones-Rooy joins to discuss.

Against Malaria Foundation https://www.againstmalaria.com/orphans

Nita Fashions https://www.nitafashions.com/

Adventures in Psychedelic Drugs Feb 01, 2022

What are the therapeutic benefits to psychedelics, like psilocybin mushrooms or LSD? What are their potential downsides? In this episode we talk to Sarah Rose Siskind of “Drug Test” comedy show, as well as Aella @Aella_Girl, who spent a year doing a colossal amount of LSD.

Prior Drug War episode with Jeff Miron: “So What Would Happen if We Legalized Heroin”? https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/so-what-would-happen-if-we-legalized-heroin/id1439837349?i=1000479373766

Join the Orphanage! www.patreon.com/andrewheaton

The Best Tiny House Village in America Jan 26, 2022

Alan Graham is the Founder of Community First Village, an innovative community that houses the homeless and integrates them into a vibrant community. It’s a model that takes care of both the material and emotional needs of the downtrodden, and one which is replicable throughout the country.

Community First: https://mlf.org/community-first/

Homelessness, and Our Stupid Solutions Jan 20, 2022

What are the dumb ways we try but fail to solve homelessness, or even make it worse? In this episode we cover: * Economics * Housing Policy * Elizabethan History * Mental Health * Really stupid zoning laws In hopes of coming up with better solutions to the current homeless situation in the United States. JOIN THE ORPHANAGE AND SUPPORT THE SHOW! Go to www.patreon.com/andrewheaton

WSPN: Omicron, Afghanistan, and Antiwork Jan 13, 2022

The World's Smartest Podcast Network returns for a roundtable discussion about:

* What the hell is happening with Covid now? * What the hell are we supposed to do about Afghanistan? * Reddit's infamous r/AntiWork * Elizabeth Holmes vs Ghislaine Maxwell

If Aliens Landed Tomorrow Jan 10, 2022

I've got a new book! "Inappropriately Human: 21 Short Stories." An anthology of funny and/or scifi pieces from yours truly. Available at www.mightyheaton.com/books or on Amazon, or by shoplifting. To kick things off, I'm reading one of the stories therein: The Grammy for Best Alien Performance." Enjoy!

ALL the Immigrants! All of 'em! Jan 05, 2022

Bryan Caplan favors open borders--the idea that the United States should allow unlimited immigration into the country (save for disqualifying criminals or disease). He is an economist at George Mason University, and joins the show to discuss the humanitarian and economic case for open borders. "Open Borders: The Science And Ethics of Immigration" www.mightyheaton.com/featured

JOIN THE ORPHANAGE: www.patreon.com/andrewheaton

White House Spy Protocols (and Cooking) Dec 29, 2021

Marty Mongiello is a former White House Chef and GM at Camp David, and joins the show to discuss what it's like working inside of the White House, and the astonishing amount of counter intelligence operations staff must deal with.

Heaton's personal tailor, Nita Fashions: info@nitafashions.com

Chef Marty's cooking class: mightyheaton.com/cooking

My forthcoming book launch and reading will be at Cosmic Coffee in Austin, TX at 4:00 PM on Saturday, January 15th. See you then!

A Rather Snuffy's Christmas Dec 22, 2021

Hark! A Christmas special! Sponsored by a horse-themed diner. Contains swearing. Please enjoy this fourth Snuffy's Christmas, and go easy on the horsenog.

"A Grander Snuffy's Christmas" https://politicalorphanage.libsyn.com/a-grander-snuffys-christmas

"Another Snuffy's Christmas" https://politicalorphanage.libsyn.com/snuffys-christmas-2019

"A Very Snuffy's Christmas" https://politicalorphanage.libsyn.com/ep-30-a-very-snuffys-christmas-0

Bonus: Let's Have an Uncomfortable Gender Conversation Dec 20, 2021

Released from behind the paywall: Dr. Andrea Jones-Rooy joins to talk about the nature of gender, and what it's like for people who don't easily fit into the existing boxes.

Join the Orphanage! www.patreon.com/andrewheaton

The Enemies Of How We Know Stuff Dec 16, 2021

Jonathan Rauch is the author of “The Constitution of Knowledge: A Defense of Truth.” He joins the show to talk about separating good ideas from bad ideas, and how their restriction leads to a dumber and dangerous society.

The Constitution of Knowledge: www.mightyheaton.com/featured

Nita Fashions: https://www.nitafashions.com/

Amusing Ourselves to Death Dec 08, 2021

Neil Postman postulated that society avoided the totalitarian nightmares of George Orwell, only to embrace the frivolous idiocy of Aldous Huxley. His book “Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business” questions the effects of television and infotainment on politics and culture. Andrew Young and Justin Robert Young join to discuss.

New history podcast: Losers, Pretenders & Scoundrels https://link.chtbl.com/SvbVq0zp

Nita Fashions: https://www.nitafashions.com/

Stadium Subsidies Are Unfathomably Stupid Dec 01, 2021

John Mozena is an expert on crony capitalism, better known as “economic development subsidies.” He is the President of the Center for Economic Accountability, and joins to discuss the abysmal economics of throwing money at corporations to attract them to states and towns.

Reason TV’s Amazon HQ: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_eG7leM6ew

Mostly Weekly: Stop Subsidizing Sports! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=652fdt5Razg&feature=emb_title

How War Shapes Us Nov 23, 2021

Margaret MacMillan is a war historian, and the author of “War: How It Shaped Us.” She joins the show to discuss the nature of war, its history, what precipitates conflict, and how to avert it.

Join the orphanage at: www.patreon.com/andrewheaton

Tips: Venmo: andrew-heaton-1 PayPal: andrew@mightyheaton.com

Matt Ridley and Alina Chan on the Origin of Covid Nov 17, 2021

Matt Ridley is a science writer and member of the House of Lords, and Alina Chan is a scientist and molecular biologist. They are the authors of the new book “Viral: The Search for the Origin of Covid-19.” They join the show to discuss the genesis of the pandemic, Chinese obfuscation, and how transparency is needed to forestall future plagues.

Andrew Yang Goes AWOL Nov 10, 2021

Andrew Yang just left the Democratic Party to form the Forward Party. He joins to discuss electoral reform, and his book “Forward: Notes on the Future of Our Democracy.”

Justin Amash interview: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/justin-amash-wants-to-unclog-congress/id1439837349?i=1000514178120

Katherine Gehl interview: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-spook-the-politics-industry/id1439837349?i=1000511386408

Pedde GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/4ad5fff1

What Makes a Joke Offensive Nov 03, 2021

Dave Chappelle's new Netflix special "The Closer" unleashed a cultural firestorm over transgender comments. Is it offensive? What makes a joke offensive? Comedian Jeff Maurer joins to discuss.

Friday Release Valve (comedy podcast) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/friday-release-valve/id1573283082

"I Might Be Wrong" (Jeff's newsletter) https://imightbewrong.substack.com/

John McWhorter on Victimhood and Woke Racism Oct 27, 2021

John McWhorter joins the show to discuss the mindset of victimhood, and Wokeness as a new religion. His new book is “Woke Racism: How a New Religion Has Betrayed Black America”

Support the Show: www.patreon.com/andrewheaton

Buy the book: mightyheaton.com/featured

The Reproductive Life of Good and Bad Policies Oct 20, 2021

Dr. Chuck Shipan is the author of “Why Bad Policies Spread (and Good Ones Don't)”. He is joined by Dr. Andrea Jones-Rooy, a comedian and political scientist, to discuss the forces and circumstances which lead to good and bad policy proliferation from state to state.

The Thing No Government Can Actually Do Oct 13, 2021

Perverse Incentives! Unintended Consequences! Today we explore how governments can screw things up by confusing incentives with dictating motivation or outcomes.

Support the show: Patreon.com/andrewheaton

Tip me! Venmo: @andrew-heaton-1

George Will on Synthetic Hysteria Oct 06, 2021

George F. Will is a Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist, and the author of “American Happiness and Discontents: The Unruly Torrent, 2008-2020.” He joins the show to discuss the Culture War, failings of academia, jurisprudence, politics, and economics.

Find Mr. Will’s book at mightyheaton.com/featured

Previous George Will interview: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/03-george-will-saves-america-baseball-the-gop-etc/id1439837349?i=1000445244846

Politicians Hate Big Tech Sep 30, 2021

Robby Soave is a senior editor at Reason, and the author of "Tech Panic: Why We Shouldn't Fear Facebook and the Future." He comes to discuss politicians' misplaced anger with large tech companies, and why their fears are unfounded. Find his book at: www.mightyheaton.com/featured

Society Once Tried to Ban Teddy Bears Sep 23, 2021

Jason Feifer is the host of "Build for Tomorrow" (formerly "The Pessimist Archives") and joins the show to discuss why we needlessly react to new technologies with fear. Did you know that society once balked at the dangerous technologies of radios, novels, and teddy bears? We get into all of them on today's show! SUPPORT THE SHOW: www.patreon.com/andrewheaton

Bonus: What Napoleon Teaches Us About Foreign Policy Sep 15, 2021

This week bonus episodes are going on the main feed, past the paywall! Here's a rerun from last year, about Napoleon Bonaparte, and the pitfalls of "liberating" other nations.

To support the show, go to www.patreon.com/andrewheaton

How To Zero In On Reality Sep 14, 2021

The default position for politics is advocacy—promoting our team and opposing the other. Julia Galef proposes an alternate mindset, where we try to determine the reality of a situation even if it’s uncomfortable. She is the author of “The Scout Mindset: Why Some People See Things Clearly and Others Don’t.”

Book at www.mightyheaton.com/featured

How To Destroy a Country In Four Years Sep 08, 2021

The Khmer Rouge was a brutal communist regime that ruled Cambodia for only four years, but in that brief period entirely destroyed its economy, wiped out its intellectual class, and horribly murdered a quarter of its population. In this history episode we investigate one of the world's worst regimes, the depths of its depravity, and how it explains a specific type of terror present in other countries today.

Are We Fixing or Ruining Welfare? (WSPN Roundtable) Aug 31, 2021

Joe Biden's Child Tax Credit sends direct money to families, no strings attached. Is it cutting down on wasteful bureaucracy and reducing hurdles to financial aid, or enabling a culture of joblessness? The World's Smartest Podcast Network rejoins to discuss, as well as: Rich People Island, the future of remote work, and Soviet Space dogs.

Friday Release Valve is Back! (But Moving) Aug 27, 2021

Friday Release Valve (where we kick around the best, underserved headlines of the week) is returning--but moving to its own podcast. New episodes will appear on the new show titled "Friday Release Valve," along with a backlog of old episodes, funny commercials, and sketches. To find the new show, go to www.mightyheaton.com/frv or search for "Friday Release Valve" on your podcast player of choice.

How Zoning Laws Screwed Up Everything Aug 25, 2021

Housing regulations have resulted in widespread urban sprawl, ethnic redlining, multi-generational poverty, and all manner of other ills.

Jeff Maurer of "I Might Be Wrong" on Substack and Jeremiah Johnson of The Neoliberal Podcast join to discuss how zoning laws have hurt America, and ways to rectify them.

This episode is sponsored by Ground News - The world's first news comparison platform. Download Ground News for free here: https://ground.news/orphanage

Bonus: The Alternative to Winston Churchill Aug 19, 2021

Winston Churchill dealt with evil by confrontation. What's his opposite? This is a bonus history episode from July of last year, in the context of the forthcoming 2020 election and the George Floyd protests.

Bonus episodes come out ever week on top of the regular show. To access them, head to patreon.com/andrewheaton

Nation Building Failed in Afghanistan Aug 17, 2021

Could we have fixed things if we stayed? Kabul fell to the Taliban on Sunday, which is quickly reorganizing their regime after getting ousted twenty years ago by the United States. Was nation building an incomplete but worthwhile pursuit, or a never-ending fools errand? Jason Buttrill served as an intelligence analyst in the invasion of Afghanistan, and discusses the nature of the country and what will happen to it.

Andrew Sullivan is a Gay Catholic Conservative Aug 11, 2021

Andrew Sullivan is an author and blogger best-known for his substack The Weekly Dish. His new book is "Out On a Limb: Selected Writing, 1989-2021" chronicling sexuality, politics, and religion from his position as a gay Catholic conservative. Get "Out On a Limb" at www.mightyheaton.com/featured

Harvard vs Asians: Affirmative Action and Racial Quotas Aug 04, 2021

Affirmative Action is potentially one Supreme Court case away from going extinct. When is racial prioritizing constitutional? Is it ever a good policy idea?

Anastasia Boden is a senior attorney at the Pacific Legal Foundation, and the co-host of "Dissed," a podcast focused on important Supreme Court dissents.

Cancel Culture Is Mostly Rich White People Jul 28, 2021

Dan Kovalik is the author of "Cancel This Book: The Progressive Case Against Cancel Culture." Kovalik, a long-time labor activist, union attorney, and human rights lawyer, joins the show to talk about the classist and elitist elements of Woke excess, and why it's a dismal long-term strategy for the Democratic Party. "Cancel This Book" https://www.amazon.com/dp/1510764984?tag=mightyheaton-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1 This episode is sponsored by Ground News - The world's first news comparison platform. Download Ground News for free here: https://ground.news/orphanage

Would You Maroon Jeff Bezos in Space? Jul 22, 2021

Over a hundred thousand people signed a petition calling to ban the world's richest man from returning to Earth: "billionaires shouldn't exist."

In this episode we explore the difference between relative growth and actual growth. And determine if liquidating the rich would solve the world's economic problems.

Why Comedy Became Toothless Jul 14, 2021

Are late night comedy and political satire as free wheeling and funny as they used to be? Or has comedy become simultaneously tame yet partisan? Jeff Maurer is former senior writer for "Last Week Tonight with John Oliver." He joins to discuss how fear and groupthink have defanged comedy, and why nuance is always a harder prospect than reflexive teamsiness. Jeff's newsletter can be found at https://imightbewrong.substack.com/

Los Angeles is Hideous Jul 13, 2021

I have a new book out! Los Angeles is Hideous: Poems About An Ugly City. Arguably the funniest book ever written about the horribleness which is LA. Here are two quick readings from what is about to become your new favorite coffee table book.

You can find "Los Angeles is Hideous: Poems About An Ugly City" at www.LAisUgly.com

Michael Malice on Anarchism Jul 07, 2021

Michael Malice is the best-selling author of "The Anarchist Handbook". He joins to discuss the legitimacy of government action, and what society might look like in the absence of a state.

"The Anarchist Handbook" by Michael Malice https://amzn.to/3dS402h

On North Korea https://apple.co/36iKQi8

On the New Right https://bit.ly/2Utllb0

Authoritarianism On the Rise Jun 30, 2021

Pulitzer Prize–winning historian Anne Applebaum is the author of "Twilight of Democracy: The Seductive Lure of Authoritarianism." She joins the show to discuss the rise of authoritarianism around the world, and the origins of the impulse.

Related episode: “You’re Doing the Culture War Wrong” https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/youre-doing-the-culture-war-wrong/id1439837349?i=1000485699778

Don't Give Energy to Political Bullies Jun 23, 2021

Brian Brushwood joins the show to discuss why people get their jollies from political bullying, and how to sidestep fruitless fights instead of getting drawn into them.

Past bonus episodes:

"How to Avoid Awkward Political Conversations"

"Advice from Brian Brushwood and Me"

How Weighted Voting Could Actually Work Jun 16, 2021

What if instead of one vote per person, you had a whole bag of votes to distribute however you liked along the ballot? What if all property was up for auction, permanently?

Glen Weyl is the author of "Radical Markets: Uprooting Capitalism and Democracy for A Just Society." He joins the show to discuss where markets work well and where they do not, and how we could rethink society from the ground up to better utilize them.

The Difference Between Liberals and Leftists Jun 09, 2021

Adam Gopnik is the author of "A Thousand Points of Sanity: The Moral Adventure of Liberalism" and joins the show to discuss what constitutes the temperament and foundations of liberalism.

Want to discuss the episode with fellow orphans? Head to www.mightyheaton.com/discord

This episode is sponsored by Ground News - The world's first news comparison platform. Download Ground News for free here: https://ground.news/orphanage

Why You Can't Drop Student Loans through Bankruptcy Jun 03, 2021

Student loan debt is at a cool $1.7 trillion and growing. Should we forgive all the debt? Why can't we discharge it through bankruptcy? Policy deep dive episode!

Why College is So Freakin' Expensive? Jun 02, 2021

In 1950 you could basically go to college for free if you promised to wear a necktie. Today, you need to hostage multiple children for a four-year communications degree. Why is college tuition skyrocketing?

SUPPORT THE SHOW:

Patreon.com/andrewheaton Venmo: @andrew-heaton-1 PayPal: andrew@mightyheaton.com CHAT WITH FELLOW ORPHANS:

www.mightyheaton.com/discord

Chinese Social Engineering – WSPN Roundtable May 26, 2021

The World's Smartest Podcast Network reassembles for a roundtable discussion, featuring Turner Sparks, Michael Ira Kaplan, and Andrea Jones-Rooy. Topics include: Chinese social engineering, red governors in blue states, private security, and space dust.

Less Nukes and More Prosperity May 19, 2021

When we look at world metrics annually or on a ten-year basis, it turns out... everything is getting better. Literacy, poverty, the prospects of nuclear war, women's rights, children's rights, and so forth. Ron Bailey, co-author of "Ten Global Trends Every Smart Person Should Know: And Many Others You Will Find Interesting" joins to discuss the upswing, what's causing it, and what could derail it.

FRV: The Great State of Miscellaneous May 14, 2021

Comedians Mike Larsen (writer for "The Drew Carey Show" and "Real Time with Bill Maher) and Travis Irvine join the show to discuss the best, least covered-headlines of the week.

The Nordic Theory of Everything May 12, 2021

What are Nordic countries up to and should we emulate or invade them? What policies might we plagiarize or rebuff? Anu Partanen is the author of "The Nordic Theory of Everything: In Search of a Better Life," and comes to discuss the relationship between families and the state, individualism, and safety nets in a Scandinavian context. You can download her book and others discussed on the show at www.mightyheaton.com/featured Support the Orphanage! www.patreon.com/andrewheaton

FRV: Steak-umm's Feud with Neil DeGrasse Tyson May 06, 2021

Comedians Max Gieser and LaGina Hill join the show to discuss the week's best, underserved headlines, including: a teddy bear hitchhiking the length of California, high school hackers, and a mayor's genius plan to aid the vaccine rollout.

Journalists Are Too Cozy with the Political Class May 05, 2021

Steve Krakauer writes Fourth Watch, a media newsletter, and is a television producer with experience ranging from CNN to Megyn Kelly. He joins the show to describe the current media landscape, it’s problems, and their source.

This episode is sponsored by Ground News - The world's first news comparison platform. Download Ground News for free here: https://ground.news/orphanage

FRV: Yorkshire Werewolf Tourism Apr 30, 2021

Chad Prather and Josh Jennings return to discuss the best, underserved headlines of the week, including: why Russia is faking Yeti sightings; poor fashion makes for good burgling; criminal advice on banking errors.

America Versus Britain on Liberty Apr 28, 2021

Robert Jackman, writer and certified Englishman, joins the show to discuss how liberty manifests in America differently than the United Kingdom, and what it looks like from across the pond. If you know of a novel example of American personal freedom Robert can visit upon his return, email him at robertjackmanfreedom@protonmail.com

FRV: The Official State Tool of Tennessee Apr 23, 2021

Bill Schulz and Kourtni Beebe join the show to discuss the week's best, underserved headlines. Including: Official Australian deliberations on mullet propriety; kidnapping the world's biggest rabbit; and why you should generally avoid stealing an ambulance.

The Managerial Class vs. Everyone Else Apr 21, 2021

Old politics: small government conservatives against big government progressives. New politics: Dive Bar Republicans against the Democratic Party's Managerial Class.

Musa al-Gharbi is the Paul F. Lazarsfeld fellow in Sociology at Columbia University, and joins to discuss what the new Managerial Class is, and how it thinks.

This episode is sponsored by Ground News - The world's first news comparison platform. Download Ground News for free here: https://ground.news/orphanage

FRV: Soviet Television's Lord of the Rings Apr 16, 2021

Sarah Rose Siskind, headwriter of "Mostly Weekly" and comedy writer extraordinaire joins Heaton to explore the best, underserved headlines of the week including: how nudity can improve Romanian news shows, 15,000 bees in a car, and a religion designed by pubescent boys.

How to Be A Better Vulcan Apr 14, 2021

Logical fallacies are great for making arguments frustrating and clear thinking deranged. James Harrigan and Antony Davies of the “Words & Numbers” podcast join the show to catalogue the logical fallacies which bloat political discourse.

This episode is sponsored by Ground News - The world's first news comparison platform. Download Ground News for free here: https://ground.news/orphanage

BONUS: How Parties Rig the System Apr 12, 2021

Republicans are tinkering with state election laws across the country, most notably in Georgia. Meanwhile, Democrats passed HR 1 in the House, which tinkers with election laws at a national level. Let's explore just exactly what they're up to.

For more bonus episodes go to Patreon.com/andrewheaton

FRV 90,000 Greasy Pennies Apr 09, 2021

The World's Smartest Podcast Network reconvenes to discuss the week's best underserved headlines, including: Australian mice plagues, raven pickpockets, and how to use zoning ordinances to banish sex.

WSPN includes: Turner Sparks, Michael Ira Kaplan, Dr. Andrea Jones-Rooy, and Andrew Heaton

The Smartest Way to Tax People Apr 08, 2021

Dominic Frisby is a British humorist and financial writer. He joins the show to discuss his new book, "Daylight Robbery: How Tax Shaped Our Past and Will Change Our Future."

Patreon.com/andrewheaton

FRV: Mafia YouTube Cooking Tutorials Apr 02, 2021

Mary Jo Pehl (Mystery Science Theater 3000 writer) and actor/comedian/jewel thief Nicholas Sperdute join to discuss the week's best underserved headlines, including: the film "Alien" as performed exclusively by English bus drivers, and how to save your favorite restaurant using only tattoos and beans.

What the Hell Is Social Capital? Mar 31, 2021

Scott Lincicome of The Dispatch and the Cato Institute joins to discuss the nature of social trust and social capital, how government can facilitate or strangle it, and the dire consequences of when it dries up.

Friday Release Valve: Japan Has the Coolest Political Party Mar 26, 2021

Matt Sienkiewicz and Andrea Jones-Rooy join the show to discuss the week's best, underserved headlines. Including: a scrupulous car thief, stealing playground components, and hopes of sending human body fluids to the moon.

Justin Amash Wants to Unclog Congress Mar 24, 2021

Former Congressman Justin Amash thinks Congress has basically turned into two oligarchs and a bunch of mouthy rubber stamps who cue off them.

He joins the show to talk about the dysfunction in Congress, why that's frightening, and the reforms needed to fix the institution.

SUPPORT THE SHOW

Patreon.com/andrewheaton

Paypal: andrew@mightyheaton.com

Venmo: andrew-heaton-1

Crypto Currency: Mightyheaton.com/crypto

FRV: Nebraska's Diehard Meat Rivalry Mar 19, 2021

Alice Vaugh of "Two Girls One Mic" and comedian Mike Blejer join the show to investigate the week's best, underserved headlines. Including: Welsh goat contraceptives, an extremely helpful car thief, and rigged homecoming court elections.

Why Universities Lean Left Mar 18, 2021

Why is academia so progressive, and why are there so few conservatives or libertarian professors?

Professor Matt Sienkiewicz is the Chair of the Boston College Communication Department, and Associate Professor of Communication and International Studies.

He joins to explain why.

FRV: China Bans Funeral Strippers Mar 12, 2021

Comedians Turner Sparks, Michael Ira Kaplan, and Paul Morrissey join the show to explore the week's best underserved headlines, including: a guitar made out of an uncle, and why Yoda is getting Saudi Arabian history textbooks yanked.

Politics As the New Religion with Caleb O. Brown Mar 09, 2021

Caleb O. Brown of the Cato Daily Podcast guest hosts this week, moderating the topic: is politics the new religion? Just how terrible is that, and how can we fix it?

Friday Release Valve: Dutch Snowman Murders Mar 05, 2021

NSFK - Nick Sperdute and Andrew Young rejoin the show to discuss the week's best, underserved headlines including: horrific Scottish street brawl and/or courtship injuries, corn flake narcotics, and the world's laziest guard dog.

How to Spook the Politics Industry Mar 03, 2021

Politicians fear their base, so they play to their base--and disregard moderates, independents, and members of the rival party.

Elected leaders can store up campaign war chests, but they can't net excess votes or store them for the next election.

What are the bad structural elements we've built into our system, and how do we rearrange them?

Katherine Gehl is the author of "The Politics Industry: How Political Innovation Can Break Partisan Gridlock and Save Our Democracy"

Fake News Headlines: The Game Show Feb 26, 2021

We're gamifying funny headlines! Everyone on the show gets a funny headline, but some are real and some are fake news. Each team hears the headlines, asks probing questions, then guesses which is real and which is fictitious.

Host: Andrew Heaton Team Captains: Andrew Young and Jeremey Kareken Guests: Nicholas Sperdute, Brian Sack, Jack Helmuth, Andrea Jones-Rooy

Please Don't Double the Minimum Wage Feb 24, 2021

I swear I'm not evil. I have good reasons for believing we shouldn't spike the national minimum wage to $15 per hour. I'll explain why, as the U.S. Senate deliberates on whether or not to double it.

The Return of Kid Cop - Friday Release Valve Feb 19, 2021

Justin Robert Young returns to go over the week's best, underserved headlines, including an octogenarian newspaper boy, the cannabis lounge which saves the day, and ridiculous French labor laws.

The Economics of Happiness Feb 17, 2021

Economist Steve Horwitz joins the program to talk about the limits of markets and the state: what problems can they solve and what are they ill suited for? When do either go off the rails?

Steve Horwitz is the Distinguished Professor of Free Enterprise at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana; Senior Scholar at the Mercatus Center, Senior Fellow at the Fraser Institute, and Economics Editor at the Cato Institute. He's also the 2020 recipient of the Julian L. Simon Memorial Award.

Don't Drive on Laughing Gas - Friday Release Valve Feb 12, 2021

Turner Sparks and Michael Ira Kaplan rejoin the show to discuss the world's best, underserved headlines--a surprising amount of which originate in Belgium this week. Including: a giggly way to endanger lives on the road, a disgraced Hungarian politico, and felons with strong opinions on parenting.

Gun Deaths by the Numbers Feb 10, 2021

Hello orphans! Today we're doing a deep dive into gun crime statistics: where homicides are concentrated, what kind of guns are used, how we stack up to other countries, and so forth. The goal here is to puncture through pro gun and pro gun control rhetoric to glimpse the real landscape of weapons and death in America. So that we can skip bumper sticker aphorisms and have smart policy conversations. Guy Smith is the author of “Guns and Control: A Nonpartisan Guide to Understanding Mass Public Shootings, Gun Accidents, Crime, Public Carry, Suicides, Defensive Use, and More”

TO DONATE TO THE SHOW: patreon.com/andrewheaton Venmo: Andrew-Heaton-1 PayPal: andrew@mightyheaton.com

Bigfoot Hunting Season - Friday Release Valve Feb 05, 2021

Nick Sperdute and Andrew Young return to discuss the week's best, underserved headlines. Including stories about Scottish stamp lickers, why a man lived in an airport for three months, and the button Joe Biden just removed from the desk in the Oval Office.

You can hang out on the Discord server by going to mightyheaton.com/discord

Reddit vs Wall Street Feb 03, 2021

Last week Robinhood suspended trades on volatile Gamestop stocks, halting Reddit gadflies from utterly destroying a hedge fund which had shorted it. Why'd they cap things off when so many regular folk were poised to make millions? A Wall Street conspiracy? Regulatory hurdles? Jen Briney of The Congressional Dish joins the show to discuss. YOU CAN DONATE TO THE SHOW:

patreon.com/andrewheaton Venmo: Andrew-Heaton-1 PayPal: andrew@mightyheaton.com

FRV: Robot Police Dog Tax Expenditures Jan 29, 2021

Negin Farsad of "Fake the Nation" and Cheddar's Congressional Correspondent JD Durkin join the show to kick around the week's best, funniest headlines. Including: rave in the bathroom, stripper mishaps, chastity belts gone awry, and ugly crocs.

What to do About QAnon Jan 27, 2021

Should the state interpolate itself into online QAnon conspiracy boards? Who gets the first vaccines? Are pardons a net benefit or vestigial monarchism? The World's Smartest Podcast Network reconvenes to discuss! Turner Sparks, Michael Ira Kaplan, Andrea Jones-Rooy, and Andrew Heaton.

PLEASE DONATE TO THE SHOW

Patreon.com/andrewheaton

Paypal: andrew@mightyheaton.com

Venmo: Andrew-Heaton-1

FRV: The Official Massachusetts State Dinosaur Jan 22, 2021

Comedian Gianmarco Soresi joins the show to dive into the week's best, underserved headlines, including: Mexican love tunnels, aggressive squirrels, bed bugs, aggressive Facebook invites, and Viagra mixups. Gianmarco's new comedy album is "Shelf Life", available here: https://www.amazon.com/Shelf-Life-Gianmarco-Soresi/dp/B08M5PHDMN

What Really Toppled the Berlin Wall Jan 21, 2021

In 1989 East Germans punctured through the Berlin Wall, reuniting the country after decades of bitter separation. In this episode we follow the creation and and destruction of the Berlin Wall--and look for its meaning in our own era. DONATIONS WELCOME! Patreon.com/andrewheaton Paypal: andrew@mightyheaton.com Venmo: Andrew-Heaton-1

Toupee Drug Smuggling & Wine Cannons - Friday Release Valve Jan 15, 2021

Alice Vaughn and Yvette d’Entremont return to explore the week's best, underserved headlines, including stuff about cannons, 90s video games, and pregnancy tests.

You can watch this on YouTube! Head to: https://youtu.be/U3TKyZKoZzM

"Inspired by Kevin MacLeod"

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3918-inspired

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Weak Institutions Make a Sad Country Jan 13, 2021

Yuval Levin thinks our sclerotic government and alienated culture trace back to anemic, declining institutions. As Congress, the press, and think tanks all lose esprit de corps, and turn into platforms for individual self promotion, gridlock and disgust ensue. He’s the author of “A Time to Build: From Family and Community to Congress and the Campus, How Recommitting to Our Institutions Can Revive the American Dream.” He joins the show to discuss.

Friday Release Valve: Smuggling Ashes onto the International Space Station Jan 08, 2021

Jeremey Kareken and Andrew Young join the program to make sense of the week's greatest, underserved headlines. From a Scotsman who tries to cross the Irish Sea on a jet ski, to Adolf Hitler's alias, to an Austrian town sick of their inappropriate name. "Del Rio Bravo" by Kevin MacLeod, Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/5706-del-rio-bravo, License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license “Alcohol, Diamonds, and Beef” by Kimarie Sky https://www.kimariesky.com/

What The Hell Just Happened?! Jan 07, 2021

Trump protestors stormed the U.S. Capitol today! Jen Briney of "Congressional Dish" and Justin Robert Young of "Politics Politics Politics" plus yours truly convene to try to inject some meaning into the landscape.

Larry Sharpe thinks Covid will Redshift America Jan 06, 2021

Larry Sharpe joins the program to talk about how the Covid pandemic will affect and depopulate major cities, why urban life naturally leads to a preference for strong government, and how a potential demographic reversal could result in a rural renaissance. Also: a good rant about the Federal Reserve!

Education Is Getting More Individualistic Dec 30, 2020

American public schooling came into its own during the Industrial Revolution, with standardized age cohorts, bells signifying start and stop times, and predictable timelines. What models are apt to apply to our current era in the Digital Revolution? Lisa Snell is Director of K-12 Education Policy Partnerships at Stand Together. She comes on to discuss how technology is leading away from standardized to individualized education, and how the pandemic is likely to accelerate that trend.

A Grander Snuffy's Christmas Dec 23, 2020

Gather round for the 2020 Third Annual Snuffy's Christmas Special! Brought to you by your friends at Snuffy's, Off Route 44, who both sponsored and insisted on writing this episode. Not suitable for emotionally well-adjusted children. Cast: Andrew Heaton Josh Jennings Austin Bragg Justin Robert Young Ashley Paramour Brian Sack Jack Helmuth Kourtni Beebe Andrew Young

RERUN: Another Snuffy's Christmas Dec 22, 2020

An all new Christmas special airs this Wednesday, Dec 23, 2020!

Until then, enjoy the second Snuffy's Annual Christmas Special:

"The Political Orphanage's oldest and most enthusiastic show sponsor, Snuffy's Off Route 44, has kindly offered to pay for this year's Christmas special. On the condition that the staff of Snuffy's write it in its entirety. Merry Christmas!" Featuring: Josh Jennings, Austin Bragg, Justin Robert Young, and Brian Brushwood.

Season 2, Ep 25. Original air date December 2019

RERUN: A Very Snuffy's Christmas Dec 21, 2020

An all new Christmas special airs this Wednesday, Dec 23, 2020.

Until then, enjoy the first Snuffy's Annual Christmas Special: The show’s principle sponsor funds an entire holiday special, in exchange for allowing its waitstaff to write the entire script.

Original air date: Dec 2018

Don't Throw Your Kids Over The Fence (Friday Release Valve) Dec 18, 2020

Turner Sparks and Mike Kaplan, hosts of "Lost in America" rejoin the program to explore the week's funniest, underserved headlines. Including: the world's more efficient criminal, why Thai protests are aesthetically superior to all other protests, and novel ways to cook chicken and get arrested for it.

Dana Perino On Being a White House Press Secretary Dec 16, 2020

Dana Perino was the White House Press Secretary for George W. Bush, and is presently a co-host on the Fox News panel show "The Five" and the host of "The Daily Briefing."

She joins the program to talk about what it's like to be a press secretary, representing both the president and the press corps, and what the job entails.

Capitalist Vaccines, Pardons, and American Hegemony - Roundtable Dec 15, 2020

The WSPN roundtable--Andrea Jones-Rooy, Turner Sparks, Mike Kaplan, and yours truly--reassembles to discuss: * The Decline of American Hegemony * North Korean vaccine hacking efforts * What exactly is Rudy Giuliani up to? * Geothermal Power Turner and Mike's podcast is "Lost in America" https://www.turnersparks.com/lost-in-america-podcast Andrea Jones-Rooy's podcast is "Ask a Political Scientist" https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-a-political-scientist/id1534440528

The Labor-Inducing Hamburger (Friday Release Valve) Dec 11, 2020

Matt Donnelly and Paul Mattingly return! The hilarious/reprobate hosts of Matt & Mattingly's Ice Cream Social join to discuss the week's funniest, underserved headlines. Including: the winner of the national mullet competition, nukes on the Moon, and bovine facial recognition software.

Youtube Version: https://youtu.be/VB2Qp6NINXw

SUPPORT THE PROGRAM Patreon - patreon.com/andrewheaton PayPal andrew@mightyheaton Venmo @andrew-heaton-1 PO BOX - Andrew Heaton, 1401 Lavaca Street #594, Austin TX, 78701

Antifa! Proud Boys! Oath Keepers! Dec 11, 2020

What's the landscape of political violence in the United States, and does that stack up against the groups we hear about in the news? Today we're going to explore Antifa, Proud Boys, Oath Keepers, and also crunch the numbers on which groups in America are -actually- the most violent and deadly. SUPPORT THE PROGRAM Patreon - patreon.com/andrewheaton PayPal andrew@mightyheaton Venmo @andrew-heaton-1 PO BOX - Andrew Heaton, 1401 Lavaca Street #594, Austin TX, 78701

Don't Feed Your Friend to Bears (Friday Release Valve) Dec 04, 2020

Scottish Comedian of the Year Leo Kearse triumphantly returns to the program to discuss the week's underserved headlines, including: Burning crematoriums, Hugh Jackman's flawed worldview of the animal kingdom, the oldest pregnant woman in America, and Bud Lite's new gaming venture.

Calculating Existential Threat - Lord Martin Rees Dec 02, 2020

Which is scarier: nuclear war or robots? Asteroid impact or climate change? Martin Rees is the founder of The Centre for the Study of Existential Risk at Cambridge University. He joins the program to talk about how to calculate the probability of threats to humanity, and what we should be sweating. He's also the Astronomer Royal of the United Kingdom, the country's foremost mathematician, and the author of "On The Future: Prospects for Humanity." Here's a link to his book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/069118044X?tag=mightyheaton-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1

Viagra, the Musical - Friday Release Valve Nov 27, 2020

Andrea Jones-Rooy and Kevin Seefried return to the program to discuss the week's underserved headlines, including: Spike Lee's next big film, a giant raccoon on the loose, Donkey Kong defamation lawsuits, and the Irish government.

You can watch this episode on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/o9A_G8LpIPc

Machiavelli vs. John Stuart Mill Nov 25, 2020

Niccolò Machiavelli and John Stuart Mill are two deeply impactful political thinkers on modern civilization. The former is the patron saint of ruthless realpolitik; the latter the godfather of classical liberalism. Classicist and lauded madman Brian Wilson rejoins the program to compare the two political philosophers and draw lessons for modern society.

Literal Underwater Ponzi Schemes (Friday Release Valve) Nov 20, 2020

Andrew Young and Nick Sperdute join the show to discuss the week's most under reported headlines: underwater scooter chases, the time a school of herring almost started a war with Russia, and Canadian pizza indulgences.

The Election Wasn't Rigged Nov 18, 2020

Let's investigate Trump's voter fraud allegations and his ensuing courtroom battles to flip swing states. Plus the danger to democracy imposed by the president undermining it, and the many points in American history when rule of law could have gone off the rails.

Protect Your Bank from Racoons (Friday Release Valve) Nov 13, 2020

(Not Safe for Kids) Yvette d’Entremont and Alice Vaughn are the hosts of "Two Girls One Mic," a podcast that reviews the plots of porn films. They join Heaton to sort out the week's underserved headlines, including stuff about Godzilla, gay penguins, and naked sushi.

You can find Two Girls One Mic at: https://www.twogirlsonemic.com/

Jen Briney Thinks Congress is Tricking You Nov 11, 2020

Jen Briney is host of "Congressional Dish," a podcast that deep dives Congress, its legislation, and its shenanigans. She comes on to discuss what the election means for the next few months, and the gambits lawmakers employ to push their agendas through without actually having to publicly debate them.

Oakland's Notoriously Violent Turkey - Friday Release Valve Nov 06, 2020

Jack Helmuth and Brian Sack of "Questionable Material" return in neon glory to unpack the week's best headlines, including noctiginarian shootouts, the global importance of Belgian fishing adventures, and soliciting sex workers in graveyards.

What Roger Ailes Can Teach Us About Election Night Nov 04, 2020

Last night had a significant tell you can't gleam from polling or minute-by-minute vote counts. We don't know who's going to win, but I can tell you who both candidates think will. Plus: what the next few days of legal trench warfare are gonna look like.

How Victory Will Jolt Republicans or Democrats Nov 03, 2020

If Trump wins, does he become the standard model for GOP candidates? If he loses, do Romneyites tiptoe back? Does a Biden victory forestall the ascent of his party's activist wing, or is he the last gasp of Democratic centrism, regardless? Justin Robert Young joins the program to talk about the long-term consequences of either outcome.

Wolves! Felons! Ranked Choice Voting! State Ballot Initiatives Nov 02, 2020

The World's Smartest Podcast Network roundtable convenes to bring you a guide to state ballot initiatives happening around the country: Reintroducing wolves to Colorado, reintroducing ethnic discrimination to California, voting and involuntary labor for felons, and Ranked Choice Voting in Massachusetts. The Roundtable includes: Turner Sparks and Michael Kaplan of the "Lost in America" podcast and Dr. Andrea Jones-Rooy of "Ask a Political Scientist". Go to worldssmartestpodcastnetwork.com to check them out!

British Supermarket Astronaut Chicken - Friday Release Valve Oct 30, 2020

Comedians Brian Parise and Andrew Young join the show to discuss the week's best, underserved headlines. Including: how to bribe your way to superior wine, vampire swing voters, and newspaper heists. Brian's new comedy album is "Last Wishes," available here: https://800pgr.lnk.to/pariseWE

The Alliance Party, with Jim Rex and Michelle Griffith Oct 29, 2020

The Alliance Party is positioning itself to scoop up disaffected centrists from the two major parties, rather than establishing itself as a third ideological core. They're in the process of absorbing the Reform Party, which had the most successful third party track record since Teddy Roosevelt. Jim Rex is the founder and National Chairman of the Alliance Party, and Michelle Griffith is party Vice Chair.

Jo Jorgensen and Spike Cohen: The Libertarians Oct 28, 2020

The Libertarian Party is the only minor party that will be on all fifty state ballots this year, and Jo Jorgensen and Spike Cohen are its presidential and vice presidential nominees. They join the show to discuss free market health care, not bombing people, and libertarianism as an alternative to Republicans and Democrats. Jo Jorgensen at 12:20 Spike Cohen at 25:28

Don Blankenship & The Constitution Party Oct 27, 2020

Don Blankenship is primarily concerned with protectionist trade and immigration policy, and federal spending--as well as fidelity to constitutional principles. He's running as the 2020 Constitution Party presidential candidate, a minor party more typically known for its socially conservative positions.

Howie Hawkins & The Green Party Oct 26, 2020

Howie Hawkins is the 2020 Green Party presidential nominee. He joins the program to talk to Heaton about the Green Party's environmental and economic agenda, non-interventionist foreign policy, and why he thinks running as an outsider is more effective than operating within a major party.

The Lads Behind The Babylon Bee (Friday Release Valve) Oct 23, 2020

Kyle Mann and Ethan Nicolle, the Editor-in-Chief and Creative Director of The Babylon Bee, join Heaton to discuss political satire, why Christians are suddenly funny, and the week's best underserved headlines. Including: kidney drones, censored parrots, and why the planet Venus might lead to our total destruction.

Voter Fraud Is More Troubling Than I Thought Oct 21, 2020

John Fund is National Review's national-affairs editor, and the author of two books on voter fraud. He joins Heaton to discuss its prevalence and potential to effect election outcomes.

Decolonize Your Lawn with Jack and Brian (FRV) Oct 16, 2020

Brian Sack and Jack Helmuth of "Questionable Material with Jack and Brian" triumphantly return to the show to discuss the week's best, underserved headlines including: dinosaur statues, the worst dentist in America, and robot promises to not murder us all!

Why Election Riots Are Guaranteed Oct 14, 2020

Jack Goldstone, an expert in revolutions and why and when they happen, joins the program to talk about the possibility of uprisings or civil unrest in the United States in the wake of the November 3rd election. He discusses what form revolutions would take in America, how likely such a movement is now or in our lifetimes, and why a calm election outcome on November 4th is all but impossible. Dr. Goldstone is a Professor of Public Policy at George Mason University, author of "Revolutions: A Very Short Introduction," and a 2020 Carnegie Fellow.

I Got Robbed in Oakland, California Oct 13, 2020

This episode is mostly about political graffiti in Oakland, as a means by which to explore the politics of the Bay Area, a progressive beacon in a Democratic state. However this travelogue has been overshadowed somewhat by getting robbed.

Crocodile Ransom Laws (Friday Release Valve) Oct 09, 2020

It's time for another installment of Friday Release Valve to wrap up Judge Week, including asking a former law professor about laws pertaining to crocodile ransom money! Comedians Myq Kaplan and Liz Glaser join the show to discuss that plus: formal hazmat suits, naked golf carts, and Alabama. Enjoy!

Libertarian Constitutionalism - Featuring: Tim Sandefur Oct 08, 2020

Is judicial activism bad if it's focused on protecting civil liberties from government incursion? Where do libertarians and conservatives diverge in jurisprudence?

Tim Sandefur is Vice President of Litigation at the Goldwater Institute, and makes the case for judicial engagement in the defense of individual rights.

Originalism - Featuring: Christopher R. Green Oct 07, 2020

Originalism is the favored jurisprudence of conservative scions like Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas. It's predicated on the notion that laws have fixed meanings, determined at the moment of their ratification according to the language of their day. Professor Green is the H.L.A. Hart Scholar of Law & Philosophy at the University of Mississippi. A graduate of Princeton, Yale, and Notre Dame, he has clerked for the U.S. Court of Appeals on the Fifth Circuit, practiced as a private litigator, is the author of multiple books, and is a sought-after speaker about Originalism, executive power, and the 14th Amendment.

The Living Constitution - Featuring: David Strauss Oct 06, 2020

When the Constitution says "cruel and unusual punishment" does it mean by the standards of the 18th century, or our own? How much latitude should jurists take when interpreting the law? Professor David Strauss of the University of Chicago has argued nineteen cases before the United States Supreme Court, formerly served as Special Counsel to the Committee on the Judiciary of the United States Senate, and sits on the Board of Directors of the American Constitution Society. He joins Heaton to discuss Living Constitutionalism: the school of jurisprudence favored by progressive judges.

Judge Andrew Napolitano on Natural Law Oct 05, 2020

Judge Andrew Napolitano is a former Judge of the New Jersey Superior Court, a law professor, and prolific author. He's the Senior Judicial Analyst at Fox News. He joins the show to discuss Natural Law, and the idea that the role of the courts is predominantly to protect individual rights from government incursion.

The Role of Judges Oct 04, 2020

It's Judge Week on The Political Orphanage! Where we learn the actual fault lines between judicial theories, and possibly even what "jurisprudence" means. This week we'll hear from preeminent progressive, conservative, and libertarian legal scholars about what actually happens behind the gavel. In this kickoff episode we talk about: * The role of judges * Why it's usually stupid to say "conservative judge" or "progressive judge" * What jurisprudence is * What precedent is

Glorious Asbestos, Quebec (Friday Release Valve) Oct 02, 2020

Andrew Young and John Devore join Heaton to sort out the week's best, underserved headlines, including stories about: Quebec, exhuming a dead president to prove a point, a poorly-named town in New York, and further evidence that New Hampshire is amazing.

The Presidential Debate Was Mostly Heckling Sep 30, 2020

You can't truly understand last night's Trump vs. Biden debate without hearing from comedians, because so much of the train wreck was performative or outright heckling.

Comedians Turner Sparks, Andrea Jones-Rooy, Michael Kaplan, and Heaton discuss: Was there an actual strategy behind last night's antics? What's the balance of horror to petulance?

The episode is the first joint venture of the brand new World's Smartest Podcasting Network, an alliance of independent comedians with the goal of making politics suck less! Other network shows are: "The Lost in America Podcast" with Turner Sparks & Michael Kaplan, and "Ask a Political Scientist" with Dr. Andrea Jones-Rooy.

We Support Getting Elephants High (Friday Release Valve) Sep 25, 2020

Comedian Darryl Charles and sex expert Dr. Timaree Leigh, hosts of DTF: Darryl & Timaree Fun Hour, join the program to sort out the week's underserved headlines. Including: Snake orgies! In defense of pandas! And penis gun antics

The Neurochemicals of Politics Sep 23, 2020

Dr. Loretta Breuning of the Inner Mammal Institute joins the show to discuss how status and neurochemicals prompt us to fight in politics, and the evolutionary roots of tribalism.

Armed Monkey Scarecrows (Friday Release Valve) Sep 18, 2020

Jeremy Kareken and Joe Terwilliger join Heaton to sort out the week's best, under served headlines, including stories about:

* Dennis Rodman

* Bear bone vodka

* Priests blessing nuclear weapons

PJ O'Rourke On The Deep Middle (Corrected) Sep 16, 2020

Political satirist and personal hero P.J. O'Rourke triumphantly returns to discuss his latest book, "A Cry From the Far Middle: Dispatches from a Divided Land." In which he makes stirring defense of: classical liberalism, temperamental moderates, and governing through math instead of throwing wads of cash at problems.

Support the program by going to patreon.com/andrewheaton

Like the Paris Review (For Porn) - Friday Release Valve Sep 11, 2020

(Definitely Not Safe for Kids) Yvette d’Entremont and Alice Vaughn are the hosts of Two Girls One Mic, a podcast that reviews the plots of porn films. They join Heaton to sort out the week's under served headlines, including Swiss chocolate snow, fake languages, and if and when brothels in Berlin will finally reopen.

Thomas Frank Is Sick of Anti-Populists Sep 09, 2020

What is populism and where did it come from? Thomas Frank is the author of "The People, No: A Brief History of Anti-Populism". He joins the show to discuss populism as understood by populists--and specifically the populists who trace their lineage back to the original movement of the late 1800's.

Murder in a Safe in a Field (Friday Release Valve) Sep 04, 2020

An abandoned tank! A guy with an axe on a horse! Faulty psychics! Andrew Young joins Heaton to sort out the week's best, underserved headlines, and their attendance mysteries.

Why UFOs Are in the News Sep 02, 2020

The New York Times is running stories about recovered extraterrestrial spaceships, the Navy has confirmed UFOs are real, and the Pentagon says it's preparing to disclose further information to the public. Is the government about to reveal the existence of aliens... or is this all click bait? If so... where's it coming from and how has it seeped into legacy media?

Mississippi Alternate Flag Ideas (FRV) Aug 28, 2020

Comedians Turner Sparks and Mike Kaplan return to discuss the week's best, under served headlines, including:

Hookers for Jesus, capturing George R. R. Martin, and dogs as car salesmen

Do Political Parties Threaten the Constitution? Aug 26, 2020

Political parties aren't written into the Constitution, but they definitely effect it. How do parties alter the balance of power in American politics? Do they precipitate or stall revolution?Economist Antony Davies and political scientist James R. Harrigan of FEE's Words & Numbers podcast join to discuss.

The Guns for Trumpets Buyback Program (Friday Release Valve) Aug 21, 2020

Comedians Brian Sack and Jack Helmuth of the podcast Questionable Material join Heaton to sort out the week's underserved headlines, including a goose who runs for mayor, and municipal wizard subsidies.

The Postal Service Isn't Rigging The Election And We Should Privatize It Anyway Aug 20, 2020

Sparks fly as pundits debate whether or not the US Postmaster General is rigging the election on behalf of Trump! Meanwhile, the USPS asks Congress for a bailout.

In this episode we:

* Tackle the USPS election conspiracy theory

* Discuss how to save the Postal Service from insolvency

Paul McCartney for Chief of Walpole! (Friday Release Valve) Aug 14, 2020

Travis Irvine joins Heaton to sort out the week's best, underserved headlines, including musical bratwurst, robot dolphins, and the greatest film you will never ever see!

Brace Yourself for Kamala Harris Aug 12, 2020

Kamala Harris just won the veepstakes to become Joe Biden's running mate. How's she going to shake up the election? Where does she stand ideologically and on policy? Justin Robert Young of "Politics Politics Politics" joins to suss out the California senator.

The English Are Arming Baboons (Friday Release Valve) Aug 07, 2020

(NSFK) Matt Donnelly and Paul Mattingly of "Matt and Mattingly's Ice Cream Social" join Heaton to unpack the best headlines of the week, including a goat that refuses to wear a mask and whether or not Planet of the Apes is actually set to begin in Surrey, England.

Cass Sunstein on Smarter Regulations and Less Conformity Aug 05, 2020

Cass Sunstein gained international notoriety for his book "Nudge," about habits and choice architecture. He then worked as the regulatory czar for the Obama administration--the regulator who regulates regulations. His latest book is "Conformity: The Power of Social Influences." He joins Heaton to discuss how behavioral economics can shape smart policy without limiting individual freedom, and how conformity makes groups collectively dumber.

Joaquin Phoenix Hostage Scenario (Friday Release Valve) Jul 31, 2020

(NSKF) Comedians Turner Sparks and Andrea Jones-Rooy return to make sense of the week's best, funniest, underserved headlines, from solving neighbor disputes with a chains, to the biggest threat to Venetian gondolas, to how water balloons can be productively used in deliberative bodies.

America Had a Coup in 2010 Jul 29, 2020

Gerrymandering is a fun, time-honored way to rig elections on behalf of incumbents and political parties over irritants like competitive democracy. In 2010 it became industrialized. Or, rather, digitized--which had far-reaching impacts on American politics. Heaton speaks with Barak Goodman and Chris Durrance, co-directors of "Slay The Dragon," a film about a major coup in American political history.

I AM RUNNING IN 2020! Jul 24, 2020

After much personal thought and rank media speculation, I have at last decided to run in 2020. This episode includes:

-My campaign kickoff

-One of the finest spontaneous vice presidential stump speeches in all of human history -My official campaign announcement and subsequent interview with Justin Robert Young on "Politics Politics Politics"

You're Doing the Culture War Wrong Jul 22, 2020

The Culture War isn't between the Left and the Right--it's just portrayed that way because most people have been taught to understand all conflicts as Red Team vs. Blue Team. There's definitely a Culture War afoot, but the flashpoint and fault lines aren't between liberals and conservatives.

The Outer Limits of Hot Dog-Eating Contests (Friday Release Valve) Jul 17, 2020

(SNFK) Comedian Mahesh Kotagi and playwright Jeremy Kareken join Friday Release Valve to sort out the week's funnier headlines, including a scientific report on the maximum amount of hot dogs one human could conceivably consume in ten minutes, what to do if your town is overwhelmed by polar bears, and the lengths Queen Elizabeth II will go to shore up her finances during a sluggish tourism season.

Rutger Bregman: "Lord of the Flies" Got Things Wrong Jul 16, 2020

Rutger Bregman is the author of "Humankind: A Hopeful History," which refutes the central premise of Thomas Hobbes and countless pessimistic legislative agendas: that human beings are, deep down, selfish monsters. He joins Heaton to discuss how to build society for the majority of its cooperative people, instead of to counteract the few fringe sociopaths.

Brilliant Solutions for Pesky Statues (Friday Release Valve) Jul 10, 2020

(NSFK) Comedians Brian Brushwood and Justin Robert Young join the show to go over the week's funniest, least-scrutinized headlines, including: *A Jeffrey Epstein statue *Fight over a wooden yard phallus *The Fembot actress *News from Russia

Daryl Davis Attends Klan Rallies Jul 08, 2020

Daryl Davis is an African American musician responsible for de-radicalizing over 200 Klansmen and Neo-Nazis in his attempts to understand racism. He joins Heaton to talk about his experience, contact science, and the best ways to overcome bigotry.

This episode has been corrected for an audio error which previously occurred. If you see two episodes in your player, go with this one!

Italian Death Penalty Bear Courts (Friday Release Valve) Jul 03, 2020

(NSFK) Who steals an 800 pound Canadian radar camera? How can we combine foliage with opera? Comedians Turner Sparks and Mike Kaplan of the Lost in America podcast join Heaton to make sense of the week's underserved headlines.

How To Not Think Religiously About Climate Change Jul 01, 2020

How often do climate change discussions get sidetracked by doomsday porn or hoax talk? Sheril Kirshenbaum is the host of "Serving Up Science" at PBS Digital Studios, and a contributor at Scientific American. She joins Heaton to talk about tackling the subject of climate change scientifically, and coming up with rational policy objectives in response.

Don't Use Artillery Shells as Doorstops (Friday Release Valve) Jun 26, 2020

(NSFK) Leo Kearse, Scottish Comedian of the Year 2018, rejoins the program to suss out the week's better underserved headlines, from British citizens asking New Zealand to invade it to even more things that can get you arrested in Cambodia. You can follow Leo on his YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp1hRBGoDHKSn4HiHIzkXAw

So What Would Happen if We Legalized Heroin? Jun 24, 2020

Jeffrey Miron is an economist at Harvard University, and joins Heaton to discuss the Drug War. If we legalized the hard stuff, would usage spike? Would overdoses? What's the balance of disruption to society against revenue reclaimed from law enforcement? Also: did Coca-Cola ever really contain cocaine?

Pneumatic Parrot Tubes & German Trains (Friday Release Valve) Jun 19, 2020

(NSKF) Brian Sack and Jack Helmuth of the Questionable Material podcast join Heaton to go through the week's underserved headlines, from funeral planning involving elephants to an inexplicably nude death in Arizona.

Universal Basic Income vs. Sprawling Bureaucracy Jun 17, 2020

Universal Basic Income (UBI) has been advocated in various forms by Thomas Paine, Andrew Yang, Milton Friedman, and Richard Nixon: a minimum income floor available to all Americans. How does it stack up compared to our existing welfare state? How would it work, and can we afford it? Scott Santens is a UBI proponent who has advised Andrew Yang on UBI, and is now senior policy advisor to Mike Broihier. He sits on the Board of Directors for the Gerald Huff Fund For Humanity.

Bidding on Souls, and Australian Sex Mishaps (Friday Release Valve) Jun 12, 2020

NSFK - Comedian Myq Kaplan and professor/humor scholar Dannagal Goldthwaite Young join the show to plumb the week's underserved headlines, from flying turtles to Outback sex work awkwardness to the going rate for human souls at an auction. The latest installment of Friday Release Valve.

What's all this "Defund the Police" stuff about? Jun 11, 2020

"Defund the Police" is the rallying cry of protestors and social media this week. Does it mean abolishing the police, replacing them, or reforming them? Scott Shackford of Reason joins to explain what the phrase actually means, as well as the looming role of police unions in the status quo.

What the Hell Is Happening, and How Can We Help? Jun 04, 2020

Riots! Looting! The National Guard! Black Lives Matter! In the first half of a special two-part episode we explore: What's happening? What are the problems erupting at present? And, if we can pin them down, how do we bring actual solutions to the table instead?

Lockdown is Awkward for Polygamists (Friday Release Valve) May 29, 2020

Comedians Marie Connor and Kevin Seefried join the show to discuss the week's underserved headlines, from jury selections on Zoom to night clubs that prohibit dancing to New Zealand's sheep hostages.

How Money Actually Works in Congress May 28, 2020

Dan Boren is a former member of Congress--as well as Heaton's old boss. He joins the program to talk about what life is like as a representative, pressures congressmen face from leadership and lobbyists, and how influential money is to the legislative process.

French Serial Killers, Prince Harry, and Strip Club Law (Friday Comedy Headlines) May 22, 2020

NSFK - Joe DeVito and Lou Perez join Heaton to sort out the week's underserved headlines, including the horrifying way a South Carolina restaurant has decided to make its facility appear more full, what videos to avoid while serving in Japan's legislature, and the best thing on the Internet involving ant hill thespians!

How Innovation Works - Featuring: Matt Ridley May 20, 2020

Why do some places pump out inventions and progress, while innovation lags elsewhere? Science writer Matt Ridley has surveyed the history of innovation, from Roman numerals to CRISPR. He's identified the factors society needs for innovation to flourish--and what it often does to smother it. He joins Heaton to discuss best practices for civilization and the history of inventions, all in his new book, "How Innovation Works."

Emu Wars and Pirate Jet Skis (NSFK) - Week's Underserved Headlines May 15, 2020

Today we explore the week's most awesome yet under-reported headlines, from a wine heist, to multiple dangerous bird encounters, to an American hero and recreational pirate. Comedian Chad Prather and producer emeritus Josh Jennings join Heaton to sort things out. Episode contains choice language and some sexual content--parents be warned!

Cagematch: Locke vs. Hobbes vs. Rousseau May 14, 2020

John Locke is the nerd at the bar. Jean-Jacques Rousseau is the guy in a leather jacket on a motorcycle. Hobbes is the grizzled cynic. What worldview did these three Social Contract theorists push on modern society, and what were they fighting against? Brian Wilson of the Combat & Classics podcast joins Heaton in an exploration of the tectonic plates of Western Civilization.

Wild Boars on Cocaine - The Week's Underserved Headlines May 08, 2020

Jack Helmuth and Brian Sack of the Questionable Material podcast join Heaton to sort out the week's best and least discussed headlines, from boars on cocaine to English catapult crimes to larceny performed by ambitious children.

How Captain Kirk Would Solve the Lockdown (Bonus) May 07, 2020

Much of the discussion about the pandemic centers around the lockdown as the exclusive or main policy tool to use against the pandemic: a giant On or Off switch we strategically employ to flatten the curve. What if there are smarter ways of looking at this?

Ep 51

Justin Amash: Spoiler Candidate or Sane Alternative? May 06, 2020

Katherine Mangu-Ward is the editor-in-chief of Reason Magazine, the nation's foremost libertarian publication. She joins Heaton to weigh in on Justin Amash's presidential aspirations, and whether he is more apt to hurt Trump or Biden in 2020.

Season 2, Ep 50

When a Government Accidentally Declares You Dead (Friday Release Valve) May 01, 2020

(NSKF) As part of my ongoing commitment to providing levity and sanity during quarantine, I am for some length of time resurrecting an old segment: Friday Release Valve, where I grab some comedy buddies to go over the week's undeserved headlines.

Turner Sparks and Andrea Jones-Rooy join me to talk about: when a government accidentally declares you dead, how to fix basketball using firearms, Cambodian machete making, and Canadian gambling ordinances. Season 2, Ep 49

How Vladimir Putin Thinks Apr 29, 2020

How does Russian propaganda work now, compared to the Soviet era? What power structures have kept Putin in place for decades? And what does Putin think about democracy, subverting American media, and Trump? Michael Weiss is Director of Special Investigations at the Free Russia Foundation, a columnist for Foreign Policy, and editor-at-large at The Daily Beast. He joins Heaton to peer into the mind of the Russian state.

Season 2, Ep 48

Desperately Needed Optimism from Matt Ridley Apr 22, 2020

Matt Ridley is a science writer, member of the House of Lords, and author of the amazing book, "The Rational Optimist: How Prosperity Evolves." He joins Heaton to talk about how, overall, life is dramatically and empirically better than the rest of recorded history--and why.

Season 2, Ep 47

Bernie Sanders is the Ron Paul of Socialism Apr 16, 2020

Last week Bernie Sanders dropped out, ending the closest bid to an outright socialist presidency in American history. Brian Brushwood and Justin Robert Young join the program to talk about the impact of Sanders, student loan forgiveness, and Medicare for All.

Season 2, Ep 46

What the Hell is Happening with the Economy? Apr 09, 2020

Are we sliding into a Great Depression, or just a quarantine-induced slump? What did the stimulus bill do, how big was it, and might it capsize the national debt? Colin Mortimer, director of the Neoliberal Project at the Progressive Policy Institute and host of The Neoliberal Podcast, along with Ben Ritz, Director of the PPI Center for Funding America's Future, join Heaton to explain what's happening with the economy and what the federal government has been doing to help or hinder it.

Season 2, Ep. 45

PSA: What To Expect the Next Two Weeks Apr 02, 2020

I want to share a resource that will help frame what to expect in your state as April unfolds: Covid19.healthdata.org . This website will tell you when to expect peak hospital usage in your state, and also what to brace yourself for. But I'll also top of the episode with some of the best quarantine humor I've encountered on the internet.

Season 2, Ep 44

Three Ways to Stop Corrupt Congressmen Apr 01, 2020

Senator Richard Burr is catching fire (and possible prosecution) about selling $1.7 million of stock days before the market tumbled. How do members of Congress profit from insider information and power, and what can we do to stop them? Brian Sack and Jack Helmuth join Heaton to discuss.

Season 2, Episode 43

What Your Life Costs, According to Uncle Sam (Bonus) Mar 28, 2020

At the request of Patreon listeners, I'm releasing this bonus episode to the main feed--go to Patreon.com/andrewheaton if you want a weekly bonus episode like this on top of the main show! This week I explain why the government calculates a monetary price of what an individual American's life is worth, and why that's actually a useful tool for making cold, deliberative policy determinations. Which is unfortunately something we might have to do if confronted with the two bad options of "risk lives to pandemic" or "hurl the country into another Great Depression." If and when we get to that point, we'll need rational people operating the levers of power.

Season 2, Ep 42

Politicians Make Poor Superheroes Mar 25, 2020

Should people wielding the levers of power be pragmatists who get things done, or idealists with firm convictions and boundaries? Which political opinions attract the most elitists? Jeremy Kareken and Tom Brennan join the program for an astonishingly fun episode given how long we've all been in quarantine.

Season 2, Ep 41

Live from Snuffy's Fallout Shelter: The Corona Episode Mar 20, 2020

In which Heaton speaks with: Tom Snuffhauser, local business owner, about the impact of the Corona Virus on the consumer economy; U.S. Horse Surgeon General Richard Snodgrass, about health precautions you can implement on behalf of your horse; Brian Sack and Jack Helmuth, hosts of the "Questionable Material" podcast, and Josh Jennings, producer emeritus for Something's Off with Andrew Heaton. Apologies on sound quality--technical problems resulting from a live stream show!

Season 2, Ep 40

We're Against Abolishing the Electoral College, Apparently Mar 18, 2020

Brian Brushwood and Justin Robert Young join Heaton to discuss attempts to abolish the Electoral College. What are the upshots and downsides to a national popular vote? What measures could improve the existing system without scrapping it? Plus, of course, Heaton rants about Ranked Choice Voting.

Season 2, Episode 39

Late Night Comedy vs. the Outrage Industry Mar 11, 2020

Why do socially liberal comedians clean up in late night television, while social conservatives dominate talk radio? Dannagal Goldthwaite Young is the author of "Irony and Outrage: The Polarized Landscape of Rage, Fear, and Laughter in the United States." She joins Heaton to discuss how liberals and conservatives process ambiguity, order, and politics on television.

Season 2, Ep. 38

You're Doing Prison Wrong Mar 04, 2020

The Criminal Justice episode! What to do about private prisons, the Death Penalty, the Drug War, mental health, prostitution, Norway vs. Joe Arpaio, and bail bonds. Featuring: J. M. Jennings Season 2, Ep. 37

Meet the Libertarian Candidates Feb 26, 2020

It’s a scrum for the Libertarian Party’s 2020 presidential nomination, and the party won’t select a nominee until its national convention in May. Heaton visited the California Libertarian State Party Convention to meet and interview the top six candidates in the party:

10:00 - Adam Kokesh

23:24 – Lincoln Chafee

37:00 – Mark Whitney

53:26 – Jo Jorgensen

1:05:48– Vermin Supreme

1:19:21 – Jacob Hornberger

Rush Limbaugh and Virtue Ethics - BONUS Feb 21, 2020

Every week Heaton makes a special bonus episode of the show exclusively for Patreon subscribers. Recently enough supporters liked and wanted to share his episode on how Aristotelian Virtue Ethics apply to Rush Limbaugh that they asked him to release it on the main feed. Enjoy!

Global Elitists vs. Very Loud Populists - Featuring: Joel Stein Feb 19, 2020

Joel Stein is the author of "In Defense of Elitism: Why I'm Better Than You and You are Better Than Someone Who Didn't Buy This Book." The former Time columnist explores the new and angry fault line between globalism and populism, drawing upon his travels to the most Trumpian county in America, and meeting populist celebrities Scott Adams and Tucker Carlson.

Ep 34

Who's the Democratic Candidate Gonna Be? Feb 13, 2020

Heaton records his New Hampshire experience hitting up Biden, Pete, and Yang rallies, plus thoughts on Warren, Bernie, and Klobuchar. He talks about his all-too-brief love affair with the Andrew Yang candidacy, and most importantly--who's going to scoop up the 2020 Democratic Presidential nomination in the wake of the New Hampshire primary.

Season 2, Ep 33

Don't Screw This Up, New Hampshire Feb 10, 2020

The New Hampshire Primary is a slingshot which can land underdogs on top and hobble frontrunners. Heaton travels there to see how the state works, how its people think, and what Tuesday's contest will mean for 2020. He speaks with Neil Levesque of the New Hampshire Institute of Politics, and Joe Pace and Russell Dean about the unique way New Hampshirites solve problems at the local level.

Season 2, Ep 32

How to Talk to Insufferable Ideologues - Featuring: Peter Boghossian Feb 06, 2020

Peter Boghossian says, "Talking to a person with unshakable belief commitments is like playing chess with someone whose only piece is a hammer.” In his book "How to Have Impossible Conversations" he discusses steps we can take to better communicate with people we disagree with. If you've ever walked away from a conversation feeling like you got dragged into a fight, or presented compelling evidence to an unbudging thinker, this episode will change your life! Season 2, Ep. 31

PJ O'Rourke Wants to Leave You Alone Jan 30, 2020

PJ O'Rourke is a wry political satirist, HL Mencken Fellow at the Cato Institute, and most recently the author of "None of My Business." He joins Heaton to talk about economics, socialism, term limits, and why America will never ever be Sweden. Season 2, Ep 30

How to Unstuck Idiot Political Beliefs Jan 22, 2020

How do people wind up with their deepest political convictions? How and when do they change? Dr. Andrea Jones-Rooy is a political scientist, standup comedian, and occasional circus performer. She joins Heaton to talk about where political beliefs come from, and better tools to understand them than the standard "left or right." Ep. 29

Tim Heidecker & Gregg Turkington on Political Satire Jan 14, 2020

Ep. 28 Tim Heidecker and Gregg Turkington are two notorious comedians, famous for "Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!" and the character Neil Hamburger, respectively. They star in the show "On Cinema," and recently released a political satire mockumentary, "Mister America." They join Heaton to talk about their film, and the making of political satire. 6:15 - Tim Heidecker interview

27:05 - Gregg Turkington interview

What the Hell is Happening with Iran?! Featuring: Matt Welch Jan 09, 2020

Ep. 27 So are we going to war with Iran or not? Why did we blow up some guy, and was it a good idea to do so? What about legal? Matt Welch, host of "The Fifth Column" and Reason editor-at-large joins Heaton to sort out our foreign policy. Interview at 15:30

John McAfee Is On The Lam! Jan 02, 2020

Ep. 26 John McAfee is a cybersecurity expert, international fugitive, and political activist. He joins Heaton to discuss his 2020 presidential campaign, and more. Much more. Lots more.

Another Snuffy's Christmas Dec 23, 2019

The Political Orphanage's oldest and most enthusiastic show sponsor, Snuffy's Off Route 44, has kindly offered to pay for this year's Christmas special. On the condition that the staff of Snuffy's write it in its entirety. Merry Christmas! Featuring: Josh Jennings, Austin Bragg, Justin Robert Young, and Brian Brushwood.

Season 2, Ep 25

How to Fix American Healthcare in Under an Hour - Featuring: Rick Ungar Dec 18, 2019

Is it better to use the government to expand coverage, or rely on markets to lower prices? Rick Ungar joins Heaton for a policy discussion about problems and solutions for American health care.

Season 2, Ep 24

The Future of Space Exploration - Featuring: Astronaut Tom Jones Dec 11, 2019

Dr. Tom Jones is an astronaut and the author of "Sky Walking: An Astronaut's Memoir" and joins Heaton to discuss what life is like in space and what the future holds for NASA and the private sector.

Season 2, Ep 23

The Trump Impeachment is Basically Caddyshack - Featuring: Michael Baranowski Dec 04, 2019

On this episode we take a big picture view of impeachment--what's it's role in government and what's the nature of the presidency? Michael Baranowski of The Politics Guys podcast joins to discuss, and also, to point out the similarities between the impeachment proceedings and the immortal film "Caddyshack."

Season 2, Ep 22

Popehat: Speech That Gets You Tossed in Prison - Featuring: Ken White Nov 25, 2019

Ken White is a First Amendment litigator, lawblogger at Popehat.com, and the hilarious Twitter personality Popehat. He joins Heaton to talk about Free Speech: what's legally protected and what will prompt the cops to come knocking? How do public decency laws work?

Interview at 5:30

Season 2, Ep 21

I Am Betting Money Hillary Doesn't Run - Featuring J. M. Jennings Nov 19, 2019

There have been three headlines this last week hinting at a resurgent Hillary Clinton campaign in 2020. Heaton thinks it's balderdash. His friend and former producer Jennings is certain she's in. They bet money on it, and discuss.

Season 2, Ep 20

Taxing Billionaires into Extinction - Featuring: Josie "The Red-Headed Libertarian" Nov 14, 2019

Notable billionaire and possible Keebler elf Michael Bloomberg has thrown his hat into the presidential ring as a Democrat. Meanwhile Bernie Sanders wants to outlaw billionaires, and Elizabeth Warren wants to slowly deflate them, like cash balloons. Josie "The Red-Headed Libertarian" joins the show to discuss billionaires, wealth taxes, the Laffer Curve, and where to hide in a nasty political climate.

A Comedian Runs for Congress - Featuring: Mike Larsen Nov 06, 2019

Mike Larsen is a former writer for The Drew Carey Show and Real Time with Bill Maher. He also worked for Congress as the press secretary for Representative Jackie Speier. Now he's running for congress himself in Ohio against incumbent Jim Jordan. He joins Heaton to talk about standup, his campaign, how puppets can influence democracy, and gerrymandering.

Season 2, Ep 18

Jesus Christ Did Not Personally Consecrate Trump - Featuring: Ben Howe Oct 30, 2019

Ben Howe joins to discuss his book "The Immoral Majority: Why Evangelicals Chose Power Over Christian Values." The episodes covers everything from Persia's Cyrus the Great, to Christian socialism, to Buddhist and Evangelical theology.

Season 2, Ep 17

Hillary Clinton and Tulsi Gabbard Slapfight - Featuring: Justin Robert Young Oct 24, 2019

Shots fired! Hillary Clinton is accusing Tulsi Gabbard of being a Russian asset. Tulsi Gabbard says Hillary Clinton is a corrupt warmonger. How exactly does this factor into foreign policy? Justin Robert Young joins Heaton for a tactical analysis of the 2020 campaign, and Heaton explains what the hell "unilateral vs multilateral muscular liberalism" means.

Season 2, Ep 16

Why Republicans and Democrats Think Differently - Featuring: Dr. Matt Grossmann Oct 16, 2019

Republicans and Democrats don't just have different goals and platforms, they literally think and organize differently. Dr. Matt Grossmann joins Heaton to discuss his book, "Asymmetric Politics: Ideological Republicans and Group Interest Democrats."

Season 2, Ep 15

Ranting About Scotch Tariffs! Featuring: Jeremey Kareken and Eric Boehm Oct 09, 2019

This month America's ridiculous trade policies are going to jack scotch prices up by 25%! Heaton calls in Reason's Eric Boehm and playwright/free market paladin Jeremey Kareken to sound the alarm over protectionism.

Season 2, Ep 14

Steampunk Gun Control Solutions - Featuring: Charles Cooke Oct 02, 2019

Charles Cooke is the editor of National Review Online (Interview begins at 19:55), and an author, pundit, and frequent television guest on programs like "Real Time with Bill Maher" and "Kennedy" on Fox Business. He joins Heaton for a discussion about gun control and the Second Amendment, in a surprisingly wonky but cheerful episode involving heavy analysis of the blunderbuss.

Season 2, Ep 13

Trump and Ukraine (But also Aliens) - Featuring: Turner Sparks & Brian Sack Sep 26, 2019

Comedians Turner Sparks and Brian Sack join Heaton to discuss:

The Area 51 Raid
The Climate Change Strike
Justin Trudeau's makeup choice
Donald Trump, Ukraine, and impeachment

Season 2, Ep 12

Which Democrat Would You Go Camping With? Featuring: David Carl & Jeremy Kareken Sep 18, 2019

Comedian David Carl and playwright Jeremy Kareken join Heaton to discuss how vaping could save or kill America, the next step for John Bolton's mustache, and the post-debate shakedown in the Democratic primaries.

Season 2, Ep 11

Iceland: Ally, Neighbor, Lover, Volcano Sep 13, 2019

While visiting Iceland for very legal, very unsuspicious reasons, Heaton interviews two prominent Icelandic comedians--Ari Eldjárn and Helgi Steinar--to learn about their country and their politics and also to launch his very own Icelandic political campaign.

Season 2, Ep 10

Grover Norquist Goes to Burning Man Sep 05, 2019

Burning Man is a giant, 80,000-person party in the desert, complete with a crazy amount of neon, bicycles, and narcotics. Grover Norquist is a powerful Republican, alternately famous or infamous for compelling GOP leaders to pledge never to increase spending, who attends Burning Man every year. He joins the podcast to talk about Burning Man, influential secret societies, his foray into standup comedy, and of course, taxes.

Season 2, Ep 9

Dave Barry Is Running for President! Aug 28, 2019

Dave Barry (interview at 24:35) is a Pulitzer Prize-winning humorist, the author of scads of books, fellow band member with Stephen King, and Heaton's personal comedy-writing hero. He comes on the podcast to talk about his meteoric presidential campaign, comedy, and politics.

Season 2, Ep 8

Bernie vs. Elizabeth Warren - Featuring: Justin Robert Young & Brian Brushwood Aug 22, 2019

Justin Robert Young and Brian Brushwood join Heaton to discuss how and if Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren differ, if at all. Has anyone seen them at the same location at the same time? Are they possibly the same person? Who would win in a cage fight? Plus, if America doesn't buy Greenland, what should it buy?

Ep 7

The Last English Libertarian - Featuring: Dominic Frisby Aug 15, 2019

Dominic Frisby is a comedian, musician, and author, and his show at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival is "Libertarian Love Songs." He joins Heaton to discuss British politics, health care, guns, and the deeper motivations of Boris Johnson. He is extremely well dressed.

Scottish Political Correctness - Featuring: Leo Kearse Aug 08, 2019

Leo Kearse is Scotland's Comedian of the Year from 2018, and might well be the only conservative Scottish joke monger. He's presently performing at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where he's reprised his standup comedy show "Transgressive." (A show which got Leo banned from Australian comedy venues for being too transgressive, despite the fact he was dating a transgender woman when he wrote it.) He joins Heaton to discuss comedy, Scottish politics, Brexit, wokeness, whether Scotland will go independent or not, Donald Trump, and Boris Johnson.

DEFECTORS! Justin Amash, Lincoln Chafee, Bill Weld, Mark Sanford - Featuring: Rick Ungar Jul 31, 2019

Justin Amash recently bolted from the GOP, either out of protest or to run for president as a Libertarian or both. Former governor, senator, and Democratic presidential candidate Lincoln Chafee has left the Democrats... to become a libertarian. Meanwhile Bill Weld is still primarying Donald Trump and might soon be joined by Mark Sanford.

Pundit and former Marvel bigwig Rick Ungar joins Heaton to discuss fractures in the two major parties, and have a good-natured argument about the role of the state in markets and poverty.

George Will Saves America, Baseball, the GOP, etc. Jul 24, 2019

George F. Will is a Pulitzer-prize winning columnist and the author of the new book "The Conservative Sensibility." He joins the podcast to discuss his latest work, and his hopes to pull back the conservative movement from the brink of insanity.

Is Women's Soccer and/or the Wage Gap Real? Featuring: Turner Sparks & Andrea Jones-Rooy Jul 17, 2019

The US Women's Soccer Team won the World Cup this week, but gets payed less than their male equivalents. Is this blatant sexism? Market efficiencies? Illuminati conspiracy? Comedians Andrea Jones-Rooy and Turner Sparks join Heaton to make sense of it.

Should We Add Another Thousand Congressmen? Jul 11, 2019

It's the first episode of the new series! Host Andrew Heaton is joined by podcast warlords Brian Brushwood and Justin Robert Young, to discuss:

Should the Trump administration continue the trend of relocating federal agencies to the states?
Congressmen have *way* more constituents than they used to. Should we create more congressmen? What about *thousands* of more congressmen?
Democratic Party Draft Picks: who would make the strongest combo, and who would you like to see on a ticket regardless?

Ep 142 | The Final Episode Jun 12, 2019

Heaton comes on the show one last time to conclude 'Something's Off with Andrew Heaton'.

Ep 141 | The Fermi Paradox | Guest: Jennings Jun 11, 2019

Heaton's producer Jennings sits in on the show to discuss the Fermi Paradox, science fiction, and a host of other fun topics.

Ep 140 | What Is 'Bladerunner' Really About? | Guest: Ben Domenech Jun 10, 2019

Ben Domenech sits down with Heaton in studio to talk about 'Blade Runner' and 'Blade Runner 2049', robots in our daily lives, and the beautiful coldness of Han Solo.

Ep 139 | 'Unsolved Mysteries' Meets 'In Search of Bigfoot' | Guest: Jennings Jun 07, 2019

On this installment of the Friday Release Valve, Heaton’s producer Jennings comes on to sort through the week’s better headlines, from backfiring high school pranks, to fortune cookie investment strategies, to a man arrested for trying to fight aliens.

Ep 138 | The New Right, the Alt Right, and the Evangelical Left | Guest: Michael Malice Jun 06, 2019

Michael Malice is the author of The New Right: A Journey to the Fringe of American Politics. He talks to Heaton about the ethics of trolling, progressive evangelism, the sorts of people who showed up to the Charlottesville rally, and why he hates William F. Buckley.

Ep 137 | Kim Kardashian Will Run for President | Guest: Justin Robert Young Jun 05, 2019

Justin Robert Young explains why Kim Kardashian will run for president, why she’ll be an unstoppable media bulldozer when she does, and which political party she’ll swing for.

Ep 136 | We Don’t Need No Stinkin’ Marriage Licenses | Guest: Tom Brennan Jun 04, 2019

George Washington didn’t have a marriage license; why should you? Heaton rants about why the government should get out of the marriage business altogether, along with comedian (and married guy) Tom Brennan. Plus: A brand-new game pits host and guest against each other to see who can be the most feckless partisan!

Ep 135 | How to Actually Unplug from the Grid | Guests: Chris Moody and Cristi Moody Jun 03, 2019

Former CNN correspondent Chris Moody and his wife Cristi Moody sold all their stuff, outfitted a van, and spent the year driving around America on the cheap with no boss or schedule. They’ve encountered hundreds of other people living off-grid, and join Heaton to talk about what forces Americans to compete in the rat race, and how to escape it.

Ep 134 | North Korean Snake Bile Whiskey | Guest: Jaron Myers May 31, 2019

Comedian Jaron Myers rejoins Heaton to sort out the week’s more obscure headlines, from Venezuelan criminals running out of bullets to Russian communists demanding that HBO redo the "Game of Thrones" finale.

Ep 133 | Everything You Know About Nukes Is Wrong | Guest: Ward Wilson May 30, 2019

What if dropping bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki isn’t what corked off World War II? How tactically useful are nukes, and how many times have we almost accidentally obliterated ourselves with them? Ward Wilson is the author of “Five Myths About Nuclear Weapons,” and joins Heaton to discuss the stuff about atomic warfare you’ve never considered.

Ep 132 | We Should Absolutely Legalize Mushrooms | Guest: Mike Riggs May 29, 2019

Denver just became the first city in the U.S. to decriminalize hallucinogenic mushrooms, and Oakland, CA, is eyeballing a similar measure. Heaton brings on psilocybin and drug policy expert Mike Riggs of Reason to talk about the concerns of legalizing psychotropic drugs.

Ep 131 | Justin Amash Goes Rogue on Trump | Guest: Brian Brushwood May 28, 2019

A lone Republican congressman is calling for Trump’s impeachment. Podcaster and magician Brian Brushwood joins Heaton to investigate the case and to make an unrelated call for George Takei to run for Congress.

Ep 130 | Can Ravens Save Britain from Brexit Apocalypse? Friday Release Valve | Guest: Turner Sparks May 24, 2019

From human composting to poop-stained checks; from a comedian disbanding the Ukrainian Parliament to a restaurant where you have to bring your own table, the Friday Release Valve brings you the silliest news of the week. Joined by comedian Turner Sparks, Heaton explores the latest headlines.

Ep 129 | Time to Put Your Brain in a Computer | Guest: Robin Hanson May 23, 2019

Are we approaching a time when we will be able to download our consciousness into a computer? If so, what will that do to our lifestyle, economy, etc...? Robin Hanson, author of 'Age of Em', chats with Heaton about the future of the human mind.

Ep 128 | Am I a Neoliberal Shill? Are You? | Guest: Colin Mortimer May 23, 2019

Have you seen the term “neoliberal” floating around the political sphere? Has someone ever thrown a tomato at you and insisted you’re a neoliberal shill? Heaton brings on the Executive Director of the Neoliberal project to answer: what the hell is neoliberalism, exactly?

Ep 127 | Bail Ideas for When I Finally Get Arrested | Guest: Andrea Coleman May 21, 2019

Comedian and attorney Andrea Coleman joins Heaton to talk about ways to improve bail bonds to make sure people get detained for flight risks, not lack of cash. Heaton reveals several ways he might one day be arrested and also gives some pretty good gardening tips.

Ep 126 | John Bolton is the World's Most Dangerous Mustache | Guest: Jason Buttrill May 20, 2019

Tensions are escalating with Iran. Are we cruising towards war or just blustering? Jason Buttrill joins Heaton to explain the Trump Doctrine and whether or not you should bet on “we’re going to bomb Iran” on a game show.

Ep 125 | Would You Campaign on Pornhub? | Guest: Kevin Seefried May 17, 2019

Comedian Kevin Seefried joins Heaton to suss out the week's better headlines, from shark thieves to legally-mandated polygamy to why psychics should be paid more for plane crashes. It's the Friday Release Valve!

Ep 124 | These Damn College Kids! | Guest: Robby Soave May 16, 2019

In the era of radical identitarian politics, where unthinking vitriol and sometimes even violence abounds, more and more we are in need of sane voices in political discourse. Robby Soave, author of ‘Panic Attack: Young Radicals in the Age of Trump’ joins Heaton in the studio to talk about the future of politics in the new generation.

Ep 123 | Alienating the Audience: Game of Thrones | Guest: Grant Carlisle May 15, 2019

It’s time for an industrial helping of high-grade nerd chat about Game of Thrones. Heaton talks to policy wonk and lifelong nerd Grant Carlisle about the deeper meaning of George R. R. Martin’s books and HBO series.

Ep 122 | What the Hell is 'Dark Money'? | Guest: Dave Levinthal May 14, 2019

How much do you have to pay to swing an ambassadorship? What is Citizens United and why do people loathe it? Heaton talks with Dave Levinthal, senior reporter at the Center for Public Integrity, about campaign finance and how money shapes politics.

Ep 121 | Mother's Day Special May 13, 2019

It's that time of year again! The mistletoe is hanging in the doorway, all the snow has been shoveled, and there's a glass of wine just waiting on the kitchen counter for that special person. Snuffy's Diner is proud to sponsor this year's Mother's Day Special!

Ep 120 | The Spy Whale Who Loved Me | Guest: Lou Perez May 10, 2019

Comedian Lou Perez joins Heaton for a Friday Release Valve episode to discuss the silliest headlines of the week: Some sheep go to school, chicken nugget ice cream, a guy crossing the ocean in a barrel, and a lot more fun on this week’s episode!

Ep 119 | How Harlots Saved America | Guest: Thaddeus Russell May 09, 2019

What if history isn’t a string of great man biopics or a struggle between conservatives and progressives? What if it’s a battle of disciplinarians against drunks and harlots? Thaddeus Russell comes on to talk about his book, “A Renegade History of the United States.”

Ep 118 | A Great Way to Screw Up the Economy | Guest: Jeremy Kareken May 08, 2019

The market tumbled yesterday after Donald Trump threatened to double down on tariffs. Heaton explains Comparative Advantage with a brilliant scotch analogy, and is then joined by playwright and comedian Jeremy Kareken to rant about protectionism.

Ep 117 | Criminology Lessons from a Prison Rodeo | Guest: German Lopez May 07, 2019

It’s expensive maintaining the largest prison population on the entire planet, but we’ve managed to do it for several decades. German Lopez, senior correspondent at Vox, joins Heaton to talk about criminal justice reform and how the 2020 candidates stack up on drug policy and sentencing.

Ep 116 | How We Beat Those Neanderthals | Guest: Natalia Reagan May 06, 2019

Comedian and primatologist Natalia Reagan joins Heaton to talk about hominids, the human family tree, and the time when Homo sapiens weren’t the only smart bipedal hominids running around.

Ep 115 | The World’s Sexiest Accent | Guest: Brian Sack May 03, 2019

Comedy writer Brian Sack joins Heaton for a Friday Release Valve episode to sort the world’s better headlines: from the worst use of parking spaces ever, to a great education game about cow tuberculosis, to an effortless but irritating way to get abs.

Ep 114 | Why Do We Love Conspiracy Theories? | Guest: Jesse Walker May 02, 2019

What’s in the DNA of a conspiracy theory, and when does it go from benign to dangerous? Jesse Walker is author of “The United States of Paranoia: A Conspiracy Theory,” which identifies the different types of conspiracy theories and charts them from the Salem witch trials through Barack Obama’s birth certificate.

Ep 113 | That's Not Socialism, Dammit! | Guest: Justin Haskins May 01, 2019

People don’t really like pointing to Venezuela, Cambodia, Cuba, or the Soviet Union when they talk about socialism. (What with the deaths.) They like to mention cute sweater-vest countries, like Denmark, that aren’t actually socialist. Justin Haskins, executive editor at the Heartland Institute, joins Heaton to talk about what socialism is and isn’t, and also when it occasionally gets out of hand and murders hundreds of millions of people.

Ep 112 | The Student Loan Bubble Is Filled with Swamp Gas | Guest: Royce Sharp Apr 30, 2019

Student loan debt has surpassed $1.5 trillion dollars — more than credit card debt — prompting some ascendant Democrats to push for loan cancellation and tax-funded university tuition. Heaton figures out what’s making it so expensive with filmmaker and friend Royce Sharp.

Ep 111 | Good Fare, Bad Fare, We All Scream for Welfare | Guest: Deanna Easley Apr 29, 2019

Deanna Easley rejoins Heaton to talk about welfare: when it works, when it traps, and her experiences on it. Plus, Heaton explains a Biden vs. Trump election through ostrich racing, and producer Jennings comes on with timely feedback.

Ep 110 | The Time the Brits Accused Me of Gun-Smuggling | Guest: Bridget Phetasy Apr 26, 2019

Comedian Bridget Phetasy joins Heaton for a Friday Release Valve episode to sort out the week’s better headlines, from how the Philippines might trigger World War III, to man-killing birds, to black-market colonoscopies.

Ep 109 | Loneliness Is Worse for Cities than Godzilla | Guest: Tim Carney Apr 25, 2019

Did Trump win the election because economically displaced Rust Belt workers wanted a shake-up, or because old white guys can’t handle change? Tim Carney rejects that dichotomy and says that the 2016 election had more to do with the nature of the community you hail from: whether it’s connected, upwardly mobile, and optimistic, or pessimistic, disconnected, and lonely. His book, “Alienated America: Why Some Places Thrive While Others Collapse,” dives into the nature of American communities and why the disappearance of clubs, churches, and diners is hurting the nation economically and psychologically.

Ep 108 | Am I Castrating Libertarians? | Guest: Gene Epstein Apr 24, 2019

Gene Epstein is the director and moderator of the New York-based debate society the Soho Forum and formerly the economics editor at Barron’s. He’s also Heaton’s mentor in economics. He comes on the program to chastise Heaton for his ideological foibles, then to talk about why the Federal Reserve Board is horrible and we should scrap it entirely.

Ep 107 | Conservatives on Climate Change | Guest: Stu Burguiere Apr 23, 2019

Stu Burguiere joins Heaton to weigh in on climate change as a conservative — how alarmed we should be and what good and bad policies look like.

Ep 106 | Capitalist Solutions to Global Warming | Guest: Jerry Taylor Apr 22, 2019

Jerry Taylor, formerly of the Cato Institute and now president of the Niskanen Center, joins Heaton to talk about what pro-market solutions to global warming look like. Plus, Heaton spices up the Mueller report, and a new whisky-based sponsor.

Ep 105 | Why Robots Will Never Replace Comedians — Friday Release Valve | Guest: Andrea Jones-Rooy Apr 19, 2019

Back by popular acclaim, Andrea Jones-Rooy joins Heaton to sift through the week’s better headlines, from Pennsylvania’s new state amphibian, to dog catchers in tanks, to the Japanese version of “Breaking Bad.” Plus, why comedians don’t need to worry about getting replaced by robots anytime soon.

Ep 104 | This Historian Can Predict Your Politics by Your Age | Guest: Neil Howe Apr 18, 2019

Neil Howe is the historian and demographer who coined the term "millennial." He also developed the Strauss-Howe generational theory — the idea that America has four types of generations which go through cycles of history together. He joins Heaton to explain a different way to look at history and to pinpoint where we are in it.

Ep 103 | How to Liposuction Bile out of Politics | Guest: Arthur Brooks Apr 17, 2019

Hate is big business right now. So is fear. Arthur Brooks, president of the American Enterprise Institute, joins Heaton to talk about his book Love Your Enemies: How Decent People Can Save America from the Culture of Contempt. As well as his new film, “The Pursuit,” about the power of markets to solve poverty.

Ep 102 | Bernie Sanders Visits Rupert Murdoch’s Death Star | Guest: Brian Brushwood Apr 16, 2019

Bernie Sanders just held a town hall with Fox News...and came out on top. Brian Brushwood joins Heaton to slap socialism around, but also point out the surprising policies where Sanders and Trump converge.

Ep 101 | Can Space Force Stop Somali Rocket Pirates? | Guest: Anthony Colangelo Apr 15, 2019

Is a U.S. Space Force an inevitable step to protecting satellites and commercial space activities, or just an expensive exercise in shuffling Pentagon bureaucracies? Military and aerospace expert Anthony Colangelo joins Heaton to sort things out.

Ep 100 | Playboy Bunny Lawn Ornaments—Friday Release Valve | Guest: Jaron Myers Apr 12, 2019

Comedian Jaron Myers joins Heaton to probe the more obscure headlines of the week, from an incredibly polite Canadian car theft mystery, to robot burglars, to the world’s most ominous potatoes.

Ep 99 | A British Slum Doctor Tackles Poverty | Guest: Theodore Dalrymple Apr 11, 2019

Poverty and low standards of living are often thought to be the outcome of those at the financial and social top standing on the backs of everyone else. But what are some other possibilities? Theodore Dalrymple, author of "Life at the Bottom: The Worldview that Makes the Underclass," comes on the program to talk to Andrew about the influence of a generational welfare state and its impoverishment of stable, family-based values.

Ep 98 | I Want to Build a Moon Base | Guest: Robert Zubrin Apr 10, 2019

We’ve been to the moon a couple of times to collect rocks and go golfing, but what benefits would we get from building a permanent colony? Robert Zubrin is the author of “The Case for Space,” founder of the Mars Society, and president of Pioneer Astronautics. He joins Heaton to talk about how to build a moon base and how to get the private sector to do it cheap.

Ep 97 | Is Batman Libertarian? — Alienating the Audience | Guest: Megan Sass Apr 09, 2019

Comedian and comic book guru Megan Sass joins Heaton on “Alienating the Audience” to talk about superhero politics. How do Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman play out ideologically?

Ep 96 | How to Make Partisan Hacks Nervous | Guest: Dan Fishman Apr 08, 2019

Every election, we’re told we can either vote for the lesser of two besuited sociopaths or throw our vote away on a doomed third-party candidate. (At which point, you may well spoil the election for everyone.) Dan Fishman is the incoming executive director of the Libertarian Party, and he has a solution for shifting our elections away from exercises in fear and hate toward logic and values.

Ep 95 | Improve CNN by Adding Bears | Guest: Jimmy Failla Apr 05, 2019

Comedian Jimmy Failla returns to help sort out the week’s more obscure headlines: from marathon endurance singing, to football skulls, to why Uri Geller is a threat to us all!

Ep 94 | The Politics of Dune: Alienating the Audience | Guest: Ben Brockschmidt Apr 04, 2019

Heaton goes on a melange-fueled sci-fi plunge in this special installment of “Alienating the Audience” about the politics and economics of Frank Herbert’s “Dune.” He’s joined by fellow nerd and possible mentat Benjamin Brockschmidt to discuss feudalism in space, the future of humanity, technology, and the nature of power.

Ep 93 | Where Can We Touch Joe Biden? | Guest: Negin Farsad Apr 03, 2019

Can Uncle Joe climb out of the vat of #MeToo he seems to have fallen into? What are his policy priorities, and can he win the Democratic nomination despite being an old white guy? Comedian Negin Farsad of “Fake the Nation" joins Heaton to get the rundown on Uncle Joe.

Ep 92 | Jesus, Sex, and Reality TV | Guest: Phil Robertson Apr 02, 2019

Heaton invites on BlazeTV's Phil Robertson, of “Duck Dynasty” fame, to talk about how secular and spiritual people can get along and, to a lesser extent, to run Heaton’s reality TV show ideas by him.

Ep 91 | Something Polish This Way Comes | Guest: Brian Sack Apr 01, 2019

Poland is part of NATO and an EU member state, but it’s veering towards nationalism and populism and some other unsavory developments. Brian Sack, comedian and Polish expert, joins to discuss.

Ep 90 | Donkeyball and Competitive Russian Slapfighting—Friday Release Valve / Guest: Turner Sparks Mar 29, 2019

Comedian Turner Sparks climbs aboard the podcast to discuss the week’s more obscure headlines, from calls in Ireland to use the army to fight deer overpopulation, to a Supreme Court decision over hoverboard moose hunting, to Siberan slap fights.

Ep 89 | Adam Smith & The Wealth of Nations | Guest: P.J. O’Rourke Mar 28, 2019

Adam Smith got the party started, alternately lambasting feudalists and mercantilists and paving the way for a more free and prosperous world. Legendary humorist and author of “On The Wealth of Nations” P.J. O’Rourke joins Heaton to discuss the plucky Scotsman’s contributions to society.

Ep 88 | 'Pervert Capitalism' | Guest: Rick Ungar Mar 27, 2019

When do corporations go from valid money-making operations to amoral schemers living off the public dole? What obligations do companies have to their employees? Rick Ungar joins Heaton to discuss the proper role of capitalism and what solutions can and should be attempted by government. PLUS: Introducing Fr. Michael O’Grimsly, vicar at the Church of Woke.

Ep 87 | Boost Your Widget Sales Through Tribalism | Guest: Mike May Mar 27, 2019

Mike May is a business strategist in Washington, D.C. He joins Heaton to discuss how major corporations are embracing tribalism, either to promote change or to simply grab headlines and customers. But it turns out there’s also an unexpected free market upside to tribalism.

Ep 86 | The Mueller Probing | Guest: Justin Robert Young Mar 25, 2019

After two years, the Russian collusion investigation has come up empty, so it looks like Robert Mueller won’t be frog-marching Donald Trump out of the White House. Political commentator Justin Robert Young joins Heaton to sort things out.

Ep 85 | The Very Last Blockbuster — Friday Release Valve | Guest: Remy Munasifi Mar 22, 2019

Remy, musical comedian and Reason heartthrob, joins Heaton to work through the week’s more obscure headlines, including alligators on ketamine, communism setting the laws of reincarnation, and Australia’s onerous disco ball laws.

Ep 84 | How to Grok North Korea | Guest: Michael Malice Mar 21, 2019

“Dear Reader: An Unauthorized Autobiography of Kim Jong Il” combined North Korean propaganda and history, from the perspective of its most infamous dictator. Author Michael Malice joins Heaton to discuss the reality of North Korea, its options moving forward, and what Americans get wrong about the Hermit Kingdom.

Ep 83 | The Age We Should Legally Vote/Drink/Shoot/Mate | Guest: Matt Kibbe Mar 20, 2019

Democrats are kicking around the idea of lowering the voting age to 16. Meanwhile, you can join the army at 18 and drink when you’re 21. When should government age of consent kick in? Matt Kibbe, president of Free the People and host of BlazeTV's “Kibbe on Liberty” joins Heaton to discuss.

Ep 82 | The President as Father, Warrior, Chaplain, Celebrity, Lover ... | Guest: Rob Montz Mar 19, 2019

Documentary filmmaker Rob Montz joins Heaton to discuss how the American presidency has expanded in power and religious adulation and the huge downside to electing messiahs instead of bureaucrats.

Ep 81 | Is 'The Orville' More 'Star Trek' than 'Star Trek'? | Guest: Dan Maffei Mar 18, 2019

“Alienating the Audience” returns for a deep dive on science fiction, this time with former congressman and current commissioner of the the Federal Maritime Commission Dan Maffei. Heaton and the commissioner discuss “Majority Rule,” from Season 1 of “The Orville,” regarding absolute democracy, freedom of speech, and social media mobs. Plus how “The Orville” stacks up to Star Trek and hopes for the forthcoming series “Picard."

Ep 80 | Whales on Ambien—Friday Release Valve | Guest: Chad Prather Mar 15, 2019

Comedian and BlazeTV host Chad Prather joins Heaton to make sense of the week’s better headlines, from a goat mayor in Vermont, to whales, ambien, and conspiracy theories about marketing.

Ep 79 | Donald Trump’s Social Media Sledgehammer | Guest: Dr. Brian Ott Mar 14, 2019

Twitter nabbed Trump an eager pool of followers in 2016, and millions of unearned media attention from his detractors. How is Twitter uniquely suited to his temperament, and how does a 280-character limit shape discourse? Dr. Brian L. Ott is the author of “The Twitter Presidency: Donald J. Trump and the Politics of White Rage.” He joins Heaton to discuss.

Ep 78 | You Can’t Undo a Hanging | Guest: Jason Buttrill Mar 13, 2019

California’s death row inmates got a reprieve this week from Democrat Gov. Gavin Newsom, who issued a moratorium on executions. It’s kicked the issue of the death penalty back into the national spotlight, so Heaton brings on Jason Buttrill to discuss its efficacy and morality.

Ep 77 | The Least and Most Partisan Counties in America | Guest: Andrea Jones-Rooy Mar 12, 2019

Where do non-partisan people tend to live? What factors are most associated with political prejudice? Comedian and political scientist Dr. Andrea Jones-Rooy joins Heaton to a discuss a recent PredictWise survey trying to quantify each of America’s 3,000 counties according to partisanship. (Plus, Heaton ranks world leaders according to who he would want to vacation with).

Ep 76 | The FDA Mirage | Guest: Stu Burguiere Mar 11, 2019

The head of the Food & Drug Administration, Scott Gottlieb, is leaving, so Heaton is officially nominating Stu Burguiere to be its new commissioner. He talks with Heaton about the false sense of security the FDA brings the public, and the ways it can be counterproductive for life-saving pharmaceuticals.

Ep 75 | Who Has the Biggest Moose? | Guest: Kevin Seefried Mar 09, 2019

Why we should rename Mt. Everest, what hipsters are and aren’t, when cemeteries become yoga studios, and the best legislation to come out of Utah—all this on another installment of Friday Release Valve.

Ep 74 | The Government's Nuclear Doomsday Plans | Guest: Garrett M. Graff Mar 07, 2019

Garrett Graff, author of Raven Rock: The Story of the U.S. Government's Secret Plan to Save ItselfÑWhile the Rest of Us Die joins Heaton to discuss the presidential succession, secret military bunkers, and the history of the cold warÑfrom the perspective of doomsday plans.

Ep 73 | Who’s The Next Jeb? | Guests: Justin Robert Young & Brian Brushwood Mar 06, 2019

Bernie Sanders John Hickenlooper and (probably soon) Beto O’Rourke have jumped into the already crowded Democratic 2020 primary. Meanwhile Donald Trump has his own challenger in the GOP. Will Weld help or hobble the Donald? Who’s the Democrat’s Jeb of the 2020 election well-positioned but destined to flame out? Justin Robert Young and Brian Brushwood join Heaton for industrial-strength rampant political speculation.

Ep 72 | The Engorged Presidency | Senator Mike Lee Mar 05, 2019

Senator Mike Lee of Utah joins Heaton to talk about how federalism has become out of whack, and ways to restore balance to the Force.

Ep 71 | Marie Kondo: An Alternative to Bernie and Tucker | Guest: Katherine Mangu-Ward Mar 04, 2019

Bernie Sanders and Tucker Carlson have both settled onto a single big problem in America—stuff. Katherine Mangu-Ward the Editor-in-Chief of Reason Magazine joins Heaton to explain how an adorable Japanese tidying celebrity provides an alternative mindset.

Ep 70 | Parrots as Anti-Opiod Weaponry: Friday Release Valve | Guest Mike Kaplan Mar 01, 2019

Mike Kaplan, co-host of the “Lost in America Podcast,” joins Heaton to sort the week’s most baffling headlines. Including: The artistic abilities of pigs, radioactive cremations, the sex life of Adam West, and the feasibility of leprechauns.

Ep 69 | Race as a Social Construct | Guest: Commander Dale Brown Feb 28, 2019

Commander Dale Brown, owner of a private security firm, joins Heaton to talk about the history of racial theory and how ethnicity is a social construct.

Ep 68 | Will A.I. Murder us to Fight Cancer? | Guests: Joe Leonardo & David Polgar Feb 27, 2019

The Pentagon is ramping up efforts to develop sophisticated AI before China does. What happens if China beats us? Either way, is AI going to murder us in our sleep, like Elon Musk says? Joe Leonardo and David Ryan Polgar, hosts of the “Funny As Tech” podcast join Heaton to allay and stoke his fears.

Ep 67 | Jussie Smollett Loves Subway Sandwiches! | Guest: Turner Sparks Feb 26, 2019

Much like a horrible “Scooby Doo” episode, actor Jussie Smollett’s initial hate crime story has fallen apart. The Chicago PD now thinks it was an elaborate staging, designed to garner sympathy and a higher salary. Comedian Turner Sparks joins Heaton to discuss the funnier inconsistencies in the story, and the future of Wokeness.

Ep 66 | What’s More Frightening Than A Nuclear Arms Race? | Guest: Jason Buttrill Feb 25, 2019

President Trump is pulling out of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty. Does this mean the Ruskies will start cranking out nukes? What about us? Or the Chinese? Jason Buttrill, Chief Researcher at The Blaze, joins Heaton to explain what we should and should not be worried about.

Ep 65 | A Bucket of Radioactive Rocks—Friday Release Valve | Guest: Jaron Myers Feb 22, 2019

Standup comedian Jaron Myers joins Heaton for Friday Release Valve, covering absurd headlines throughout the week, including a petition to sell Montana to Canada, and France’s newest official sport.

Ep 64 | “Best Mustache Award,” and Other Ways to Fix the Oscars | Guest: Andrew Young Feb 21, 2019

The biggest problem with the Academy Awards is: not enough trophies. Comedian and Hollywood insider Andrew Young joins Heaton to suggest new category awards, like “Best Fake Accent” or “Most Tasteful Sex Scene.” Plus, a new “How to with Heaton: Balancing a Checkbook.”

Ep 63 | The Impact of The Twilight Zone | Guest: James III Feb 20, 2019

"The Twilight Zone” has it all: Cold War hysteria, gremlins, conformity and individualism, robots, totalitarianism, witches—the list goes on. Heaton brings on comedian James III to discuss one of the greatest programs to ever grace television.

Ep 62 | The Transgender Military Ban | Guest: Carina Magyar Feb 19, 2019

Standup and transgender comedian Carina Magyar joins Heaton to discuss the military ban, the difference between the "yuck" and "kill" factors, and the interplay between biology and psychology in gender dysphoria.

Ep 61 | The New Right | Guest: Lauren Chen Feb 18, 2019

Lauren Chen, host of “Roaming Millennial Uncensored,” joins Heaton to map out how conservatives in their twenties think, and how the political landscape will change as they come into their own. Plus, Heaton’s producer Jennings contacts several of Heaton’s ex-girlfriends to solicit listener feedback about the show.

Ep 60 | Requiem for the Prince of the Outback Feb 15, 2019

Heaton’s personal hero, Prince Leonard, passed away this week, after a storied history of fighting in World War II, declaring independence from Australia, and thwarting an onerous wheat quota. In a special tribute episode, Heaton goes over the life of Australia’s homegrown monarch.

Ep 59 | Tales from a Sex Cult | Guest: Bridget Phetasy Feb 14, 2019

Bridget Phetasy is a former Playboy Advisor, and presently a writer and standup comedian. Also, she was in a sex cult. Heaton talks to her about dating advice, but mostly, about what it’s like to be in a sex cult, and if he should visit one on his next vacation.

Ep 58 | The Fight over Feminism | Guest: Cathy Reisenwitz Feb 13, 2019

Is the patriarchy the Illuminati with gonads? Where is all the anti-maleness and anti-feminism originating? How do we position ourselves in yon slap fight? Cathy Reisenwitz writes at “Sex and the State” and is a columnist at the Bay City Beacon. She joins Heaton to jump into the issue of feminism, sex positivity, and when claiming injustice becomes a competition.

Ep 57 | The Great Leap Forward Something Something Wind Power | Guest: Brian Brushwood Feb 12, 2019

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez revealed the New Green Deal to Congress last week, designed to radically overhaul and control the US economy, fight climate change, and raise Heaton’s blood pressure to staggering heights. Brian Brushwood joins the program to calm Heaton down and explain how AOC is actually progressivism’s response to Donald Trump. Later, Heaton reveals a new cooking segment with a special recipe.

Ep 56 | The Great American Sex Desert | Guest: Billy Binion Feb 11, 2019

Despite what you may think, Americans are having less sex today than in previous eras. Billy Binion of Reason comes on to make sense of America’s laggardly sex life. (Then afterwards, Heaton adds to the growing chorus of Virginia politicians scandals, and begs forgiveness from his audience for a horrible faux pas.)

Ep. 55 | The Super Model Amusement Park | Guest: Jimmy Failla Feb 08, 2019

In a Friday grab bag episode, comedian Jimmy Failla comes on to suss out headlines with Heaton. Including: why Thai parliament candidates are changing their names; the world’s most conscientious burglar, the latest Burger King lawsuit; and why you can legally watch erotic films on library computers in Chicago.

Ep. 54 | Is "South Park" Postmodern? | Guest: Nick Gillespie Feb 07, 2019

What is Postmodernism and why do so many people loathe it? Reason’s Nick Gillespie joins Heaton to explain what postmodernism is, where it’s useful and when it’s asinine, and the many instances where postmodernism has spread through American culture.

Ep. 53 | The Imperial Address to the House of Lords And/Or Congress | Guest: Justin Robert Young Feb 06, 2019

Heaton comes up with ways to improve the State of the Union Address, including a mandated congressional conga line, and presidential crowd surfing. But before that, Justin Robert Young of the “Politics Politics Politics” podcast joins Heaton for a breakdown of the speech, what all the guests signified, and how heckling the Hall of Presidents can improve any trip to Disney World.

Ep. 52 | Public Schools and Monkey Gods | Guest: Jonathan Braylock Feb 05, 2019

Several states are eyeballing "Bible literacy" classes as part of public school curriculum. Jonathan Braylock, a comedian and a practicing Christian, joins Heaton to discuss how blurring the separation of church and state is apt to backfire on both.

Ep. 51 | The NFL Team Not Stealing from Taxpayers | Guest: Eric Boehm Feb 04, 2019

Heaton unleashes a tirade about football, and what he'd do to improve it. (Hint: it involves horses.) Then he invites on Reason's Eric Boehm to discuss stadium subsidies, and the graft and incompetency which keeps taxpayers on the hook for millions. Heaton also determines which NFL team to endorse based entirely on the one not taking handouts.

Ep. 50 | What Your Hunter-Gatherer Genes Really Want | Guest: Sebastian Junger Feb 01, 2019

Sebastian Junger is the author of "Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging." He joins Heaton to talk about how the world we've made is ill-fitting and alienating to the hunter-gatherer genes we've inherited, and what you can do to feel less lonely in the twenty-first century.

Ep. 49 | Why Does Everyone Hate Howard Schultz? | Guest: Turner Sparks Jan 31, 2019

Former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz is thinking about running for president, which has enraged the Democratic party. Comedian Turner Sparks joins to explain why, and Heaton details the single issue Schultz can push to make him relevant as an outsider. Plus, Heaton makes an impassioned speech about why he would make a fantastic ambassador.

Ep. 48 | Would Norman Rockwell legalize prostitution? | Guest: Elizabeth Nolan Brown Jan 30, 2019

Reason's Elizabeth Nolan Brown joins Heaton to explain why porn is legal but prostitution is not, how the Internet can replace pimps, and the general benefits of decriminalizing sex work.

Ep. 47 | Venezuela's Utterly Avoidable Catastrophe | Guest: Brian Brushwood Jan 29, 2019

Venezuela's economy hit rock bottom, then just kept digging straight to the septic tank. Now there are rival presidents vying for power over a starving populace. Magician and deputized foreign policy expert Brian Brushwood joins Heaton to assess the once-wealthy nation's plunge into full-blown socialism and economic collapse.

Ep. 46 | Media Pet Peeves | Guest: J. W. Crump Jan 28, 2019

Comedy writer J. W. Crump joins Heaton to discuss irritating things the media does, the difference between diversity and tokenism in reporting, and what to do about all that bias lurking beneath the surface.

Ep. 45 | Why We'll Never Need a Pencil Czar | Guest: Tom Woods Jan 25, 2019

Tom Woods, historian and podcaster extraordinaire, joins Heaton for a philosophical romp through the Enlightenment. By focusing on "spontaneous order" and how the concept has redefined power and civilization, you'll get ample evidence for why we'll never need a Federal Department of Shoes, a President of Physics, or a National Podcasting Commissar.

Ep. 44 | Prince Philip, Volcano God | Guest: Chad Prather Jan 25, 2019

Prince Philip is the husband of Queen Elizabeth II and is also worshiped as a volcano god by a small island in the Pacific. Comedian Chad Prather joins Heaton to go over his biography, and get to know everyone's favorite 97-year-old royal.

Ep. 43 | The Various Species of Democrats | Guest: John DeVore Jan 23, 2019

Self-described "flaming liberal writer" John DeVore joins Heaton to describe the internal makeup of the Democratic Party, and the factions within vying for power. They also get into tribalism, why markets are awesome, and why Heaton thinks socialism prolonged the Great Depression.

Ep. 42 | Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and the Death of Math | Guest: Liz Wolfe Jan 22, 2019

Socialism has returned to America in the form of a crotchety senator from Vermont and a vivacious young lady from the Bronx. Liz Wolfe, managing editor at The Federalist and Playboy contributor, joins Heaton to discuss the more egregious aspects of AOC's policy proposals, and the irritating potshots her detractors make instead of solid arguments.

Ep . 41 | Let's all Jump to Explosive, Unbridled Hate over the MAGA Boy | Guest: Rep. Thomas Massie Jan 21, 2019

America briefly considered firebombing Kentucky this weekend after video of a sixteen-year-old smirking at a Native American elder showed a hateful display of racism and bullying. However it turns out that the three minute video is selectively taken from two hours of additional footage, which tells a different story. Congressman Thomas Massie of Kentucky joins Heaton to correct the record.

Ep. 40 | The Politics of Star Wars | Guest: Stephen Kent Jan 18, 2019

Stephen Kent, host of the "Beltway Banthas" podcast, joins Heaton to discuss droid slavery, imperial apologists, and the galaxy's fascist dark age. Plus: how to expose children to the proper film sequence to avoid emotional trauma.

Ep. 39 | The Secret Conservative Hollywood Speakeasy | Guest: Michael Loftus Jan 17, 2019

Comedian Michael Loftus has written for "Anger Management" with Charlie Sheen and "Kevin Can Wait" on CBS. He's also the former host of the conservative political satire show "The Flipside". He joins Heaton to talk about working in Hollywood as a conservative, and how he hopes the next few years will shake out culturally.

Ep. 38 | Can Robots Save Us From Gerrymandering? | Guest: Eric Boehm Jan 16, 2019

Gerrymandering is a time-honored and artistic craft wherein politicians get to pick their voters instead of having an actual competitive election. Reason's Eric Boehm joins Heaton to discuss ways to neuter the skullduggery. (Possibly involving robots.)

Ep. 37 | Please Topple Steve King | Guest: Chad Prather Jan 15, 2019

Heaton tries to convince comedian Chad Prather to run against Representative Steve King in Iowa. King has been removed from committee assignments (and presumably GOP happy hours) after his latest dip into white nationalism.

Ep. 36 | Reasons to Avoid Saying "Uppity" | Guest: Deanna Easley Jan 14, 2019

Deanna Easley, host of the "Black in the Day" podcast, returns to talk about microaggressions, and also to tell Heaton specific words and phrases he should quit using.

Ep. 35 | What Do Your Morals Taste Like? | Guest: Jonathan Haidt Jan 11, 2019

Jonathan Haidt is a social psychologist and the author of several books, including “The Righteous Mind: Why Good People are Divided by Politics and Religion.” He joins Heaton to talk about how progressives, conservatives, and libertarians have different “moral tastebuds,” and about his concerns for the future of academia. Plus, Heaton takes a morality test and is revealed to be a deeply empathetic person who also has no gag reflex, tribal loyalty, or deference to authority.

Ep. 34 | Hello Gridlock, meet Trench Warfare | Guest: Andrea Jones-Rooy Jan 10, 2019

Is congressional gridlock related to trench warfare? Apparently. Andrea Jones-Rooy returns to discuss. Plus, Heaton invents a new chamber of Congress

Ep. 33 | Dale Brown Doesn't Need a Gun | Guest: Commander Dale Brown Jan 09, 2019

Commander Dale Brown is the founder and operations director of the Detroit Threat Management Center, a private security firm. He talks to Heaton about the difference between the police and private security, why he doesn't use guns at work, and common misperceptions about urban crime.

Ep. 32 | Could You Fake Being a Republican? | Guest: Brian Brushwood Jan 08, 2019

The first Movie Club episode! Brian Brushwood and Heaton review "Vice," the Dick Cheney biopic. Brian makes the case that it's a great film, if understood as a ghost story told inside of an echo chamber.

Ep. 31 | Mad Max Apocalypse in National Parks! | Guest: Justin Young Jan 07, 2019

Justin Young of "Politics Politics Politics" joins to discuss the government shutdown, how alarmed and/or irritated citizens should be, and what can be done to fix it. Plus a brand new show sponsor!

Ep. 30 | A Very Snuffy’s Christmas Dec 25, 2018

The show’s principle sponsor funds an entire holiday special, in exchange for allowing its waitstaff to write the entire script.

Ep. 29 | Facebook, Russia, and Identity Politics | Guest: Chad Prather Dec 24, 2018

Comedian Chad Prather and Heaton try to stay on topic about Facebook and shenanigans involving privacy and Russia, but mostly meander into talking about accents and identity politics.

Ep. 28 | The Country Isn't Polarized | Guest: Morris Fiorina Dec 21, 2018

There's a standard narrative that America has become hyper-polarized, and people only consume media they agree with. Dr. Morris Fiorina joins Heaton to explain why both assumptions are incorrect--parties are getting more homogenous, but voters themselves haven't significantly changed.

Ep. 27 | America's Got Talent | Guest: Vicki Barbolak Dec 20, 2018

Top Ten finalist Vicki Barbolak joins Heaton to talk about starting comedy in her forties, America's Got Talent, and the in's and out's of trailer park humor.

Ep. 26 | Can I get a farm subsidy for my house plant? | Guest: Christian Britschgi Dec 19, 2018

The show's sponsor unveils new and practical gift ideas, plus a peak into Snuffy's yuletide charity. Then Reason's Christian Britschgi joins to discuss the Farm Bill boondoggle and how it really benefits landowners (and not farmers).

Ep. 25 | Railing Against Minimum Wage | Guest: Brian Brushwood Dec 18, 2018

Brian Brushwood joins Heaton to discuss New York's minimum wage increase for Uber drivers, and to hate on civil asset forfeiture. Plus Heaton gives unsolicited advice to the new White House Chief of Staff.

Ep. 24 | Libertarianism, Socialism, and NASA | Guest: Gene Epstein Dec 14, 2018

Heaton's economics mentor Gene Epstein (moderator of the SOHO forum) joins to discuss how socialism can comfortably exist within a capitalist framework, and also to relentlessly yell at Heaton for his ongoing support of NASA.

Ep. 23 | Who's In The Clink and Who's Not? | Guest: Turner Sparks Dec 13, 2018

Comedian and host of "Lost in America" podcast Turner Sparks returns to discuss who's heading to prison and who's not. Criminals include: Trump's former fixer Michael Cohen, sex offender billionaire Jeffrey Epstein, and a Chinese heiress who might be hostage for trade negotiations. Plus: Nick of Nick's Horseless Diner comes on with a horrifying story about a murderous horse.

Ep. 22 | What's The Brexit Fight Over Now | Guest: Juliet Samuel Dec 12, 2018

Britain and Europe are getting a divorced, and nobody seems very pleased with how it's going. Telegraph columnist Juliet Samuel joins Heaton to make sense of things. Plus, fake robot news!

Ep. 21 | BIAS! | Guest: Dr. Andrea Jones-Rooy Dec 11, 2018

Dr. Andrea Jones-Rooy returns to discuss bias, cognitive traps, and the difference between tokenism and intellectual diversity. Plus, on Animal News, Heaton does a deep dive on the story of endangered Hawaiian monk seals getting eels stuck in their nostrils.

Ep. 20 | What Is Populism and How Do We Drown It | Guest: Jason Buttrill Dec 10, 2018

France has moved from its normal recreational protesting to prolonged riots. Populism is on the rise there, in America, and throughout Europe. What is populism and what's inflaming it? Jason Buttrill, chief researcher and headwriter at The Blaze, joins Heaton to discuss.

Ep. 19 | The Coddling of the American Mind | Guest: Greg Lukianoff Dec 07, 2018

Greg Lukianoff, president of Foundation for Individual Rights in Education, joins Heaton to discuss his book "The Coddling of the American Mind" on outrage culture and free speech on American college campuses.

Ep. 18 | Everything's Cheaper, Faster, Madder | Guest: Remy Munasifi Dec 06, 2018

Musical comedian Remy (from Reason) joins Heaton to talk about how, empirically, everything is getting better. So why is everyone mad? Plus Austin Bragg brings news from Westeros.

Ep. 17 | Will We Automate You? | Guests: Joe Leonardo and David Ryan Polgar Dec 05, 2018

Comedian Joe Leonardo and tech ethicist David Ryan Polgar join Heaton to talk about automation, wireless cars, and how turning everything into robots can be awesome and terrifying simultaneously.

Ep. 16 | Are British people human? How do they think? | Guest: Zoe Samuel Dec 04, 2018

Comedy writer and verified British person Zoe Samuel joins Heaton to talk about English politics, political mindsets, and the Prime Minister's Questions. Heaton explains why Betty White should be Queen of America.

Ep. 15 | Why George HW Bush Is Underrated Dec 03, 2018

In his first solo show, Heaton gives a biography of the late George H. W. Bush, and why he's underrated as a president. Plus, Heaton responds to listener reviews.

Ep. 14 |The Politics of Star Trek | Guest: Tim Sandefur Nov 30, 2018

Heaton gives a primer on how to swear like a Scotsman after Scottish News. Then the Goldwater Institute's Tim Sandefur joins to discuss the political philosophies of Star Trek, and how Picard measures up to Captain Kirk.

Ep. 13 | Designer Babies and Animal News | Guest: J. W. Crump Nov 29, 2018

Heaton and comedian / amateur bioethicists J. W. Crump discuss the world's first gene-edited babies, and if it's a good idea to fiddle with the human genome to give kids purple eyes and more taste buds. Plus Animal News, including a giant cow and the Queen of England.

Ep. 12 | An Interview With Bigfoot | Guest: Justin Young Nov 28, 2018

Heaton interviews Bigfoot about the movement to draft him to run for Congress. Plus political junky Justin Robert Young joins to talk about the Democratic hopefuls gearing up for 2020.

Ep. 11 | Why Are We in Yemen and Where Is It | Guest: Brian Brushwood Nov 27, 2018

Magician and professional fire-eater Brian Brushwood rejoins Heaton to discuss a how unlikely Senate allies might actually balance out war powers and get us out of Yemen. PLUS an excerpt of "Moby Dick" (as written by Bernie Sanders) and an interview with the owner of Nick's Horseless Diner.

Ep. 10 | Tear Gas at the Border | Guest: Royce Sharp Nov 26, 2018

Heaton brings on Royce Sharp to explain how his dating life impacts national immigration policy, and the use of tear gas at the border. PLUS news on Hugh Hefner's aquatic sex coffin.

Ep. 9 | Botham Jean and Cross Burnings | Guest: Deanna Easley Nov 23, 2018

In “World News” Heaton bans a world leader from attending his birthday and spitballs alternate nominations for the head of Interpol. He’s then joined by Deanna Easley, host of the “Black in the Day” podcast, to talk about black history, the Botham Jean shooting, and whether America is becoming more or less racist.

Ep. 8 | Puppy Grooming Licenses | Guest: Shoshanna Weissman Nov 21, 2018

Shoshanna Weissman, a rogue policy wonk at the R Street Institute joins Heaton to discuss the dumbest occupational licenses in the United States, many of which either involve corpses or flowers. Plus, updates on an America hero who chases down a perp from his riding lawn mower.

Ep. 7 | Stock Market Tips from Oblivious Comedians | Guest: Mahesh Kotagi Nov 20, 2018

Heaton brings back "Animal News" to cover drunk raccoons, a lost camel, and whether pet alligators are better than cats. Then comedian Mahesh Kotagi joins to offer perspective on Apu from The Simpsons, and how political correctness affects standup. Plus ruin your portfolio with "Stock Market Tips from Comedians."

Ep. 6 | The Mathematical Case Against Democracy | Guest: Dr. Andrea Jones-Rooy Nov 19, 2018

Heaton brings on comedian and verified smart person Andrea Jones-Rooy to discuss the soft, problematic underbelly of democracy: math. Plus: News from Canada, including a butter heist and a mythical Thunderbird.

Ep. 5 l The Three Languages of Politics | Guest: Arnold Kling Nov 16, 2018

In today's podcast we take a deep breath and skip the headlines and segments to do an actual, honest-to-god interview with a thoughtful adult. Arnold Kling is the author of "The Three Languages of Politics: Talking Across Political Divides." He's an expert on how people think and the filters conservatives, progressives, and libertarians interprets things through.

Ep. 4 | Amazon Should Build Its Own City | Guest: Jim Swift Nov 15, 2018

Amazon Should Build Its Own City, with guest Jim Swift

Amazon finally picks two overwhelmingly unsurprising locations for its HQ, and Heaton talks to The Weekly Standard's Jim Swift about the perils of corporate cronyism. Plus:, "Naughty Parts from Around the World": a segment devoted entirely to scandals and sex.

Ep. 3 | Ghosts and Creepy Dolls on Paranormal News | Guest: Brian Brushwood Nov 14, 2018

The most interesting thing about the midterms wasn't Red Team vs. Blue Team, it was state propositions. "Modern Rogue" founder and touring magician Brian Brushwood joins Heaton to talk about gerrymandering, legal weed, minimum wage, and how to properly eat a light bulb. PLUS: ghosts and creepy dolls on Paranormal News.

Ep. 2 | The Exhausted Middle | Guest: Royce Sharp Nov 14, 2018

Filmmaker Royce Sharp joins to discuss a better way to view the electorate than Red Team and Blue Team, and the large but quiet "exhausted middle." Plus learn about why Heaton's arch-nemesis is a penguin in "Animal News."

Ep. 1 | Censorship in China | Guest: Turner Sparks Nov 13, 2018

In China, you submit your jokes to the government and the commies edit them for you. International comedian Turner Sparks joins to talk about being funny in an authoritarian regime. Plus, find out about Holographic Reagan and how Heaton's cryptocurrency portfolio is doing in "Tech News."

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