Newt's World

Newt talks with Professor Ajay Agrawal, a key player in the world of Artificial Intelligence and author of Power and Prediction: The Disruptive Economics of Artificial Intelligence. Agrawal discusses the rapid evolution of AI, highlighting the significant advancements made in the last decade. He explains that AI's core function is to improve prediction, but it also requires human clarity for value judgments within those predictions. Agrawal also discusses the potential for AI to dramatically increase productivity and trigger a large reallocation of capital. He predicts that AI will force society to be more explicit about value judgments and trade-offs, leading to increased transparency. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Les Leopold about his new book, "Wall Street's War on Workers". He explains how corporations in the U.S. have used mass layoffs and stock buybacks to enrich shareholders at the expense of employees. Leopold argues that these practices have contributed to the decline in support for the Democratic Party among urban and rural workers. He suggests that the party has failed to address the issue of mass layoffs and has instead supported policies that have led to job instability. Leopold proposes solutions such as limiting stock buybacks to 2% and preventing companies with government contracts from laying off workers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with bestselling author Timothy Carney about his new book, "Family Unfriendly: How Our Culture Made Raising Kids Much Harder Than It Needs To Be". Carney argues that modern American parenting standards are unrealistic and contribute to record rates of anxiety, depression, and loneliness in children. He criticizes the culture of over-parenting and suggests that it's time to end this failed experiment. Carney also discusses the impact of technology, the fear of crime, and the pressure to succeed on parenting. He highlights the declining birth rates in the U.S. and globally, attributing it to factors such as career-focused lifestyles, housing costs, and a shift in cultural values. Carney suggests that policy changes, particularly in housing, could help support families and reverse the trend of declining birth rates. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt discusses the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) with Neil Chilson, the leader of AI policy at the Abundance Institute. Chilson explains that while AI has the potential to revolutionize various sectors, including healthcare and creative fields, there is a pervasive fear and pessimism surrounding the technology. He argues that this fear-based approach could hinder the full potential of AI. Chilson also discusses the Abundance Institute's focus on Artificial Intelligence and energy, emphasizing the need for regulatory changes to foster innovation in these areas. He invites those interested in a positive technological future to get involved with the Abundance Institute. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt’s guest is Brett Tolman, a former U.S. Attorney and Executive Director of Right on Crime. They discuss the organization's efforts to reform the criminal justice system. Right on Crime, part of the Texas Public Policy Foundation, advocates for alternative sentencing, parole expansion, and evidence-based programs to improve the success rate of those reentering society. Tolman highlights the Safer Supervision Act, a bipartisan bill that would allow individuals who have served half of their supervision term and maintained good conduct to request early termination. He also emphasizes the importance of accountability and redemption in the criminal justice system. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt discusses the escalating tensions in the Middle East with Adam Weinstein, Deputy Director of the Middle East Program at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft. They discuss the recent Iranian attack on Israeli soil, the assassination of a top Iranian General by Israel, and the ongoing hostility between the two nations. Weinstein suggests that the Iranian regime's hostility towards Israel is rooted its desire to assert itself as a regional power. He also discusses the role of the United States in the region and the challenges of achieving peace and stability, particularly in relation to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt’s guest is Gianno Caldwell, a Fox News analyst and founder of a bipartisan consulting firm. He discusses his journey from growing up in poverty on the south side of Chicago to becoming a successful political strategist and author. Caldwell shares his experiences with the welfare system, his views on welfare reform, and his belief in the power of hard work and self-belief. He also discusses his role as a Republican strategist, his work with Fox News, and his efforts to combat violent crime following the murder of his brother. Caldwell's book, "Taken For Granted: How Conservatism Can Win Back the Americans That Liberalism Failed," is available on Amazon and in bookstores everywhere. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt discusses the importance of funding Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. He is joined by Jim Gilmore, former Governor of Virginia and Ambassador to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). They discuss the Senate's approval of a $95 billion-dollar aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, and the pushback from some Republicans. Gilmore emphasizes the importance of supporting Ukraine, stating that if Putin wins, he will not stop and will risk a much larger war which could involve the United States. They also discuss the potential of seizing Russian assets to help fund the war and the need for President Biden to provide stronger leadership. Newt also speaks with Congressman Chuck Edwards, who recently returned from a trip to Ukraine. Edwards shares his experiences and the dire situation in Ukraine, emphasizing the need for the U.S. to provide military assistance. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt discusses the Biden administration's new student loan debt forgiveness plan with guest Adam Kissel, a visiting fellow at The Heritage Foundation’s Center for Education Policy. The plan, which is yet to be finalized and is expected to face legal challenges, proposes to forgive up to $20,000 in interest for nearly 30 million borrowers. The plan could reduce payments for 25 million borrowers and erase all debt for more than 4 million Americans. However, critics argue that the plan is regressive, as it would transfer the debt to taxpayers, potentially costing between $519 billion to over a trillion dollars over 10 years. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Putin had intended to conquer and annex Ukraine with a vicious blitzkrieg, redrawing the map of Europe in a few short weeks with seismic geopolitical consequences. But in the face of this existential threat, the Ukrainian people fought back, turning what looked like certain defeat into a great moral victory, even as the territorial conflict continues to this day. In his new book, Our Enemies Will Vanish: The Russian Invasion and Ukraine’s War of Independence, Yaroslav Trofimov traces the war’s decisive moments to show how Ukraine and its allies have turned the tide against Russia, one of the world’s great military powers, in a modern-day battle of David and Goliath. Newt’s guest is Yaroslav Trofimov, chief foreign-affairs correspondent for The Wall Street Journal. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2024 World Happiness Report, released by Gallup, ranks the United States 23rd, a drop from 15th place the previous year. The top four happiest countries are Finland, Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden. The report suggests that the U.S. ranking has fallen due to the perspectives of people under 30. The report measures happiness based on life evaluations, positive emotions, and negative emotions. Newt’s guest is John Helliwell, one of the chief editors of the World Happiness Report, a Canadian Institute for Advanced Research Distinguished Fellow, and Professor Emeritus of Economics at the University of British Columbia. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt discusses the $1.2 trillion spending package signed by President Joe Biden on March 23, 2024. The bill, which will fund the government through October 1st, contains numerous earmarks or pork barrel spending. Newt’s guest, David Ditch, Senior Policy Analyst at The Heritage Foundation, explains the process of funding the federal government and the issues with the current system. Ditch criticizes the increasing reliance on mandatory programs like Social Security and Medicare, which operate on autopilot and consume a growing share of the federal budget. He also criticizes the return of earmarks, which he says are often used to fund left-wing ideologies. Ditch suggests that budget reform is necessary to reduce wasteful spending. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt’s guest is historian and author Allen C. Guelzo. He discusses his new book, "Our Ancient Faith: Lincoln, Democracy, and the American Experiment." Guelzo explores Abraham Lincoln's deep commitment to democracy and how it guided him through the Civil War. He also discusses Lincoln's belief that democracy was the greatest political achievement in human history. Guelzo argues that Lincoln's understanding of democracy, including the balance between majority and minority rule, allowed him to stand firm against secession and commit the Union to reconciliation after the war. Guelzo also discusses the challenges Lincoln faced in preserving liberty and the American Republic as the nation drifted into a crisis between the North and South. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt discusses a range of issues with members of his Inner Circle. He talks about the current political situation in America, including the lack of a majority in the U.S. House and the challenges that presents. He also discusses the resignations of several Republican congressmen and the potential implications for the Republican majority. Gingrich also addresses the issue of illegal immigration, suggesting that a constitutional amendment on naturalization could help address the problem. He also discusses the potential impact of artificial intelligence on the legal system and the potential for repatriation of illegal immigrants. You can become a member of Newt’s Inner Circle by going to newtsinnercircle.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Brenda Hafera from The Heritage Foundation about her new report detailing the crisis facing boys and men in America, titled “Men Without Meaning: The Harmful Effects of Expressive Individualism.” The report highlights the struggles faced by boys and men in the U.S., including mental, physical, economic, academic, and spiritual challenges. For instance, suicide is the second leading cause of death for men under 45, and the IQ of boys is dropping. The report also points out that only 25% of men aged 17 to 24 qualified for military service in 2020 due to mental, physical, and drug abuse issues. The report suggests that the absence of fathers is a significant factor contributing to these issues. The report recommends revitalizing marriage and fatherhood, promoting school choice, and encouraging vocational schools and apprenticeship programs as potential solutions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Haiti, a nation that began with liberation and resistance, is now on the brink of collapse due to political chaos, economic devastation, and foreign intervention. The assassination of President Moïse in 2021 has led to government officials fleeing the country and refugees seeking safety in the United States and Latin America. The country's infrastructure and economy have been crippled by both natural and manmade disasters. Jake Johnston, a Senior Research Associate at the Center for Economic and Policy Research, discusses Haiti's tumultuous history and current crisis in his new book “Aid State: Elite Panic, Disaster Capitalism, and The Battle To Control Haiti”. He argues that the country's problems are not solely due to internal corruption, but also the influence of powerful foreign countries. Johnson suggests that a change in U.S. policy and greater involvement of the Haitian diaspora could help the country move towards a more sustainable future. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In their new book, "We Win, They Lose: Republican Foreign Policy and the New Cold War," authors Matthew Kroenig and Dan Negrea argue that a GOP foreign policy consensus is emerging, which they call the Trump-Reagan Fusion. They believe that any viable GOP foreign policy must build on the legacies of Trump and Reagan. The authors argue that the Trump-Reagan fusion is superior to progressive alternatives and can guide the GOP, the United States, and the American people to greater levels of peace, prosperity, and freedom. They also discuss the challenges posed by China and Russia, and the need for a strategic approach to these threats. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Peter Schweizer, author of the book Blood Money. Schweizer discusses his two-year investigation into restricted Chinese military documents and American financial records, revealing the Chinese Communist Party's covert operations in social media, the American drug trade, social justice movements, and the medical establishment. He also discusses the popularity of TikTok among young Americans and the potential threat it poses as a tool for the Chinese Communist Party to manipulate public opinion. Schweizer argues that the US is already engaged in a non-kinetic war with China, with the latter using various means, including cultural products and the drug trade, to undermine and destabilize the U.S. He also criticizes the Biden administration and Wall Street for turning a blind eye to China's activities due to financial entanglements. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Open the Books, a transparency organization, released a report revealing that the University of Virginia spends $20 million on 235 diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) employees, with some earning up to $587,340 per year. The report has sparked debate about the use of taxpayer money for DEI positions and programs. Open the Books' mission is to provide radical transparency so people can track government spending and hold politicians accountable for their decisions. The organization has captured nearly every dime taxed and spent at every level of government, federal, state, and local. Open the Books also revealed that elite universities have received about $45 billion in federal taxpayer subsidies since 2018. Newt’s guest is Adam Andrzejewski, CEO and Founder of Open the Books. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Italian immigrant Francesca Cabrini, who arrived in America in 1889, is celebrated in the new film Cabrini. Despite facing disease, crime, and impoverished children in New York slums, Cabrini convinced the hostile mayor to secure housing and healthcare for orphan children. The film is directed by Alejandro Monteverde and produced and distributed by Angel Studios. Jeff Harmon, co-founder and chief content officer of Angel Studios, and Eduardo Verástegui, executive producer for the film, discuss the making of the film and the impact of Mother Cabrini's life. The film is now showing in theaters nationwide. Buy tickets at Angel.com/Cabrini See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.