The Rational Egoist

The Rational Egoist

The Rational Egoist podcast aims to explore the philosophy of rational egoism and how it can be applied in our daily lives. Hosted by Michael Liebowitz and produced by Xenia Ioannou with experts in the field of philosophy, psychology, and economics, the podcast will provide listeners with a wealth of knowledge and insight into the benefits of rational egoism. Copyright of all audio, printed material and colour schemes including logos, owned exclusively by Michael Liebowitz and Xenia Ioannou and cannot be reproduced without prior written permission

Episodes

October 6, 2025 • 41 mins

Phil Magness Joins the Show to Debunk Much of the 1619 Project


Phil Magness is an economic historian whose work focuses on the United States and the broader Atlantic world. His research explores the intersection of history and political economy, including the 19th century as well as longer-term trends in the macroeconomy such as taxation, trade, and economic inequality.


In this episode, Phil joins Michael to critically examin...

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Overcoming Negative Self-Talk – with Betsy Holmberg, Ph.D.


Betsy Holmberg, Ph.D., joins the show to discuss how to overcome negative self-talk and the traps of overthinking. An award-winning psychologist, Betsy has devoted her career to understanding and addressing the inner critic that undermines mental health and self-confidence.


Before becoming an author and therapist, Betsy led the mental health service line at McKinsey &...

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Robert Begley Joins the Show to Discuss His New Book Voices of Reason: Lessons for Liberty’s Leaders


The audio is now available! Robert Begley joins Michael to talk about his new book Voices of Reason: Lessons for Liberty’s Leaders. Together they explore what makes a truly great communicator, the timeless principles behind effective speech, and why mastering the art of communication is essential for advancing liberty.


Get the...

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Objective Investing for The Middle Class – with Mark Shupe


Mark Shupe joins Michael Liebowitz on The Rational Egoist to discuss the principles of investing through the lens of Objectivism. Mark is an Objectivist, an author, and an investor who has developed a unique approach to wealth-building for everyday people. His work focuses on empowering the middle class to think rationally about money and investment strategies rather tha...

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Discussing Million Dollar Baby with Professor Andrew Bernstein


In this episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael Liebowitz is joined by philosopher and author Professor Andrew Bernstein for a deep dive into Clint Eastwood’s acclaimed film Million Dollar Baby. Together they unpack the philosophical themes embedded in the story—from the value of ambition and the human will to the moral and cultural implications of the film’s controv...

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Matthew Facciani Ph.D is here to Discuss the Link Between Victim Mentalities and Belief in Conspiracy Theories


On this episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael sits down with Matthew Facciani, Ph.D.—an interdisciplinary social scientist whose work bridges neuroscience, psychology, and sociology. With a doctorate in sociology, Dr. Facciani’s research dives deep into how misinformation spreads, how social networks shape beliefs, an...

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September 14, 2025 • 41 mins

Discussing Economics with Vance Ginn


In this episode, Michael Liebowitz is joined by Vance Ginn, PhD—founder and president of Ginn Economic Consulting, Associate Research Fellow at the American Institute for Economic Research (AIER), staff economist at Americans for Tax Reform, and contributor to more than 20 think tanks.


Dr. Ginn brings his extensive background in public policy and economics to the discussion, including his ...

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Discussing Accountability, Blame, and Hypocrisy, with Steven Stosny Ph.D


In this thought-provoking episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael Liebowitz sits down with Dr. Steven Stosny to explore the difficult terrain of accountability, blame, and hypocrisy in human relationships and society at large.


Dr. Stosny is a therapist, author, and founder of Compassion Power in suburban Washington D.C. He has taught at the University of...

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A Great Conversation About a Variety of Economic Subjects – with Don Boudreaux


Michael Liebowitz is joined by economist, author, and professor Don Boudreaux for a wide-ranging discussion on economics, freedom, and the forces that shape prosperity. Don is the co-director of The Program on the American Economy and Globalization at The Mercatus Center at George Mason University, and coauthor (with Phil Gramm) of The Triumph of Econ...

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Mark Pellegrino Joins the Show to Discuss the Intersection Between Psychology and Philosophy


Actor Mark Pellegrino sits down with Michael to explore how psychology and philosophy intertwine—and why both are essential to understanding human nature. Known for his standout roles in The Big Lebowski, Capote, Lost, The Closer, Dexter, and Supernatural, among many others, Mark brings his sharp intellect and philosophical curiosity int...

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Jim Valliant Analyzes Numerous Logical Fallacies


In this episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael is joined once again by Jim Valliant for an in-depth exploration of logical fallacies. Together, they break down the errors in reasoning that often undermine arguments, distort truth, and lead to dangerous cultural trends. From straw men to appeals to authority, Jim and Michael analyze how these fallacies appear in public discourse, ...

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Talk Show Host Tom Shattuck Joins Michael for a Wide-Ranging Conversation


Tom Shattuck sits down with Michael to explore a variety of topics in this engaging and thought-provoking discussion. Known for his sharp wit and unapologetic takes, Tom brings his trademark insight to the table as they cover everything from current events to cultural trends.


Tom is the host of The Burn Barrel Podcast and The Shot of Shattuck Podcast, a...

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Jacob Berman Joins Michael to Discuss a Variety of Issues Related to Christianity


In this episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael sits down with Jacob Berman, host of the History Valley podcast—a world history and religious history channel dedicated to exploring historical events through in-depth conversations. Jacob regularly interviews authors, professors, PhD scholars, and other experts on topics spanning religion, history, a...

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August 6, 2025 • 39 mins

Dr. Cristina LePort Joins the Show to Discuss Objectivism, Writing, and Her Latest Book


In this thought-provoking episode of The Rational Egoist, Dr. Cristina LePort joins Michael Liebowitz for a wide-ranging conversation on Objectivism, the art of writing, and how her passion for medicine and philosophy converge in her work as a novelist.


Dr. LePort shares insights from her journey—from growing up in Bologna, Italy, to becom...

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A Cordial Debate About the Relative Evil of Left and Right – with Andrew Bernstein


In this intellectually rich and passionate episode, Dr. Andrew Bernstein returns to The Rational Egoist to engage in a lively but respectful debate with host Michael Liebowitz on a provocative question: Who poses a greater threat to liberty—the Left or the Right?


From the rise of authoritarian populism to the collectivist agenda of the modern L...

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The Power of No – with Professor Alexander Puutio


Rejection. Resistance. Roadblocks.


We all face them—but how we respond to them can define the course of our lives and careers.


In this episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael Liebowitz is joined by Professor Alexander Puutio, an author, leadership expert, and veteran of the United Nations and Boston Consulting Group, to explore the power of hearing “no.”


Whether in diplo...

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New Episode: Pain, Crime, Struggle, and Redemption – with Michaelangelo Casanova


In this powerful and deeply human episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael speaks with Michaelangelo Casanova—Entrepreneur, Life Coach, and Mentor—about his extraordinary journey through the darkest corners of life and into the light of self-ownership and personal growth.


Michaelangelo opens up about his past involvement in crime and the pain and ...

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Discussing Frederic Bastiat – with Nikolai Wenzel


In this episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael Liebowitz is joined by economist and classical liberal scholar Nikolai Wenzel for an in-depth discussion on the ideas and enduring legacy of Frédéric Bastiat.


What makes Bastiat one of the clearest and most compelling defenders of liberty? Why is "The Law" still so relevant today? And how did Bastiat expose the fallacie...

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Induction, Biology, and Being a Mother – with Meghann A. Ribbens, Ph.D.


In this illuminating conversation, Michael sits down with Dr. Meghann A. Ribbens, molecular biologist and host of the YouTube show Inductive History of Biology. They explore how the scientific method of induction applies to biology, the historical development of key biological ideas, and how rational thinking shapes our understanding of life itself.


Megha...

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Capitalism and Communication – with Patrick Carroll


What role does communication play in the fight for liberty? In this episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael Liebowitz is joined by libertarian opinion journalist Patrick Carroll to explore the intersection of ideas, persuasion, and individual rights.


Patrick shares insights from his time as Managing Editor at the Foundation for Economic Education (FEE), where he helped shape...

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