Words & Numbers

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 regulations on market dynamics. We critique Portland's new fines on vacant properties and analyze the latest jobs numbers in the context of economic policies, particularly tariffs. We conclude with a call for civil discourse and action to hold Congress accountable for its responsibilities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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

In this episode, James and Antony explore the frontiers of spinal cord implants and what breakthroughs in the field could mean for the future. They dive into the surprising link between the world’s two smallest countries and share the story behind a notorious “orgy dome” that’s captured a lot of attention. The conversation then turns to the main focus: the difference between being productive and generating real economic productivity, and why recognizing that distinction could change the way you work, make decisions, and measure success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, James and Antony cover how to bring political discussions back into everyday life without descending into hostility, why nearly half of Americans are now ordering from children’s menus at restaurants, and Donald Trump’s latest attacks on the First Amendment from threats against television networks to talk of banning flag burning. They also dive into the federal government’s purchase of a ten percent stake in Intel, raising questions about cronyism, socialism, and the separation of the economy from the state. The conversation wraps with practical advice on how consumers can push back against corporate government entanglements and ends on a lighter note with the infamous story of Antony’s disastrous experiment with nicotine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, James and Antony explore the evolution of media and technology, from vinyl to streaming, and what the future might hold in the age of AI and digital ownership. They discuss shifts in media, marketing trends, and listener questions about U.S. debt, the strength of the dollar, and global economic changes. Along the way, they touch on how structural issues in finance, politics, and business can impact progress. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, James and Antony kick things off with a wild story out of New York City: ATMs spitting out millions in cash thanks to a government blunder. From there, they turn to political absurdities, including a congressman who thinks presidential term limits are optional. Finally, the guys dive deep into recession talk—what it really means, how it’s measured, and why even the experts can’t agree. Along the way, they cut through media spin, call out political nonsense, and remind listeners why economic reality is always more complicated than the headlines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On today’s episode of Words & Numbers, James and Antony discuss the rise and fall of AOL, the ethical challenges of new technologies, and what artificial intelligence could mean for the future. They also explore the trade-off between productivity and employment, and the unintended consequences of redistribution and welfare systems. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, James and Antony unpack the shocking BLS revision that wiped out over 100,000 jobs on paper, what it really means for the economy, and why data transparency matters more than ever. They also dive into the wave of fan misconduct hitting the WNBA, break down the DOJ’s new denaturalization push and its wider implications, and touch on a few other stories shaping the week that you won’t want to miss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, James and Antony discuss the surprising ecological effects of reintroducing wolves to Yellowstone, highlighting how these changes mirror economic principles. They explore the broader implications of government interventions, such as COVID-19 lockdowns and economic data revisions. The conversation also touches on the voting age debate, questioning whether 16-year-olds should vote and the potential impacts of such a decision. Join them for an insightful discussion on the interconnectedness of our world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ant and James discuss the wealth tax, what its proponents wish would happen, and what would really happen were it implemented. They also get into why so many dogs are overweight, and the cutting-edge genetic engineering that promises to wipe out malaria by altering mosquito DNA. As if that weren’t enough, they also address the futility of US debt donations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This episode examines the role of private equity in business, focusing on its ability to transform assets and support entrepreneurs. In this episode, James and Antony aim to provide a balanced view of the opportunities and challenges associated with private equity, offering insights into its impact on the business landscape. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Explore how inflation quietly erodes your purchasing power, and the deceptive game of monetizing debt and what it means for your future. Dive into the digital clampdown on adult content as age verification systems signal the end of the internet’s unrestricted era. Ant and James grapple with the morality of price discrimination based on search history — who really benefits, and who gets left behind. Join CiVL for member-exclusive access to our show, bonus content, and live Q&As. https://civl.com/ Get 50% off your annual subscription with code: WORDSANDNUMBERS Get Your Copy of Cooperation and Coercion Now! ⁠http://www.cooperationandcoercion.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this week's Words & Numbers, Ant and James tackle the misunderstood world of corporate stock buybacks—are they economic malpractice or just savvy business? The duo then pivots to publicly funded media, taking aim at the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and questioning its continued reliance on taxpayer dollars in an age of abundant private alternatives. They also examine the federal government's rare (and tiny) budget surplus in June, dissecting whether it's a meaningful trend or a statistical blip. Along the way, Steve Miller cancels his tour for baffling reasons, Trump forgets he appointed Powell, and the guys reflect on why government tax revenue stubbornly sticks to 18% of GDP—no matter the policy. As always, they ask: what’s the data say, and so what? Get Your Copy of Cooperation and Coercion Now!http://www.cooperationandcoercion.com See More Ant and James!http://www.wordsandnumbers.org Show Your Support for Words & Numbers at Patreonhttps://www.patreon.com/wordsandnumbers Quick Hitshttps://loudwire.com/steve-miller-cancels-tour-natural-disasters/ Foolishness of the Weekhttps://www.npr.org/2025/07/17/nx-s1-5469904/npr-pbs-cuts-rescission-senate-vote Words & Numbers Backstagehttps://youtu.be/i73H047bID8?si=zUTcXrBYDolwTVgl https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/MSPUS https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/LES1252881500Q https://www.bankrate.com/real-estate/average-home-size/#space https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/CUUR0000SETA01 More James at Smoke & Storieshttps://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjILow4-ZJpBV-NnmSusZJ_vCuzKUJ4Ig More Ant on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/antonydavies Let Us Know What You Thinkmailto:wordsandnumberspodcast@gmail.com Antony Davies on Twitterhttps://twitter.com/antonydavies James R. Harrigan on Twitterhttps://twitter.com/JamesRHarrigan #AntonyDavies #JamesRHarrigan #WordsAndNumbers #economics #government #politics #policy #libertarian #classicalliberal #podcast #educational Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Words & Numbers, James and Ant announce their new partnership with CiVL and reflect on the state of modern life. Using Jurassic World and a Nobel Prize winner’s comments as a springboard, they unpack the economics of innovation, incentives, and monopolies. They take on popular claims that life has gotten worse—breaking down the real costs of housing, cars, and higher education over time—and challenge the doom-and-gloom narrative with hard data and perspective. The debut of the new “So What?” segment offers concrete takeaways: count your blessings, question the media’s distortions, and don’t believe everything “everybody knows.” Words and Numbers is a CiVL Original Podcast. Join CiVL for member-exclusive access to our show, bonus content, and live Q&As. https://civl.com/ Get 50% off your annual subscription with code: WORDSANDNUMBERS Get Your Copy of Cooperation and Coercion Now! http://www.cooperationandcoercion.com See More Ant and James! http://www.wordsandnumbers.org Show Your Support for Words & Numbers at Patreon https://www.patreon.com/wordsandnumbers Quick Hits https://www.jurassicworld.com https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2025-07-04/charles-rice-nobel-prize-winner-in-medicine-its-a-crime-that-a-drug-exists-that-could-cure-everyone-yet-not-everybody-has-access-to-it.html https://www.thetimes.com/world/latin-america/article/gringo-go-home-why-mexico-is-turning-against-us-immigrants-cmq2qsv2j Foolishness of the Week https://www.yahoo.com/news/fema-removed-dozens-camp-mystic-111716138.html Words & Numbers Backstage https://youtu.be/i73H047bID8?si=zUTcXrBYDolwTVgl https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/MSPUS https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/LES1252881500Q https://www.bankrate.com/real-estate/average-home-size/#space https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/CUUR0000SETA01 More James at Smoke & Stories https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjILow4-ZJpBV-NnmSusZJ_vCuzKUJ4Ig More Ant on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/antonydavies Let Us Know What You Think mailto:wordsandnumberspodcast@gmail.com Antony Davies on Twitter https://twitter.com/antonydavies James R. Harrigan on Twitter https://twitter.com/JamesRHarrigan #AntonyDavies #JamesRHarrigan #WordsAndNumbers #economics #government #politics #policy #libertarian #classicalliberal #podcast #educational Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Words and Numbers is a CiVL Original Podcast. Join CiVL for member-exclusive access to our show, bonus content, and live Q&As. https://civl.com/ Get 50% off your annual subscription with code: WORDSANDNUMBERS Get Your Copy of Cooperation and Coercion Now!http://www.cooperationandcoercion.com See More Ant and James!http://www.wordsandnumbers.org Show Your Support for Words & Numbers at Patreonhttps://www.patreon.com/wordsandnumbers Quick Hitshttps://www.news.com.au/entertainment/music/tours/ozzy-osbourne-takes-to-the-stage-for-the-last-time/news-story/4ca30c3eb598a7b97f6735e975c9da91 Foolishness of the Weekhttps://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/ar-AA1I2tzC Words & Numbers Backstagehttps://www.facebook.com/groups/130029457649243/ More James at Smoke & Storieshttps://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjILow4-ZJpBV-NnmSusZJ_vCuzKUJ4Ig More Ant on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/antonydavies Let Us Know What You Thinkmailto:wordsandnumberspodcast@gmail.com Antony Davies on Twitterhttps://twitter.com/antonydavies James R. Harrigan on Twitterhttps://twitter.com/JamesRHarrigan #AntonyDavies #JamesRHarrigan #WordsAndNumbers #economics #government #politics #policy #libertarian #classicalliberal #podcast #educational Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get Your Copy of Cooperation and Coercion Now! http://www.cooperationandcoercion.com See More Ant and James! http://www.wordsandnumbers.org Show Your Support for Words & Numbers at Patreon https://www.patreon.com/wordsandnumbers Quick Hits https://www.pgpf.org/article/the-ratio-of-workers-to-social-security-beneficiaries-is-at-a-low-and-projected-to-decline-further/ https://www.ssa.gov/OACT/TR/TR02/lr5A3-h.html https://www.newsweek.com/mcdonalds-june-boycott-what-know-2087469 Foolishness of the Week https://apnews.com/article/chemtrail-louisiana-ban-conspiracy-e7562efe0251588978153cef30034e63 https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/06/09/louisiana-among-at-least-12-states-seeking-chemtrail-ban Topic https://www.cnbc.com/2025/06/20/workers-are-stuck-in-infinite-workday-according-to-microsoft-report.html Words & Numbers Backstage https://www.facebook.com/groups/130029457649243/ More James at Smoke & Stories https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjILow4-ZJpBV-NnmSusZJ_vCuzKUJ4Ig More Ant on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/antonydavies Let Us Know What You Think mailto:wordsandnumberspodcast@gmail.com Antony Davies on Twitter https://twitter.com/antonydavies James R. Harrigan on Twitter https://twitter.com/JamesRHarrigan #AntonyDavies #JamesRHarrigan #WordsAndNumbers #economics #government #politics #policy #libertarian #classicalliberal #podcast #educational

Get Your Copy of Cooperation and Coercion Now! http://www.cooperationandcoercion.com See More Ant and James! http://www.wordsandnumbers.org Show Your Support for Words & Numbers at Patreon https://www.patreon.com/wordsandnumbers Quick Hits https://www.cbo.gov/publication/60392 https://sciencenews.dk/en/the-stem-cell-race-to-rewire-the-parkinsons-brain Foolishness of the Week https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/19/politics/trump-non-working-holidays-juneteenth https://polyhymnia.org/2025/06/19/juneteenth-2025/ https://polyhymnia.org/2025/06/19/of-patriots-and-freedom/ https://www.10tv.com/article/news/nation-world/juneteenth-12-federal-holidays/507-6955e5af-770e-416f-ac0a-e8db360032f7 Words & Numbers Backstage https://www.facebook.com/groups/130029457649243/ More James at Smoke & Stories https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjILow4-ZJpBV-NnmSusZJ_vCuzKUJ4Ig More Ant on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/antonydavies Let Us Know What You Think mailto:wordsandnumberspodcast@gmail.com Antony Davies on Twitter https://twitter.com/antonydavies James R. Harrigan on Twitter https://twitter.com/JamesRHarrigan #AntonyDavies #JamesRHarrigan #WordsAndNumbers #economics #government #politics #policy #libertarian #classicalliberal #podcast #educational

Get Your Copy of Cooperation and Coercion Now! http://www.cooperationandcoercion.com See More Ant and James! http://www.wordsandnumbers.org Show Your Support for Words & Numbers at Patreon https://www.patreon.com/wordsandnumbers Quick Hits https://www.pcmag.com/news/chatgpt-gets-absolutely-wrecked-in-chess-match-with-1978-atari https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/world/564133/marines-carry-out-first-known-detention-of-civilian-in-los-angeles Foolishness of the Week https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/14/business/trump-income-crypto-licensing Words & Numbers Backstage https://www.facebook.com/groups/130029457649243/ More James at Smoke & Stories https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjILow4-ZJpBV-NnmSusZJ_vCuzKUJ4Ig More Ant on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/antonydavies Let Us Know What You Think mailto:wordsandnumberspodcast@gmail.com Antony Davies on Twitter https://twitter.com/antonydavies James R. Harrigan on Twitter https://twitter.com/JamesRHarrigan #AntonyDavies #JamesRHarrigan #WordsAndNumbers #economics #government #politics #policy #libertarian #classicalliberal #podcast #educational

Get Your Copy of Cooperation and Coercion Now! http://www.cooperationandcoercion.com See More Ant and James! http://www.wordsandnumbers.org Show Your Support for Words & Numbers at Patreon https://www.patreon.com/wordsandnumbers Quick Hits https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/trading-investing/us-debt-downgrade https://www.batimes.com.ar/news/world/social-cohesion-poverty-top-agenda-at-milei-pope-meeting.phtml https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/democrats-young-male-voters-2024-rcna210085 Foolishness of the Week https://www.foxnews.com/politics/dems-drop-20m-bizarre-american-men-strategy-plan-study-effort-dig-out-2024-political-hole Words & Numbers Backstage https://www.facebook.com/groups/130029457649243/ More James at Smoke & Stories https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjILow4-ZJpBV-NnmSusZJ_vCuzKUJ4Ig More Ant on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/antonydavies Let Us Know What You Think mailto:wordsandnumberspodcast@gmail.com Antony Davies on Twitter https://twitter.com/antonydavies James R. Harrigan on Twitter https://twitter.com/JamesRHarrigan #AntonyDavies #JamesRHarrigan #WordsAndNumbers #economics #government #politics #policy #libertarian #classicalliberal #podcast #educational