The Reason Interview With Nick Gillespie

Former Rep. Justin Amash and Fox News’ Kennedy join Nick Gillespie to examine how MAGA populism reshaped the Tea Party’s limited-government mission, why Congress no longer acts as a check on power, and what it will take to spark a new libertarian revival.

Political economist Mark Pennington draws on the ideas of Hayek and Foucault to show how expert rule and government surveillance are making it harder for people to think freely and live on their own terms.

Financial historian and attorney Richard E. Farley explains how political games, union power, and creative accounting tanked New York City in 1975—and why it could happen again.

Rock legend David Lowery draws on his decades in the music industry to explain how government-imposed licensing fees and price controls helped streaming platforms flourish while eroding artist rights and income.

Historian John Lisle uncovers how Cold War paranoia, LSD, and unchecked power led the CIA to fund torture, deception, and mind control experiments on unwitting Americans.

Sophia Rosenfeld joins Nick Gillespie to discuss how personal choice became central to modern ideas of freedom and why that shift carries political, cultural, and psychological consequences.

Elizabeth Nolan Brown joins Nick Gillespie to discuss the rise of MAHA, RFK Jr.’s influence on wellness politics, and how the culture war came for your diet.

Drug Smuggler. Fugitive. Icon. Meet the Acid Queen.

Emma Ashford and Faisal Saeed Al Mutar join Nick Gillespie to discuss the conflict in Iran.

Psychologist Scott Barry Kaufman joins Nick Gillespie to discuss toxic identity politics, the rise of grievance-based thinking, and why true self-actualization requires moving beyond victimhood.

The Fox News personality reflects on her evolution from a contrarian Republican to a libertarian and her belief that personal freedom, humor, and not giving a shit are the keys to a better America.

In The Genius Myth, the journalist delivers a sharp, funny takedown of our obsession with "brilliant" men, showing that behind every so-called genius is a crowd and a big PR machine.

The Pulitzer Prize–winning author discusses the enduring roots of Middle Eastern conflict, the rise and fall of cultural panics, and why Texas may be the blueprint—and battleground—for America's future.

Did mainstream conservatives and libertarians lose a generation of young men to the reactionary right?

Magician and podcaster Brian Brushwood talks about deception and skepticism while exploring historical hoaxes, the psychology of magic, the libertarian dystopia of Epcot, and the story behind World’s Greatest Con.

The billionaire philanthropist explores how stoic philosophy shaped his views on capitalism, politics, and philanthropy, arguing for rational optimism, individual responsibility, and civil public discourse as foundations for life.

The evolutionary biologist challenges modern dogmas, defends scientific objectivity, and warns against the rise of ideological orthodoxy in society.

Co-founder of AQR Capital Management, Cliff Asness, discusses the decline of market efficiency, the dangers of populist economics, and his libertarian outlook on capitalism.

The Harvard psychologist discusses recent gains for free speech at Harvard, growing political and ideological threats to academic freedom, and the importance of shared knowledge in sustaining truth and progress.

John Arnold argues that private markets solve problems better than government or philanthropy, and that real reform comes from decentralization, incentives, and evidence—not top-down control.

Longtime surgeon and Cato Institute fellow Jeffrey Singer argues that government overreach in health care undermines patient autonomy.

Former Obama administration economic adviser Jason Furman explains why both major parties have abandoned economic reality in favor of political fantasy.

The former editor in chief of the South China Morning Post discusses his book on Jimmy Lai, who is currently on trial in Hong Kong for having the audacity to stand up to the government.

The novelists join the podcast for a sharp, satirical dive into fiction, free speech, and the absurdity of modern culture.

Authors James Fadiman and Jordan Gruber discuss their new book Microdosing for Health, Healing, and Enhanced Performance.

Reason Senior Editor Brian Doherty explores the evolution of libertarian thought in his new book.

Presidential pardons have become a tool of favoritism and politics.

The Good Eats host talks about the virtues of Cap'n Crunch, why fusion cooking isn't cultural appropriation, and how Martha Stewart's perfectionism ruined dinner parties.

New York Times columnist and linguist John McWhorter discusses the rise and fall of "woke," DEI and affirmative action, and his new book on the history of pronouns.

Wall Street legend Jim O’Shaughnessy discusses how to live well and innovate boldly during the age of Trump, Musk, and AI.

Historian Sean McMeekin dissects how communism has enduring and resurgent appeal in the West despite its history of violence and economic disaster.

FIRE’s executive V.P. discusses the Biden administration's failures, Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s influence on free speech, and the most pressing First Amendment issues facing the U.S. today.

Immigration experts Alex Nowrasteh and Bryan Caplan make the case for significantly more and easier immigration to the U.S.

The founder of Skeptic magazine discusses whether conspiracy thinking is on the rise and whether it's coded right or left.

The evangelical Christian argues that drug legalization is the conservative thing to do.

The trade economist details the most alarming protectionist policies proposed by the incoming Trump administration.

Billy Binion speaks to Sister Helen Prejean about her activism to end the death penalty, as depicted in her book Dead Man Walking.

Jeffrey Edward Green, author of Bob Dylan: Prophet Without God, discusses Dylan’s fraught relationship with political activism, Christianity, and self-mythology.

The Confessions of a Good Samaritan filmmaker explores the dysfunctional world of organ transplants.

Errol Morris and Jacob Soboroff discuss their new documentary about the family separation policy implemented during Trump’s first term.

Brendan O’Neill discusses his new book, After the Pogrom: 7 October, Israel and the Crisis of Civilisation.

Former CIA analyst Martin Gurri discusses Donald Trump’s political arc, the rise of populism, and the incoming chaos and transformation we cannot foresee.

Amanda Knox falsely confessed to murder after law enforcement subjected her to "psychological torture." Now she wants to stop it from happening to others.

Political scientists Hyrum and Verlan Lewis discuss the 2024 election and the power of self-narratives in American politics.

Reason's Nick Gillespie will be live on election night with Kmele Foster, Allison Schrager, and more special guests.

The Stony Brook sociologist discusses how progressives are having a hard time processing why more and more black and Latino voters are supporting Donald Trump.

The co-founder of Ideas Beyond Borders argues that there is "no better independence than economic independence."

Reason's Billy Binion speaks with political pundit and podcaster Meghan McCain.

Patrick Ruffini and Ruy Teixiera talk about how the U.S. electorate has changed in the last four years.

Reason reporter Billy Binion discusses his coverage of outrageous cases around civil liberties, criminal justice, and government accountability, and the unusual path that led him to journalism.