Episode 690: Wall Street’s War on Workers

Newt talks with Dr. Greg Autry, author of "Red Moon Rising: How America Will Beat China on the Final Frontier". They discuss the new space race between the United States and China, with the moon as the ultimate high ground. Autry highlights the vast lunar resources that could determine the quality of life on earth in the future. He also discusses the potential of space for manufacturing and medical advancements, such as growing stem cells and creating pharmaceuticals in zero gravity. However, Autry expresses concern about the United States’ ability to beat China to the moon, citing a lack of top-level support in the current administration for the space program.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Pulitzer Prize finalist Annie Jacobsen, about her new book "Nuclear War: A Scenario". The book explores the potential aftermath of a nuclear missile launch, based on interviews with military and civilian experts. Jacobsen discusses the concept of "Mad King Logic", where one irrational leader with a nuclear arsenal could trigger a global catastrophe. She also explains the devastating environmental and human impacts of a nuclear war, including nuclear winter and the death of billions. Jacobsen suggests that the way forward is to reduce the number of nuclear weapons and make their use taboo, following the example set by President Reagan. They also discuss how this could be implemented in a world with unpredictable leaders like Kim Jong Un and Ayatollah Khomeini.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Brigadier General Anthony Tata (U.S. Army, Retired) about the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The Israeli Defense Force has taken control of the border crossing at Rafah and is focusing on destroying Hamas targets. There are also ongoing talks of a ceasefire to free remaining hostages. Tata provides his expert analysis on the situation. He believes that Israel must destroy Hamas to ensure the security of the Israeli people. They also discuss the rise of pro-Palestinian protests in the United States, and Tata's career as a novelist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with wildlife filmmaker and National Geographic Explorer, Bertie Gregory, about his experience filming Emperor Penguin chicks in Antarctica for the upcoming National Geographic series, Secrets of the Penguins to be released in April 2025. The footage, which has never been captured for television before, shows the chicks diving off a 50-foot Antarctic ice shelf into the ocean. Bertie discusses the challenges of filming in such a remote and cold location, and the unexpected behavior of the penguins. He also describes how his career began and the importance of understanding and respecting wildlife in his work. Learn more about the historic penguin leap at NatGeo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What can current university leaders learn from Governor Ronald Reagan's approach to college protests? Newt discusses the history of student unrest on college campuses, particularly focusing on the role Governor Reagan played in handling the protests at the University of California, Berkeley. He draws parallels between the student protests of the 1960s and the unrest on campuses today, noting that many of the issues are similar. He discusses Reagan's firm and clear approach to dealing with student protests. This episode includes archival audio from Governor Reagan, in his own words.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Professor Ajay Agrawal, a key player in the world of Artificial Intelligence and author of Power and Prediction: The Disruptive Economics of Artificial Intelligence. Agrawal discusses the rapid evolution of AI, highlighting the significant advancements made in the last decade. He explains that AI's core function is to improve prediction, but it also requires human clarity for value judgments within those predictions. Agrawal also discusses the potential for AI to dramatically increase productivity and trigger a large reallocation of capital. He predicts that AI will force society to be more explicit about value judgments and trade-offs, leading to increased transparency.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Les Leopold about his new book, "Wall Street's War on Workers". He explains how corporations in the U.S. have used mass layoffs and stock buybacks to enrich shareholders at the expense of employees. Leopold argues that these practices have contributed to the decline in support for the Democratic Party among urban and rural workers. He suggests that the party has failed to address the issue of mass layoffs and has instead supported policies that have led to job instability. Leopold proposes solutions such as limiting stock buybacks to 2% and preventing companies with government contracts from laying off workers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with bestselling author Timothy Carney about his new book, "Family Unfriendly: How Our Culture Made Raising Kids Much Harder Than It Needs To Be". Carney argues that modern American parenting standards are unrealistic and contribute to record rates of anxiety, depression, and loneliness in children. He criticizes the culture of over-parenting and suggests that it's time to end this failed experiment. Carney also discusses the impact of technology, the fear of crime, and the pressure to succeed on parenting. He highlights the declining birth rates in the U.S. and globally, attributing it to factors such as career-focused lifestyles, housing costs, and a shift in cultural values. Carney suggests that policy changes, particularly in housing, could help support families and reverse the trend of declining birth rates.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt discusses the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) with Neil Chilson, the leader of AI policy at the Abundance Institute. Chilson explains that while AI has the potential to revolutionize various sectors, including healthcare and creative fields, there is a pervasive fear and pessimism surrounding the technology. He argues that this fear-based approach could hinder the full potential of AI. Chilson also discusses the Abundance Institute's focus on Artificial Intelligence and energy, emphasizing the need for regulatory changes to foster innovation in these areas. He invites those interested in a positive technological future to get involved with the Abundance Institute.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt’s guest is Brett Tolman, a former U.S. Attorney and Executive Director of Right on Crime. They discuss the organization's efforts to reform the criminal justice system. Right on Crime, part of the Texas Public Policy Foundation, advocates for alternative sentencing, parole expansion, and evidence-based programs to improve the success rate of those reentering society. Tolman highlights the Safer Supervision Act, a bipartisan bill that would allow individuals who have served half of their supervision term and maintained good conduct to request early termination. He also emphasizes the importance of accountability and redemption in the criminal justice system.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.