Why Nothing Works by Marc J. Dunkelman

In this episode, Jerry and Stably discuss Why Nothing Works: Who Killed Progress and How to Bring It Back by Mark J. Dunkelman. The conversation centers on Dunkelman’s core thesis that modern progressivism has become paralyzed by internal contradictions between its Jeffersonian impulse to decentralize power and its Hamiltonian desire to empower experts and centralized institutions. This unresolved tension has led to procedural gridlock and institutional ineffectiveness, which in turn fuels public distrust and reactionary populism. The hosts compare Dunkelman’s analysis to Mancur Olson’s and public choice theory, noting that while Dunkelman emphasizes process over interest groups, he largely overlooks incentive structures. Both Jerry and Stably appreciate the book’s historical scope and clear narrative but critique its lack of engagement with deeper structural limits and its vague, ultimately inadequate prescriptions for reform. They agree that Dunkelman’s call to “restore balance” is insufficient without grappling with constraints inherent in democratic governance.

In this episode, Jerry and Stably discuss The Cynic Philosophers: From Diogenes to Julian, edited by Robert Dobbin. The conversation centers on the core tenets of Cynicism, such as radical self-sufficiency, rejection of societal norms, and public acts meant to provoke reflection. The hosts explore how cynics challenged conventions through deliberately outrageous behavior, like Diogenes’ public defecation or spitting on opulence, aiming to expose hypocrisy and dependency. They contrast Cynicism with Epicureanism and Stoicism, debating whether these philosophies share a common telos and whether Cynicism’s austerity is a viable path to virtue. The episode ends with a preview of their next book: Why Nothing Works by Mark Dunkelman.

Jerry and Stably discuss The Unaccountability Machine by Dan Davies, a book exploring why large systems often produce irrational outcomes. While the subtitle promises insight into how “the world lost its mind,” the hosts note the book leans heavily into cybernetics and systems theory, which was unexpected. They reflect on a shared cultural sense that “something has gone wrong,” but critique the book for offering a diffuse diagnosis—pointing vaguely at free market capitalism and systemic complexity without a clear prescriptive argument. The conversation highlights both the book’s ambition and its lack of concrete answers to institutional dysfunction.

In this episode, Jerry and Stably discuss The Art of Happiness by Epicurus, specifically the Penguin Classics edition that compiles Epicurean texts alongside interpretations by editors like Dan Klein and George K. Strodach. They clarify that Epicurus never authored a book by that title; rather, it is a curated volume of letters, aphorisms, and summaries of his philosophy. The hosts highlight how the book heavily features commentary by Strodach, which at times overtakes the original texts. They explore the core tenets of Epicureanism, such as pleasure as the absence of pain, and critique the editorial tone, noting Strodach’s assertive, almost irascible personality. 

The episode continues Jerry and Stably’s deep dive into Huey Long by T. Harry Williams, covering the second half of the biography of the controversial Louisiana politician. Picking up after Long’s first gubernatorial win, the discussion traces his aggressive consolidation of power, his near-impeachment, and the establishment of a political machine that blurred the line between populist governance and autocracy. Jerry and Stably emphasize Long’s command over the state legislature and his manipulative use of patronage and state resources to silence opposition. They explore the contradictions in Long’s character—his professed idealism versus his often ruthless tactics—and analyze how his charisma and direct appeals to the poor fueled both admiration and intense resistance.The hosts examine his tenure as a U.S. Senator, during which he maintained effective control over Louisiana politics from Washington, D.C. They note his increasing paranoia, use of bodyguards, and elaborate security measures. His “Share Our Wealth” program is given particular attention, with discussion about its radical proposals and how it positioned Long as a national political threat, especially to President Roosevelt. The episode also delves into Long’s polarizing public image, his strategy to control media narratives, and his dramatic assassination. Jerry and Stably reflect on the legacy of Huey Long, drawing connections between his methods and modern populism, and debating whether his contributions to infrastructure, education, and wealth redistribution justify his authoritarian tendencies. The conversation closes with a sober assessment of the enduring relevance of Long’s political style.

The episode features hosts Jerry and Stably engaging in a discussion about Huey Long: A Biography by T. Harry Williams. The conversation begins with Jerry expressing his frustration with the book’s length and dense formatting, noting that it was difficult to obtain digitally. Stably acknowledges the challenge but defends the book’s depth and significance. They proceed to explore the life and political career of Huey Long, the populist governor and senator from Louisiana, whose ambitions and policies made him one of the most controversial figures in American history.The discussion highlights Long’s rise to power, his unconventional political tactics, and his ability to mobilize mass support through populist rhetoric. Stably emphasizes Long’s role in reshaping Louisiana politics, particularly his efforts to expand social programs, build infrastructure, and challenge entrenched elites. Jerry, however, is more critical, questioning whether Long’s authoritarian tendencies undermined the very democratic ideals he claimed to champion. They debate whether Long was a true reformer or a self-serving demagogue, referencing specific moments in his career, including his battles with corporations, his conflicts with political opponents, and his aggressive consolidation of power.The hosts also consider Long’s national ambitions, discussing his Share Our Wealth program, which proposed radical wealth redistribution during the Great Depression. They analyze how his policies resonated with struggling Americans but also raised concerns about their feasibility and authoritarian implications. The episode concludes with a reflection on Long’s legacy, debating whether his assassination cut short a dangerous trajectory or silenced a leader who might have reshaped American politics. 

In this episode we discuss A Generation of Sociopaths: How the Baby Boomers Betrayed America by Bruce Cannon Gibney. Jerry selected the book as a deep dive into the behaviors and societal impact of the baby boomer generation, a topic that both hosts had discussed in passing. The conversation explores Gibney’s central thesis that baby boomers, as a generational cohort, have demonstrated extreme selfishness and short-sighted governance, prioritizing their own interests at the expense of younger generations and the country’s long-term well-being.The hosts examine key arguments from the book, particularly how the economic and political power wielded by boomers led to policies favoring immediate personal gains over sustainable societal progress. They highlight examples such as fiscal irresponsibility, the erosion of public infrastructure, and the dismantling of social safety nets. The discussion also touches on how boomers’ approach to wealth accumulation, corporate influence, and political decision-making has created financial and environmental burdens for future generations.Jerry and Stably engage in a critical analysis of whether Gibney’s arguments are fair and balanced, debating the extent to which structural forces versus generational attitudes contributed to current societal issues. They reflect on personal anecdotes and historical contexts, considering alternative perspectives on intergenerational responsibility. The episode concludes with a discussion on whether younger generations can shift the trajectory set by boomers and what lessons can be learned from the book’s analysis.

In this episode, Jerry and Stably dive into Kaiser: The Greatest Footballer Never to Play Football by Rob Smyth, a fascinating exploration of the life and myth of Carlos Kaiser. Known for his extraordinary ability to avoid playing professional football while maintaining a high-profile “career,” Kaiser’s story blends deception, charisma, and ingenuity. The hosts discuss how Kaiser leveraged charm, fake injuries, and carefully orchestrated media coverage to sustain his reputation in the elite world of football without ever stepping on the pitch.Jerry and Stably analyze the cultural and systemic factors that allowed Kaiser to thrive in 1980s and 1990s football, highlighting how charisma and myth-making can sometimes outweigh skill and merit. They share amusing and thought-provoking anecdotes from the book, such as Kaiser’s elaborate schemes to evade matches, and explore broader themes of ambition, imposture, and the human fascination with larger-than-life figures.The episode examines the ethical and societal implications of Kaiser’s actions, questioning whether his story is one of clever survival or manipulative fraud. With their trademark mix of humor and insightful critique, Jerry and Stably offer listeners a compelling look at a figure who turned football’s conventions on their head and became a legend for all the wrong—or perhaps right—reasons.

The podcast episode explores Fat Leonard: The Con Man Who Corrupted the US Navy by Craig Whitlock, focusing on the astonishing true story of Leonard Glenn Francis and his large-scale corruption scandal involving the U.S. Navy. Hosts Jerry and Stably delve into the book’s narrative, beginning with Francis’s origins as a Malaysian entrepreneur and his rise as a defense contractor, where he exploited weaknesses in Navy operations. Through bribes, lavish gifts, and manipulation, Francis secured lucrative contracts while engaging in systematic fraud, inflating invoices, and misappropriating resources.The hosts highlight how Francis’s operation thrived in an environment rife with negligence and complicity, exposing systemic vulnerabilities in military oversight. They discuss specific examples, such as the misuse of Navy funds for personal gain and the pervasive culture of secrecy and entitlement that allowed Francis’s schemes to flourish. The story is presented as both riveting and disheartening, with the moral complexities and human failings of those involved taking center stage.Jerry and Stably reflect on the broader implications of the scandal, including its impact on trust in military institutions and the challenges of reforming such entrenched corruption. Despite its detailed account of misconduct, the book is acknowledged as an engaging and accessible read that illuminates a lesser-known aspect of military history. The discussion blends critique, analysis, and a touch of incredulity at the audacity of Francis’s operations, making for an insightful exploration of a shocking case of institutional failure. 

The episode opens with Jerry and Stably greeting each other warmly after a holiday break, reflecting on the New Year and its opportunities for renewal. They segue into the central discussion, focusing on “Heart of a Dog” by Mikhail Bulgakov, a novella set in 1920s Moscow. Stably introduces the story, describing it as a satirical exploration of Soviet society through the transformation of Sharik, a stray dog, into a human following an experimental surgery conducted by a renowned doctor, Professor Preobrazhensky.The hosts delve into Bulgakov’s critique of the Soviet regime, examining how the novella uses humor and absurdity to highlight the societal and moral dilemmas of the time. They discuss the professor’s intentions behind the experiment, portraying it as a commentary on human nature and the challenges of attempting to create “ideal” citizens. Sharik’s transformation is analyzed as both a metaphor for social engineering and a direct critique of the upheavals of the Russian Revolution.Stably highlights how the novella’s narrative structure juxtaposes Sharik’s perspective as a dog with his later experiences as a human, emphasizing the loss of innocence and the complexities of human existence. The conversation touches on Bulgakov’s use of vivid imagery and allegorical elements, with Jerry noting the novella’s blend of dark comedy and philosophical inquiry.The hosts also discuss specific scenes and character dynamics, such as Sharik’s initial gratitude towards his rescuer and his eventual rebellion as he struggles to adapt to his new identity. They reflect on the ethical implications of the experiment and the broader questions it raises about science, power, and identity. Notable examples include the interplay between Professor Preobrazhensky and his assistant, Dr. Bormenthal, which underscores the tensions between ambition and responsibility.Concluding the discussion, Jerry and Stably agree that “Heart of a Dog” remains relevant for its incisive critique of authoritarianism and its exploration of what it means to be human. They praise Bulgakov’s storytelling for its ability to provoke thought while entertaining readers, encouraging listeners to explore the novella for its rich thematic layers and enduring significance.