Catherine Dickerson on the Benevolence of Reason

Michaelangelo Casanova Joins The Rational Egoist for a Powerful Conversation on EntrepreneurshipOn this episode, Michael Liebowitz is joined by Michaelangelo Casanova for a rich, energising discussion about what it truly means to build a life—and a business—through deliberate action and uncompromising personal agency.Michaelangelo Casanova is an entrepreneur and life coach who has dedicated his work to helping people break out of passive living and step into purposeful creation. His approach is direct, grounded, and results-focused: the mindset of someone who believes that a fulfilled life is chosen, built, and earned through clarity and disciplined effort.Together, Michael and Michaelangelo explore the psychology behind entrepreneurship:why ambition requires independence, why stagnation often begins in the mind long before it shows up in results, and how a person creates momentum when the world around them rewards excuses over effort. It’s an honest conversation about responsibility, creativity, and the quiet pride that comes from building something real.About Michael Liebowitz – Host of The Rational EgoistMichael Liebowitz is the host of The Rational Egoist, a philosopher, author, and political activist committed to the principles of reason, individualism, and rational self-interest. A formerly incarcerated man who transformed a 25-year prison sentence into a life of intellectual purpose, Michael now challenges cultural dogma, exposes moral contradictions, and defends the values that make human flourishing possible.He is the co-author of:Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Corrections Encourages Crimehttps://www.amazon.com.au/Down-Rabbit-Hole-Corrections-Encourages/dp/197448064XView from a Cage: From Convict to Crusader for Libertyhttps://books2read.com/u/4jN6xjAbout Xenia Ioannou – Producer of The Rational EgoistXenia Ioannou is the producer of The Rational Egoist, shaping the presentation, publishing, and strategic promotion of each episode to ensure it reflects a consistent standard of clarity and intellectual rigour.She is the CEO of Alexa Real Estate, an entrepreneur, and a property manager with two decades of business experience. Xenia serves on the Board of Directors of the Ayn Rand Centre Australia, where she contributes to the organisation’s strategic direction, public engagement, and long-range growth. Her work centres on reason, individual rights, and the defence of human freedom.Xenia also leads Capitalism and Coffee – An Objectivist Meetup in Adelaide, a forum for thoughtful discussion on philosophy, culture, independence of mind, and the moral meaning of living by one’s own judgment.Join the meetup:https://www.meetup.com/adelaide-ayn-rand-meetup/Read Xenia’s essays on clarity, purpose, and self-ownership:https://substack.com/@xeniaioannou?utm_source=user-menuBecause freedom is worth thinking about—and talking about.#TheRationalEgoist #MichaelLiebowitz #Entrepreneurship #IndividualRights #RationalSelfInterest #PhilosophyPodcast #LifeOnPurpose #ARCA #CapitalismAndCoffee #ObjectivistCommunity

In this compelling episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael Liebowitz sits down once again with author, prosecutor, and philosopher James Stevens Valliant to tackle a recurring confusion in libertarian circles: the attempt to merge individual-rights philosophy with anarchism — a fusion often labelled “anarcho-Objectivism.”Michael and James examine why this hybrid collapses on its own premises. They break down the essential role of objective law, the necessity of a single rights-protecting legal framework, and why competing private “justice agencies” cannot uphold rights but inevitably devolve into private warlords.The discussion cuts through romantic rhetoric about “voluntary governance” and focuses instead on the practical requirements of living in a civilised society: clear laws, a monopoly on retaliatory force, and institutions bound by objective standards. Without these, rights aren’t defended — they’re extinguished.James draws on history, legal philosophy, and decades of work studying the moral foundations of liberty. Michael brings his trademark clarity: a deeply lived understanding of what happens when law is arbitrary, when justice fragments into competing factions, and when force is no longer restrained by principle.Together, they demonstrate why any view that rejects government altogether cannot claim to defend freedom. A society without a single, rights-protecting legal structure doesn’t maximise liberty — it destroys the conditions that make liberty possible.This episode is essential listening for anyone who has ever wondered why a rights-based philosophy necessitates government — and why eliminating government doesn’t lead to freedom, but to the rule of the sword.About Michael Liebowitz – Host of The Rational EgoistMichael Liebowitz is the host of The Rational Egoist podcast, a philosopher, author, and political activist committed to the principles of reason, individualism, and rational self-interest. Deeply influenced by the philosophy of Ayn Rand, Michael uses his platform to challenge cultural dogma, expose moral contradictions, and defend the values that make human flourishing possible.His journey from a 25-year prison sentence to becoming a respected voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities is a testament to the transformative power of philosophy. Today, Michael speaks, writes, and debates passionately in defence of individual rights and intellectual clarity.He is the co-author of two compelling books that examine the failures of the correctional system and the redemptive power of moral conviction:Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Corrections Encourages Crimehttps://www.amazon.com.au/Down-Rabbit-Hole-Corrections-Encourages/dp/197448064XView from a Cage: From Convict to Crusader for Libertyhttps://books2read.com/u/4jN6xjAbout Xenia Ioannou – Producer of The Rational EgoistXenia Ioannou is the producer of The Rational Egoist, overseeing the publishing and promotion of each episode to reflect a consistent standard of clarity, professionalism, and intellectual integrity.As a CEO, property manager, entrepreneur, and lifelong advocate for capitalism and individual rights, Xenia ensures the podcast stays true to its core values of reason, freedom, and personal responsibility.Xenia also leads Capitalism and Coffee – An Objectivist Meetup in Adelaide, where passionate thinkers gather to discuss Ayn Rand’s ideas and their application to life, politics, and culture.Join us at: https://www.meetup.com/adelaide-ayn-rand-meetup/(Capitalism and Coffee – An Objectivist Meetup)Because freedom is worth thinking about — and talking about.Follow Life on Purpose — Xenia’s thought-provoking essays on Substack:https://substack.com/@xeniaioannou?utm_source=user-menuHashtags#TheRationalEgoist #MichaelLiebowitz #JamesValliant #PhilosophyPodcast #IndividualRights #RuleOfLaw #LibertarianDebate #ClassicalLiberalism #Reason #MoralClarity

Catherine Dickerson on the Benevolence of ReasonIn this episode, Michael sits down with Catherine Dickerson for a deeply grounded conversation about what it means to live in a universe where reason is your ally, not your adversary.Drawing from 35 years of experience in education and psychotherapy—and her time as personal assistant to Dr Leonard Peikoff—Catherine brings a rare combination of philosophical depth and practical psychological insight. Together, she and Michael explore the benevolent nature of reality, why clarity is a moral achievement, and how choosing to think transforms your ability to deal with life.This discussion moves beyond abstractions. Catherine explains how rational thinking reshapes your emotional world, why confusion isn’t a permanent state, and how a commitment to understanding can lift people out of stagnation. Michael pushes the conversation to the places where philosophy meets daily struggle—self-doubt, mental habits, emotional fallout, and the quiet moments where your mind either becomes your greatest tool or your biggest obstacle.If you’ve ever felt the pull between the world as it is and the world as you wish it could be, this episode offers a powerful reminder: the world doesn’t have to be hostile, chaotic, or unknowable. A rational mind isn’t at war with existence—it is designed for it.This is one of those episodes where you’ll want to pause, think, and maybe even take notes.About Michael Liebowitz – Host of The Rational EgoistMichael Liebowitz is the host of The Rational Egoist podcast, a philosopher, author, and political activist committed to the principles of reason, individualism, and rational self-interest. Deeply influenced by the philosophy of Ayn Rand, Michael uses his platform to challenge cultural dogma, expose moral contradictions, and defend the values that make human flourishing possible.His journey from a 25-year prison sentence to becoming a respected voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities is a testament to the transformative power of philosophy. Today, Michael speaks, writes, and debates passionately in defence of individual rights and intellectual clarity.He is the co-author of two compelling books that examine the failures of the correctional system and the redemptive power of moral conviction:Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Corrections Encourages Crimehttps://www.amazon.com.au/Down-Rabbit-Hole-Corrections-Encourages/dp/197448064XView from a Cage: From Convict to Crusader for Libertyhttps://books2read.com/u/4jN6xjAbout Xenia Ioannou – Producer of The Rational EgoistXenia Ioannou is the producer of The Rational Egoist, overseeing the publishing and promotion of each episode to reflect a consistent standard of clarity, professionalism, and intellectual integrity.As a CEO, property manager, entrepreneur, and lifelong advocate for capitalism and individual rights, Xenia ensures the podcast stays true to its core values of reason, freedom, and personal responsibility.Xenia also leads Capitalism and Coffee – An Objectivist Meetup in Adelaide, where passionate thinkers gather to discuss Ayn Rand’s ideas and their application to life, politics, and culture.Join us at: https://www.meetup.com/adelaide-ayn-rand-meetup/(Capitalism and Coffee – An Objectivist Meetup)Follow Xenia’s essays at her Substack, Life on Purpose:https://substack.com/@xeniaioannou?utm_source=user-menuGuest Bio – Catherine DickersonCatherine Dickerson is an Objectivist with 35 years of professional experience in education and psychotherapy. She served as personal assistant to Dr Leonard Peikoff and brings a lifetime of reflection, study, and practical application of philosophical principles to the field of mental health and human development.#TheRationalEgoist #Reason #PhilosophyPodcast #LeonardPeikoff #ObjectivistPsychology #AynRand #RationalMind #Individualism #LifeOnPurpose

Jim Valliant and Michael Continue Their Series on Using Objectivism: The Philosophy of Ayn Rand as a Guide to Self-Improvement. In This Episode, They Dive Into Chapter Two: “Sense Perception and Volition.”In this new instalment, Michael and Jim explore how the most fundamental aspects of human awareness shape everything from our daily decisions to our long-range ambitions.They take listeners through the core insights of Chapter Two—how we grasp reality through our senses, how automatic perception differs from chosen cognition, and why volition is the root of every meaningful act of self-improvement.This isn’t an academic detour. It’s a conversation about what it means to live with your eyes open—what it means to build your life on facts rather than feelings, and to recognise that the choice to think is the first moral choice you ever make.Whether you’re new to Ayn Rand’s philosophy or using OPAR as a personal roadmap, this episode offers a clear, grounded discussion on the tools you already possess: a reality-oriented consciousness and the ability to direct it.About Michael Liebowitz – Host of The Rational EgoistMichael Liebowitz is the host of The Rational Egoist podcast, a philosopher, author, and political activist committed to the principles of reason, individualism, and rational self-interest. Deeply influenced by the philosophy of Ayn Rand, Michael uses his platform to challenge cultural dogma, expose moral contradictions, and defend the values that make human flourishing possible.His journey from a 25-year prison sentence to becoming a respected voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities is a testament to the transformative power of philosophy. Today, Michael speaks, writes, and debates passionately in defence of individual rights and intellectual clarity.He is the co-author of two compelling books that examine the failures of the correctional system and the redemptive power of moral conviction:Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Corrections Encourages Crimehttps://www.amazon.com.au/Down-Rabbit-Hole-Corrections-Encourages/dp/197448064XView from a Cage: From Convict to Crusader for Libertyhttps://books2read.com/u/4jN6xjAbout Xenia Ioannou – Producer of The Rational EgoistXenia Ioannou is the producer of The Rational Egoist, overseeing the publishing and promotion of each episode to reflect a consistent standard of clarity, professionalism, and intellectual integrity.As a CEO, property manager, entrepreneur, and lifelong advocate for capitalism and individual rights, Xenia ensures the podcast stays true to its core values of reason, freedom, and personal responsibility.Xenia also leads Capitalism and Coffee – An Objectivist Meetup in Adelaide, where passionate thinkers gather to discuss Ayn Rand’s ideas and their application to life, politics, and culture.Join us at:https://www.meetup.com/adelaide-ayn-rand-meetup/(Capitalism and Coffee – An Objectivist Meetup)Follow Life on Purpose – Xenia's thought-provoking essays on Substack:https://substack.com/@xeniaioannou?utm_source=user-menu#TheRationalEgoist #AynRand #OPAR #ObjectivistPhilosophy #Reason #Volition #SelfImprovement #PhilosophyPodcast #Individualism #RationalLiving

Dr. Andrew Bernstein and Dr. Meghann Ribbens Discuss Some Problems with American EducationIn this episode, Michael sits down with two sharp and unapologetically rational voices—Dr. Andrew Bernstein and Dr. Meghann Ribbens—to unpack what has gone wrong in American education and why so many students are emerging less prepared, less confident, and less capable of independent thought.From the erosion of academic standards to the cultural shift away from personal responsibility, Bernstein and Ribbens explore the deeper moral and philosophical causes behind the crisis. They examine the rise of ideological conformity, the abandonment of facts and logic in favour of emotionalism, and the way government-run schools incentivise mediocrity rather than excellence.Both guests bring decades of experience to the table: Bernstein as an author and philosopher who has written extensively on heroic education and the value of great literature; Ribbens as an educator and scholar who has watched the system decline from the inside. Together, they articulate a clear picture of what education should be—an uplifting, rigorous, confidence-building path centred on knowledge, reasoning, and the joy of achievement.This conversation is direct, principled, and free of euphemisms. It cuts through the noise to identify the root problems and the real solutions.About Michael Liebowitz – Host of The Rational EgoistMichael Liebowitz is the host of The Rational Egoist podcast, a philosopher, author, and political activist committed to the principles of reason, individualism, and rational self-interest. Deeply influenced by the philosophy of Ayn Rand, Michael uses his platform to challenge cultural dogma, expose moral contradictions, and defend the values that make human flourishing possible.His journey from a 25-year prison sentence to becoming a respected voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities is a testament to the transformative power of philosophy. Today, Michael speaks, writes, and debates passionately in defence of individual rights and intellectual clarity.He is the co-author of two compelling books that examine the failures of the correctional system and the redemptive power of moral conviction:Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Corrections Encourages Crimehttps://www.amazon.com.au/Down-Rabbit-Hole-Corrections-Encourages/dp/197448064XView from a Cage: From Convict to Crusader for Libertyhttps://books2read.com/u/4jN6xjAbout Xenia Ioannou – Producer of The Rational EgoistXenia Ioannou is the producer of The Rational Egoist, overseeing the publishing and promotion of each episode to reflect a consistent standard of clarity, professionalism, and intellectual integrity.As a CEO, property manager, entrepreneur, and lifelong advocate for capitalism and individual rights, Xenia ensures the podcast stays true to its core values of reason, freedom, and personal responsibility.Xenia also leads Capitalism and Coffee – An Objectivist Meetup in Adelaide, where passionate thinkers gather to discuss Ayn Rand’s ideas and their application to life, politics, and culture.Join us at:https://www.meetup.com/adelaide-ayn-rand-meetup/(Capitalism and Coffee – An Objectivist Meetup)Follow Life on Purpose – Xenia’s thought-provoking essays on Substack:https://substack.com/@xeniaioannou?utm_source=user-menu#TheRationalEgoist #AndrewBernstein #MeghannRibbens #EducationReform #AmericanEducation #Reason #IndividualRights #Philosophy #Objectivism #Liberty #MichaelLiebowitz #PodcastSeries

Kiyah Willis Discusses Her Journey Out of WokeIn this episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael sits down with Kiyah Willis for a thoughtful and compelling discussion about her intellectual transformation—one that took her from the fog of modern “woke” ideology to a life built on clarity, independence, and personal responsibility.Kiyah is a fellow at the Objective Standard Institute, where she focuses on cultural trends and the ideas driving them. With a degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a background as a data analyst, she brings a rare blend of technical discipline and philosophical depth. Today, her work examines how faulty cultural narratives take hold, why they spread, and what it takes to break free from them.In this interview, Kiyah shares her journey out of a worldview rooted in guilt, conformity, and emotional pressure—towards a worldview anchored in reality, reason, and the sovereignty of the individual. She explains how intellectual honesty, personal courage, and a willingness to question the dominant culture became essential steps in reclaiming her confidence and her independence of mind.She also talks about her writing, her love for hiking and spending time with her boxer, Apollo, and the broader mission behind her Substack: helping others untangle themselves from the traps of cultural dogma and rediscover the joy of thinking for themselves.A powerful and clear conversation—one that highlights the cost of surrendering your judgment, and the freedom that comes when you choose to reclaim it.About Michael Liebowitz – Host of The Rational EgoistMichael Liebowitz is the host of The Rational Egoist podcast, a philosopher, author, and political activist committed to the principles of reason, individualism, and rational self-interest. Deeply influenced by the philosophy of Ayn Rand, Michael uses his platform to challenge cultural dogma, expose moral contradictions, and defend the values that make human flourishing possible.His journey from a 25-year prison sentence to becoming a respected voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities is a testament to the transformative power of philosophy. Today, Michael speaks, writes, and debates passionately in defence of individual rights and intellectual clarity.He is the co-author of two compelling books that examine the failures of the correctional system and the redemptive power of moral conviction:Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Corrections Encourages Crimehttps://www.amazon.com.au/Down-Rabbit-Hole-Corrections-Encourages/dp/197448064XView from a Cage: From Convict to Crusader for Libertyhttps://books2read.com/u/4jN6xjAbout Xenia Ioannou – Producer of The Rational EgoistXenia Ioannou is the producer of The Rational Egoist, overseeing the publishing and promotion of each episode to reflect a consistent standard of clarity, professionalism, and intellectual integrity.As a CEO, property manager, entrepreneur, and lifelong advocate for capitalism and individual rights, Xenia ensures the podcast stays true to its core values of reason, freedom, and personal responsibility.Xenia also leads Capitalism and Coffee – An Objectivist Meetup in Adelaide, where passionate thinkers gather to discuss Ayn Rand’s ideas and their application to life, politics, and culture.Join us at:https://www.meetup.com/adelaide-ayn-rand-meetup/(Capitalism and Coffee – An Objectivist Meetup)Follow Life on Purpose – Xenia’s thought-provoking essays on Substack:https://substack.com/@xeniaioannou?utm_source=user-menuBecause freedom is worth thinking about—and talking about.#TheRationalEgoist #KiyahWillis #Individualism #Reason #IntellectualFreedom #CulturalTrends #Philosophy #Liberty #IndependentThinking #PodcastEpisode

Applying OPAR to Self-ImprovementIn this episode, Michael sits down with James Valliant to launch a powerful new series exploring how the principles laid out in Objectivism: The Philosophy of Ayn Rand (OPAR) can be used as a practical roadmap for personal growth.Rather than treating philosophy as something abstract or academic, Michael and James break down how these core principles apply to everyday life—to the choices we make, the standards we hold, the habits we build, and the long-range goals we pursue.They discuss:why metaphysics is the starting point for self-improvementhow epistemology shapes your confidence, clarity, and resiliencethe role of values, virtues, and moral purpose in building a meaningful lifecommon psychological traps people fall into when they evade facts or surrender their judgmenthow a rational approach to living creates internal strength, independence, and long-range directionThis series is designed to help listeners bridge the gap between understanding and action. Each conversation will build a deeper foundation for living deliberately, thinking clearly, and becoming the kind of person you respect.About Michael Liebowitz – Host of The Rational EgoistMichael Liebowitz is the host of The Rational Egoist podcast, a philosopher, author, and political activist committed to the principles of reason, individualism, and rational self-interest. Deeply influenced by the philosophy of Ayn Rand, Michael uses his platform to challenge cultural dogma, expose moral contradictions, and defend the values that make human flourishing possible.His journey from a 25-year prison sentence to becoming a respected voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities is a testament to the transformative power of philosophy. Today, Michael speaks, writes, and debates passionately in defence of individual rights and intellectual clarity.He is the co-author of two compelling books that examine the failures of the correctional system and the redemptive power of moral conviction:Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Corrections Encourages Crimehttps://www.amazon.com.au/Down-Rabbit-Hole-Corrections-Encourages/dp/197448064XView from a Cage: From Convict to Crusader for Libertyhttps://books2read.com/u/4jN6xjAbout Xenia Ioannou – Producer of The Rational EgoistXenia Ioannou is the producer of The Rational Egoist, overseeing the publishing and promotion of each episode to reflect a consistent standard of clarity, professionalism, and intellectual integrity.As a CEO, property manager, entrepreneur, and lifelong advocate for capitalism and individual rights, Xenia ensures the podcast stays true to its core values of reason, freedom, and personal responsibility.Xenia also leads Capitalism and Coffee – An Objectivist Meetup in Adelaide, where passionate thinkers gather to discuss Ayn Rand’s ideas and their application to life, politics, and culture.Join us at:https://www.meetup.com/adelaide-ayn-rand-meetup/Follow Xenia’s thought-provoking essays at her Substack, Life on Purpose:https://substack.com/@xeniaioannou?utm_source=user-menuHashtags#TheRationalEgoist #JamesValliant #MichaelLiebowitz #OPAR #AynRand #SelfImprovement #Rationality #PhilosophyInAction #Individualism #Reason #PersonalGrowth

Nikos Sotirakopoulos Discusses His Journey from Marxism to ObjectivismIn this episode of The Rational Egoist, Dr. Nikos Sotirakopoulos joins Michael Liebowitz to share his intellectual journey from the radical Left to the philosophy of reason and individualism. Once an active Marxist, Nikos reflects on what drew him to collectivist movements in his youth and what ultimately led him to reject them.They discuss the emotional and philosophical appeal of Marxism, the moral void it attempts to fill, and why so many young people are still captivated by its promises today. Nikos explains how his transition to Objectivism reshaped his understanding of freedom, morality, and the role of the individual in society.Now a speaker and writer for the Ayn Rand Institute and an instructor for Ayn Rand University, Dr. Sotirakopoulos teaches about Marx, the communist movement, and the New Left—drawing on both his academic expertise and personal experience to expose the errors of collectivist ideology.Before joining ARI, Nikos spent more than a decade in academia in the UK, teaching at the University of Kent, Loughborough University, and York St John University. He is the author of The Rise of Lifestyle Activism: From New Left to Occupy (Palgrave Macmillan, 2016) and Identity Politics and Tribalism: The New Culture Wars (Societas, 2021), and is a frequent commentator on UK media.Tune in for an insightful conversation about philosophy, moral conviction, and what it truly means to think for yourself.About Michael Liebowitz – Host of The Rational EgoistMichael Liebowitz is the host of The Rational Egoist podcast, a philosopher, author, and political activist committed to the principles of reason, individualism, and rational self-interest. Deeply influenced by the philosophy of Ayn Rand, Michael uses his platform to challenge cultural dogma, expose moral contradictions, and defend the values that make human flourishing possible.His journey from a 25-year prison sentence to becoming a respected voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities is a testament to the transformative power of philosophy. Today, Michael speaks, writes, and debates passionately in defence of individual rights and intellectual clarity.He is the co-author of two compelling books that examine the failures of the correctional system and the redemptive power of moral conviction:Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Corrections Encourages Crimehttps://www.amazon.com.au/Down-Rabbit-Hole-Corrections-Encourages/dp/197448064XView from a Cage: From Convict to Crusader for Libertyhttps://books2read.com/u/4jN6xjAbout Xenia Ioannou – Producer of The Rational EgoistXenia Ioannou is the producer of The Rational Egoist, overseeing the publishing and promotion of each episode to reflect a consistent standard of clarity, professionalism, and intellectual integrity.As a CEO, property manager, entrepreneur, and lifelong advocate for capitalism and individual rights, Xenia ensures the podcast stays true to its core values of reason, freedom, and personal responsibility.Xenia also leads Capitalism and Coffee – An Objectivist Meetup in Adelaide, where passionate thinkers gather to discuss Ayn Rand’s ideas and their application to life, politics, and culture.Join us at: https://www.meetup.com/adelaide-ayn-rand-meetup/(Capitalism and Coffee – An Objectivist Meetup)Follow Life on Purpose – Xenia's thought-provoking essays at her Substack:https://substack.com/@xeniaioannou?utm_source=user-menuBecause freedom is worth thinking about—and talking about.#TheRationalEgoist #NikosSotirakopoulos #Objectivism #AynRandInstitute #Marxism #Individualism #Reason #Philosophy #MichaelLiebowitz #Liberty #Freedom

New Episode: “Sheldon Richman Discusses His Life”In this episode, Sheldon Richman—executive editor at The Libertarian Institute and former senior editor at both the Cato Institute and the Institute for Humane Studies—joins Michael Liebowitz to reflect on his life, career, and decades of work advancing the cause of liberty.Richman brings a wealth of experience and insight to the conversation, exploring the philosophical and policy debates that have shaped modern libertarian thought. The discussion ranges from the ethical and economic dimensions of immigration policy to the broader cultural misunderstandings that surround freedom and individual rights.As the author of Coming to Palestine and What Social Animals Owe to Each Other, Richman offers a seasoned perspective on peace, justice, and the moral foundations of a free society.About Michael Liebowitz – Host of The Rational EgoistMichael Liebowitz is the host of The Rational Egoist podcast, a philosopher, author, and political activist committed to the principles of reason, individualism, and rational self-interest. Deeply influenced by the philosophy of Ayn Rand, Michael uses his platform to challenge cultural dogma, expose moral contradictions, and defend the values that make human flourishing possible.His journey from a 25-year prison sentence to becoming a respected voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities is a testament to the transformative power of philosophy. Today, Michael speaks, writes, and debates passionately in defence of individual rights and intellectual clarity.He is the co-author of two compelling books that examine the failures of the correctional system and the redemptive power of moral conviction:Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Corrections Encourages Crimehttps://www.amazon.com.au/Down-Rabbit-Hole-Corrections-Encourages/dp/197448064XView from a Cage: From Convict to Crusader for Libertyhttps://books2read.com/u/4jN6xjAbout Xenia Ioannou – Producer of The Rational EgoistXenia Ioannou is the producer of The Rational Egoist, overseeing the publishing and promotion of each episode to reflect a consistent standard of clarity, professionalism, and intellectual integrity.As a CEO, property manager, entrepreneur, and lifelong advocate for capitalism and individual rights, Xenia ensures the podcast stays true to its core values of reason, freedom, and personal responsibility.Xenia also leads Capitalism and Coffee – An Objectivist Meetup in Adelaide, where passionate thinkers gather to discuss Ayn Rand’s ideas and their application to life, politics, and culture.Join us at: https://www.meetup.com/adelaide-ayn-rand-meetup/(Capitalism and Coffee – An Objectivist Meetup)Follow Life on Purpose – Xenia’s thought-provoking essays at her Substack:https://substack.com/@xeniaioannou?utm_source=user-menu#TheRationalEgoist #Libertarianism #SheldonRichman #MichaelLiebowitz #Philosophy #IndividualRights #Liberty #Reason #Freedom

Andrew Bernstein – Reckoning with Justice, Freedom, and the Human SpiritIn this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz welcomes philosopher and novelist Andrew Bernstein to discuss his thrilling new novel, Reckoning.Bernstein, well-known for his works on Objectivist philosophy and his powerful fiction, joins Michael to explore the moral themes that drive the story—justice, heroism, and the battle between good and evil in a decaying culture. Together, they delve into what inspired the book, how it reflects Ayn Rand’s influence, and why art that celebrates moral courage matters now more than ever.This is not just a conversation about literature—it’s a conversation about the human spirit, moral clarity, and the price of freedom.Tune in for an inspiring dialogue that will challenge you to think deeply about the role of philosophy in art and the enduring need for stories that uphold reason and virtue.About Michael Liebowitz – Host of The Rational EgoistMichael Liebowitz is the host of The Rational Egoist podcast, a philosopher, author, and political activist committed to the principles of reason, individualism, and rational self-interest. Deeply influenced by the philosophy of Ayn Rand, Michael uses his platform to challenge cultural dogma, expose moral contradictions, and defend the values that make human flourishing possible.His journey from a 25-year prison sentence to becoming a respected voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities is a testament to the transformative power of philosophy. Today, Michael speaks, writes, and debates passionately in defence of individual rights and intellectual clarity.He is the co-author of two compelling books that examine the failures of the correctional system and the redemptive power of moral conviction:Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Corrections Encourages Crimehttps://www.amazon.com.au/Down-Rabbit-Hole-Corrections-Encourages/dp/197448064XView from a Cage: From Convict to Crusader for Libertyhttps://books2read.com/u/4jN6xjAbout Xenia Ioannou – Producer of The Rational EgoistXenia Ioannou is the producer of The Rational Egoist, overseeing the publishing and promotion of each episode to reflect a consistent standard of clarity, professionalism, and intellectual integrity.As a CEO, property manager, entrepreneur, and lifelong advocate for capitalism and individual rights, Xenia ensures the podcast stays true to its core values of reason, freedom, and personal responsibility.Xenia also leads Capitalism and Coffee – An Objectivist Meetup in Adelaide, where passionate thinkers gather to discuss Ayn Rand’s ideas and their application to life, politics, and culture.Join us at: https://www.meetup.com/adelaide-ayn-rand-meetup/(Capitalism and Coffee – An Objectivist Meetup)Because freedom is worth thinking about—and talking about.Follow Life on Purpose, Xenia's thought-provoking essays at her Substack:https://substack.com/@xeniaioannou?utm_source=user-menu#AndrewBernstein #Reckoning #Objectivism #AynRand #Philosophy #Reason #TheRationalEgoist #MichaelLiebowitz #Individualism #MoralCourage #CapitalismAndCoffee