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Independent Conversations

Independent Institute
Venezuela
Homelessness
Tariffs
International Emergency Economic Powers Act
Donald Trump
Gerrymandering
California
Obamacare
Nimbyism
Wildfires
Free Speech
Ukraine
CEQA
Birthright Citizenship
Post-Liberalism
Redistricting
Cancel Culture
Fourteenth Amendment
Anarchism
Cato Institute

Brought to you by the Independent Institute, Independent Conversations is a regular round-table conversation that provides timely insights and cutting-edge commentary on the most pressing issues of the day. It features Independent’s Graham H. Walker (President), Williamson M. Evers (Senior Fellow), and as well as additional Independent Institute fellows and other special guests.

PublishesMonthlyEpisodes111Founded4 years ago
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Latest Episodes

Is birthright citizenship really guaranteed by the Fourteenth Amendment, or has America misread the fine print of one of its most important clauses? In this episode of Independent Conversations, Graham H. Walker is joined by Richard A. Epstein, Ilya ... more

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What happens when courts shape elections? And, is redistricting ever actually fair? In this episode of Independent Conversations, we attempt to answer these questions as Graham H. Walker sits down with Williamson M. Evers and Phillip W. Magness for a... more

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You know Adam Smith and Milton Friedman—but what about the economists whose ideas quietly kept the free market running? These overlooked thinkers shaped modern economic life, yet rarely receive the recognition they deserve. "Unsung Heroes of the Mark... more

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With California electricity demand growing exponentially, why is the state holding so tenaciously to its ban on new nuclear power plants? Why has California closed itself off from the largest source of carbon-free power generation in the United State... more

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Recent Guests

Richard Epstein
Charite Professor of Law at NYU; Emeritus Professor at University of Chicago
New York University; University of Chicago; Independent Conversations guest
Episode: Why Birthright Citizenship Is More Complicated Than We Think
Ilya Somin
Professor of Law at George Mason University; Senior Scholar at the Cato Institute
George Mason University; Cato Institute
Episode: Why Birthright Citizenship Is More Complicated Than We Think
Robert Whaples
Co-editor of Unsung Heroes of the Market
Wake Forest University
Episode: The Economists You Probably Don’t Know—But Should
Deanna Thomas
Co-editor of Unsung Heroes of the Market
Creighton University
Episode: The Economists You Probably Don’t Know—But Should
Christopher Coyne
Co-editor of Unsung Heroes of the Market
George Mason University
Episode: The Economists You Probably Don’t Know—But Should
Paige Lambermont
Policy Fellow at Independent Institute; affiliated with Competitive Enterprise Institute
Independent Institute / Competitive Enterprise Institute
Episode: End California’s Nuclear Energy Ban!
Christian Fors
Director of the Golden Fleece Research Program at Independent Institute
Independent Institute
Episode: End California’s Nuclear Energy Ban!
Williamson Evers
Senior Fellow at Independent Institute, economist and policy analyst
Independent Institute
Episode: Is the Constitution the First Casualty of the Iran War?
Ian Skoble
Author of Deleting the State
Bridgewater State University; Independent Institute
Episode: Deleting The State: Fear, Power, and Political Authority

Host

Graham H. Walker
Host and moderator of discussions; President of the Independent Institute

Chart Rankings

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Does the L.A. Metro System Have to Be a Waste of Time and Money? | Baruch Feigenbaum
Q: How do federal funding incentives affect decisions at the agency level?
Federal funding for capital drives expensive rail projects even when demand is weak, while operating funds and maintenance receive less attention, encouraging 'sexy' expansions over sustainable operations.
Does the L.A. Metro System Have to Be a Waste of Time and Money? | Baruch Feigenbaum
Q: What is the core reform Feigenbaum advocates to improve LA Metro?
A shift to customer-focused operations, reducing dependence on federal capital subsidies, and prioritizing bus service and cost-effective solutions like bus rapid transit over new rail expansions.
Does the L.A. Metro System Have to Be a Waste of Time and Money? | Baruch Feigenbaum
Q: Why did Feigenbaum choose Los Angeles Metro as the honoree for the California Golden Fleece Report?
Feigenbaum explains it as a case study in misaligned incentives, governance issues, and the mismatch between capital-heavy expansion and actual rider need, leading to high costs and declining ridership.
Free Speech vs. Left and Right Cancel Culture | Nadine Strossen
Q: How do we restore the norms of free speech amid cancel culture and political pressure?
Emphasize education, information, and civil-society solutions to cultivate understanding of free-speech principles, counter-speech, and responsible discourse, rather than relying on government mandates; protect a marketplace of ideas while promoting respectful, vigorous debate.
Free Speech vs. Left and Right Cancel Culture | Nadine Strossen
Q: Were Jimmy Kimmel's First Amendment rights violated when ABC canceled his show?
Private sector decisions by ABC are not bound by the First Amendment; only explicit government action or coercion would implicate First Amendment concerns, unless state or federal pressures effectively push the decision as if by government influence.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Independent Conversations

What is Independent Conversations about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A round-table focused current affairs discussion centered on economics, public policy, constitutional law, and energy policy. Episodes frequently feature Independent Institute senior fellows and researchers, along with external academics and policy experts, to unpack complex topics—from market theory and regulatory reform to energy transitions and foreign policy. Notable strengths include a strong libertarian-leaning analytical lens, thoughtful historical context, and policy recommendations grounded in data and case studies. The format blends expert debate with practical implications for policymakers, business leaders, and informed listeners who want nuanced takes on how policy shapes markets, governance, and everyday life.

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Which podcasts are similar to Independent Conversations?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Independent Conversations:

1. Hayek Program Podcast
2. Cato Podcast
3. The Reason Interview With Nick Gillespie
4. Bob Murphy Show
5. The Answer Is Transaction Costs

How many episodes of Independent Conversations are there?

Independent Conversations launched 4 years ago and published 111 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Independent Conversations?

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What guests have appeared on Independent Conversations?

Recent guests on Independent Conversations include:

1. Richard Epstein
2. Ilya Somin
3. Robert Whaples
4. Deanna Thomas
5. Christopher Coyne
6. Paige Lambermont
7. Christian Fors
8. Williamson Evers

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