Libertarians talk Psychology

What happens when political beliefs become more than ideas—and turn into fanaticism?In this episode of Libertarians Talk Psychology, we explore the psychology of fanaticism and why understanding it is essential for anyone trying to make sense of political conflict. We examine the forces that can drive individuals into crowds, tribes, and ideological movements, and how emotional attachment to political beliefs can shape perception, behavior, and judgment.For Libertarians, understanding fanaticism can provide valuable insight into political disputes and the psychological pathology that can develop within crowds. Rather than simply dismissing political opponents, understanding the psychology behind fanaticism may help explain why people become deeply committed to ideologies and why political disagreements can become so intense and irrational.We discuss crowd psychology, tribalism, ideological identity, political extremism, groupthink, and the importance of maintaining individual thought in the face of collective pressure.Topics include:

• The psychology of fanaticism
• Crowd psychology and political movements
• Tribalism and ideological identity
• Groupthink and conformity
• Political disputes and emotional reasoning
• Why people become attached to political ideologies
• Understanding the pathology behind the crowd
• Why Libertarians should study fanaticism

Listen, think critically, and join the conversation about the psychology behind political conflict.


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All audio & videos edited by: Jay Prescott Videography

A priest will often award forgiveness after a confession, repentance, and restitution.

This is an important triple concept even outside of religion, and it is not discussed enough. The philosophy applies to individuals, groups, businesses, and even government authorities guarding the marketplace.

Clip from:
The Breakup Bounce
You Can't Just Forgive Someone! | The Complexity of Forgiveness (Jordan Peterson)


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Why do groups so often make bad decisions, even when they are filled with intelligent people?In this episode of Libertarians Talk Psychology, we explore the psychology behind poor group decision-making. From groupthink and conformity to social pressure, authority bias, and the suppression of dissent, we discuss why crowds frequently arrive at conclusions that individuals might reject on their own.Drawing from psychology, economics, history, and libertarian philosophy, we examine how decentralized thinking, open debate, and individual responsibility can produce better outcomes than centralized consensus. We also look at real-world examples where group decisions led to costly mistakes and discuss how independent thinking can help prevent them.Topics include:
• Groupthink and conformity
• The Asch conformity experiments
• Authority bias and obedience
• Cognitive diversity
• The wisdom—and limits—of crowds
• Decentralized decision-making
• Libertarian philosophy and individual responsibility
• Historical examples of failed consensus
• Critical thinking and skepticism
Do groups really make better decisions, or does consensus often suppress the truth? Join the conversation and share your thoughts.Follow Libertarians Talk Psychology for more discussions on psychology, philosophy, politics, and human behavior.


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All audio & videos edited by: Jay Prescott Videography

Given a definition of socialism, the goal seems to be equity, but the popular dialogue seems to be fairness and affordability.

The index of economic freedom seems to show the general population is best in the most free marketplace, for both the richest and for the poorest. This means neglecting the gap between the richest and the poorest.

Dave Smith emphasizes the bloody price that often goes along with communism and socialism. Milton Friedman promotes the basic necessary functions of any government.

The index of economic freedom rates various countries upon freedom. This is a pretty good view of which countries are the most socialist. Plus it looks obvious that freedom highly correlates with the quality of life for the entire population.

Clips from:
Dave Smith @PartOfTheProblem
Dave Smith | Was Mao Zedong Great? | Part Of The Problem 1422

Simple Economics
Milton Friedman: The 4 Essential Functions of the Government






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We listen to Victor Davis Hanson describe the rise in Socialism and the characteristics that are associated with that theme. Psychologists make up one group that has been captured by the far left. We discussed the psychological motivations that create the political incentives for socialists and some of the experiences that Julie has had with the Psychologist organization.

Clip from 
The Daily Signal
Victor Davis Hanson: The Ungrateful Urban Class Turning Into the New Democrat Socialist Party


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The free market is often praised for encouraging innovation, competition, and individual choice—but what are its most common criticisms? In this episode of Libertarians Talk Psychology, we examine several arguments against free markets, discussing where critics believe markets fail and how libertarian thinkers respond.We also feature a related audio segment from Ron Paul that explores the principles of free markets, limited government, personal responsibility, and sound economics.Topics include:

• Common criticisms of free markets
• Market failures and government intervention
• Competition and consumer choice
• Monopolies and regulation
• Wealth inequality
• Personal liberty and economic freedom
• Austrian economics
• Ron Paul's perspective on free markets
• The psychology behind economic beliefs

Whether you're a libertarian, conservative, classical liberal, or simply interested in economics and political philosophy, this episode offers a thoughtful discussion on one of the most debated topics in modern society.Subscribe for more conversations exploring psychology, philosophy, economics, politics, and human behavior through a libertarian lens.

Clip from RonPaulLibertyReport
               Did Biden Offer Saudis An Oil 'Quid Pro Quo' To Boost Dem Election Prospects?


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REBROADCAST OF EPISODE 222

We examine the movie Barbie from the standpoint of social interactions and libertarian principles. We can conclude that Barbie is a wonderful satire with multiple nuances for consideration. The libertarian principle of personal freedom, and the relationship to the freedom of others, is the most important take away.

Watch our video: The Movie "Barbie" and Libertarian Principles (ep 222)

Barbie is a 2023 fantasy comedy film directed by Greta Gerwig from a screenplay she wrote with Noah Baumbach. Based on the eponymous fashion dolls by Mattel, it is the first live-action Barbie film after numerous animated films and specials. Starring Margot Robbie as the title character and Ryan Gosling as Ken, the film follows them on a journey of self-discovery through Barbieland and the real world following an existential crisis. It is also a commentary regarding patriarchy and the effects of feminism. The supporting cast includes America Ferrera, Michael Cera, Kate McKinnon, Issa Rae, Rhea Perlman, and Will Ferrell.

A live-action Barbie film was announced in September 2009 by Universal Pictures with Laurence Mark producing. Development began in April 2014, when Sony Pictures acquired the film rights. Following multiple writer and director changes and the casting of Amy Schumer and later Anne Hathaway as Barbie, the rights were transferred to Warner Bros. Pictures in October 2018. Robbie was cast in 2019, after Gal Gadot turned down the role due to scheduling conflicts, and Gerwig was announced as director and co-writer with Baumbach in 2020. The rest of the cast was announced in early 2022. Principal photography occurred primarily at Warner Bros. Studios, Leavesden, England, and at the Venice Beach Skatepark in Los Angeles from March to July 2022.

Barbie premiered at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on July 9, 2023, and was released in the United States on July 21. Its concurrent release with Universal Pictures' Oppenheimer was the catalyst of the "Barbenheimer" phenomenon, encouraging audiences to see both films as a double feature.

The film grossed $1.446 billion and achieved several milestones, including the highest-grossing film of 2023 and the 14th highest-grossing film of all time. Named one of the top 10 films of 2023 by the National Board of Review and the American Film Institute, it received widespread critical acclaim and other accolades, including eight Academy Award nominations (among them Best Picture), winning Best Original Song for "What Was I Made For?"; the song also won Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song while Barbie was awarded Golden Globe Award for Cinematic and Box Office Achievement.

Watch the Barbie | Main Trailer Barbie | Main Trailer


#barbie #coffee #consideration #freedom #interactions #julie #libertarian #libertarians #mike #movie #nuances #personal #principles #psychology #social #standpoint #talk


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Until recently, our leaders were very good at slow reveals that might negatively affect our voting population. That is not the style of the Trump administration! And one advantage is that we get to see almost everything even when they try to tell us that’s not what we are seeing.

Here are a few silver lining revelations from the last few years:

• The new individual podcast journalists like Dave Smith are revealing the truth about our current military conflicts. And they are revisiting the real causes for past wars.
• Covid waked up the entire country when it comes to our flawed leadership and medical complex
• The Joe Biden presidency alerted our country to fantasy power positioning
• We can finally see the connection between government spending and inflation

Clip from Dave Smith | PartOfTheProblem
               The Delusional War Hawks


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To celebrate this July 4 we re-watched the HBO miniseries on John Adams. This is a fabulous show and should not be missed. We discuss the circumstances that led to the revolution and Declaration of Independence and how the US differs from other countries and other forms of government. The unique characteristics of the country include how power is arranged and balanced.

Clips Used: 

While I Live Let Me Have A Free Country!
By: That Coool Guy

HBO's John Adams - Thomas Jefferson and John Adams' faith in humanity
By: Joseph Spiros


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(This is a rebroadcast of episode 309)

See our video at https://youtu.be/BwSR9LpqRm0

In this episode of Libertarians Talk Psychology, we dive deep into one of the most defining economic turning points in modern U.S. history: 1971, the year President Nixon ended the Bretton Woods agreement and removed the dollar from the gold standard. This decision—often overlooked—set in motion decades of inflation, currency distortion, and financial instability that still affect every aspect of life today. Drawing on Dave Smith’s compelling explanation, we explore how radically different the world could have been if the U.S. had maintained a stable, sound money supply. Imagine a world without runaway inflation, without the boom-bust cycles created by loose monetary policy, and without the government’s ability to quietly tax citizens through currency debasement. Smith argues that abandoning gold didn’t just change the economy—it changed society, culture, and global power dynamics. We break down:

• What exactly happened in 1971
• Why stable money is foundational to liberty and psychological well-being
• How inflation quietly alters behavior, incentives, and family life
• How fiat money fuels political overreach, endless wars, and corporate distortion
• What individuals and communities can do now, in an unstable financial era
• Sound money solutions, from decentralization to Bitcoin to local alternatives

If you've ever wondered why everything feels more expensive, more chaotic, and more distorted than it used to, this episode connects the dots. Understanding 1971 is the first step—deciding what to do next is the challenge we tackle together.

Clip from Dave Smith | PartOfTheProblem



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