Faith and Economics

In this episode, the Gwartney team discusses a looming mental health crisis in the United States. The leading demographic is young women. With an increase in suicidal thoughts, many Americans tend to blame the newly evolved social media. The constant critiquing that comes with these media sites may be influencing our young women badly. Could this be a breakdown of civil society? Would a smartphone...

In this episode, the Gwartney team discusses the United States' role in foreign aid. When the U.S. gets involved in international conflicts, the interests of domestic citizens may not be apparent. What are some of the reasons for the U.S.' increased involvement in foreign affairs? Do these actions move our government in the direction of totalitarianism? Join us for a controversial discussion on th...

In this episode, the Gwartney Team discusses AI's role within the marketplace. Artificial Intelligence has proven to be useful in various industries, improving productivity exponentially. While this is a huge benefit, the team discusses where AI may not be applicable in the future. Will a machine perform a service job better than a human? What is the appropriate level of work in a society rich in...

In this episode, the Gwartney team discusses AI's recent developments and the conveniences it may provide. Yet, as artificial intelligence is making strides in advancement, what does this mean for the future of education? While the team thinks AI is not at a level of eliminating essays from the curriculum, we do believe there will be potential for a transition back to hands-on learning. Some say a...

We are proud to welcome Chad McCullough, an expert on credit score repair to educate on the facts and fiction in the world of credit. How is a credit score composed? Are there incentives for the credit industry to withhold information from consumers? We hope you are able to gather some valuable information about a potential oligopoly.   Timeline: Credit is a Puzzle / 1:30 Are People Comp...

In this episode, the Gwartney Institute discusses issues within Academia. To earn merit within Academia, one is almost required to have some of their work published in a journal, the more prestigious, the better. Yet, there has been an increase in the discussion that the peer-review system is flawed and may be doing more harm than good. The system incentives scholars to create within a narrow scop...

In this episode, the Gwartney team discusses different point of views on the social construct of tipping. What are some of the issues that arise when tipping is prevalent at every food or drink establishment? Is there a moral requirement for tipping? Join us for a lighthearted and fun conversation over tipping and its normalcy.  Timeline: Why do we tip? / 2:30 Value of Information / 10:00 Bia...

In the late 1960s, Paul Ehrlich predicted that the world was facing the mass extinction of land and sea animals. He predicted that the coastline would have to be evacuated ten years after his first book was written due to the smell of dead fish. After the Green Bay Packers defeated the Minnesota Vikings last week, Paul Ehrlich was seen on CBS’ 60 Minutes, restating arguments he made almost 50 year...

As we look back at the holiday season, we feel it is interesting to examine the idea of gifting. During Christmas, consumerism is rampantly increasing, and as we dig further into the concept of gifting, the Gwartney team seems to look more at the potential negatives of gift-giving. Has the idea of gift-giving exceeded what was thought of as its potential? Does gift-giving highlight the core values...

"Are some numbers more significant than others? Are some infinities more extensive than others?  In this episode, Dr. Justin Clarke attempts to explain modern mathematical and philosophical conceptions of the infinite, and what they entail. Peter and Russ resist enlightenment, to their detriment. We hope you enjoy this eye-opening podcast on how to measure and examine the infinite.  Time...

In this episode, the Gwartney team discusses Canada's broadening of its euthanasia bill. The original bill allowed for those struggling with life-altering disabilities and those near death could end their suffering early with the government's help. The bill's new broadening allows any Canadian citizen to apply for euthanization. The team discusses the issues with this new bill and makes an argumen...

In this episode, the Gwartney team gives a rundown of what the Federal Reserve is and how it operates. They describe our current system, fractional reserve banking, and describe pitfalls that have arisen due to it. We discuss how inflation acts as a required tax pressed upon and created by the government. We hope you enjoy and learn something from this podcast! Federal Reserve 101 / 2:00 Why Banks...

In our second, and final, Bitcoin book club, we discuss the more technical details of what cryptocurrency is and how Bitcoin operates. Join us to see how Bitcoin fits into your biblical worldview, the beauty of financial freedom with Bitcoin, and the importance of sound currency.  We would love to thank Chuck Bryant and the Pinnacle Forum for partnering with us on this event! We hope you enjo...

In this episode, the Gwartney team is walking through the beginning of the Bitcoin Standard by Saifedean Ammous. Before diving into the mechanics of cryptocurrency, it is essential to understand what money is and the importance of sound money. We hope you enjoy this informative talk about the significance of monetary policies! 

In recent news, LA city counselors were caught on tape saying derogatory things about those living within their community. Upon this news, the Gwartney team looks to discuss the incentives for such behavior within Los Angeles. The Gwartney team discusses why LA city counselors are paid hefty amounts and why they cannot be kicked out of office. What is at play here: higher cost of living, increased...

In this episode, the Gwartney team welcomes our namesake to the show, Dr. Jim Gwartney. Dr. Gwartney uses his economic expertise to examine the current financial situation of the United States. What has caused this situation? Do the incentives of the people match up with those in power positions? Join us for a great show with the Institutes inspiration  Current & Future Economy / 4:30 Mon...

Do landlords receive a terrible reputation? Most would answer yes, but why is that? In this episode, the Gwartney team discusses some of the positives of renting, especially when mitigating risk for tenants. Join us in changing the way we perceive the life of the landlord! Timeline: The Rhetoric of Landlords / 4:40 Risk Taker / 7:00 The Tragedy of the Commons / 11:00 Jeremiah 29:4 / 14:30 Rent Con...

In this episode, the Gwartney team talks about power and wealth. As a society should we strive to improve geopolitical power? Does power come from wealth? Can we find value in destruction? How does war fit within our pictures of power and wealth? Join us as we answer questions like these and more! Have a happy Halloween!  Timeline: Geopolitical Power / 1:30 Differences of Wealth & Power /...

We are happy to welcome back Dave Trabert of the Kansas Policy Institute! In this episode, we discuss eyebrow-threading licenses and how they could cause inefficiencies in the economy. We dive into other industries, such as barbers, electricians, and roofers, that have licensures or permits and how it could affect their industry. How do policies alter the incentives for people to enter specific in...

Have you ever thought that modern-day sports are adding more theatrics into their games? Dr. Peter Jacobsen leads the team through comparisons of the WWE to the NFL, arguing that the NFL is more similar to the WWE than it seems. We discuss how these theatrics are not at play just in football, but in soccer, basketball, and baseball. Join us for a fun-hearted show!  World Wrestling Entertainme...

In this episode, the Gwartney team welcomes Dave Trabert to the show! Trabert is an expert on the current education system and is asking for your help to change it! In this show, we will be discussing the monopoly of our current education system and what other options are becoming available to deter this monopoly. From charter schools to vouchers, Trabert walks through these ideas of change and re...

In a continuation of last week's show, Justin continues to guide the team through his thesis of individual value. Justin disproves subjective value and Peter has strong opinions on rationality. We hope you enjoy the ending of this conversation! 

We discuss the concept of legal plunder , first proposed by French philosopher and economist Frederic Bastiat in his tract " The Law ." Is there a way to tie this concept to coveting?

In this episode, Justin introduces the theory of subjective value and issues that arise within its premises. Peter disagrees with Justin on where value comes from and how it's measured. Do we consider irrational beings as agents/people? With conversation flowing, we decided to make this topic into a two-parter. We hope you enjoy the beginning and stay tuned for next week's continuation!   Epi...

In this episode, Justin leads the Gwartney team through our conversation regarding the order of operations, no not math. Each state should be responsible for its citizens and engage in policies that benefit them.  What is the correct order of implementing/disengaging specific policies and provisions? Join us for a delightful show! Timeline: Libertarian List / 1:35 Environmental Argument? / 6:...