Haman Nature

Adam and Tyrone explain the similarities between Darth Vader and the government, specifically those policies related to gas taxes and electric vehicle regulations and fees.

00:00 — Intro. Tyrone breathes funny.

01:00 — Tyrone introduces the article this episode is based on (linked below): "What Darth Vader can teach us about electric vehicles and their hidden fees." The government keeps changing "the deal".

03:47 — Tyrone channels the famous essay "I Pencil...". The production of energy is complicated, and modern activists don't take that complexity into account.

06:35 — Want clean energy? Unshackle nuclear power! Plus, Tyrone reveals that at the end of the day, we're all still relying on the steam engine and the turbine.

10:01 — EV sales are slumping. Why? What is the future of the global gas/EV car market? How can consumers and producers plan for the future when the regulatory landscape is unpredictable?

16:31 — Darth Vader (i.e. government) changes the deal, but also they can't coordinate resources. There is no discovery process or calculation process. Also: Tyrone gets mad about calling taxation "revenue". Then he gets really mad about Minnesota roads and taxes.

25:25 — To make Tyrone feel better, Adam points to California's awful road situation. Plus, Adam solves the problem with evil legislators -- Make them dress up as what they are.

32:28 — Outro. Thanks for watching Haman Nature! (and don't make any deals with Darth Vader!)

Haman Nature article mentioned: “What Darth Vader can teach us about electric vehicles and their hidden fees”

Adam's other show: Natural Order Podcast

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hamannature.substack.com/subscribe

On this "crossover" episode, Adam Haman and Bob Murphy discuss the current "woke right" accusations flying around on social media lately. What does the term mean? Who is guilty of behaving in a woke manner, contrary to their stated beliefs? What's up with James Lindsey? Genius? Idiot? Something in between? Adam and Bob have the answers!

00:00 — Intro. Adam (with his intriguingly raspy voice) introduces the episode. Bob complains of harsh working conditions. Then, Adam's raspy voice is explained. It's all Bob's fault.

03:49 — The "woke right": What is it? Who's arguing about the term? Who is guilty of being "woke" on the right?

09:01 — Bob leads a discussion of James Lindsay's history of journal hoaxes. Are these hoaxes relevant to the "woke right" debate?

19:44 — Adam weighs in. What was valuable about the journal hoaxes? What claims were overblown? Plus, Adam reveals a critically important social maxim: Never heap praise and fame on a nerd.

27:21 — How should we define "woke" and "woke right"? Are people being consistent when they use the terms? Does the latter term even make sense? Or are we all "woke"?

39:45 — Adam asks some clarifying questions about this kind of "woke" analysis. Bob responds. Along the way, Adam discovers why humans invented language.

58:55 — Is "wokism" a religion? What elements does it share with organized religion?

60:02 — Bob wraps things up with some relevant quotes by Lindsay, Rothbard, and others.

66:27 — Outro. Thanks for watching Haman Nature!

Bob Murphy Show episode referenced:

Adam on X: @Rerazer

Bob on X: @BobMurphyEcon

The Bob Murphy Show:

The Human Action podcast:

Adam's other podcast: Natural Order Podcast

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hamannature.substack.com/subscribe

On this "crossover" episode, Adam Haman and Bob Murphy talk about Trump's threatened tariffs on BRICS nations if they try to topple the US dollar's status as the reserve currency of the world. What is it all about? What will happen next?

00:00 — Intro. Adam makes a great joke that he totally stands by.

01:30 — Trump's inflammatory tariff/BRICS Tweet is read -- with capitalization choices deciphered. Bob weighs in on what's going on and introduces us to a new term: purchasing power parity.

09:47 — Adam briefly describes the composition of BRICS and their relative sizes. Bob comments on the geopolitical strategy decisions involved with these matters.

13:58 — Adam asks: Don't US officials realize they threaten the US dollar reserve currency status when they "use" it to punish countries that they are displeased with?

18:46 — Adam asks: What type of currency is BRICS likely to attempt to create or switch to?

23:14 — Trump's defenders say he's just bluffing (as a master negotiator will). Does Bob buy this argument? What is Trump thinking? What is likely to happen next?

31:35 — Adam asks: How should we analyze these matters given national security considerations? Also: Fiat money is trash anyway. Why try to save it?

38:01 — You know things are weird when you can't decide whether it's good or bad that our enemies have hypersonic missiles that we can't defend ourselves against.

40:48 — What does Bob think is the most likely "end game"? Will fintech eventually set us all free? Also, what other corporate/government shenanigans are happening in the world that we should be worried about? Related: Is Elon Musk setting himself up to be Dr. Evil?

49:30 — Adam talks about a theory (article linked below) about why smart people are so dumb about politics. Then Bob explains the mechanics of trade deficits and what the true effects of tariffs are.

58:05 — Outro.

Haman Nature article referenced: Why are smart people so stupid about politics?

Adam on X: @Rerazer

Bob on X: @BobMurphyEcon

The Bob Murphy Show

The Human Action podcast

Adam's other podcast: Natural Order Podcast

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hamannature.substack.com/subscribe

Adam and Tyrone dive deep into metaphysics using a classic children's story as a springboard. Come get philosophical and have some fun!

00:00 — Intro. Tyrone introduces the episode with a pun and an Olivia Newton-John classic.

00:46 — Tyrone introduces the article this episode is based on (linked below): "Goldilocks is a criminal, and there are no dials". Bizarrely, this leads to a discussion of the Goldilocks Principle, cosmological constants, and even the "multiverse".

05:57 — Tyrone gives his own annoying example of some sloppy thinking.

08:35 — Adam and Tyrone dive into the metaphysical (and psychological and religious) implications of this line of thinking.

13:35 — Adam takes a shot at the concept of "infinity".

17:12 — Tyrone takes a shot at some of the popular "intelligent design" arguments. Adam tries to give this "devil" its due.

22:52 — Tyrone brings up Ayn Rand, just for fun.

26:39 — Adam tries to grapple with the inadequacy of our own language to adequately describe the universe we live in.

29:34 — Outro. Justice for the bears!

Haman Nature article mentioned: "Goldilocks is a criminal, and there are no dials"

Haman Nature episode (with MIchael Huemer) mentioned:

Video clip played: Ayn Rand on Phil Donahue (start at 04:10):

Adam's other show: Natural Order Podcast

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hamannature.substack.com/subscribe

Adam Haman and Bob Murphy discuss the economics of energy policy from a libertarian perspective and how they might advise the new Trump administration. They also touch on property rights theory and climate change.

Energy Study mentioned: https://www.instituteforenergyresearch.org/fossil-fuels/2024-north-american-energy-inventory/

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hamannature.substack.com/subscribe

Happy Thanksgiving Hamaniacs!

We previously released this episode behind the paywall, but Adam and I had so much fun recording this series of episodes that we simply had to share it with everyone. So in the spirit of the holidays and to express our sincere appreciation to all of our subscribers for your support, please enjoy Part 2 of our Best Movie Soundtracks series where we take a much needed break from politics and "serious" philosophical matters to have some fun.

Have a safe and thanks-filled holiday season!

Tyrone the Porcupine Hobo

00:00 — Intro. Let's continue the countdown!

01:55 — Revealed: Adam's #5 favorite movie soundtrack!

03:51 — Revealed: Tyrone's #5 favorite movie soundtrack!

05:50 — Revealed: Adam's #4 favorite movie soundtrack!

08:11 — Revealed: Tyrone's #4 favorite movie soundtrack!

09:03 — Revealed: Adam's #3 favorite movie soundtrack!

12:16 — Revealed: Tyrone's #3 favorite movie soundtrack!

13:36 — Revealed: Adam's #2 favorite movie soundtrack!

15:06 — Revealed: Tyrone's #2 favorite movie soundtrack!

16:39 — Revealed: Adam's #1 favorite movie soundtrack!

19:51 — Revealed: Tyrone's #1 favorite movie soundtrack!

22:38 — Adam and Tyrone reveal some “honorable mentions”. What movie soundtracks just missed the cut?

26:08 — Outro. Thank you all so much for being paid subscribers to Haman Nature!

Adam's other show: https://naturalorderpodcast.com/

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hamannature.substack.com/subscribe

Adam and Tyrone dive deep into human nature as they tie together some things Jordan B. Peterson has said that dovetail with some insights from the great Austrian economist Ludwig von Mises. Enjoy!

00:00 — Intro. Adam comes out as an "unspiked person". So stunning. So brave.

00:51 — Tyrone brings up a recent Haman Nature article (linked below) about Jordan Peterson and remarks that there sure are a lot of religious people interviewed on Hn. What gives?

03:00 — Adam breaks down his article: Sam Harris: "Do you believe in God?" Jordan Peterson's response is pure Mises.

05:44 — Tyrone presses Adam about what his conception of "Western values" are. Why not "human values"? Also, why do Adam's values tend to mirror those of Christianity? What about other religious structures?

12:15 — Tyrone gives his comments on religious rules and their purpose. Adam makes the point: Old stories, myths, and religious can contain deep truths, but they also can contain errors. It's a constant discovery process.

17:20 — Tyrone pushes back on our "click-baity" title. Adam defends "simple truths".

21:16 — Tyrone pushes back some more, and forces an important clarification.

21:56 — Outro. Thanks for watching Haman Nature!

Haman Nature article mentioned:

Sam Harris - Jordan Peterson video mentioned:

Jordan Peterson book mentioned: Maps of Meaning

Adam's other show: Natural Order Podcast

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hamannature.substack.com/subscribe

Adam and Tyrone reflect on the 2024 election. What happened? Why? What does it mean? What comes next?

00:00 — Intro. Tyrone shares a surprising new medical condition caused by the 2024 election results.

00:47 — Adam shares some initial thoughts. Where was the expected election fraud? Also, are Nevadans incapable of counting? Why so late with the results?

04:53 — Free Ross! Also, Adam trumps the benefits of voting at straight "Nunya" ticket. What were the most surprising results of election night?

07:51 — Tyrone asks: Would it have been better to "lose" this election? Also, the effects of Sheldon Adelson's ghost. Also: Tyrone gots charts and maps! How has the electoral map changed over the last several presidential cycles? And is America just misogynist? Also: we learn that Adam can't tell the difference between a bayonet and a guillotine.

13:05 — Adam and Tyrone explore various reasons for the electorate shifting from red to blue and back again. If there is a populist explanation, what does it mean for the future? Is the 2024 election a repudiation of identity politics? Is there a "battle of the sexes" between the two major parties?

30:30 — Tyrone brings up an article Adam wrote about Matt Gaetz, poker, Iran, and Adam's fears of Deep State evildoing. Also, a discussion about propaganda.

36:22— Adam and Tyrone talk briefly about Trump's cabinet pick announcements so far.

46:20 — Before signing off, Adam and Tyrone say a few words about the Jake Paul v. Mike Tyson card on Netflix. Once again, Adam displays some old-school misogyny. For shame...

48:49 -- Outro. Hope you enjoyed the election. Stay safe!

Haman Nature article mentioned:

Adam's other show: Natural Order Podcast

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hamannature.substack.com/subscribe

On this "crossover" episode, Adam asks the great Bob Murphy a bunch of questions about tariffs (given that the incoming president has been talking about them).

00:00 — Intro. Who is the Trump guy and why does he love tariffs so much?

01:10 — Trump says he'll replace the IRS with tariffs. Is this feasible? If so, is it desirable? How do we interpret how Trump handled the matter when Joe Rogan asked him about it? What's the difference between an income tax and a consumption tax?

12:20 — Is there any virtue in Trump's claim that he uses the threat of tariffs to force other countries to lower their tariff barriers? How do you make the threat credible? Plus: Daffy Duck!

15:01 — What are the knock-on effects of tariffs? Also, who really pays for a tariff? How does price elasticity impact things?

30:29 — How do we respond to these twin arguments: "infant industries need tariffs to get going" and "national security requires tariffs"? Interestingly, it is revealed that Adam hears "missiles" no matter how often someone says "semiconductors".

46:08 — Does our current situation mirror the start of the Great Depression? Could Trump's new tariffs deepen our problems like the Smoot-Hawley tariff did in the 1930s?

52:12 — Bob remarks on a clever X post he made regarding hypocritical arguments one finds online.

54:56 — What would Bob say to Trump about tariffs if he could advise him?

57:52 — Outro. Bob inhales helium. Adam's X handle is explained. And as always, thank you all so much for watching! Bob hilariously testifying before congress to three decimal places:

Adam on X:

Bob on X:

The Bob Murphy Show:

The Human Action podcast:

Adam's other podcast: Natural Order Podcast

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hamannature.substack.com/subscribe

Adam and Tyrone take a much needed break from politics and "serious" matters to have some fun! This episode is Part 1 of a two part series where they countdown their top 10 most favorite movie soundtracks!

00:00 — Intro. Let's take a break and talk about music and movies!

03:15 — Revealed: Adam's #10 favorite movie soundtrack!

05:09 — Revealed: Tyrone's #10 favorite movie soundtrack!

06:31 — Revealed: Adam's #9 favorite movie soundtrack!

07:49 — Revealed: Tyrone's #9 favorite movie soundtrack!

09:36 — Revealed: Adam's #8 favorite movie soundtrack!

11:00 — Revealed: Tyrone's #8 favorite movie soundtrack!

12:07 — Revealed: Adam's #7 favorite movie soundtrack!

13:34 — Revealed: Tyrone's #7 favorite movie soundtrack!

16:00 — Revealed: Adam's #6 favorite movie soundtrack!

18:38 — Revealed: Tyrone's #6 favorite movie soundtrack!

20:37 — Outro. To see Part 2, visit hamannature.substack.com and become a paid subscriber! And thanks for watching Haman Nature!

Adam's other show: https://naturalorderpodcast.com/

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hamannature.substack.com/subscribe