The Bob Murphy Show

Dan McCarthy, Editor at Large of The American Conservative, joins Bob to discuss his view that conservatives and libertarians should stop heaping contempt on democracy. McCarthy argues that the elites are the real threat to liberty, not the masses. Mentioned in the Episode and Other Links of Interest: The YouTube version of this interviewThe homepages for Modern Age and The American Conservative For more information, see BobMurphyShow.com. The Bob Murphy Show is also available on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, and via RSS.

Peter Schiff famously called the housing crash but thinks the real crash is still on the way. He talks with Bob about his background in the financial sector, and why the networks no longer book him for interviews. They also discuss minarchism vs. anarcho-capitalism, and Peter’s decision to move to Puerto Rico. Mentioned in the Episode and Other Links of Interest: The YouTube version of this interviewThe website for Peter’s books. Peter’s books Crash Proof and The Real CrashThe YouTube compilation, “Peter Schiff Was Right.” Peter’s YouTube channelThe Peter Schiff Show For more information, see BobMurphyShow.com. The Bob Murphy Show is also available on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, and via RSS.

Bob unveils a new series in which he explains and then evaluates apparent contradictions in the way free-market libertarians handle certain issues. Mentioned in the Episode and Other Links of Interest: Bastiat’s “Petition of the Candlemakers”Bob’s article on price gouging For more information, see BobMurphyShow.com. The Bob Murphy Show is also available on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, and via RSS.

GMU economics professor Chris Coyne explains how US militarism abroad ends up violating civil liberties on the home front. They also discuss the contributions of James Buchanan that should interest Austrian economists. Mentioned in the Episode and Other Links of Interest: The YouTube version of this interviewChris Coyne’s webpage and his book Tyranny Comes HomeThe LSE essays on cost (edited by Buchanan)Tom DiLorenzo article on Public ChoiceRothbard’s essay on reconstructing utility and welfare economics, his reply to Schuller on praxeology, and his essay on Progressivism and WW1.Bob’s booklet on market anarchy and essay on private defense.Bob Murphy Show ep. 102 on the Grievance Studies hoax For more information, see BobMurphyShow.com. The Bob Murphy Show is also available on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, and via RSS.

Bob offers his commentary on the movies “The Hunt” and “The Purge”—both produced by Blumhouse Productions—and focuses on whether The Purge storyline offers a challenge to Rothbard’s depiction of anarcho-capitalism. For more information, see BobMurphyShow.com. The Bob Murphy Show is also available on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, and via RSS.

Libertarian writer David Ramsay Steele joins Bob for a fun tour of some essays from his collection, "The Mystery of Fascism". Mentioned in the Episode and Other Links of Interest: The YouTube version of this episode.David Ramsay Steele’s books The Mystery of Fascism and From Marx to Mises.Bryan Caplan’s article endorsing the Thomas Szasz approach to mental illness.Comedian Bill Hicks on the JFK assassination. For more information, see BobMurphyShow.com. The Bob Murphy Show is also available on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, and via RSS.

Bob reads from an article recently tweeted out by the NEA, which calls for an end to schooling as we know it in order to promote anti-racism. He then discusses what the Fed has been up to since the coronavirus panic began. Mentioned in the Episode and Other Links of Interest: The YouTube version of this episode (with lots of visuals).Karlyn Borysenko’s YouTube episode on the NEA tweet.Jamilah Pitts’ article on school transformation.Fed article talking about dividend payments to member banks.Total assets of the Federal Reserve System. For more information, see BobMurphyShow.com. The Bob Murphy Show is also available on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, and via RSS.

Monetary economist George Selgin agrees with Bob on the flaws with MMT, but then the two continue their debate (started at the Soho Forum) on fractional reserve free banking. The episode also includes George’s background and thoughts on Bitcoin. Mentioned in the Episode and Other Links of Interest: The YouTube version of this episodeGeorge’s monograph Praxeology and UnderstandingMises’ book Theory and HistoryBob’s review of MMTGeorge and Bob debate at the Soho ForumGeorge’s article (co-authored with Larry White) defending fractional reserve free banking. Bob’s recent QJAE contribution to the debate.George’s articles at Alt-M on Canadian free banking, and 3 devoted to Scotland: one, two, and three.George’s interview on crytopcurrency. For more information, see BobMurphyShow.com. The Bob Murphy Show is also available on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, and via RSS.

Former Military Intelligence Sergeant Donnie Gebert returns to the show, this time to explain some of the major elements of his new book, The Art of War 2020. Gebert draws on his eclectic background to give techniques for navigating the modern world. Mentioned in the Episode and Other Links of Interest: The YouTube version of this episodeDonnie Gebert’s The Art of War, 2020 (pdf)Donnie’s original appearance on BMS ep 42Daily Show bit on Ron PaulSNL bit poking fun at Ross Perot For more information, see BobMurphyShow.com. The Bob Murphy Show is also available on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, and via RSS.

Richard Ebeling is the BB&T Distinguished Professor of Ethics and Free Enterprise Leadership at The Citadel. (He was also a professor at Hillsdale College, where he taught Bob Murphy.) As a master of the history of economic thought, as well as a personal participant in some of the major events, Richard recounts to Bob some of the important history of the Austrian School in the 20th century. Mentioned in the Episode and Other Links of Interest: The YouTube version of this episode.Richard Ebeling’s AIER essay on Krugman.Richard’s interview with G.L.S. Shackle.Richard’s book For a New Liberalism. #CommissionsEarned (As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.) For more information, see BobMurphyShow.com. The Bob Murphy Show is also available on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, and via RSS.

Dr. Michael Rectenwald was a professor of liberal studies at NYU from 2008 to 2019. Although at one point he was a committed Marxist, he gradually lost faith, and is now an outspoken critic of campus activists. Bob asks Rectenwald about apparent contradictions in the current cultural Marxist / postmodern movement, and they discuss several themes from his new book, *Beyond Woke*. Mentioned in the Episode and Other Links of Interest: The YouTube version of this episode.Michael Rectenwald’s website.Michael Rectenwald’s books Beyond Woke and Springtime for Snowflakes. #CommissionsEarned (As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)Michael’s lecture on postmodernism at the Mises Institute. For more information, see BobMurphyShow.com. The Bob Murphy Show is also available on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, and via RSS.

For the LP Mises Caucus, Bob received a slew of questions to be answered in a half hour. The topics range from business cycle to free trade to a "voluntary" State. Mentioned in the Episode and Other Links of Interest: The YouTube version of this episode. For more information, see BobMurphyShow.com. The Bob Murphy Show is also available on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, and via RSS.

Eric July is the front man for the street-hop/metalcore group Backwordz. He discusses his personal odyssey in navigating the leftist metal scene. Bob then asks Eric about another of his major interests, comic books. Mentioned in the Episode and Other Links of Interest: Eric July’s homepage.The website for Backwordz.Eric’s YouTube review of Captain Marvel. For more information, see BobMurphyShow.com. The Bob Murphy Show is also available on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, and via RSS.

In the Ron Howard movie "A Beautiful Mind," Russell Crowe plays John Nash, a major figure in game theory. Although it was a good movie, it totally misconstrues Nash's doctoral dissertation and how it fit into the pre-existing literature. In this episode, Bob sets the record straight. Mentioned in the Episode and Other Links of Interest: John Nash’s doctoral dissertation.Bob’s link for Liberty Classroom. (If you click this link and then register, the site will know you came from me.)Sylvia Nasar’s book that inspired the Ron Howard movie about Nash. #CommissionsEarned (As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)A good explanation of the Allais Paradox (which shows limits of expected utility theory).Bob Murphy Show ep. 96, which starts with critique of use of game theory. For more information, see BobMurphyShow.com. The Bob Murphy Show is also available on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, and via RSS.

DC execs think Superman is "too perfect" to resonate with modern audiences, but Dan Sanchez profoundly disagrees. He and Bob discuss this issue and other topics in the intersection of politics & superhero movies. Mentioned in the Episode and Other Links of Interest: Dan Sanchez’s FEE articleBob’s previous interview with Dan on the JokerThe Captain America clipBob’s article Superman Needs an AgentJordan Peterson on Cain and AbelSome Supes clips mentioned: one, two, three, and four For more information, see BobMurphyShow.com. The Bob Murphy Show is also available on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, and via RSS.

Bob explains some of the highlights of his newly released chapter for the Mises Institute book on “Understanding Money Mechanics.” He explains the operation of the classical gold standard, as well as some of the issues of US bimetallism during the 1800s. Mentioned in the Episode and Other Links of Interest: Bob’s new essay on the gold standardBob’s book on capitalism #CommissionsEarned (as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases)Bob on the 1920–21 Depression For more information, see BobMurphyShow.com. The Bob Murphy Show is also available on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, and via RSS.

George Reisman is economics professor emeritus at Pepperdine University. He is one of the few people to get his PhD under Mises. After sharing anecdotes about Mises and Rand, he discusses his contributions to economic theory. In particular, Reisman argues that profits, not wages, are the original form of income. Mentioned in the Episode and Other Links of Interest: The YouTube version of this interviewGeorge Reisman’s website and Capitalism.net, and his Twitter accountReisman’s book Capitalism. #CommissionsEarned (As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)Reisman’s Notes on his translation of Bohm-Bawerk on value theoryReisman on James Mill and Say’s LawIsrael Kirzner’s review of Capitalism For more information, see BobMurphyShow.com. The Bob Murphy Show is also available on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, and via RSS.

Bob first observes that the Left (institutionally) hates Christianity, and that standard explanations, such as its alleged bigotry, don't explain why the Left gives Islam a pass. Christianity stands in the way of the Leftist agenda. Moreover, if the Devil exists, he would favor not just the "false religion" of environmentalism and Marxism, but also postmodernism, for Jesus is the Logos. Ultimately, the gospel reconciles God and man, which is not what the Devil wants. Mentioned in the Episode and Other Links of Interest: An example of James Lindsay arguing about 2+2=5 on Twitter.A Mises University presentation on Antonio Gramsci.The Snopes article “debunking” claim that Saul Alinsky dedicated his book to Lucifer.Wikipedia entry on “Logos” in Christology context.John Piper on the opening of the gospel of John.Bob’s debate (ep. 133) with Thaddeus Russell on postmodernism as a foundation for liberty. For more information, see BobMurphyShow.com. The Bob Murphy Show is also available on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, and via RSS.

Tom DiLorenzo is a Senior Fellow with the Mises Institute who has written several books critical of Lincoln. His latest is "The Problem With Lincoln." Bob asks Tom about his early career in economics, and then they discuss the various ways in which Abe Lincoln was actually a horrible president. Mentioned in the Episode and Other Links of Interest: The YouTube version of this interview.Tom DiLorenzo’s books The Problem With Lincoln and The Real Lincoln, and with Jim Bennett The Food and Drink Police. #CommissionsEarned (As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)BMS ep. 71 with Mark Thornton, and ep. 81 with Jeffrey Rogers Hummel, both on the economics of slavery.Tom’s 1982 article (with Jim Bennett) in the American Economic Review.Rothbard on “just war” theory. For more information, see BobMurphyShow.com. The Bob Murphy Show is also available on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, and via RSS.

As a follow-up to his discussion on MMT with Rohan Grey (in ep. 130), Bob goes solo to explain the basic cash balance framework for thinking about money, inflation, and debt. Specifically, Bob will explain why he thinks it's far more important to know how the government finances a deficit rather than knowing what it spends the money on. Mentioned in the Episode and Other Links of Interest: BMS ep. 130 with Rohan Grey.Bob’s infamous inflation bet: response to Krugman/DeLong and his explanation years later for reason.com.Rothbard’s critique of the “equation of exchange,” MV=PQ.Bob’s QJAE article on the economics of fractional reserve banking. For more information, see BobMurphyShow.com. The Bob Murphy Show is also available on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, and via RSS.