THE 85/15 PODCAST

A consideration of Libertarianism: How small can we make an effective government? - Part 2

The conversation delves into the Libertarian Party platform, focusing on government interference with economic liberty. It explores the role of government in economic systems, property rights, environmental protection, energy pricing, and government finance and spending. The discussion highlights the Libertarian party's emphasis on individual rights and limited government intervention in economic and environmental matters. The conversation delves into various aspects of government finance, including taxation, government debt, and a balanced budget. It also explores the role of financial institutions, the Federal Reserve, election processes, and the concept of free markets. The discussion emphasizes the importance of limited government intervention in personal economic decisions and the necessity of adherence to constitutional principles. The conversation covers a range of topics including regulation and standards for public services, decriminalization of prostitution and drug use, privatization of education and healthcare, and personal responsibility for retirement planning and income security. This includes the need for a transition from the current social security system to a private voluntary system of retirement planning and funding. The discussion delves into the role of government interference in labor markets, the concepts of privatization of education and healthcare, and the impact of personal medical decision making on healthcare. Takeaways * Economic Liberty * Government Intervention Taxation and government spending * Government debt and balanced budget * Financial institutions and regulations * Federal Reserve and monetary policies * Election processes and government intervention * Free markets and occupational licensing Regulation and standards for public services * Decriminalization of prostitution and drug use * Privatization of education and healthcare * Retirement planning and income security Chapters * 00:00 Introduction to Libertarian Party Platform * 06:02 Property Rights and Aggression * 12:46 Environmental Protection and Government Enforcement * 18:01 Government Control of Energy Pricing * 24:50 Government Finance and Spending * 33:39 Taxation and Government Spending * 43:03 Financial Institutions and Regulations * 56:54 Federal Reserve and Monetary Policies * 01:03:47 Election Processes and Government Intervention * 01:10:41 Labor Markets and Government Interference * 01:19:56 Retirement Planning and Income Security

A consideration of Libertarianism: How small can we make an effective government? - Part 1

The conversation covers the conflicts between current governing philosophies and libertarian ideals, the rise of socialism in the Democratic Party, and a comparison between the historical evolution of the US government structure and the structure which currently guides policy making. It delves into the apparent shift in the global perception of the US, the desired role of the Libertarian Party in changing that perception, and the evolution and growth of government departments and agencies over time. The conversation delves into the Libertarian Party's stance on minimal government involvement and defense of individual rights, exploring the idea that the government's limited role in governance should be focused only on individual and national defense, protection of property rights, and a judiciary with the singular focus on the protection of constitutional rights. It also examines individual liberty in terms of freedom of expression, religious activities, and privacy, as well as addressing concerns related to protection from unreasonable search and seizure and government surveillance on individual privacy. The conversation covers a range of topics including freedom from government interference in personal relationships, protection of parental rights, acknowledgment of adult rights and responsibilities, crime and justice, and gun rights and self-defense. The discussion delves into the complexities and implications of these issues, offering diverse perspectives and insights. Takeaways * The portrayal of the US in global media has a profound effect on how the country is perceived abroad * Minimal government involvement in our personal lives * Defense of individual rights * National defense and foreign policy * Protection of constitutional rights * Freedom of expression and communication * Individual privacy and government transparency * Protection from unreasonable search and seizure * Government surveillance and privacy concerns Privacy and surveillance raise concerns about individual privacy and government surveillance. * Personal relationships and parental rights intersect with individual liberties and societal norms. Chapters * 00:00 Government Spending and its Conflict with Libertarian Ideals * 17:13 Socialism and Democratic Party * 27:47 Libertarian Party Stance * 36:16 Differing Governing Philosophies * 46:35 Protection of Individual Liberties * 55:54 Privacy and Surveillance * 01:03:07 Personal Relationships and Individual Rights * 01:09:57 Adult Rights and Responsibilities * 01:25:33 Gun Rights and Self-Defense

College Football: On the road to recovery or on life support? What the Brendan Sorsby saga reveals.

The conversation covers the current controversy surrounding Brendan Sorsby and the Texas Tech football program. It reveals the landmines surrounding the issue of gambling in college sports. It delves into the impact of recent events on the perception of the integrity of college sports in America surrounding the increasing role of gambling in college sports. The discussion explores the potential implications of these themes and their relevance in the future landscape of sports. The conversation addresses the false perception of integrity in sports, particularly with the embracing of gambling as a source of revenue for the NCAA, shedding light on the complexities and ethical dilemmas within the sport. It questions the veracity of the NCAA's supposed concern about the mental health of athletes in light of its draconian punishment for those who gamble on sports. Takeaways * Brendan Sorsby/Texas Tech Controversy * Gambling in College Sports and its impact on the perceived integrity of college sports * The challenges and controversies surrounding the issue of gambliing being confronted by college football and the NCAA Chapters * 00:00 Gambling in College Sports * 43:34 The Controversy surrounding gambling's impact on College Football and the NCAA's confusing stance

One Big Beautiful Protect College Sports Act?

The conversation delves into the details of the Protect College Sports Act of 2026, discussing its implications, challenges, and potential outcomes. It also explores the concept of a National Collegiate Athletics Commission and the role of a commissioner in college sports. The conversation delves into the potential impact of media rights sharing, the formation of superconferences, and the role of government intervention in college sports. It also explores the implications of NIL regulations, the influence of donors, and the unique experience of college football. Takeaways * Protect College Sports Act of 2026 * Role of a commissioner in college sports Media rights sharing and the formation of superconferences could significantly impact college sports. * Government intervention and the role of donors play a crucial role in shaping the future of college sports. Chapters * 00:00 Introduction and Overview of the Protect College Sports Act of 2026 * 30:23 Competitive Balance and Financial Impact * 40:30 Future of College Football and Student-Athlete Concept

Losing our voice: Have our individual freedoms been co opted by politicians? - Part 3

The conversation covers a wide range of topics including term limits, campaign finance reform, insider trading, and the role of lobbyists in government. The hosts express their frustration with the current state of politics and discuss potential solutions to address the issues. Takeaways * Balance of Power * Insider Trading Term limits * Campaign finance reform Chapters * 00:00 Softball and Politics * 26:47 Impact of Insider Trading on Congress * 45:49 Debating Term Limits and Political Reform * 59:10 The Role of Lobbyists and Insider Trading