Banter: An AEI Podcast

Right smack in the middle of the RNC convention, we interview in-house political expert Jennifer Marsico to get her take on the convention so far. Why brave the confetti and angry Ron Paul delegates on the convention floor when you can have Jen review the big speeches, examine the party platform, and look at where the party seems to be pointing itself? Jen also previews major road signs that listeners should watch out for as the campaign progresses. As a bonus, we sit down with friend-of-the-show Daniel Hanson to discuss the latest installment of the AEI debate series. Spoiler: Andrew struggles to find interest in a debate that centers on sports amateurism. Is NCAA amateurism a sham? A ‘student athlete’ reality check Jennifer Marsico’s Scholar Page Subscribe on iTunes!

In this episode of Banter we sit down with AEI Scholar Stephen Oliner to discuss the role of home appraisals within the greater economy. Stephen, fresh off a two day conference discussing the issue, explains to us how important they can be when it comes to shortening housing cycles and keeping houses valued correctly. He also gives a few suggestions to help fix the problem. Later, Andrew gives us his formula for correctly selecting a Vice Presidential candidate. Stephen Oliner’s Scholar Page Subscribe on iTunes!

This week on Banter we sit down with AEI Scholar Paul Wolfowitz for an update on what’s going on in Syria. Paul has written and spoken extensively on the issue and bring a ton of knowledge and expertise to the table. We also discuss Paul’s time as ambassador to Indonesia and the importance an ambassador plays to a country that Washington tends to neglect.  Finally, Andrew takes a few minutes to grumble about the politicization of polling data. Paul Wolfowitz Scholar Page Subscribe on iTunes!

The latest episode of AEI’s Banter podcast lightens thing up. Greg Lane of AEI’s Values and Capitalism project sits down to discuss all things Olympics. We discuss the appeal of the Olympics, play a round of “Is this an Olympic Sport” (Spoiler: Stu wins), and we get around to discussing what Values and Capitalism is up to and why Greg went to Montana. Values and Capitalism On Twitter! 

In this week’s episode of Banter friend of the show Daniel Hanson fills in for Andrew and we chat with AEI Resident Fellow Mackenzie Eaglen about military sequestration. Sequestration, which is a D.C. term for budget cutting, is due to happen at the end of the year and has become a large issue with unemployment high and the economy still sputtering. Mackenzie explains to us why she think something needs to be done about it, and soon. Also Daniel talks about a new piece in US News & World Reports’ “Debate Room.” Sequestration’s Shadow Darkens Mackenzie Eaglen’s Scholar Page  

In this shovel ready edition of AEI’s podcast, Banter, we sit down with author Adam J. White to discuss the history of infrastructure improvement in these United States. Adam brings an acutely historical perspective to a perennial American problem – what is the proper role of federal government when it comes to funding, regulating, and planning infrastructure in the United States. What’s more, many of the exact same questions that consume our politics today were present at the very beginning of the nation. After the history tour, we get down in the mud when it comes to current questions on present projects. Enjoy! Infrastructure Policy: Lessons from American History Adam’s Website Subscribe on iTunes!

As we await the Supreme Court Ruling on the Affordable Care Act, AEI adjunct scholar Dr. Christopher Conover sits down with us to discuss his new book, The American Health Economy Illustrated. Dr. Conover marshals an astounding amount of data to break down in simple language how the health economy works. He describes the major changes in spending on health care over the past few decades, how your health care dollar is spent, government involvement in the health sector, and how the U.S. compares to other countries. We also talk about likely impacts be from the Supreme Court’s health care ruling. Enjoy! You can view Dr. Conover’s work here. You can check out is book here. Subscribe on iTunes!

In the final installment of the Banter podcast’s Road to Freedom series, AEI President Arthur Brooks and Michael Strain sit down to discuss sources and solutions for the US debt problem. How large is the debt? What’s driving it? How can we solve it? Arthur and Michael present not only a detailed understanding of the debt, but why our concern for the underprivileged must drive political leaders towards a long term solution. Andrew also struggles to refrain from saying “excited” too often. Purchase the Road to Freedom Michael Strain Scholar Page Subscribe on iTunes!

In the latest episode of AEI’s Banter Podcast, AEI economist Andrew Biggs comes into the studio to discuss all things entitlement reform. Andrew marshals his extensive knowledge of the subject to put into perspective the current unsustainability of entitlement spending, possible sources of reform, and how reforming entitlements is an imperative to help the disadvantaged. We also discuss public sector unions in the wake of Wisconsin. This being the fifth part (Stu, is that right?) of our Road to Freedom series, we also focus the discussion on just how entitlement reform can help maximize individual choice. Andrew Biggs Study: Wisconsin after Act 10 Subscribe on iTunes!

How can you create jobs and make the economy grow? In this edition of the AEI podcast, Banter, hosts Stu James and Andrew Rugg sit down AEI senior fellow Kevin Hasset to examine jobs and economic growth. We take a close look at exactly what unemployment statistics cover and what they miss. Kevin also explains the long term effects of unemployment, the role of regulation on job growth, and the effects of government growth on private sector growth. We also take a hard look at what lessons we can learn from Europe.  Last, Andrew and Stu ruminate on a business literature book that is screaming to be written. Cut to Grow Purchase the Road to Freedom Subscribe on iTunes!

In this week’s episode of Banter, we continue our ongoing series entitled, “The Road to Freedom.” Stu sits down with AEI President Arthur Brooks and AEI Research Fellow Stan Veuger to discuss a few ideas to get the economy moving again. We start off the discussion with a look at what America has lost, not just monetarily, but culturally and socially. Stan, a new Fellow here at AEI gives a few examples of how we’re following Europe down the same path and what tragedies might lay ahead. Arthur follows up with a few great examples of what we can change to help moving America back towards prosperity. Purchase “The Road to Freedom” Subscribe on iTunes!

In the second installment on the AEI Banter podcast’s Road to Freedom series, Arthur Brooks and AEI Senior Fellow Karlyn Bowman discuss American attitudes towards fairness with host Andrew Rugg. How do American’s define fairness? Do they view some kinds of success as fair and other as not fair? Do they still believe hard works brings success? Drawing on a vast array of research, particularly polling data, this episode pieces together the complex views on a much used term in our politics. Purchase “The Road to Freedom” Subscribe on iTunes!

In part 1 of the our special podcast series, the Road to Freedom, Stu sits down with AEI President Arthur Brooks and AEI Scholar Charles Murray. We discuss Arthur’s new book the Road to Freedom and talk about the state of America and what we can do to help jump-start the economy. Later in the podcast Charles talk to us about the differences between cultural and economic morality and why Arthur is correct that free enterprise is the most moral economic system. The Road to Freedom: How to Win the Fight for Free Enterprise Coming Apart: The State of White America, 1960-2010 Subscribe on iTunes!