Bryan Caplan is a professor of economics at George Mason University and a New York Times bestselling author of thoughtful, persuasive, and contrarian books that challenge conventional wisdom on topics like immigration, education, government regulation, and feminism.

This interview is a grab bag that covers some of his more controversial arguments and will be a delight to libertarians who are interested in "challenging the statist quo."

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Doug Stuart sits down with Cody Libolt, founder of For the New Christian Intellectual and co-author of Redeeming the West: A Christian Defense of Reason and Individualism. Together, they dive into the philosophical roots of Western civilization, discussing why reason, self-interest, and individualism are crucial not just for a flourishing society, but also for a biblically faithful worldview.

Cody Libolt unpacks the dangers of philosophical altruism and collectivism—contrasting them with what he calls "holy self-interest" and a biblical understanding of personal value. The conversation explores big questions like: Is Western civilization worth defending? How should Christians think about faith, reason, and emotions? What does the Bible say about individual rights, and where does Ayn Rand’s controversial legacy fit in?

Whether you’re curious about the philosophical underpinnings of liberty, grappling with criticisms of individualism, or wondering how Christians can thoughtfully engage the cultural challenges of today, this episode offers a clear, thoughtful, and sometimes provocative take guaranteed to get you thinking.

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In this festive episode of the Libertarian Christian Podcast, host Cody Cook and guest Jacqueline Isaacs unpack her viral 2011 article A Christmas Carol: A Capitalist Story. Despite Dickens’ socialist leanings, the story he crafts actually depends on free markets—without Scrooge’s wealth, there’s no life-saving operation for Tiny Tim, no turkey for the Cratchits--no redemption arc at all. Isaacs argues capitalism isn’t the villain; it’s the stage. Even selfish Scrooge fuels prosperity via the “invisible hand,” while transformed Scrooge proves voluntary generosity trumps state poorhouses.

Also: which political demographic are the modern day Scrooges? Does the Grinch make a case for commercialism? Which film adaptation of A Christmas Carol is the best? And the oft-forgotten anti-slavery verse in "O Holy Night." Don't get humbugged by socialist talking points--listen to this compelling conversation or else the Ghost of Christmases Libertarian might just come to pay you a visit tonight.

Links referenced in this conversation:
A Christmas Carol: A Capitalist Story

Jacqueline Isaacs on X and Linkedin.

The Institute for Faith, Work, & Economics

Jacqueline's Washington Times article "Seeing the People Behind Adam Smith's 'Invisible Hand'"

Bellwether Communications

Called to Freedom: Why You Can Be Christian and Libertarian

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Host Doug Stuart welcomes back Katherine Mangu-Ward, Editor-in-Chief at Reason and co-host of the Reason Roundtable, for a candid conversation about what it means to be "the normal person in the room"—especially as a libertarian. Together, they unpack the challenges and rewards of approaching political dialogue with humility, common ground, and empathy rather than combative debate tactics. Katherine Mangu-Ward shares her evolution from zealous young debater to a more seasoned, thoughtful advocate for liberty, reflecting on the importance of reading the room, resisting the urge to "win" arguments, and planting seeds for long-term change.

The conversation also dives into common libertarian stereotypes, the pitfalls of contrarianism, and the temptation of conspiracy thinking—especially in a post-COVID world. They discuss the importance of rhetorical strategy, the value of gradual versus radical reform, hypocrisy-detecting instincts, and why demonstrating real-life alternatives to state solutions is both necessary and inspiring. From personal anecdotes to reflections on political polarization, this episode offers practical wisdom for libertarians and anyone interested in effective, principled conversations about freedom.

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LCP host Cody Cook welcomes Dr. Gary Chartier to discuss his book, Christianity and the Nation-State. Chartier, Distinguished Professor of Law and Business Ethics and Associate Dean of the Zapara School of Business at La Sierra University, challenges Christian nationalism and state authority, advocating for a pluralist, consensual political order rooted in radical consociationalism. He critiques both nationalist and center-left establishment views, proposing a society of overlapping voluntary networks rather than our current system of territorial monopolies on force. Drawing from medieval Europe’s fragmented authority, he envisions a libertarian society where diverse, overlapping identities can thrive without coercive state power. Chartier emphasizes cosmopolitanism–rejecting homogeneity while affirming equal moral standing–and argues that liberty fosters human flourishing without undermining Christian values. This thought-provoking conversation blends theology, ethics, and politics, offering fresh insights into how Christians can engage society without ruling it. Tune in to explore Chartier’s compelling vision for a freer, more diverse world—available at GaryChartier.net or wherever fine books are sold!

Books by Gary Chartier discussed in this episode:

Christianity and the Nation-State

The Conscience of an Anarchist

Loving Creation

The Analogy of Love

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In this episode, Doug Stuart and Jacob Winograd sit down with James Lindsay to explore whether the West — and Israel by extension — can escape what Lindsay calls the “trap of catharsis.” Drawing from his recent essay Civilization vs. Catharsis, James explains how our culture has replaced reason and moral responsibility with emotional release — a worldview that seeks justice through outrage and purification rather than truth and reconciliation. Together, the discussion unpacks how this mindset, rooted in critical theory and postmodern thought, shapes everything from social movements to the global narratives surrounding Israel, the West, and the meaning of civilization itself.

But this wasn’t a debate — it was an attempt to understand. Doug and Jacob press James on the taboos surrounding foreign policy discussion, the tendency to frame every disagreement as friend versus enemy, and whether defending the West from ideological decay risks mirroring the same tribalism it seeks to resist. The conversation wrestles with the spiritual and moral foundations of truth, liberty, and civilization — and asks whether any of them can survive without humility, repentance, and the courage to confront our own moral blindness.

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Hosts Doug Stuart and Cody Cook have a lively exploration of movies and their deeper significance beyond mere entertainment. The conversation kicks off with playful banter about the differences—or pretensions—between the terms "film," "movie," and "cinema," before diving into their personal journeys into movie appreciation, including the influence of family, childhood favorites, and the allure of old TV comedies.

As the discussion unfolds, Doug Stuart and Cody Cook tackle how movies clarify, challenge, and shape values, examining the artistic, message-driven, and thematic layers beneath the surface. They consider why storytelling is central to human experience and how films, like the Bible, can illuminate questions about morality, suffering, and meaning.

The episode highlights how both Christian and libertarian themes can emerge from unlikely cinematic places. From the rich symbolism and messaging in blockbusters like Jurassic Park and Minority Report to the nuanced character dynamics in The Dark Knight trilogy, Cody Cook breaks down how central planning, redemption, forgiveness, and the problem of evil play out on the big screen. The conversation also covers cult classics, overlooked gems, genre preferences, and how personal references and pop culture literacy shape one's perspective on film.

Listeners are invited to reconsider the films they love—not just as sources of entertainment, but as vehicles for reflection, values, and even theological conversation. Whether you’re a cinephile, a casual watcher, or someone looking for libertarian or Christian undertones in your favorite movies, this episode is packed with recommendations, insight, and plenty of food for thought.

Have a film that fits the libertarian or Christian mold? Doug Stuart and Cody Cook want to hear from you! Reach out and join the ongoing conversation about the transformative power of movies.

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Are you confused about libertarian talking points like cryptocurrency, gold standards, central banks, and fractional reserves? Mike Maharrey, a seasoned expert from Money Metals Exchange and the Tenth Amendment Center, joins us for our "Money for Dummies" episode. Mike helps Cody Cook (the perennial stand-in for monetary dummies) demystify complex economic concepts for everyday libertarians, tackling questions like: what is money, why did humans invent it, and where do banks come in? From the evolution of gold-backed currency to today’s fiat system, Mike traces how governments and central banks, like the Federal Reserve, drive inflation by printing money unchecked—building a debt-fueled economy. Also: are trade deficits a bad thing? Can tariffs make a country rich? Should a gold standard or a competing market for money predominate?

Tune in for a clear, engaging guide to understanding money’s role in our economy, and why central planning fails.

For more from Mike Maharrey, check out his work at moneymetals.com/news and listen to The Midweek Memo podcast.

Other resources mentioned in this conversation:
The Godarchy Podcast
Carl Menger's The Origins of Money

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This episode of the Libertarian Christian Podcast welcomes Finlay Beach. Beach is the author of the Managed Paranoia series, a near-future Sci-Fi thriller series that weaves libertarian ideals and Christian values into a gripping narrative of a dystopian world shaped by an overreaching post-pandemic government. Beach shares how he balances his day job with his passion for fiction writing, emphasizing character-driven storytelling over preachy ideology. The conversation explores the power of fiction to subtly convey complex ideas, the danger of losing the story to a political agenda, and how libertarian creatives can effectively use their gifts--even if it means not quitting their day jobs. This episode is a must-listen for creatives seeking to blend conviction with compelling storytelling.

Learn more about Finlay Beach's work at https://www.openthegift.com, download a free short story that ties into the series here, and buy his books on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/4oAT2Rx

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Doug Stuart welcomes Alex Bernardo—host of The Protestant Libertarian Podcast—to unpack his book-in-progress on politics, economics, and New Testament interpretation. Alex argues that modern readers (and many New Testament scholars) import post-Enlightenment categories—“politics,” capitalism, socialism—into the first century and then draw conclusions the biblical writers never intended. His remedy starts before exegesis: nail down stable definitions and widen “politics” beyond elections to how humans relate, wield authority, and organize life together.

They zero in on Luke–Acts. From Caesar’s census pushing Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem to Paul proclaiming the kingdom “unhindered” in Rome, Luke traces the reign of the crucified, risen, and ascended Son of David. In that frame, the Gospel is unavoidably political—not because it tells you how to vote, but because Jesus already reigns. The early church engages authorities without revolutionary violence, trusting the Spirit’s power while keeping allegiance to Christ above every rival.

Bernardo outlines his method-first opening: concrete definitions of capitalism and socialism; a spectrum framed by liberty versus authority and violence versus nonviolence; and the needed context of Greco-Roman and Second Temple Jewish history. He previews work-by-work studies—Acts 2 and 4 on sharing, the rich young ruler, the widow’s mites, Romans 13, and 1 Peter 2—and explains why academic readings often lean left: institutional incentives, limited engagement with primary economic sources, and reliance on secondhand caricatures of economists and traditions (e.g., Hayek, the Austrians). The conversation ranges into theology too: recovering Jesus’s concrete Davidic kingship, refusing to sever messianic identity from divine ontology, and practicing interpretive humility that lets the text correct us. Expect a big, careful book (roughly 450–500 pages) that raises the bar for Christians who care about Scripture, history, economics, and real-world power—and a discussion that resists anachronism while inviting principled, peaceable political discipleship today.

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