The Rational Egoist

A Philosophy of Magic – with Owen Christensen In this episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael Liebowitz speaks with Owen Christensen—an Objectivist, magician, and author of Thinking About The Art of Magic. They explore the philosophical foundations of magic as a performing art, the role of illusion in a reality-based worldview, and how magic can express deep values while captivating the rational m...

Symbols and Rituals – A Conversation with Jim Valliant In this episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael Liebowitz is joined by Jim Valliant for a fascinating discussion on the role of symbols and rituals in human life. They explore how symbols can embody abstract ideas, the psychological function of rituals, and how these practices can either support or undermine rational living. Through a philosop...

Building the Future: Mark Pellegrino on The American Capitalist Party and The Capitalist Corner In this episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael Liebowitz is joined by Mark Pellegrino—actor, Objectivist, cofounder and chair of The American Capitalist Party, and cohost of The Capitalist Corner YouTube show. Mark discusses the mission and vision behind The American Capitalist Party, the goals of The...

Debating Values – James Stevens Valliant and Michael Liebowitz, Moderated by Mark Pellegrino In this special episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz and returning guest James Stevens Valliant engage in a spirited debate on the nature of values—what they are, how we form them, and their role in guiding human action. Moderated by actor and Objectivist Mark Pellegrino, this conversatio...

Discussing Tariffs – with Phillip W. Magness In this episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael Liebowitz speaks with Phillip W. Magness, an economic historian whose research spans the United States and the broader Atlantic world. They explore the history, purpose, and consequences of tariffs—both past and present—unpacking how protectionist trade policies have impacted economic growth, individual li...

Reviewing All About Eve – with Professor Andrew Bernstein In this episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael Liebowitz is joined by Professor Andrew Bernstein, Objectivist philosopher and author of Red Meat Village, to review the classic film All About Eve. Together, they explore the movie’s themes of ambition, envy, integrity, and betrayal through a philosophical lens. Bernstein offers his perspecti...

Discussing Ayn Rand, Objectivism, and Self-Help – with Thomas Walker-Werth In this episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael Liebowitz speaks with Thomas Walker-Werth, a writer, speaker, and instructor focused on philosophy and self-development. As the founder of Reason for Living, managing editor of The Objective Standard, and fellow at both the Objective Standard Institute and the Foundation for E...

Discussing Patrick Henry – A Conversation with Lawrence W. Reed In this episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael Liebowitz welcomes Lawrence W. Reed, President Emeritus of the Foundation for Economic Education (FEE), to discuss the life, legacy, and enduring significance of American Founding Father Patrick Henry. Best known for his stirring declaration, “Give me liberty or give me death,” Henry was...

The Risks of Treating Cartels as Terrorist Organizations – A Conversation with Brandan P. Buck Description: In this episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael Liebowitz speaks with Brandan P. Buck, Foreign Policy Research Fellow and historian at the Cato Institute, about the growing calls to designate drug cartels as terrorist organizations. Drawing from his extensive background—which includes milita...

Breaking Habits – A Conversation with Robert Taibbi In this episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael Liebowitz is joined by Robert Taibbi, LCSW—an experienced clinician, supervisor, and clinical director with nearly 50 years of practice. Taibbi shares insights from his extensive career and discusses the psychological mechanisms behind habit formation and how we can break patterns that no longer ser...

American Nationalism – A Conversation with Professor Rogers W. Smith In this episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael Liebowitz speaks with Professor Rogers W. Smith, Christopher H. Browne Distinguished Emeritus Professor of Political Science. Known for his extensive scholarship in constitutional law, American political thought, and modern political theory, Professor Smith offers a deep and nuanced...

The Spirit of an Objectivist – with James Stevens Valliant and Andrew Bernstein In this episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael Liebowitz is joined by two leading Objectivist intellectuals, James Stevens Valliant and Andrew Bernstein, for a deep dive into what it truly means to embody the spirit of an Objectivist. They discuss the philosophical and psychological mindset required to live by reason,...

Prison, Parole, and Brent McCall – A Conversation with Carlos Rebollo Michael sits down with Carlos Rebollo, who served 24 years in prison after being incarcerated at just 15 years old. Now a successful entrepreneur with his own hair braiding business and a public speaker, Carlos shares his experiences with the prison system, the challenges of parole, and his perspective on Brent McCall. He also d...

Is Peace Possible Between Israelis and Palestinians? – A Conversation with Phil Saunders Michael sits down with Phil Saunders, a British-Israeli living in Tsur Hadassah, near the Green Line, to discuss the prospects for peace between Israelis and Palestinians. As a co-leader of a decade-long Israeli-Palestinian coexistence project, Saunders shares his firsthand experiences working toward dialogue...

Critical Thinking Therapy – A Conversation with Dr. Linda Elder Michael sits down with Dr. Linda Elder, an educational psychologist and one of the world’s leading authorities on critical thinking. As the president of the Foundation for Critical Thinking and executive director of the Center for Critical Thinking, Dr. Elder discusses how critical thinking can be applied to personal growth, emotional...

Fiction, Philosophy, and Heroism – A Conversation with Andrew Bernstein Michael sits down with Andrew Bernstein, Objectivist philosopher, professor, and novelist, to discuss the role of fiction in conveying philosophical ideas. They explore how literature can inspire heroism, individualism, and rational values. Bernstein also shares insights into his latest novel, its themes, and its connection to...

Exploring Market Economics – with Matthew Geiger Michael sits down with Matthew Geiger, a scholar and researcher at the Carl Menger Institute for Market Economics. Currently pursuing his Ph. D. in Economics at Rey Juan Carlos University under the guidance of Professor Philipp Bagus, Geiger shares his insights on Austrian economics, free markets, and the challenges facing economic policy today. Mic...

Debating Various Issues of Interest to Objectivists and Libertarians – with Stephan Kinsella Michael engages in a lively debate with Stephan Kinsella, a libertarian theorist and anarcho-capitalist, as they explore key issues that divide Objectivists and libertarians. They discuss topics such as intellectual property, the role of the state, and foundational philosophical differences between the two...

he Transformative Power of Objectivism – with James Stevens Valliant Michael speaks with James Stevens Valliant about the profound impact of Objectivism on individuals and society. They discuss how Ayn Rand’s philosophy transforms one’s approach to ethics, reason, and personal growth, as well as its implications for politics and culture. Michael Leibowitz, host of The Rational Egoist podcast, is a...

A Conversation with David Friedman – Economics, Law, and Anarchy Michael sits down with David D. Friedman, an economist, physicist, legal scholar, and prominent "anarcho-capitalist" theorist. They explore his unique approach to law and economics, his views on market-based legal systems, and the philosophical underpinnings of a stateless society. Michael Leibowitz, host of The Rational Eg...

Debating Anarchy – With Dr. Walter Block Michael engages in a thought-provoking debate with Dr. Walter Block, an Austrian School economist and anarcho-capitalist theorist. They discuss the philosophical and practical implications of anarcho-capitalism, the role of the state, and the economic foundations of a truly free society. Michael Leibowitz, host of The Rational Egoist podcast, is a philosoph...

Prison to Podcaster – A Discussion with Ian Bick Michael sits down with Ian Bick, an entrepreneur and podcaster who served time in federal prison. They discuss his journey from incarceration to building a new life, the challenges of reintegration, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Michael Leibowitz, host of The Rational Egoist podcast, is a philosopher and political activist who draws in...

Being a Female Cop – with Alison Sullivan Michael speaks with Alison Sullivan, a retired detective with 20 years of service on the police force. They discuss her experiences as a female officer, the challenges of law enforcement, and how policing has evolved over the years. Michael Leibowitz, host of The Rational Egoist podcast, is a philosopher and political activist who draws inspiration from Ay...

Reviewing Spartacus with Professor Andrew Bernstein Michael and Professor Andrew Bernstein, an Objectivist philosopher and radical for capitalism, analyze the classic film Spartacus. They discuss its philosophical themes, historical accuracy, and how it portrays issues of freedom, heroism, and individualism. Michael Leibowitz, host of The Rational Egoist podcast, is a philosopher and political act...

Objectivism vs. Libertarianism: Debating with Jack V. Lloyd Michael engages in a lively debate with Jack V. Lloyd, a libertarian thinker, producer, and author of Philosophical Voluntarism. They explore the fundamental differences between Objectivism and libertarianism, challenging each other on issues of philosophy, individual rights, and the role of government in a free society. Michael Leibowitz...