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Donald Trump
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Iran
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The inimitable Richard Epstein offers his unique perspective on national developments in public policy and the law. The Libertarian is a podcast of the Civitas Institute at the University of Texas at Austin.

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes101Founded12 years ago
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Artwork for The Libertarian

Latest Episodes

Charles C. W. Cooke and Richard Epstein break down the Supreme Court’s Roundup v. Monsanto decision, arguing that the case was widely miscast as a simple fight between big business and cancer victims. Epstein explains why the real issue was federal p... more

Richard Epstein takes on the growing obsession with billionaires, wealth taxes, and economic “justice,” arguing that making the rich poorer will not make the poor richer. Using Elon Musk’s hypothetical trillionaire status as a jumping-off point, Epst... more

This week, Richard Epstein weighs in on war, deterrence, and the limits of modern military strategy. Drawing lessons from World War II, Vietnam, Gaza, and the current conflict with Iran, Epstein argues that wars are either fought to win or not fought... more

Richard Epstein analyzes the Trump administration’s controversial $1.776 billion settlement fund, arguing that it represents a profound breach of constitutional norms, public trust, and basic principles of good government. From standing doctrine and ... more

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Recent Guests

Richard Epstein
Legal scholar, University of Chicago Law School; frequent commentator on constitutional issues
University of Chicago Law School
Episode: When Trump Sued Himself: The $1.776 billion Slush Fund

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 1.2k ratings
  • Good Sense But…

    RICHARD, as usual this is a good discussion. However, you mentioned Trump gratuitously, and you never linked it back to any part of your argument. Your TDS is showing through!

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    Biden is a Good man?!
    United States4 months ago
  • Pure wisdom

    Pure wisdom in every episode on timely topics

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    SoCalCuster
    United States10 months ago
  • A walking, talking, legal eagle

    The most plain-spoken authority on all things constitutional. Simply love to listen to Epstein, and it makes me very happy to see that he’s returned; this time a guest on his own podcast.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    atypical_user
    United Statesa year ago
  • I miss this podcast

    I hope Richard is coming back.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    BigHaakDaddyAloha
    United Statesa year ago
  • Good show

    I’m not us citizen, and not even major in law. But I listen to Libertarian whenever the new episode is on. Really enjoy the discussions between Prof. Richard Epstein and the host on various topics.

    The show has not been updated since Dec, 2024. Not sure what’s happening. Hope all is well.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Fan of libertarian
    Taiwana year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Thoughtful, rigorous libertarian analysis that cuts through noise.
Consistently high-quality legal and policy insights with clear explanations.
Guests bring deep expertise; discussions are thoughtful, sometimes dense but rewarding.
Audience polarity exists around policy disagreements, but analytical depth is valued.
Deep dives that reward careful listening and background knowledge.

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Roundup at The Supreme Court
Q: If you were to improve this FIFA law were revisited, what would you say?
The guest suggests a cautious approach: retain robust protection, avoid broad, one-size-fits-all preemption, and emphasize expert, case-by-case assessment rather than sweeping rules that could hinder beneficial drugs and vaccines.
The Half-War
Q: What do you think of President Trump's strategy in executing our policy in Iran and where we are currently?
Epstein criticizes the strategy as flawed, arguing that air power alone cannot achieve decisive victory and that a combination of ground action and strategic diplomacy is necessary, while also questioning the domestic political constraints and how they shape the decision-making process.
The Slippery Slope of Social Media Liability
Q: Richard, first off, what is happening here? There's no law that allows people to seek damages in this manner, and Section 230, at least, I thought, was supposed to stop this.
Epstein explains the case is likely grounded in common law claims about providing deadly information and that liability could hinge on whether the platform is a content producer or a transmitter, with ongoing debates about the applicability of Section 230 and the need for private rights of action to address perceived gaps in regulation.
Tax the Rich . . . Until They Leave: Mamdani and Rent Control
Q: Richard, that was one of your most pessimistic answers. Do you think it will all work out?
I don't think it's predetermined to fail, but there are powerful forces resisting reform, and the outcome depends on political choices and strategic actions in the next year or two.
Trump’s War on Narco Boats
Q: Can Congress pass laws to empower the president to deal with narco-terrorism in compliance with international law?
Congress can authorize actions, but they must be consistent with international law, and currently, there's no direct threat that justifies such measures.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Libertarian

What is The Libertarian about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A libertarian-leaning legal policy show that centers long-form conversations with a renowned constitutional scholar. Episodes routinely dissect current events through a rigorous (and often historical) legal lens, covering topics from war powers and executive authority to Section 230, regulatory policy, and economic regulation. Notable strengths include a clearly articulated analytical approach grounded in constitutional law and public policy, frequent deep-dives with a high-signal guest, and a willingness to challenge conventional political narratives. The format is ideal for listeners who want principled, argument-driven analysis on contemporary issues, with a niche appeal to policy professionals, lawyers, and libertarian-leaning audiences... more

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Which podcasts are similar to The Libertarian?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Libertarian:

1. Law Talk With Epstein, Yoo & Cooke
2. Uncommon Knowledge
3. GoodFellows: Conversations on Economics, History & Geopolitics
4. Cato Podcast
5. The Ricochet Podcast

How many episodes of The Libertarian are there?

The Libertarian launched 12 years ago and published 101 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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Recent guests on The Libertarian include:

1. Richard Epstein

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