August 25, 2025

Ed Dodson - Cooperative Individualism - America's true secret of success

54 minutes

In this episode of the Shepheard-Walwyn Podcast, Jonathan Brown speaks with Ed Dodson, a former Fannie Mae executive turned economic revolutionary. Dodson discusses his extensive experience working in America's housing system and his comprehensive archive of political and economic thought on the "land question". Warning listeners of an impending economic crash, Dodson also highlights the global housing crisis and urges a return to the principles of Henry George. He advocates for a system of cooperative individualism, which balances liberty and community while avoiding the extremes of socialism and predatory capitalism. In doing so, he suggests this approach could pave the way for a truly meritocratic society that ensures access to necessities for all individuals.

Later, Dodson reflects on the current state of Western societies, noting the discrepancy between perceived and actual levels of justice. He points to Scandinavian countries as models of more just societies, citing their strong social welfare programs and commitment to individual liberty, while still acknowledging the systemic issues rooting from the privatisation of economic rents. Dodson then emphasises the need for systemic reforms that address these underlying problems in order to achieve a truly just and fair society.

As the conversation concludes, Dodson stresses the urgent need to prepare resilient and equitable solutions ahead of the potential economic crash. He discusses the interconnectedness of various policy areas and the importance of public engagement in advocating for systemic change. Guided by the principles of cooperative individualism, Dodson continues to contribute to the dialogue on building a more just and sustainable society.

Learn more about Ed’s https://www.cooperative-individualism.org/authors_dodson.htm

To see his YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@nthperson

And to start the mentioned series, go to: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTlo8JGtAs0LaR4Ac6bwbcOmKiE64Yl-p

Get the Rent Unmasked eBook: https://shepheardwalwyn.com/product/rent-unmasked/

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