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Words & Numbers

Free the People
Donald Trump
Social Security
Inflation
Economics
Tariffs
Interest Rates
Federal Reserve
Artificial Intelligence
Joe Biden
Libertarian Party
Social Media
College Education
Minimum Wage
Supreme Court
California
Personal Finance
United States Constitution
Health Insurance
FBI Crime Data
Wealth Tax

Words & Numbers is one of the highest-rated economics podcasts in the world. Each episode, Antony Davies and James R. Harrigan dig into economics, political science, and current events to explain what’s actually happening and why it matters.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes533Founded9 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
Education

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Latest Episodes

Ant and James go a little further than most in discussing the death penalty as we brace ourselves for the first public execution in the US since 1936.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Preview

01:13 MIT’s Certificate in Piracy

03:59 Political Argumen... more

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David Friedman joins us once again to discuss differing legal systems (and Renaissance fairs).

00:00 Introduction and Episode Preview

01:14 Furries, Renaissance Fairs, and Pittsburgh Subcultures

06:42 Rethinking the Social Security Retirement Age more

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James and guest co-host Tom Krannawitter try to figure out (and explain) what the normative standard of nature is.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Preview

01:08 Trump, the Midterms, and the Future of the Republican Party

06:27 Colorado Republicans ... more

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James and Tom Krannawitter, who is pinch-hitting for Ant this week, discuss the differences between the Greek and German educational methods, and why we should care.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Preview

01:17 Trump’s Triumphal Arch, Snipers, and ... more

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Key Facts

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Recent Guests

David Friedman
Academic economist with a doctorate in physics and former law professor; author of The Machinery of Freedom and Legal Systems Very Different from Ours
David Friedman, Professor/Author
Episode: Episode 527: David Friedman Returns!
Thomas Krannawitter
Guest commentator, political philosopher
Episode: Episode 525: Athens v Berlin
James Martin
Jesuit priest, editor-at-large for America Magazine, author
America Magazine
Episode: Episode 521: A Priest Walks Into a Podcast
Clark Neily
Senior Vice President for Legal Studies at the Cato Institute and author
Cato Institute
Episode: Episode 519: Of Course Clark is Right
Wes Westmoreland
Printer, entrepreneur, businessman and former state senator
Independent
Episode: Episode 517: A Cornucopia of Foolishness
London River
Guest; industry professional in adult entertainment and advocate, Free Speech Coalition
Free Speech Coalition
Episode: Episode 516: Save Our Children! | Guest: London River
Rob McDonald
Professor of History, West Point
West Point
Episode: Episode 513: The Real Independence Day
Matt Kibbe
Founder of Free The People
Free The People
Episode: Episode 507: Free These People
Max Borders
Author and founder of Human Respect Labs, Chrysalis Project advocate
Author; Human Respect Labs; Chrysalis Project
Episode: Episode 506: Where Have All The Men Gone?

Hosts

James Harrigan
Host of Words & Numbers
Antony Davies
Co-host of Words & Numbers

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 573 ratings
  • Love it!

    In an era dominated by outrage, slogans, and superficial analysis, Words and Numbers is a refreshing reminder that serious ideas can still be explored thoughtfully, intelligently, and with good humor. It is one of the few podcasts that regularly leaves me with a deeper understanding of the world and a longer list of questions worth considering.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    TheJ+
    United States5 months ago
  • Best Podcast Ever

    I listen during my commute and this is by far my favorite podcast. It’s honestly a breath of fresh air to listen to two hosts discuss issues without screaming at each other or guests. I learn lots, I laugh often, and genuinely appreciate the knowledge they share.

    Give it a listen. Especially if you like economics and politics.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Johnszarowski
    United States5 months ago
  • Great Podcast

    James and Ant are great hosts that deliver as close to unbiased information as you can get. The tandem of economist and political scientist is a great way to look at the things that they present. This podcast is a weekly listen for me and should be for all who are searching for top quality information.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    duwndbdiwn
    United States5 months ago
  • Favorite podcast

    Antony and James have a great rapport. Very educational as well as entertaining. Be nice to each other 😊

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Raininindy
    United States5 months ago
  • Excellent Podcast

    Excellent podcast! The combination of economics and political science make this show outstanding! It will give you a firm grasp on politics, the economy, and the web that ties it all together.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Martens Minute Podcast
    United States10 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Audiences applaud the combination of humor and rigorous reasoning, calling it educational and entertaining.
A few critiques mention moments of anger or strong rhetoric from hosts but still regard content as insightful.
Some listeners note perceived bias but cite high-quality, reasoned discussions across episodes.
Listeners praise the show for thoughtful, non-screaming discourse and strong economic and political analysis.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Episode 527: David Friedman Returns!
Q: How do you see the private norms system interacting with formal state law in modern contexts, such as civil forfeiture or campus regulations?
Private norms can enforce social penalties when formal law is absent or incomplete, but there can be misalignments where private enforcement yields outcomes not aligned with legal or moral ideals; in some cases, norms fill gaps left by state law, though this can also create perverse incentives.
Episode 527: David Friedman Returns!
Q: Can you elaborate on the concept of competing legal systems within the same area and how that historically has functioned in places like Wales or medieval Spain?
There were times when different communities followed distinct legal traditions within the same geographic area, such as Welsh and English law coexisting or Jewish and Muslim courts operating in the same city; contracts could be registered under a particular school's law and be judged accordingly, creating a form of parallel jurisdiction.
Episode 527: David Friedman Returns!
Q: David, could you explain how Renaissance Fairs differ from SCA events and why that matters for understanding alternative legal and social systems?
Renaissance Fairs are spectator-focused performances, while SCA events require participants to engage in pre-17th-century garb and activities; the SCA frames participation as a personal commitment to living history, which mirrors how some legal systems require active engagement or membership in a community that enforces its norms.
Episode 507: Free These People
Q: Matt, what can you add?
Kibbe explains his background, Free The People's mission, and how their content combines storytelling with libertarian philosophy to reach a broader, younger audience.
Episode 505: Owning the (Post) Libs
Q: What does post-liberalism mean in the current political landscape?
Post-liberalism is described as an ideology that critiques modern liberalism and seeks a return to a traditional or communal order, often advocating for strong executive power and a shift away from Madisonian constitutionalism, with roots and supporters spanning both academic theory and international political movements.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Words & Numbers

What is Words & Numbers about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Two educational hosts dissect economics, politics, and current events with rigorous logic and accessible examples. Episodes mix foundational theory with contemporary policy debates, often anchoring discussions in constitutional questions, market incentives, and public choice. A standout is the balance of independent thinking, humor, and civility, plus frequent expert guests from think tanks, academia, and policy advocacy who push for principled, evidence-based dialogue. This show is likely to appeal to listeners who want thoughtful analysis over partisan shouting and enjoy connections between economics and political science in real-world issues.

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Which podcasts are similar to Words & Numbers?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Words & Numbers:

1. The Political Orphanage
2. The Reason Roundtable
3. The Tom Woods Show
4. The Reason Interview With Nick Gillespie
5. "YOUR WELCOME" with Michael Malice

How many episodes of Words & Numbers are there?

Words & Numbers launched 9 years ago and published 533 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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What guests have appeared on Words & Numbers?

Recent guests on Words & Numbers include:

1. David Friedman
2. Thomas Krannawitter
3. James Martin
4. Clark Neily
5. Wes Westmoreland
6. London River
7. Rob McDonald
8. Matt Kibbe

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