Bob first explains the neoclassical theory of "optimal tariffs," by which a large country can use a modest tariff to improve its terms of trade. He then shows how this theoretical possibility is consistent with standard arguments making the case for free trade.

Mentioned in the Episode and Other Links of Interest:

• The link for Monetary-Metals.com.
• Fed Reserve Bank of Richmond piece on optimal tariff theory.
• Bob and Josh Hendrickson discuss Stephen Miran's strategy for using tariffs to help the US position.
• Bastiat's "Petition of the Candlemakers."
• Bob on the Human Action podcast clarifies comparative advantage.
• Bob interviews Brian Domitrovic on economists having a biased view of tariffs vs. income taxes.
• Help support the Bob Murphy Show.

Adam Haman returns to discuss yet another whirlwind of activity from the Trump Administration, including dismantling of the USAID program and his announcement that the US it taking ownership of Gaza.

Mentioned in the Episode and Other Links of Interest:

• The YouTube version of this episode.
• Trump announcement on Gaza.
• The Stephen Miran report on trade reform.
• Dave Smith setting up the Elizabeth Warren clip.
• The Haman Nature page.
• Help support the Bob Murphy Show.

The executive editor of the Libertarian Institute, Sheldon Richman, joins Bob to push back against the popular use of the term "corporate" as a pejorative. They cover both cultural and theoretical issues.

Mentioned in the Episode and Other Links of Interest:

• The YouTube version of this episode.
• Sheldon Richman's post on the term "corporate." His bio at the Libertarian Institute.
• Murray Rothbard's essay on Michael Milken.
• Help support the Bob Murphy Show.

In yet another crossover, Adam Haman returns to discuss the recent admission by the feds that the origin of Covid-19 was probably the Wuhan lab leak. Adam and Bob then discuss the age-old question, "If you could go back in time and find baby Hitler, would you...?"

Mentioned in the Episode and Other Links of Interest:

• The YouTube version of this episode.
• The Haman Nature page.
• Help support the Bob Murphy Show.

Fergus Hodgson is originally from New Zealand but has lived in several countries. His new book explains that the prospects for being an ex-pat in Latin America don't live up to the hype.

Mentioned in the Episode and Other Links of Interest:

• The YouTube version of this episode.
• Fergus Hodgson's homepage. His book The Latin America Red Pill.
• Help support the Bob Murphy Show.

Adam Haman and Bob discuss Trump's whirlwind first day in office, as well as Elon's intriguing hand salute.

Mentioned in the Episode and Other Links of Interest:

• The YouTube version of this episode.
• Bob's analysis of The Purge.
• The Haman Nature page.
• Help support the Bob Murphy Show.

Bob responds to Curtis Yarvin's commentary on the H1B visa argument among conservatives, wherein Yarvin actually advocates government slavery as the solution to America's woes.

Mentioned in the Episode and Other Links of Interest:

• Curtis Yarvin's substack post and the YouTube version.
• Bob’s analysis (part 1 and part 2) of the Yarvin vs. Dave Smith debate.
• Bob's critique of Milton Friedman on overstating the benignity of trade deficits.
• Bob's interview of Mark Thornton on the inefficiency of slavery, and the related critique of reparations.
• Help support the Bob Murphy Show.

Adam Haman and Bob discuss the various theories for the causes of the devastating LA fires. Quick hint: the government doesn't come out pretty.

Mentioned in the Episode and Other Links of Interest:

• The YouTube version of this episode.
• Adam's post on the FAIR fire insurance program.
• John Papola's coverage, which contained two of the clips used.
• Rufo's tweet showing the focus on DEI.
• Investigation of the empty reservoir.
• The Haman Nature page.
• Help support the Bob Murphy Show.

Back in April 2024, Adam Terrell of the Theocracy podcast posted his discussion with Bob about the intersection of his Christian beliefs and writings on privately produced law.

Mentioned in the Episode and Other Links of Interest:

• The Theocracy podcast.
• Bob's article on law without the State.
• Adam Terrell's book on Public Stoning.
• Help support the Bob Murphy Show.

Adam Haman suggests that he and Bob discuss popular conspiracy theories, including 9/11, the JFK assassination, and the moon landing.

Mentioned in the Episode and Other Links of Interest:

• The YouTube version of this episode.
• Murray Rothbard on flouride in the water.
• Martyr Made podcast series on Jeffrey Epstein.
• NASA's official report on what happened to the original moon landing telemetry.
• Wikipedia entries on Thomas Baron and on Allen Dulles.
• BMS ep 308 with Owen Benjamin (discussing flat earth, moon landing, and other conspiracies).
• BMS ep 92 on the IG report on FISA applications to spy on Trump team.
• A Murphy article on geo-engineering. Murphy article on evaluating the climate models.
• The Haman Nature page.
• Help support the Bob Murphy Show.