The Rational Egoist

Discussing Frederic Bastiat – with Nikolai Wenzel

In this episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael Liebowitz is joined by economist and classical liberal scholar Nikolai Wenzel for an in-depth discussion on the ideas and enduring legacy of Frédéric Bastiat.

What makes Bastiat one of the clearest and most compelling defenders of liberty? Why is "The Law" still so relevant today? And how did Bastiat expose the fallacies behind government intervention with such clarity and wit?

Nikolai Wenzel, Professor of Economics and Director of the MA in Economics at the virtual Universidad de las Hespérides, and Senior Fellow at the American Institute for Economic Research, offers a fresh perspective on Bastiat’s moral and economic insights—from the seen and the unseen, to the role of law in protecting individual rights.

Whether you're new to Bastiat or a longtime admirer, this conversation offers both clarity and inspiration for defenders of reason and freedom.

About Michael Liebowitz – Host of The Rational Egoist

Michael Liebowitz is the host of The Rational Egoist podcast, a philosopher, author, and political activist committed to the principles of reason, individualism, and rational self-interest. Deeply influenced by the philosophy of Ayn Rand, Michael uses his platform to challenge cultural dogma, expose moral contradictions, and defend the values that make human flourishing possible.

His journey from a 25-year prison sentence to becoming a respected voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities is a testament to the transformative power of philosophy. Today, Michael speaks, writes, and debates passionately in defence of individual rights and intellectual clarity.

He is the co-author of two compelling books that examine the failures of the correctional system and the redemptive power of moral conviction:

Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Corrections Encourages Crime

https://www.amazon.com.au/Down-Rabbit-Hole-Corrections-Encourages/dp/197448064X

View from a Cage: From Convict to Crusader for Liberty

https://books2read.com/u/4jN6xj

About Xenia Ioannou – Producer of The Rational Egoist

Xenia Ioannou is the producer of The Rational Egoist, overseeing the publishing and promotion of each episode to reflect a consistent standard of clarity, professionalism, and intellectual integrity.

As a CEO, property manager, entrepreneur, and lifelong advocate for capitalism and individual rights, Xenia ensures the podcast stays true to its core values of reason, freedom, and personal responsibility.

Xenia also leads Capitalism and Coffee – An Objectivist Meetup in Adelaide, where passionate thinkers gather to discuss Ayn Rand’s ideas and their application to life, politics, and culture.

Join us at: https://www.meetup.com/adelaide-ayn-rand-meetup/

(Capitalism and Coffee – An Objectivist Meetup)

Because freedom is worth thinking about—and talking about.

Follow Life on Purpose – Xenia's thought-provoking essays at her Substack:

https://substack.com/@xeniaioannou?utm_source=user-menu

#FrédéricBastiat #NikolaiWenzel #TheLaw #ClassicalLiberalism #AynRand #RationalEgoist #Liberty #IndividualRights #Economics #AIER #Reason #Freedom #Objectivism #Podcast

Induction, Biology, and Being a Mother – with Meghann A. Ribbens, Ph.D.

In this illuminating conversation, Michael sits down with Dr. Meghann A. Ribbens, molecular biologist and host of the YouTube show Inductive History of Biology. They explore how the scientific method of induction applies to biology, the historical development of key biological ideas, and how rational thinking shapes our understanding of life itself.

Meghann also shares her personal experience of integrating a life of the mind with the role of being a mother, and how Objectivist principles inform both her intellectual work and her parenting.

Watch Meghann’s show, Inductive History of Biology, here:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7h1-86HLNCVYyybQOiLJu1U4Qnc0o5gS&si=NoOyQjWk5UTdIXHh

About Michael Liebowitz – Host of The Rational Egoist

Michael Liebowitz is the host of The Rational Egoist podcast, a philosopher, author, and political activist committed to the principles of reason, individualism, and rational self-interest. Deeply influenced by the philosophy of Ayn Rand, Michael uses his platform to challenge cultural dogma, expose moral contradictions, and defend the values that make human flourishing possible.

His journey from a 25-year prison sentence to becoming a respected voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities is a testament to the transformative power of philosophy. Today, Michael speaks, writes, and debates passionately in defence of individual rights and intellectual clarity.

He is the co-author of two compelling books that examine the failures of the correctional system and the redemptive power of moral conviction:

Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Corrections Encourages Crime

https://www.amazon.com.au/Down-Rabbit-Hole-Corrections-Encourages/dp/197448064X

View from a Cage: From Convict to Crusader for Liberty

https://books2read.com/u/4jN6xj

About Xenia Ioannou – Producer of The Rational Egoist

Xenia Ioannou is the producer of The Rational Egoist, overseeing the publishing and promotion of each episode to reflect a consistent standard of clarity, professionalism, and intellectual integrity.

As a CEO, property manager, entrepreneur, and lifelong advocate for capitalism and individual rights, Xenia ensures the podcast stays true to its core values of reason, freedom, and personal responsibility.

Xenia also leads Capitalism and Coffee – An Objectivist Meetup in Adelaide, where passionate thinkers gather to discuss Ayn Rand’s ideas and their application to life, politics, and culture.

Join us at: https://www.meetup.com/adelaide-ayn-rand-meetup/

(Capitalism and Coffee – An Objectivist Meetup)

Because freedom is worth thinking about—and talking about.

Follow Life on Purpose – Xenia's thought-provoking essays at her Substack:

https://substack.com/@xeniaioannou?utm_source=user-menu

#Induction #Biology #Objectivism #Motherhood #RationalParenting #InductiveHistory #AynRand #Capitalism #Reason #TheRationalEgoist

Capitalism and Communication – with Patrick Carroll

What role does communication play in the fight for liberty? In this episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael Liebowitz is joined by libertarian opinion journalist Patrick Carroll to explore the intersection of ideas, persuasion, and individual rights.

Patrick shares insights from his time as Managing Editor at the Foundation for Economic Education (FEE), where he helped shape the message of freedom for a new generation. The conversation dives into the cultural power of storytelling, how to effectively communicate capitalist values, and why reasoned discourse is essential in an age of tribal outrage and ideological noise.

From navigating censorship to challenging economic myths, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to defend liberty—not just in theory, but in practice.

About Michael Liebowitz – Host of The Rational Egoist

Michael Liebowitz is the host of The Rational Egoist podcast, a philosopher, author, and political activist committed to the principles of reason, individualism, and rational self-interest. Deeply influenced by the philosophy of Ayn Rand, Michael uses his platform to challenge cultural dogma, expose moral contradictions, and defend the values that make human flourishing possible.

His journey from a 25-year prison sentence to becoming a respected voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities is a testament to the transformative power of philosophy. Today, Michael speaks, writes, and debates passionately in defence of individual rights and intellectual clarity.

He is the co-author of two compelling books that examine the failures of the correctional system and the redemptive power of moral conviction:

Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Corrections Encourages Crime

https://www.amazon.com.au/Down-Rabbit-Hole-Corrections-Encourages/dp/197448064X

View from a Cage: From Convict to Crusader for Liberty

https://books2read.com/u/4jN6xj

About Xenia Ioannou – Producer of The Rational Egoist

Xenia Ioannou is the producer of The Rational Egoist, overseeing the publishing and promotion of each episode to reflect a consistent standard of clarity, professionalism, and intellectual integrity.

As a CEO, property manager, entrepreneur, and lifelong advocate for capitalism and individual rights, Xenia ensures the podcast stays true to its core values of reason, freedom, and personal responsibility.

Xenia also leads Capitalism and Coffee – An Objectivist Meetup in Adelaide, where passionate thinkers gather to discuss Ayn Rand’s ideas and their application to life, politics, and culture.

Join us at: https://www.meetup.com/adelaide-ayn-rand-meetup/

(Capitalism and Coffee – An Objectivist Meetup)

Because freedom is worth thinking about—and talking about.

Follow Life on Purpose – Xenia's thought-provoking essays at her Substack:

https://substack.com/@xeniaioannou?utm_source=user-menu

Professor Andrew Bernstein Interviews Michael Liebowitz on View from a Cage

In this compelling episode of The Rational Egoist, the tables are turned as renowned Objectivist philosopher Dr. Andrew Bernstein interviews host Michael Liebowitz about his book View from a Cage: From Convict to Crusader for Liberty.

Michael opens up about his incredible journey from a 25-year prison sentence to becoming a fierce advocate for reason, individual rights, and moral independence. Together, he and Dr. Bernstein explore the intellectual and moral transformation that led Michael to discover Ayn Rand’s philosophy behind bars—and how that discovery changed everything.

This is a raw, honest, and inspiring conversation about justice, redemption, the power of ideas, and what it truly means to live as a rational egoist.

Listen in for a conversation that cuts through clichés and gets to the soul of moral awakening.

🔗 View from a Cage: From Convict to Crusader for Liberty

https://books2read.com/u/4jN6xj

About Michael Liebowitz – Host of The Rational Egoist

Michael Liebowitz is the host of The Rational Egoist podcast, a philosopher, author, and political activist committed to the principles of reason, individualism, and rational self-interest. Deeply influenced by the philosophy of Ayn Rand, Michael uses his platform to challenge cultural dogma, expose moral contradictions, and defend the values that make human flourishing possible.

His journey from a 25-year prison sentence to becoming a respected voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities is a testament to the transformative power of philosophy. Today, Michael speaks, writes, and debates passionately in defence of individual rights and intellectual clarity.

He is the co-author of two compelling books that examine the failures of the correctional system and the redemptive power of moral conviction:

Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Corrections Encourages Crime

https://www.amazon.com.au/Down-Rabbit-Hole-Corrections-Encourages/dp/197448064X

View from a Cage: From Convict to Crusader for Liberty

https://books2read.com/u/4jN6xj

About Xenia Ioannou – Producer of The Rational Egoist

Xenia Ioannou is the producer of The Rational Egoist, overseeing the publishing and promotion of each episode to reflect a consistent standard of clarity, professionalism, and intellectual integrity.

As a CEO, property manager, entrepreneur, and lifelong advocate for capitalism and individual rights, Xenia ensures the podcast stays true to its core values of reason, freedom, and personal responsibility.

Xenia also leads Capitalism and Coffee – An Objectivist Meetup in Adelaide, where passionate thinkers gather to discuss Ayn Rand’s ideas and their application to life, politics, and culture.

Join us at: https://www.meetup.com/adelaide-ayn-rand-meetup/

(Capitalism and Coffee – An Objectivist Meetup)

Because freedom is worth thinking about—and talking about.

Follow Life on Purpose – Xenia's thought-provoking essays at her Substack:

https://substack.com/@xeniaioannou?utm_source=user-menu

#RationalEgoism #ViewFromACage #AndrewBernstein #MichaelLiebowitz #IndividualRights #Objectivism #PhilosophyOfFreedom #RedemptionThroughReason #PodcastInterview

A Life of Purpose – with Jordan Grumet

In this heartfelt and profound episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael Liebowitz is joined by physician, hospice director, and bestselling author Dr. Jordan Grumet for a moving discussion on what it means to live a life of purpose.

From the sterile walls of hospital wards to the deeply human moments at the end of life, Dr. Grumet’s career in Internal Medicine and hospice care has given him a rare vantage point on the values, regrets, and reflections that surface when time runs out. Drawing from his personal and professional journey—from earning his medical degree at Northwestern University to becoming Associate Medical Director at Unity Hospice—Jordan shares the lessons he’s learned about meaning, mortality, and the choices that shape our lives.

This conversation challenges the conventional path to success and explores how we can all live more intentionally—not someday, but now.

About Michael Liebowitz – Host of The Rational Egoist

Michael Liebowitz is the host of The Rational Egoist podcast, a philosopher, author, and political activist committed to the principles of reason, individualism, and rational self-interest. Deeply influenced by the philosophy of Ayn Rand, Michael uses his platform to challenge cultural dogma, expose moral contradictions, and defend the values that make human flourishing possible.

His journey from a 25-year prison sentence to becoming a respected voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities is a testament to the transformative power of philosophy. Today, Michael speaks, writes, and debates passionately in defence of individual rights and intellectual clarity.

He is the co-author of two compelling books that examine the failures of the correctional system and the redemptive power of moral conviction:

Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Corrections Encourages Crime

https://www.amazon.com.au/Down-Rabbit-Hole-Corrections-Encourages/dp/197448064X

View from a Cage: From Convict to Crusader for Liberty

https://books2read.com/u/4jN6xj

About Xenia Ioannou – Producer of The Rational Egoist

Xenia Ioannou is the producer of The Rational Egoist, overseeing the publishing and promotion of each episode to reflect a consistent standard of clarity, professionalism, and intellectual integrity.

As a CEO, property manager, entrepreneur, and lifelong advocate for capitalism and individual rights, Xenia ensures the podcast stays true to its core values of reason, freedom, and personal responsibility.

Xenia also leads Capitalism and Coffee – An Objectivist Meetup in Adelaide, where passionate thinkers gather to discuss Ayn Rand’s ideas and their application to life, politics, and culture.

Join us at: https://www.meetup.com/adelaide-ayn-rand-meetup/

(Capitalism and Coffee – An Objectivist Meetup)

Because freedom is worth thinking about—and talking about.

Follow Life on Purpose – Xenia's thought-provoking essays at her Substack:

https://substack.com/@xeniaioannou?utm_source=user-menu

#JordanGrumet #HospiceCare #RationalEgoism #Purpose #Objectivism #LifeAndDeath #InternalMedicine #AynRand #CapitalismAndCoffee #IndividualRights #MichaelLiebowitz

Jim Valliant Breaks His Silence Concerning The Situation of Dr. Leonard Peikoff

In this gripping and emotionally charged episode, Michael Liebowitz sits down with author and philosopher James Stevens Valliant, who publicly addresses—for the first time—the controversial developments surrounding Dr. Leonard Peikoff, heir to Ayn Rand’s intellectual legacy.

With deep personal insight and philosophical clarity, Valliant explores the moral, legal, and cultural implications of the current situation. This is a must-listen episode for anyone concerned with the future of Objectivism, intellectual integrity, and justice.

🎧 Also please watch this:

https://youtu.be/loyVhVfpaLs

About Michael Liebowitz – Host of The Rational Egoist

Michael Liebowitz is the host of The Rational Egoist podcast, a philosopher, author, and political activist committed to the principles of reason, individualism, and rational self-interest. Deeply influenced by the philosophy of Ayn Rand, Michael uses his platform to challenge cultural dogma, expose moral contradictions, and defend the values that make human flourishing possible.

His journey from a 25-year prison sentence to becoming a respected voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities is a testament to the transformative power of philosophy. Today, Michael speaks, writes, and debates passionately in defence of individual rights and intellectual clarity.

He is the co-author of two compelling books that examine the failures of the correctional system and the redemptive power of moral conviction:

Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Corrections Encourages Crime

https://www.amazon.com.au/Down-Rabbit-Hole-Corrections-Encourages/dp/197448064X

View from a Cage: From Convict to Crusader for Liberty

https://books2read.com/u/4jN6xj

About Xenia Ioannou – Producer of The Rational Egoist

Xenia Ioannou is the producer of The Rational Egoist, overseeing the publishing and promotion of each episode to reflect a consistent standard of clarity, professionalism, and intellectual integrity.

As a CEO, property manager, entrepreneur, and lifelong advocate for capitalism and individual rights, Xenia ensures the podcast stays true to its core values of reason, freedom, and personal responsibility.

Xenia also leads Capitalism and Coffee – An Objectivist Meetup in Adelaide, where passionate thinkers gather to discuss Ayn Rand’s ideas and their application to life, politics, and culture.

Join us at: https://www.meetup.com/adelaide-ayn-rand-meetup/

(Capitalism and Coffee – An Objectivist Meetup)

Because freedom is worth thinking about—and talking about.

Follow Life on Purpose – Xenia's thought-provoking essays at her Substack:

https://substack.com/@xeniaioannou?utm_source=user-menu

#TheRationalEgoist #JimValliant #LeonardPeikoff #Objectivism #AynRand #Reason #IndividualRights #MichaelLiebowitz #XeniaIoannou #Capitalism #PhilosophyMatters #LifeOnPurpose

The Role of Humor in The Good Life – with James Stevens Valliant

What is the value of humor in a rational life? Is laughter just a luxury—or an essential expression of joy, perspective, and moral clarity?

In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz is joined by James Stevens Valliant, author, attorney, and lifelong Objectivist, for a rich exploration of the role humor plays in a life lived well. They discuss how laughter reflects our deepest judgments, how comedy can serve as a weapon against irrationality, and why a sense of humor is not only compatible with moral seriousness—but necessary for flourishing.

James Stevens Valliant is the author of Creating Christ: How Roman Emperors Invented Christianity and The Passion of Ayn Rand’s Critics. With intellectual depth and sharp wit, he brings a unique perspective to the intersection of philosophy, history, and human happiness.

This is a conversation that may change how you think about humor—and make you laugh while doing it.

About Michael Liebowitz – Host of The Rational Egoist

Michael Liebowitz is the host of The Rational Egoist podcast, a philosopher, author, and political activist committed to the principles of reason, individualism, and rational self-interest. Deeply influenced by the philosophy of Ayn Rand, Michael uses his platform to challenge cultural dogma, expose moral contradictions, and defend the values that make human flourishing possible.

His journey from a 25-year prison sentence to becoming a respected voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities is a testament to the transformative power of philosophy. Today, Michael speaks, writes, and debates passionately in defence of individual rights and intellectual clarity.

He is the co-author of two compelling books that examine the failures of the correctional system and the redemptive power of moral conviction:

Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Corrections Encourages Crime

https://www.amazon.com.au/Down-Rabbit-Hole-Corrections-Encourages/dp/197448064X

View from a Cage: From Convict to Crusader for Liberty

https://books2read.com/u/4jN6xj

About Xenia Ioannou – Producer of The Rational Egoist

Xenia Ioannou is the producer of The Rational Egoist, overseeing the publishing and promotion of each episode to reflect a consistent standard of clarity, professionalism, and intellectual integrity.

As a CEO, property manager, entrepreneur, and lifelong advocate for capitalism and individual rights, Xenia ensures the podcast stays true to its core values of reason, freedom, and personal responsibility.

Xenia also leads Capitalism and Coffee – An Objectivist Meetup in Adelaide, where passionate thinkers gather to discuss Ayn Rand’s ideas and their application to life, politics, and culture.

Join us at: https://www.meetup.com/adelaide-ayn-rand-meetup/

(Capitalism and Coffee – An Objectivist Meetup)

Because freedom is worth thinking about—and talking about.

Follow Life on Purpose – Xenia's thought-provoking essays at her Substack:

https://substack.com/@xeniaioannou?utm_source=user-menu

#JamesStevensValliant #CreatingChrist #Objectivism #RationalEgoism #TheGoodLife #HumorAndPhilosophy #MichaelLiebowitz #LifeOnPurpose #CapitalismAndCoffee #AynRand

In this episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael Leibowitz sits down with renowned economist and historian Lawrence W. Reed to uncover the real causes and consequences of the Great Depression. Was it a failure of capitalism—or a failure of government?

Drawing from decades of economic scholarship, Larry Reed dismantles the prevailing myths and reveals how misguided monetary policy, protectionism, and central planning turned a market correction into a global catastrophe. If you've ever been told that the Great Depression proves capitalism doesn't work, this episode is for you.

About Our Guest:

Lawrence W. (“Larry”) Reed is the former President of the Foundation for Economic Education (FEE), where he served from 2008 after a long history with the organisation dating back to the late 1970s. Before FEE, Reed spent 21 years as President of the Mackinac Center for Public Policy in Michigan and was a professor and department chair of economics at Northwood University. He remains one of the most articulate defenders of economic liberty alive today.

About Michael Liebowitz – Host of The Rational Egoist

Michael Liebowitz is the host of The Rational Egoist podcast, a philosopher, author, and political activist committed to the principles of reason, individualism, and rational self-interest. Deeply influenced by the philosophy of Ayn Rand, Michael uses his platform to challenge cultural dogma, expose moral contradictions, and defend the values that make human flourishing possible.

His journey from a 25-year prison sentence to becoming a respected voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities is a testament to the transformative power of philosophy. Today, Michael speaks, writes, and debates passionately in defence of individual rights and intellectual clarity.

He is the co-author of two compelling books that examine the failures of the correctional system and the redemptive power of moral conviction:

Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Corrections Encourages Crime

https://www.amazon.com.au/Down-Rabbit-Hole-Corrections-Encourages/dp/197448064X

View from a Cage: From Convict to Crusader for Liberty

https://books2read.com/u/4jN6xj

About Xenia Ioannou – Producer of The Rational Egoist

Xenia Ioannou is the producer of The Rational Egoist, overseeing the publishing and promotion of each episode to reflect a consistent standard of clarity, professionalism, and intellectual integrity.

As a CEO, property manager, entrepreneur, and lifelong advocate for capitalism and individual rights, Xenia ensures the podcast stays true to its core values of reason, freedom, and personal responsibility.

Xenia also leads Capitalism and Coffee – An Objectivist Meetup in Adelaide, where passionate thinkers gather to discuss Ayn Rand’s ideas and their application to life, politics, and culture.

Join us at: https://www.meetup.com/adelaide-ayn-rand-meetup/

(Capitalism and Coffee – An Objectivist Meetup)

Because freedom is worth thinking about—and talking about.

Follow Life on Purpose – Xenia's thought-provoking essays at her Substack:

https://substack.com/@xeniaioannou?utm_source=user-menu

Liberty, Culture, Race, and More! – with Justin Williams

In this episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael Liebowitz speaks with Justin Williams, a scholar whose academic journey includes Rutgers, Princeton, and Rider University. With a strong foundation in classical liberal thought, Williams brings thoughtful insight to a wide-ranging conversation covering liberty, culture, race, education, and the moral importance of personal responsibility. Together, they challenge prevailing narratives and explore how a principled commitment to individual freedom can address the most pressing issues of our time.

About Michael Liebowitz – Host of The Rational Egoist

Michael Liebowitz is the host of The Rational Egoist podcast, a philosopher, author, and political activist committed to the principles of reason, individualism, and rational self-interest. Deeply influenced by the philosophy of Ayn Rand, Michael uses his platform to challenge cultural dogma, expose moral contradictions, and defend the values that make human flourishing possible.

His journey from a 25-year prison sentence to becoming a respected voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities is a testament to the transformative power of philosophy. Today, Michael speaks, writes, and debates passionately in defence of individual rights and intellectual clarity.

He is the co-author of two compelling books that examine the failures of the correctional system and the redemptive power of moral conviction:

Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Corrections Encourages Crime

Purchase: https://www.amazon.com.au/Down-Rabbit-Hole-Corrections-Encourages/dp/197448064X

View from a Cage: From Convict to Crusader for Liberty

Purchase: https://books2read.com/u/4jN6xj

About Xenia Ioannou – Producer of The Rational Egoist

Xenia Ioannou is the producer of The Rational Egoist, overseeing the publishing and promotion of each episode to reflect a consistent standard of clarity, professionalism, and intellectual integrity. As a CEO, property manager, entrepreneur, and lifelong advocate for capitalism and individual rights, Xenia ensures the podcast stays true to its core values of reason, freedom, and personal responsibility.

Xenia also leads Capitalism and Coffee – An Objectivist Meetup in Adelaide, where passionate thinkers gather to discuss Ayn Rand’s ideas and their application to life, politics, and culture.

Follow her writing and thought-provoking essays at her Substack:

https://substack.com/@xeniaioannou?utm_source=user-menu

Join Us for Capitalism and Coffee in Adelaide

If you’re looking for rich, no-nonsense conversations about freedom, reason, and personal power, Capitalism and Coffee is Adelaide’s premier meetup for lovers of liberty and independent thought. Hosted by Xenia Ioannou, it brings together entrepreneurs, students of philosophy, and curious minds ready to challenge the culture of collectivism and embrace the power of ideas.

Whether you’re new to Objectivism or well-versed in its principles, you’ll find this group energising, inspiring, and intellectually serious—plus, there’s wine or coffee, depending on your mood.

Join us at: https://www.meetup.com/adelaide-ayn-rand-meetup/

(Capitalism and Coffee – An Objectivist Meetup)

Because freedom is worth thinking about—and talking about.

A Fascinating Discussion About AI – with Jonathan MacDonald

In this episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael Liebowitz is joined by Jonathan MacDonald, one of the world’s most sought-after strategic thinkers and change-makers, for a wide-ranging conversation about artificial intelligence. Together, they explore the ethical, philosophical, and technological implications of AI—its potential to empower or control, the importance of privacy and autonomy, and what a responsible digital future might look like.

Jonathan shares insights from his journey through the early days of cryptographic technology to the creation of SELF (Sovereign Ethical Lifestyle Filter), a personal, private, and adaptive AI designed to return control to the individual. As host of Ethics TV, he brings a principled lens to the digital revolution, challenging us to rethink how we engage with the tools we create.

Whether you're intrigued by the future of technology or concerned about where it's headed, this is a thought-provoking conversation you won’t want to miss.

Hashtags:

#ArtificialIntelligence #JonathanMacDonald #DigitalEthics #SovereignTech #AI #Privacy #Philosophy #Rights #TechForGood #TheRationalEgoist #Blockchain #SELF #EthicsTV #AIConversation #futureofai

About Michael Liebowitz – Host of The Rational Egoist

Michael Liebowitz is the host of The Rational Egoist podcast, a philosopher, author, and political activist committed to the principles of reason, individualism, and rational self-interest. Deeply influenced by the philosophy of Ayn Rand, Michael uses his platform to challenge cultural dogma, expose moral contradictions, and defend the values that make human flourishing possible.

His journey from a 25-year prison sentence to becoming a respected voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities is a testament to the transformative power of philosophy. Today, Michael speaks, writes, and debates passionately in defence of individual rights and intellectual clarity.

He is the co-author of two compelling books that examine the failures of the correctional system and the redemptive power of moral conviction:

📘 Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Corrections Encourages Crime

Purchase: https://www.amazon.com.au/Down-Rabbit-Hole-Corrections-Encourages/dp/197448064X

📘 View from a Cage: From Convict to Crusader for Liberty

Purchase: https://books2read.com/u/4jN6xj

About Xenia Ioannou – Producer of The Rational Egoist

Xenia Ioannou is the producer of The Rational Egoist, overseeing the publishing and promotion of each episode to reflect a consistent standard of clarity, professionalism, and intellectual integrity. As a CEO, property manager, entrepreneur, and lifelong advocate for capitalism and individual rights, Xenia ensures the podcast stays true to its core values of reason, freedom, and personal responsibility.

Xenia also leads Capitalism and Coffee – An Objectivist Meetup in Adelaide, where passionate thinkers gather to discuss Ayn Rand’s ideas and their application to life, politics, and culture.

Follow her writing and thought-provoking essays at her Substack:

📝 https://substack.com/@xeniaioannou?utm_source=user-menu

☕ Join Us for Capitalism and Coffee in Adelaide

If you’re looking for rich, no-nonsense conversations about freedom, reason, and personal power, Capitalism and Coffee is Adelaide’s premier meetup for lovers of liberty and independent thought. Hosted by Xenia Ioannou, it brings together entrepreneurs, students of philosophy, and curious minds ready to challenge the culture of collectivism and embrace the power of ideas.

Whether you're new to Objectivism or well-versed in its principles, you'll find this group energising, inspiring, and intellectually serious—plus, there's wine or coffee, depending on your mood.

📍 Join us at: https://www.meetup.com/adelaide-ayn-rand-meetup/

(Capitalism and Coffee – An Objectivist Meetup)

Because freedom is worth thinking about—and talking about.