Radio Rothbard
- Episodes
- 294
- Released
- every two weeks
- Latest episode
- Nov 6, 2026
About the podcast
Radio Rothbard is a weekly podcast hosted by Ryan McMaken and a rotation of Mises Institute-aligned experts to dive deeper into some of the most pressing issues. The show tackles politics, current events, culture, media, and the predatory state—all from an uncompromising Rothbardian perspective. Radio Rothbard is the weekly anti politics podcast you don't want to miss!
Episodes 294
Why Western Civilization Is Different
Is it Christianity or geography or family demographics? Is it the Enlightenment? Ryan McMaken and Zachary Yost discuss theories regarding the rise of the West and why it's different from the rest of the world …
Show notes
Is it Christianity or geography or family demographics? Is it the Enlightenment? Ryan McMaken and Zachary Yost discuss theories regarding the rise of the West and why it's different from the rest of the world.
Discussed on the show:The Struggle for Liberty: A Libertarian History of Political Thought by Ralph Raico
"The History of Freedom in Christianity" by Lord Acton
"The History of Freedom in Antiquity" by Lord Acton
Pioneers of Capitalism by Maarten Prak and Jan Luiten van Zanden
To Have and Have Not by Gregory Clark
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Democratic Socialists at the Gates
Q: What's the difference between socialism and communism? A: In practice, they're pretty much the same thing. Ryan McMaken and Ruel Domi talk about the debate over what terms like socialism, communism, Marxism …
Show notes
Q: What's the difference between socialism and communism? A: In practice, they're pretty much the same thing. Ryan McMaken and Ruel Domi talk about the debate over what terms like socialism, communism, Marxism, and democratic socialism mean.
Be sure to follow Radio Rothbard at https://Mises.org/RadioRothbard
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The Special Interests that Fuel the American Empire
The people making foreign policy are not disinterested servants of some objectively identifiable “national interest.” They are people and interest groups that respond to incentives and self-interest like …
Show notes
The people making foreign policy are not disinterested servants of some objectively identifiable “national interest.” They are people and interest groups that respond to incentives and self-interest like everyone else.
Be sure to follow Radio Rothbard at https://Mises.org/RadioRothbard
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The Black Box of Government Secrets
From new wars to vaccine mandates, we're told to trust the government because the government supposedly has special knowledge inaccessible to mere ordinary citizens. This is just a form of government …
Show notes
From new wars to vaccine mandates, we're told to trust the government because the government supposedly has special knowledge inaccessible to mere ordinary citizens. This is just a form of government propaganda.
Be sure to follow Radio Rothbard at https://Mises.org/RadioRothbard
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America's Socialist Real Estate "Market"
Ryan McMaken welcomes Mises Institute Senior Fellow Alex Pollock, a longtime expert on real estate finance, for a discussion on how Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Reserve have created a socialist …
Show notes
Ryan McMaken welcomes Mises Institute Senior Fellow Alex Pollock, a longtime expert on real estate finance, for a discussion on how Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Reserve have created a socialist housing market in America. But it's socialism for the rich, and the system has made housing much more expensive for ordinary people.
Be sure to follow Radio Rothbard at https://Mises.org/RadioRothbard
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The Future of the Military Draft
European politicians keep pushing for conscription and more recruits. Ryan McMaken and Zachary Yost discuss how the French Revolution gave us modern military conscription, and why governments have long wanted …
Show notes
European politicians keep pushing for conscription and more recruits. Ryan McMaken and Zachary Yost discuss how the French Revolution gave us modern military conscription, and why governments have long wanted forced military service.
Be sure to follow Radio Rothbard at https://Mises.org/RadioRothbard
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Why the Fed Had to Raise the Interest Rate
The Fed wants to keep interest rates low so the government can borrow on the cheap. But bond markets are driving up interest rates as inflation isn't going away. Be sure to follow Radio Rothbard at …
Show notes
The Fed wants to keep interest rates low so the government can borrow on the cheap. But bond markets are driving up interest rates as inflation isn't going away.
Be sure to follow Radio Rothbard at https://Mises.org/RadioRothbard
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JD Vance's Doomed Plan for Family Planning
Economist Jeffery Degner joins Ryan McMaken to discuss why government plans to increase the birth rate have never actually worked. But offering to give voters free money for having children is often good …
Show notes
Economist Jeffery Degner joins Ryan McMaken to discuss why government plans to increase the birth rate have never actually worked. But offering to give voters free money for having children is often good politics.
Be sure to follow Radio Rothbard at https://Mises.org/RadioRothbard
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Has Trump Already Lost the War with Iran?
Months ago, the administration said the war's goals were regime change and the removal of all uranium from Iran. We never hear about that anymore because the war has failed to produce either goal. Instead …
Show notes
Months ago, the administration said the war's goals were regime change and the removal of all uranium from Iran. We never hear about that anymore because the war has failed to produce either goal. Instead, Trump calls for opening the Strait of Hormuz, which had been open before the war.
Be sure to follow Radio Rothbard at https://Mises.org/RadioRothbard
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Myths of American Healthcare
Much of the discussion around American healthcare ignores the fact that most of the American healthcare system is already a government healthcare system.Be sure to follow Radio Rothbard at …
Show notes
Much of the discussion around American healthcare ignores the fact that most of the American healthcare system is already a government healthcare system.
Be sure to follow Radio Rothbard at https://Mises.org/RadioRothbard
Radio Rothbard mugs are available at the Mises Store. Get yours at https://Mises.org/RothMug PROMO CODE: RothPod for 20% off
Gold, Inflation, and our K-Shaped Economy
In this episode of Radio Rothbard, recorded live at Mises University 2026, Ryan sits down with Mark Thornton to talk through the economic trends fueling today's unrest.Be sure to follow Radio Rothbard at …
Show notes
In this episode of Radio Rothbard, recorded live at Mises University 2026, Ryan sits down with Mark Thornton to talk through the economic trends fueling today's unrest.
Be sure to follow Radio Rothbard at https://Mises.org/RadioRothbard
Radio Rothbard mugs are available at the Mises Store. Get yours at https://Mises.org/RothMug PROMO CODE: RothPod for 20% off
What Independence Day Really Means
In this episode of the Radio Rothbard, we look at Murray Rothbard's monumental history of the American Revolution, Conceived in Liberty. In this work, Rothbard explores the philosophy, tactics, and debates that …
Show notes
In this episode of the Radio Rothbard, we look at Murray Rothbard's monumental history of the American Revolution, Conceived in Liberty. In this work, Rothbard explores the philosophy, tactics, and debates that led to the separation of the American colonies from the British state. In spite of abuses by Patriots against the Loyalists, the revolutionaries were still right.
Be sure to follow Radio Rothbard at https://Mises.org/RadioRothbard
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The French Revolution and the War in the Vendée
Ryan McMaken looks at the little known (in America) secessionist war for self-determination fought by French counterrevolutionaries against the French Jacobins and radicals. The Marxist narrative about this …
Show notes
Ryan McMaken looks at the little known (in America) secessionist war for self-determination fought by French counterrevolutionaries against the French Jacobins and radicals. The Marxist narrative about this conflict endures, but the separatists were right.
Be sure to follow Radio Rothbard at https://Mises.org/RadioRothbard
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The Medieval Constitution of Liberty
Ryan McMaken reviews a new book on the political institutions of the Middle Ages, The Medieval Constitution of Liberty: Political Foundations of Liberalism in the West. We find that it is in the Middle Ages …
Show notes
Ryan McMaken reviews a new book on the political institutions of the Middle Ages, The Medieval Constitution of Liberty: Political Foundations of Liberalism in the West. We find that it is in the Middle Ages that we find the origins of modern notions of political freedom, representative government, political decentralization, and limits on state powers. In practice, the politics of the "Renaissance" and the "Enlightenment" were steps in the wrong direction.
Be sure to follow Radio Rothbard at https://Mises.org/RadioRothbard
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Rothbard Explains the Anatomy of the State
In this discussion of Rothbard's seminal essay on the nature of the state, "The Anatomy of the State," Ryan McMaken takes a look at the state as a unique organization with a monopoly on the means of coercion …
Show notes
In this discussion of Rothbard's seminal essay on the nature of the state, "The Anatomy of the State," Ryan McMaken takes a look at the state as a unique organization with a monopoly on the means of coercion. This organization, which is not to be confused with society in general, has its own ways of preserving itself and relating to other states.
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Rothbard on War, Peace, and the State
Ryan McMaken takes a look at Rothbard's seminal 1963 essay "War, Peace, and the State." We find that Rothbard was no pacifist, but supported defensive violence against aggressors. Rothbard also maintains war …
Show notes
Ryan McMaken takes a look at Rothbard's seminal 1963 essay "War, Peace, and the State." We find that Rothbard was no pacifist, but supported defensive violence against aggressors. Rothbard also maintains war must be limited by respect for neutrals, and avoidance of weapons that target innocent non-combatants.
Be sure to follow Radio Rothbard at https://Mises.org/RadioRothbard
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Nation-States and National Borders
In this episode of Radio Rothbard, Ryan McMaken looks at Rothbard's essay "Nations by Consent: Decomposing the Nation State." The essay provides some key insights into the nature of the nation-state, its …
Show notes
In this episode of Radio Rothbard, Ryan McMaken looks at Rothbard's essay "Nations by Consent: Decomposing the Nation State." The essay provides some key insights into the nature of the nation-state, its origins, and implications for modern-day topics like immigration, citizenship, and national borders.
Be sure to follow Radio Rothbard at https://Mises.org/RadioRothbard
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Leninism, Democracy, and Immigration
Ryan McMaken looks in detail at an important essay by historian Ralph Raico in which Raico critiques Ludwig von Mises's views on democracy, fascism, and immigration. Raico suggests that Mises's views of …
Show notes
Ryan McMaken looks in detail at an important essay by historian Ralph Raico in which Raico critiques Ludwig von Mises's views on democracy, fascism, and immigration. Raico suggests that Mises's views of democracy and immigration fail to address some real-world problems.
Be sure to follow Radio Rothbard at https://Mises.org/RadioRothbard
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"Classical" Liberalism and Libertarianism
Joseph Solis-Mullen joins Ryan McMaken to talk about the real history of the libertarian movement, and its origins. Be sure to follow Radio Rothbard at https://Mises.org/RadioRothbardRadio Rothbard mugs are …
Show notes
Joseph Solis-Mullen joins Ryan McMaken to talk about the real history of the libertarian movement, and its origins.
Be sure to follow Radio Rothbard at https://Mises.org/RadioRothbard
Radio Rothbard mugs are available at the Mises Store. Get yours at https://Mises.org/RothMug PROMO CODE: RothPod for 20% off
A Libertarian Theory of Parental Obligations
Parental obligations can't be reduced to a contractual or property-based relationship. Jake Desyllas joins Ryan McMaken to talk about why parents are responsible for the well-being of their children. Be sure to …
Show notes
Parental obligations can't be reduced to a contractual or property-based relationship. Jake Desyllas joins Ryan McMaken to talk about why parents are responsible for the well-being of their children.
Be sure to follow Radio Rothbard at https://Mises.org/RadioRothbard
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Why Naïve, Pro-Democracy Classical Liberalism Doesn't Work
In this lecture from the 2026 Libertarian Scholars Conference, Ryan McMaken looks at how the old classical liberal program of democracy and constitutions has failed, and why we need a more realist view of the …
Show notes
In this lecture from the 2026 Libertarian Scholars Conference, Ryan McMaken looks at how the old classical liberal program of democracy and constitutions has failed, and why we need a more realist view of the state and its many crimes.
Be sure to follow Radio Rothbard at https://Mises.org/RadioRothbard
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What Would a Strategic Victory Look Like in Iran?
Foreign policy scholar Brandan Buck join Ryan McMaken to talk about whether or not a US tactical victory in Iran can lead to a strategic victory as well. And what does victory for the Iranian state look like? …
Show notes
Foreign policy scholar Brandan Buck join Ryan McMaken to talk about whether or not a US tactical victory in Iran can lead to a strategic victory as well. And what does victory for the Iranian state look like? Are there any prospects for a lasting peace?
Be sure to follow Radio Rothbard at https://Mises.org/RadioRothbard
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Big Government vs. Small Business in America
America has a long history of vibrant small business. But small business went into decline in the twentieth century, and it wasn't just due to large scale industrialization. Government has played a big role. Be …
Show notes
America has a long history of vibrant small business. But small business went into decline in the twentieth century, and it wasn't just due to large scale industrialization. Government has played a big role.
Be sure to follow Radio Rothbard at https://Mises.org/RadioRothbard
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Why The Iran War Won't Go the Way Trump Hopes
The Trump White House can't decide on a reason for why it went to war. But one goal is clearly regime change. Ryan McMaken and Zachary Yost discuss the many obstacles to this unlikely outcome. Be sure to follow …
Show notes
The Trump White House can't decide on a reason for why it went to war. But one goal is clearly regime change. Ryan McMaken and Zachary Yost discuss the many obstacles to this unlikely outcome.
Be sure to follow Radio Rothbard at https://Mises.org/RadioRothbard
Radio Rothbard mugs are available at the Mises Store. Get yours at https://Mises.org/RothMug PROMO CODE: RothPod for 20% off
The European View of Debt, Deficits, and Inflation
Italian economist Bernardo Ferrero joins Ryan McMaken to discuss the state of European politics over taxes, spending, inflation, and fiscal and monetary policy. Do Europeans claim to care about deficits and …
Show notes
Italian economist Bernardo Ferrero joins Ryan McMaken to discuss the state of European politics over taxes, spending, inflation, and fiscal and monetary policy. Do Europeans claim to care about deficits and debt like Americans? Ferrero is a PhD candidate in economics at Universidad Rey Juan Carlos in Spain. He is also the co-author of The Pandemic and Central Planning (Pandemia e dirigismo) available in Italian at Amazon.
Be sure to follow Radio Rothbard at https://Mises.org/RadioRothbard
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Why Politicians Want Higher Home Prices
Ryan McMaken of the Mises Institute and Christopher Calton of the Independent Institute talk about why politicians want higher home prices. Even Trump now admits he wants higher home prices, and it's because …
Show notes
Ryan McMaken of the Mises Institute and Christopher Calton of the Independent Institute talk about why politicians want higher home prices. Even Trump now admits he wants higher home prices, and it's because older voters want their asset prices to go up forever.
Be sure to follow Radio Rothbard at https://Mises.org/RadioRothbard
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The Declaration of Independence Created 13 New Sovereign Countries
Ryan McMaken and historian Larsen Plyler talk about how the Americans of the 1770s envisioned a new community of independent and sovereign states. The first constitution made this clear. But then the new …
Show notes
Ryan McMaken and historian Larsen Plyler talk about how the Americans of the 1770s envisioned a new community of independent and sovereign states. The first constitution made this clear. But then the new counterrevolutionaries like Hamilton wrote a new constitution designed to create one big national state with vast new powers.
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A Closer Look at John C. Calhoun
When it comes to the great political economist John C. Calhoun, most people love him or hate him. In this episode, economic historian Patrick Newman joins us to take a more balanced look at Calhoun, his origins …
Show notes
When it comes to the great political economist John C. Calhoun, most people love him or hate him. In this episode, economic historian Patrick Newman joins us to take a more balanced look at Calhoun, his origins as a War Hawk and nationalist, and why he was never a true Jeffersonian.
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Why Vivek Is So Wrong about the Founding of the United States
Vivek Ramaswamy promotes a fictional version of American history in which a handful of people created America and that culture and religion are canceled out by an ideological "creed." In truth, the American …
Show notes
Vivek Ramaswamy promotes a fictional version of American history in which a handful of people created America and that culture and religion are canceled out by an ideological "creed." In truth, the American nation and the American state are two different things.
Be sure to follow Radio Rothbard at https://Mises.org/RadioRothbard
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Why We Hate Thomas Hobbes
Ryan and Josh Mawhorter talk about how Thomas Hobbes, even nearly 400 years later, remains a popular spokesman for almost limitless state power. In fact, by Hobbes's logic, the world should by ruled by a single …
Show notes
Ryan and Josh Mawhorter talk about how Thomas Hobbes, even nearly 400 years later, remains a popular spokesman for almost limitless state power. In fact, by Hobbes's logic, the world should by ruled by a single global dictatorship.
Be sure to follow Radio Rothbard at https://Mises.org/RadioRothbard
Radio Rothbard mugs are available at the Mises Store. Get yours at https://Mises.org/RothMug PROMO CODE: RothPod for 20% off
These are the latest 40 of 294 episodes. You’ll find older episodes in the podcast’s feed.
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