The Political Orphanage

Updated: 07 May 2025 • 562 episodes
www.mightyheaton.com

Politics minus bile plus jokes. Comedian and avowed independent Andrew Heaton interviews authors and thought leaders about policy and big thinky stuff.

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Rebecca Allensworth is the Associate Dean of Research at Vanderbilt Law, where she focuses on anti-trust and licensing. She is the author of "The Licensing Racket: How We Decide Who Is Allowed to Work, and Why It Goes Wrong."   She joins to discuss licensing, and alternatives.   Previous: Shoshanna Weissman on Grooming

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Marc Beckman is a Senior Fellow of Emerging Technology at NYU, adjunct professor Stern, and the author of "Some Future Day: how AI is going to Change Everything." He joins to discuss practical implications of the unfolding AI Revolution.

58 min
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Why do some people determine an action is racist, and others say nah? What are the mental protocols people use to exonerate or convict someone accused of beings sexist?  Jessi Streib is the author of "Is it Racist? Is it Sexist? Why Red and Blue White People Disagree, and How to Decide in the Gray Areas."

59 min
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Andrew Heaton & Derek Thompson + Ezra Klein 16 Apr 2025 • EN

Faster, Cheaper, Better Government: Derek Thompson on “Abundance”

Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson are the authors of “Abundance” a book about removing artificial scarcity and embracing a worldview that focuses on end goals, building, growth, and increasing the supply of everything we need and want. He joins to discuss the book, zoning, why America can’t have nice trains, and how we can

54 min
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Just what the hell is happening with tariffs? Are we entering a trade war? Are we negotiating? In today's show: A) An extended introduction about Napoleon III and Otto von Bismarck B) Austin Padgett, co-host of "History 102" on YouTube joins to discuss Trump's tariffs from the pro-Trump perspective C) Scott Lincicome o

86 min
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Andrew Heaton & Cory Doctorow 02 Apr 2025 • EN

Cory Doctorow on the Evils of Copyright Law

Cory Doctorow is a journalist, activist, and science fiction author known for his work on digital rights, monopolies, and the future of technology. He joins to discuss non-compete clauses, IP law, Right of Repair, and copyright regimes. His most recent book is "Picks and Shovels,” available at www.mightyheaton.com/feat