How do the histories of countries set up the greater context in which they become rich or poor?

Daron Acemoglu believes it boils down to whether or not they’ve been organized according to extractive or inclusive institutions.

He joins to discuss his book, Why Nations Fail.

Final thoughts on attending the Democratic National Convention; the underlying ideology and policy goals, and who will win in the face off between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.

Who's this Tim Walz guy?

Live from the Democratic National Convention, we go into his National Guard record, his tenure in Congress and as governor of Minnesota, and explore the underpinnings of his political philosophy.

El Salvador used to be the murder capital of the world. Now it’s arguably as safe as Canada. In 2019 Nayib Bukele became president, and initiated a draconian crackdown on drug cartels, suspending the Constitution and civil liberties. It knocked gangs out of neighborhoods, but flirted with tyranny to do so. Was the trade worth it? Peter Gietl of Frontier Magazine joins to discuss.

Link to Chicago Live Show: https://ci.ovationtix.com/36644/production/1210915?performanceId=11512974

Scott Klug is a former representative from Wisconsin, and the host of the podcast Lost in the Middle.

He joins to discuss partisanship, “both sideism” and electoral solutions to America’s current, horrible political quagmire.

Why is college so expensive, and also, why do rich families keep trying to bribe their ways into the most elite schools?

Sahaj Sharda is the author of “The College Cartel.” He joins to discuss the underlying structures ruining higher ed.

His book at: www.mightyheaton.com/featured

Matt Taibbi is an independent journalist and winner of the National Magazine Award. Formerly a gonzo journalist at Rolling Stone, he now runs Racket News.

He joins to discuss the relationship between power and journalism, and the role of newsmakers in a chaotic era. 

Thoughts on Donald Trump's acceptance speech at the 2024 RNC Convention. AND what happens next, at the forthcoming DNC bloodbath.

Donald Trump has tapped J. D. Vance of Ohio as his running mate, cementing the Republican Party as a populist movement--and ending the old balance between Goldwater and Rockefeller Republicans, or Reagan fusionists. In this episode we discuss the implications.

Some takes on bad takes following the assassination attempt, followed by rambling but heartfelt plea not to shoot each other.