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PODCAST

Words & Numbers

Words & Numbers touches on issues of Economics, Political Science, Current Events and Policy. Each Wednesday we"ll be sharing a new Words & Numbers podcast featuring Antony Davies Ph.D and James Harrigan Ph.D talking about the economics and political science of current events. Words and Numbers is a CiVL Original Podcasts, learn more at civl.com

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All Episodes

16:36

Members: Unintended Consequences - Join CiVL.COM

Words & Numbers ·

2025/11/02

Words & Numbers Live is a members only series exclusive to CiVL.com in which Antony and James discuss politics, philosophy, and economics, and invite listeners for a live Q&A session. To participate, subscribe at CiVL.com, where you can see what lectures we have coming up, and access all of our Words & Numbers content.Unintended consequences arise when decision makers impose decisions on people and those people react in ways the decision makers didn’t anticipate. Unintended consequences can’t be

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66:43

Episode 468: Shut It Down

Words & Numbers ·

2025/10/30

In this episode, we examine how Americans view government power and economic responsibility during another federal shutdown. We discuss growing distrust of federal authority, confusion over who holds real power, and how political brinkmanship creates real-world consequences such as missed paychecks, grounded flights, and suspended food aid. We cover the ethics of welfare and workfare, the balance between private charity and public assistance, and the economic effects of shutdowns, tariffs, and

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64:51

Episode 467: The Sound of Money

Words & Numbers ·

2025/10/28

In this episode, we discuss Denmark’s proposal to grant citizens ownership of their face, voice, and likeness to combat AI deepfakes, and the ethical and legal implications of personal identity rights in the digital age. We highlight the “foolishness of the week” involving tariffs and political overreaction to a Canadian ad campaign, and explore the concept of sound money with guest Jp Cortez of the Sound Money Defense League. The conversation covers gold and silver as currency, the consequences of

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13:15

Members: The Knowledge Problem - Join CiVL.COM

Words & Numbers ·

2025/10/26

Words & Numbers Live is a members only series exclusive to CiVL.com in which Antony and James discuss politics, philosophy, and economics, and invite listeners for a live Q&A session. To participate, subscribe at CiVL.com, where you can see what lectures we have coming up, and access all of our Words & Numbers content.We don’t “know” nearly as much as we think we do, and this causes all kinds of political problems. How do we come to know things, and what does that mean in terms of our goals and

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44:41

Episode 466: Elephants and Christmas Trees

Words & Numbers ·

2025/10/23

In this episode, we examine new polling on tax policy and the debate over taxing the rich, analyzing how effective tax rates and government spending affect deficit reduction. We discuss a breakthrough in medical innovation that has helped restore sight to patients with macular degeneration, and highlight the growing problem of political crassness in this week’s foolishness. We address a listener question on state pension reform and the inefficiencies of public bureaucracy, and explore how economic

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49:14

Episode 465: No More Karens

Words & Numbers ·

2025/10/21

In this episode, we examine the effectiveness of political protest in the wake of the No Kings demonstrations, new polling regarding Trump’s approval rating among different voting demographics, and the prospects of the president’s removal from office. We discuss a case under consideration by the Supreme Court regarding marijuana usage and gun ownership, and the implications that arise from infringement on liberties. We also dive into a case regarding a Karen who sued her neighbor over the smell of

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13:57

Members: Human Respect & Societal Wealth - Join CiVL.COM

Words & Numbers ·

2025/10/19

Words & Numbers Live is a members only series exclusive to CiVL.com in which Antony and James discuss politics, philosophy, and economics, and invite listeners for a live Q&A session. To participate, subscribe at CiVL.com, where you can see what lectures we have coming up, and access all of our Words & Numbers content.The foundation of a healthy society, regardless of the economic or political structure is human respect. When people respect each other because we are all equal in dignity,

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64:00

Episode 464: The Ghost of Nixon Past

Words & Numbers ·

2025/10/16

In this episode, we examine the complexities of opting out of social security, the implications of the US passport's changing status, and the potential consequences of AI policy shifts. We explore the historical context of economic policies, and the role of government in market distortions, comparing and contrasting the current administration’s policies with those of former administrations. 00:00 Introduction and Overview 00:28 Opting Out of Social Security 07:31 US Passport and International

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50:54

Episode 463: Weisswashing the Media

Words & Numbers ·

2025/10/14

In this episode, we discuss the complexities of the current economic landscape, including the soaring price of gold, the dichotomy between economic and financial markets, and the impact of consumer sentiment. We explore the role of journalism in society, focusing on Bari Weiss's new position at CBS News and her principles for journalism, as well as the unhinged reactions to her new mission for the company. 00:00 Introduction and Overview 00:25 Gold Prices and Economic Insights 03:41 Financial

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56:34

Episode 462: Rolling with Life’s Punches

Words & Numbers ·

2025/10/09

In this episode, we discuss the latest advancements in Alzheimer's research, the societal implications of Social Security, and the unexpected turns life can take. We explore the balance between freedom and responsibility, the evolving nature of folk wisdom, and the importance of resilience and courage in navigating life's challenges. We also break down the role of government in personal savings and the impact of societal norms on individual choices.00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:28

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55:07

Episode 461: Social Insecurity

Words & Numbers ·

2025/10/07

In this episode, we discuss the implications of hope and agency through the lens of a rat experiment, the collapse and economic realities of the NFT market, and a proposed plan to reform Social Security, exploring the urgent need for a sustainable solution to its impending insolvency.00:00 Introduction 00:27 Lessons from a Rat Experiment 06:05 The Impact of Hope on Human Agency 10:59 Cultural Shifts and Racism in America 15:20 The Rise and Fall of NFTs 20:15 Social Security: A Looming

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43:25

Episode 460: Echo Echo Chamber Chamber

Words & Numbers ·

2025/10/02

In this episode, we explore the complexities of the housing market, comparing the cost of housing today with that of the 1980s. We also examine the broader economic implications of these trends and the psychological perceptions of average living standards. Our main focus is how social media shapes public opinion and creates ideological echo chambers, and why it’s important to understand diverse perspectives.00:00 Introduction 00:26 The Cost of Housing: A Historical Perspective 06:38 Analyzing

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73:32

Episode 459: What the Fed?

Words & Numbers ·

2025/09/30

In this episode, we examine the surprising homelessness rates in Germany and what’s being done about it, as well as the recent interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve, analyzing their potential impact on inflation, consumer behavior, and the broader economy. We discuss societal perceptions of obesity, the role of government policy in shaping economic outcomes, and the challenges of balancing economic growth with social welfare. Finally, we reflect on the importance of understanding economic

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87:22

Episode 458: Fact Check: Trump’s UN Speech

Words & Numbers ·

2025/09/25

In this episode, we discuss the themes of justice and forgiveness, the alarming rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, the absurdities of homeowners association regulations, the implications of language and identity in societal discourse, and the importance of fact-checking political statements. We explore the complexities of crime and punishment, the unintended consequences of COVID-19 on healthcare, and the challenges of accurately measuring economic indicators like inflation. We also break down

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56:23

Episode 457: Weaponizing the DOJ

Words & Numbers ·

2025/09/23

In this episode, we are joined by Clark Neily, Senior Vice President for Legal Studies at the Cato Institute, to discuss the weaponization of the Department of Justice and the broader implications of plea bargaining and charge stacking in the U.S. legal system. We dive into the erosion of jury trials, the impact of coercive plea deals, and the challenges of maintaining justice and human dignity in a system increasingly reliant on non-public procedures. We also touch on the historical context of

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54:27

Episode 456: Happy Deficit Day!

Words & Numbers ·

2025/09/18

In this episode, we discuss rising food prices, new breakthroughs in autism research, AI foolishness, and the societal and economic implications of these issues. We also celebrate Deficit Day, and dive into the issues of government spending, fiscal responsibility, and budgets. Finally, we offer a variety of solutions on how to solve the debt crisis.00:00 Introduction and Overview 00:32 Rising Food Prices: Economic Impacts of Tariffs and Immigration 04:09 The Role of Labor in Society 06:02

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57:00

Episode 455: Charlie Kirk and the Death of Civility

Words & Numbers ·

2025/09/16

In this episode, we discuss the implications of quarterly reporting on corporate behavior, the innovative approach of traffic cameras in Sweden, and the societal impact of Charlie Kirk's murder. We explore the role of social media in shaping public discourse, the subjective nature of truth, and the consequences of cancel culture. We emphasize the importance of respectful dialogue and the need for new institutions to address the challenges of modern communication.00:00 Introduction 02:22 The

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54:02

Episode 454: Jobs! Jobs! Jobs!

Words & Numbers ·

2025/09/11

In this episode, we discuss the contrasting ideologies of capitalism and socialism, exploring the implications of government intervention, market solutions, and the importance of incentives. We delve into the story of Howard Buffett's efforts to incentivize Colombian farmers to switch from cocaine to coffee, highlighting the effectiveness of market-driven solutions over government spending. The conversation also touches on the rise of socialism in America, the issue of cronyism, and the impact of

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47:11

Episode 453: Running Away from Taxes

Words & Numbers ·

2025/09/09

In this episode, we discuss the implications of tariffs, the state of free speech in the UK, and the ongoing lawsuit between Newsmax and Fox News. We also explore migration trends across states, the right of exit concerning taxation, and the effects of progressive taxation on economic mobility.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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68:36

Episode 452: The Benefits of a Conservative Supreme...

Words & Numbers ·

2025/09/04

The Supreme Court’s conservative majority may be the only thing standing in the way of legislative tyranny, and not in the ways you might think. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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