Alcohol, Tobacco, and Prohibition | The Swift Half with Snowdon

Join Adrian Chiles and Christopher Snowdon on The Swift Half with Snowdon as they delve into the complexities of alcohol consumption and societal norms. From Chiles' insights from his documentary "Drinkers Like Me" to discussions on drinking guidelines and labelling, the conversation offers thought-provoking perspectives on moderation and personal choices. With expertise in lifestyle economics and broadcasting experience, Snowdon and Chiles navigate through the layers of drinking culture, challenging perceptions and exploring the intersection of policy, lifestyle, and personal freedom. Tune in for an engaging discussion that goes beyond the surface, shedding light on the nuances of alcohol dependence and social drinking.

Join Harrison Griffiths, IEA Communications Officer, and Bryan Cheang from the Centre for the Study of Governance and Society at King's College London in a deep dive into Singapore's economic transformation since 1965. Bryan provides valuable insights into the blend of pro-market policies and interventionist measures that have propelled Singapore from poverty to prosperity, emphasizing personal responsibility and investment in human capital. Discover the lessons other nations can draw from Singapore's experience and gain practical insights for navigating today's economic landscape with maturity and foresight. Dive into The Realities of Socialism, a multimedia project aimed at educating about socialism's global impact throughout the 20th century.

Join us for this week's podcast as we delve into how Britain can foster a more entrepreneurial environment. Head of Research at The Entrepreneurs Network, Eamonn Ives, and Public Policy & Communications Director Matthew Lesh discuss pressing issues surrounding taxation, innovation, and labor dynamics. From proposing reforms to simplify the tax system to exploring the role of innovation in entrepreneurship, our guests tackle key questions about Britain's economic future. They also examine the regulatory landscape and share insights on supporting startups in sectors like health tech and AI. Tune in to gain valuable perspectives on navigating the complexities of today's economic landscape and subscribe for future episodes.

Explore the Roman Empire's dynamics during the Antonine Plague with Colin Elliott, Associate Professor at Indiana University and author of "Pax Romana." Elliott offers profound insights into the pandemic's impact on the economy, military, and society, challenging conventional views on Roman cities' roles. He navigates complexities, highlighting economic interconnections and societal resilience, providing invaluable perspectives on this pivotal period in history. 

Join Matthew Lesh, Director of Public Policy & Communications at IEA, as he hosts Rainer Zitelmann, Historian & Author, for an insightful exploration of poverty alleviation strategies discussed in Zitelmann's book "How Nations Escape Poverty." This week's question: how do nations escape poverty? Through critical analysis, Zitelmann underscores the significance of economic freedom and market-oriented reforms in fostering development, drawing on case studies from Vietnam to Poland to illustrate transformative economic shifts. By examining the role of entrepreneurship and market dynamics, the discussion challenges prevailing notions about the sole efficacy of development aid in poverty reduction, offering a grounded perspective on pragmatic policy measures and empirical evidence. Subscribe for informed insights on advancing free and prosperous societies.

In Snowdon's latest episode of Swift Half with Simon Clark, Director of Forest, they tackle the challenges of modern journalism and the erosion of personal freedom in public health policies. From frustrations with media interaction to concerns about biased reporting, Clark sheds light on the need for balanced discussions and the recognition of individual autonomy in lifestyle choices. Gain valuable insights into smoking advocacy and the importance of diverse perspectives in shaping policy decisions in this thought-provoking discussion on journalism, smoking, and individual liberty.

This week, the UK government accused China of cyber attacks on the Electoral Commission and critical employees, leading to sanctions against Chinese state actors. This sparks debates on the adequacy of the UK's China strategy. Join host Matthew Lesh and guest Professor Syed Kamall for a discussion on "How should Britain deal with China?" Professor Kamall provides expert analysis on UK-China relations, covering cyber attack responses, Trump-era dynamics, and economic engagement. Gain insights on navigating China's global influence while balancing economic interests and security concerns.

Join Matthew Lesh, Director of Public Policy and Communications at the IEA, and Carlo Cordasco, Lecturer at the Alliance Manchester Business School, as they explore the question: Should AI be more transparent? They discuss how AI is reshaping decision-making in sectors like healthcare and finance, the EU's landmark AI Act, and the delicate balance between regulation and innovation. Dive into the intersection of AI and public policy to uncover its implications for society's future.

Dive deep into the realm of Canada's prohibition and more with Christopher Snowdon and special guest, Professor Dan Malleck from Brock University. Together, they unpack the complexities of alcohol, tobacco, and prohibition, challenging prevailing narratives and advocating for evidence-based approaches. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that questions conventional wisdom and reflects on the intersection of health, choice, and government intervention.

Join Dr. Kristian Niemietz and guest Vincent Geloso, Assistant Professor of Economics at George Mason University, for a deep dive into the relationship between economic freedom, social mobility, and the UK welfare state. Gain insights into absolute and relative mobility, economic growth's impact, and the role of cultural attitudes and policies. Discover why economic freedom is vital for societal progress and how the UK welfare state has influenced social mobility over time. Don't miss this thought-provoking discussion challenging conventional wisdom and offering fresh perspectives. Subscribe now for more!