Mike Williams’ Capital Idea

You’ve seen “In God We Trust.” But have you ever heard what America’s first coin actually said? Hint: it wasn’t about belief. The founders weren’t preaching what you should believe - it was about action. In this episode, we explore Benjamin Franklin's 1787 Fugio coin and uncover its message “Mind Your Business” and what it reveals about freedom, responsibility, and the roots of capitalism. We cont...

May Day has become a rallying point for anti-capitalist protest: “No Work, No School, No Shopping." But what if the deeper crisis is not exploitation, but confusion? In this short solo episode, Mike revisits his “Mayday for the Mind” theme (a speech he gave at Ben-Gurion University in Israel a few years ago) and argues that the real emergency is our failure to understand production, the role of th...

What does civic engagement have to do with capitalism? More than most people think. In this episode, Mike Williams interviews Sue Moore of Liberty Scorecard Colorado about why free markets depend on informed citizens, accountable lawmakers, and a culture that takes liberty seriously. They also explore a tougher question: are people on the Right as consistent about free markets and individual right...

In this episode of Capital Idea, Mike and Mitch discuss recent tariff actions by the Trump administration, why tariffs function as taxes on American consumers, and how emergency powers have been used to impose them. They examine Congress’s constitutional role in taxation, recent House votes to challenge tariffs, and the economic impact on families and free trade principles.

Mike Williams interviews TerryJosiah Sharpe about his journey from skepticism about capitalism to embracing it as a tool for freedom, and how the Leadership Program of the Rockies helped shape that understanding. TerryJosiah shares how he founded Anthem Music Enterprises to use music and entertainment to address mental health, scale community programs for youth, and create career opportunities for...

Mike Williams interviews Dr. Steve Crews, the 2025 Defenders of Capitalism Award winner, about his journey from a small farming town to West Point, a PhD in robotics, and leadership in the Leadership Program of the Rockies. Cruz explains how a commitment to reason and individual rights forms the moral foundation for capitalism. The conversation covers science vs. faith, education and accreditation...

Mike Williams interviews Nadine Strossen, former ACLU president, Senior FIRE Fellow, and free‑speech expert, about the vital link between free expression, capitalism, and a free society. They discuss campus censorship, government pressure on institutions and platforms, self‑censorship, and legal battles that protect viewpoint neutrality. Strossen explains why free speech underpins individual liber...

In this episode of Defenders of Capitalism, Michael Williams and Mitch Whitus sit down with Bob Schaffer, former U.S. Congressman, Chairman of the Leadership Program of the Rockies, and the acclaimed headmaster of Liberty Common School. They have a wide-ranging conversation on liberty, leadership, and the future of education in America. Schaffer reflects on the values that shaped him, the battles...

Hosts Mike Williams and Mitch Whitus examine the Federal Reserve’s role in setting interest rates, its growing powers since the Great Recession, and recent political pressure on its independence. They explain how central banking influences inflation, borrowing, and the broader economy. Drawing on Hayek’s knowledge problem and the moral case for capitalism, the episode argues for preserving Fed ind...

Mike and Mitch discuss eudaimonia — the Greek idea of human flourishing — and why modern abundance (think Amazon Prime Day) hasn’t made Americans happier. They explore how media, distrust, and polarization feed a cycle of unhappiness despite technological and material progress. The episode looks at possible remedies: focusing on purpose, meaningful work, and strong relationships. And they have a d...

Lord Daniel Hannan is one of the most eloquent defenders of classical liberalism in the modern era. A former member of the European Parliament and a key voice behind Brexit, Hannan has spent decades championing individual rights, free markets, and limited government on the global stage. In our conversation, he reflects on the enduring brilliance of the American Founding, the dangers of centralized...

In this wide-ranging discussion about film, art, and activism, Mike talks with Jo Jensen , a seasoned film producer, political strategist, media consultant, and entrepreneur who has dedicated her career to helping principled candidates succeed without abandoning their ideals. In this episode, Jo shares how she transitioned from Capitol Hill to empowering liberty-minded voices nationwide. We discus...

In this episode, Mike and Mitch cover a wide variety of topics and updates, including their review of the 2025 LPR Retreat and thoughts on Ukraine and Trump's Tariffs.

Mike interviews one of the 2024 LPR Defenders of Capitalism Co-Winners, Jameson Dion. They discuss Jameson's experience in LPR/DoC, growing up in Indonesia, his activism around school & parental choice post-Covid, the impact of policy & tariffs on international business, and much more.   Resources from this episode: Colorado Parent Advocacy Network

While Defenders of Capitalism are generally skeptical about President-elect Trump’s 2nd term cabinet nominations so far, we are excited about his choice for Energy Secretary: Chris Wright, CEO of Liberty Energy. Wright has a broad understanding of the need for cheap, safe, reliable energy and innovation, as well as the function that free markets play. Mike sat down with Chris in a wide ranging con...

This special episode is a conversation with Emmy-award winning filmmaker Duncan Scott and long-time objectivist & producer Robert Begley on Individualism vs Tyranny and the film our culture desperately needs to see. Duncan and Robert tell the astounding story of the recovery and restoration of the Italian film of Ayn Rand's "We the Living." The film was made in Italy during World War II and th...

In this episode, we wanted to bring in a unique lens on pro-liberty and capitalism in the media with journalist and economic analyst Brad Polumbo . Mike & Brad cover a lot of ground and explore how young people often identify with their understanding of a freedom ideology, but are frustrated and not wanting to associate with political parties. They discuss the evolving media and mostly biased...

Now that the Democratic National Convention is over, we thought it would only be appropriate to talk about Kamala Harris’ VP pick – Tim Walz, current Governor of Minnesota. After our episode about JD Vance , we thought there’s no way Harris was going to choose someone worse than Vance, for anyone who understands and supports capitalism, but she may very well have... 

In this episode, we dive into the Paris Olympic Games with a thought-provoking discussion, acknowledging all the wokeness, Nationalism and culture war BS, but focusing on the pursuit of excellence.    We explore how the spirit of competition, innovation, and determination showcased in the Olympics parallels the principles of capitalism. Join us as we celebrate the athletes' achievements, examine t...

Mike and Mitch discuss Trump's recent VP pick and his anti-capitalist, anti-American Founders views, as well as what it means to be a classical liberal. Voters must again decide between power hungry collectivists and the lessor of evils. Meanwhile, here's what pro-freedom supporters must do....

Drew Esquivel is the 2022 Defenders of Capitalism Runner Up and Vice President of First Bank in Greeley, CO. Mike interviews Drew on his experience with the Defenders of Capitalism Project as well as the question of if Elon Musk is truly a capitalist. Elon Musk is a successful entrepreneur and investor, but does he truly believe in the principles of capitalism and free markets, especially when his...

We see celebrities, athletes, and very successful entertainers in pop culture who seemingly benefit from capitalism and free markets but are advocates for socialism and other anti-capitalism ideas. Mike and Mitch dive into this paradox and how it impacts society.

After the recent Iran attack on Israel, Mitch and Mike cover the deep connection between the current wars in Ukraine and Israel and the role of defending capitalism.

Bernie Sanders recently proposed a new bill, the "32-Hour Workweek Act". In this proposal, the act would include a reduction to a 32-hour workweek without a decrease in pay or benefits. Although this sounds appealing, Mike and Mitch discuss the possible implications and potential repercussions with a mandated 32-hour workweek. Instead, defenders of capitalism should advocate for freedom in the wor...

Who Is Poisoning the Blood? Trump's rhetoric. You heard that right -- it's time to call out Trump's rhetoric on immigration in December 2023 (and prior). Capitalism and immigration go hand in hand, and Trump's inability to acknowledge the connection is poisoning politics more than ever before and furthermore letting down the people who follow him. Mitch and Mike shed light on the disturbing quotes...