The Big Questions with Big John

In this episode of The Big Questions with Big John, Professor Fred T. Golder, a law professor and conflict-resolution expert, explains why polarization has intensified, how human psychology, emotion, and identity fuel conflict, and what actually works when people seem impossible to reach. Rather than debating policy positions, this conversation digs deeper into how people […]

In this episode of Big Questions with Big John, author and educator Joe Templin breaks down how real growth happens over time. Drawing from physics, finance, martial arts, education, and personal experience, Templin explains why discipline, consistency, and long-term thinking matter far more than talent, credentials, or shortcuts. This conversation explores how people learn, why […]

In this episode of Big Questions with Big John, fintech entrepreneur David Materazzi, founder of Galileo FX, explains how disciplined thinking and structured decision-making shape real, sustainable success. From growing up in Italy to building a global fintech company, Materazzi shares how calculated risk, long-term systems, and personal accountability matter far more than hype or […]

Many people assume society would instantly collapse without government. This conversation looks at what would actually fail first, what might hold together, and why our assumptions about order don’t always match reality. Economist and anarcho-capitalist Walter Block joins Big John on Big Questions to make the case that it not only could work, but would […]

How did capitalism lift billions out of poverty? Swedish author and classical liberal thinker Johan Norberg joins Big John to destroy the myth that Sweden is socialist and explain why free markets—not government control—transformed human civilization. 🔥 What You’ll Learn:– Why global poverty collapsed in the last 50 years– The truth about Sweden’s economy (it’s [&#82...

Most Americans hold libertarian views on personal freedom, government overreach, and individual rights—they just don’t realize it. Libertarian broadcaster and classical liberal thinker Bob Zadek joins Big John to explore why political labels mislead us, how people discover their own libertarian beliefs, and what’s blocking third-party ideas from real competition. In this episode:&#8211...

From economics professor to police officer at 49 to Libertarian presidential candidate — Mike ter Maat’s journey challenges everything you think you know about law enforcement and liberty. In this Big Questions classic, Big John sits down with Mike ter Maat for an unflinching conversation about policing, constitutional governance, and the moral foundations of individual […]

Stand-up comedian Stacey Prussman ran for NYC mayor during the height of COVID mandates — and her reasons might surprise you. In this Big Questions episode, she breaks down the reality of cancel culture in comedy clubs, why free speech matters more than ever, and what happens when a libertarian challenges New York’s political machine. […]

Comedy legend Jackie “The Joke Man” Martling joins Big John for a hilarious and heartfelt conversation about life, stand-up, and the universal power of laughter—from his early days on Long Island to the Howard Stern Show. A masterclass in humor, resilience, and storytelling. – The origins of his legendary “922-WINE” joke line– Jackie recounts his […]

Big John asks the Big Questions of Craig DeLuz, longtime school board member, business owner, and Republican candidate for California’s 6th Congressional District. In a candid, thoughtful talk, they discuss California’s political decay, restoring reason to governance, and defending constitutional rights. – The role of media in political division– Why Craig DeLuz entered the race [&#823...

Big John interviews libertarian leader Carla Gericke, founder of New Hampshire’s Free State Project, to trace her remarkable journey from apartheid South Africa to American liberty activism. She shares her views on freedom, censorship, and how individuals can reclaim power from the state. – Why she believes the federal system can’t be reformed– Carla’s childhood […]

Dr. Michael Rectenwald—former NYU professor and onetime Marxist—joins Big John to explain how campus censorship turned him toward liberty. From his NYU ordeal to his 2024 presidential run, Rectenwald explores freedom, free speech, and the fight against collectivism. – The case for abolishing alphabet agencies and foreign aid– The transformation from Marxism to libertarianism– How...

Former Mises Institute president Jeff Deist joins Big John for a deep dive into liberty, economics, money, and the meaning of freedom in a modern society. They explore whether “libertarian” still means what it once did, the role of sound money, and whether decentralization offers a path forward. – Trump, decentralization, and global trends– What […]

Big John sits down with libertarian writer and former radio host Jack Hunter to explore his transformation from a provocative “Southern Avenger” persona into a reflective liberty advocate. They unpack his early influences, his public reckoning, and what he’s learned about maturity, freedom, and redemption. – Personal growth, libertarian philosophy, and self-reflection– Jack’s early yea...

Dr. Wilfred Reilly joins Big John to discuss the dangers of academic groupthink, how false narratives on race and history take hold, and what his latest book — Lies My Liberal Teacher Told Me — reveals about modern education and media bias. – Why objective truth and data-driven thinking still matter– Reilly’s early work debunking […]

Big John sits down with Professor Randy Barnett, one of America’s leading libertarian legal scholars, to discuss his journey from a working-class Midwesterner to a renowned constitutional theorist and advocate of originalism. Viewers learn how philosophy shaped his legal mind, why he sees justice as universal, and how libertarianism can thrive in the real world. […]

Economist Bryan Caplan joins Big John to discuss his new book “Build Baby Build: The Science and Ethics of Housing” exploring how regulation drives high housing costs, why economics literacy matters, and how free markets could make life more affordable. – How free markets could lower costs and boost opportunity– The origins of Caplan’s libertarian […]

Philosopher Matt Zwolinski joins Big John to explore the evolution of libertarian thought—from Ayn Rand to Friedrich Hayek—and how “bleeding-heart libertarianism” connects freedom with moral responsibility. A wide-ranging discussion on liberty, markets, and ethics. – Why liberty requires both principle and compassion– Zwolinski’s early influences and academic path– Libertarianism...

Big John sits down with economist Dr. Benjamin Powell, Executive Director of the Free Market Institute at Texas Tech, for a deep conversation on economics, immigration, sweatshops, and why socialism fails. Powell explains how free markets create prosperity and dispels myths about capitalism’s critics. – Balancing liberty, limited government, and cultural institutions– Dr. Powell’s path...

Former WWE superstar “Kane,” now Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs, joins Big John for an in-depth talk on liberty, politics, and the American dream. From life on the farm to global fame, Jacobs shares lessons on self-reliance, leadership, and how freedom shaped his path. – Reflections on fame, character, and personal values– Glenn Jacobs’ path […]

Former Libertarian VP candidate Spike Cohen joins Big John to explore the philosophy and politics of liberty — from his personal journey and the future of the Libertarian Party to building a culture of freedom that transcends left vs. right. – Thoughts on Trump, compromise, and principled outreach– Spike Cohen’s path from business to libertarian […]

Big John sits down with entrepreneur, Marine veteran, and Libertarian leader Larry Sharpe for an in-depth conversation about leadership, liberty, free speech, and the future of New York. From reforming education to protecting individual rights, Sharpe shares practical ways to make government smaller and communities stronger. – Funding solutions beyond taxation: public-private partnerships&#8...

Big John sits down with comedian and podcaster Chrissie Mayr to talk about her rise from Long Island to national stages, her time at Compound Media, and her fearless defense of free speech in comedy and culture. – Chrissie’s comedic origins and early career at NBC & Conan– Life lessons from diving, improv, and stand-up– […]