The Rational Egoist

Objectivism, Montessori Education, and Effective Parenting, with Catherine Dickerson Catherine Dickerson, an Objectivist with 35 years of experience in education and psychotherapy, joins Michael to discuss the intersections between Objectivism, the Montessori Method, and Parent Effectiveness Training. From fostering independence in children to equipping parents with the tools to raise rational, se...

Understanding Motivation, with Dr. Ray W. Christner In this episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael Liebowitz speaks with Dr. Ray W. Christner, Psy. D., NCSP, ABPP. A licensed psychologist and nationally certified school psychologist, Dr. Christner brings his extensive expertise to a discussion on psychological development, educational systems, and the intersection of mental health and learning. T...

In this compelling episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael Liebowitz is joined by Shadia Drury, Professor Emerita at the University of Regina and former Canada Research Chair in Social Justice. Shadia shares her insights on social justice, political philosophy, and the broader cultural and ethical implications of her work. The discussion navigates through her critical views on contemporary politic...

Christian Ethics Contra Objectivist Ethics, with James Stevens Valliant In this thought-provoking episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael Liebowitz is joined by James Stevens Valliant for an in-depth discussion on the contrasting views of Christian ethics and Objectivist ethics. James provides a critical examination of the differences between these ethical systems, unpacking their implications for...

Discussing the Soho Forum Debates, with Gene Epstein In this engaging episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael Liebowitz sits down with Gene Epstein, economist and founder of the renowned Soho Forum debates. They delve into the origin and purpose of these unique Oxford-style debates, their role in fostering intellectual discourse, and the impact they've had on public discussions surrounding eco...

Anarchism: A Discussion with Vincent Geloso In this thought-provoking episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael Liebowitz is joined by Vincent Geloso, Assistant Professor of Economics at George Mason University. Together, they explore the principles of anarchism, its implications for economics and governance, and its place in the broader intellectual landscape. Vincent, author of Rethinking Canadian...

Thinking Directions: A Conversation with Jean Moroney In this episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael Liebowitz welcomes Jean Moroney, President of "Thinking Directions." Jean shares her expertise in teaching managers and professionals how to harness targeted thinking to solve problems efficiently, make better decisions, and complete projects with confidence. Drawing on her years of expe...

Discussing Birthright Citizenship, with Professor Richard Epstein In this episode of The Rational Egoist , Michael Liebowitz engages with Professor Richard Epstein, the esteemed Laurence A. Tisch Professor of Law at NYU School of Law. Together, they explore the concept of birthright citizenship, examining its historical roots, legal interpretations, and implications for modern society. Professor E...

Philosophy and Debate: Talking with Liquid Zulu In this episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael Liebowitz sits down with Liquid Zulu, a philosopher, podcaster, and social media personality known for his sharp insights and thought-provoking commentary. Together, they delve into philosophical principles, explore contentious debates, and discuss how philosophy shapes our understanding of the world. L...

Non-Negotiables: Defining Core Values with Dr. Nauman Naeem In this thought-provoking episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael Liebowitz is joined by Dr. Nauman Naeem, a pulmonary and critical care specialist with a lifelong fascination for human behaviour and self-actualisation. Together, they explore the concept of "non-negotiables"—the values and principles that form the foundation of...

The Art of Persuasion: Discussing Rhetoric with Professor Rob Danisch In this episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael Liebowitz welcomes Professor Rob Danisch, an expert in communication arts at Waterloo University, to discuss the timeless power of rhetoric. Together, they explore how rhetoric shapes public discourse, its role in effective persuasion, and the ethical considerations it demands. Pro...

Exploring Philosophy, Politics, and Economics with David Pharr In this episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael Liebowitz sits down with David Pharr, a young thinker with a keen interest in philosophy, politics, and economics. Together, they explore the intersections of these disciplines, discussing how philosophical principles inform political and economic systems. David shares his unique perspect...

Adjusting to Freedom: A Conversation About Prison Reform with Luis Mattei Jr. In this powerful episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael Liebowitz speaks with Luis Mattei Jr. about the challenges of adjusting to life after incarceration. Drawing from their personal experiences, Michael and Luis discuss the realities of reentry into society, the flaws within the prison system, and the urgent need for...

The Importance of Leaving Our Comfort Zones, with Michelle Tennant Nicholson, M.A. In this episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael Liebowitz is joined by Michelle Tennant Nicholson, M.A., an award-winning author, international publicist, and expert in human development. Together, they explore the transformative power of stepping outside our comfort zones, the psychological barriers that hold us ba...

An Old Friend: A Conversation with Subby Scalora In this deeply personal episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz sits down with Subby Scalora, the friend who offered him a place to stay after his release from prison. Together, they discuss their shared history, the challenges of reintegration, and the significance of unwavering support in difficult times. Subby reflects on his decis...

Libertarian Fury: Discussing Rose Wilder Lane, with Professor David Beito In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz is joined by Professor David Beito for an exploration of the life and ideas of Rose Wilder Lane, one of the “founding mothers” of modern libertarianism. Beito, a historian with extensive work on Lane, T.R.M. Howard, and the New Deal’s encroachments on civil liber...

The Rational Egoist: Is Politics an Appropriate Branch of Philosophy? A Debate with Liquid Zulu In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz welcomes Liquid Zulu, a podcaster and internet personality with a deep interest in philosophy, politics, and economics, for a lively debate. Together, they explore whether politics should be considered a distinct branch of philosophy or mere...

Exploring Free Will with James Stevens Valliant In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz is joined by James Stevens Valliant for an in-depth discussion on the nature of free will. Together, they examine the philosophical foundations of volition, its implications for ethics and responsibility, and how free will is understood within Objectivism. Valliant shares insights into th...

The Reality of X, and Its Ramifications, with David Polansky In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz is joined by David Polansky, political theorist and senior fellow at The Institute for Peace and Diplomacy, to explore the reality of X (Twitter) and its broader social and political implications. Polansky delves into the platform’s role in shaping public discourse, its influ...

Emotional Intelligence, with Dr. Sandra Wartski In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz welcomes Dr. Sandra Wartski, a licensed psychologist with over three decades of experience at Silber Psychological Services. Dr. Wartski discusses the concept of emotional intelligence, its role in personal and professional success, and how it impacts relationships and decision-making. Dr...

The Cost of Mass Deportations, with David Bier In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz speaks with David Bier, research fellow for immigration studies at the Cato Institute, about the economic, social, and moral costs of mass deportations. Bier, an expert on border security, interior enforcement, and legal immigration, examines the logistical challenges and unintended conseq...

Reviewing Jeremiah Johnson with Professor Andrew Bernstein In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz is joined by Professor Andrew Bernstein, a renowned Objectivist philosopher, professor, and prolific author. Together, they delve into the 1972 classic film Jeremiah Johnson, exploring its themes, characters, and philosophical underpinnings through the lens of Objectivism. Tune...

Skeptical of Doge, with Professor Michael Munger In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz is joined by Professor Michael Munger, political science professor and director of the PPE Certificate Program at Duke University, to discuss the cultural phenomenon of Dogecoin and other speculative trends. Drawing from his insights on markets, decision-making, and his article Elon Musk...

The American Capitalist Party with Mark Pellegrino In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz talks with Mark Pellegrino, actor, Objectivist, and co-founder of The American Capitalist Party. Pellegrino shares the vision and mission of the party, explaining its commitment to individual rights, free markets, and limited government. The conversation delves into how the party aims...

What is Objectivism? Who are Objectivists? With James Stevens Valliant In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz is joined by James Stevens Valliant to explore the foundational philosophy of Objectivism. Together, they discuss its core principles, such as reason, individualism, and rational self-interest, and what it means to live as an Objectivist. Valliant, an expert on Ayn...