The Ayn Rand Institute Podcast

Епізоди

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  Why Philosophy Needs Fiction: The Moral Idealism of Ayn Rand 23.07.2026 56хв

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MXGenpAkTs Podcast audio: In this episode of the Ayn Rand Institute podcast, Robertas Bakula interviews Dr. Onkar Ghate, the author of the new book The Moral Idealism of Ayn Rand, peeking into the themes explored in the essay collection, including the literary essence and profound moral idealism found within Ayn Rand's fiction. Fiction vs. Philosophical Propaganda The Moral Ideals in Dramatic Fiction Superhuman Character Misconceptions Admiration vs. Compassion Metaphysical Irrelevance of evil The Death Premise Dramatization of Moral Principles Resources: Onkar Ghate, The Moral Idealism of Ayn Rand Ayn Rand, Atlas Shrugged Ayn Rand, The Fountainhead Ayn Rand, We the Living Ayn Rand, Anthem Ayn Rand, “The Metaphysical versus the Man-Made” Ayn Rand, “The Age of Envy” Leonard Peikoff, “My 30 Years with Ayn Rand” This episode was recorded on July 15, 2026.
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  Heritage vs. Creed: What Actually Makes You an American? 16.07.2026 1год 6хв

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9e5PLKhXvF0 Podcast audio: In this episode of the Ayn Rand Institute podcast, Ben Bayer and Onkar Ghate discuss whether heritage or creed is what defines American national identity. The American way and sense of life Un-American “Heritage Americanism” Irrelevant Anglo-Protestant “ethnicity” Superior “Creedal Americanism” History of “Creedal Americanism” The eroding American sense of life Resources:  Ayn Rand, Don’t Let It Go, in Philosophy: Who Needs It Ayn Rand, “A Nation’s Unity” Onkar Ghate, “Atlas Shrugged: America’s Second Declaration of Independence”  Ben Bayer, “Our Iran Appeasement Reveals the Need to Declare Moral Independence,” New Ideal, July 1, 2026. Ben Bayer, “The Revolutionary, Secular Concept of Individual Rights” OCON 2024 This episode was recorded on July 10, 2026.   Image credit:  Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images
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  America at 250: Politics, Religion, Morality 14.07.2026 1год 28хв

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6XQv6S2iK0 Podcast audio: The founding of America was the greatest political achievement of the Enlightenment. Knowing that their experiment would be difficult to preserve, the Founding Fathers designed a unique system of checks and balances to prevent the United States from collapsing into tyranny. An essential element of that design, however, has been forgotten. In his talk at the 2026 Objectivist Summer Conference (OCON), Dr. Onkar Ghate explains the role of the moral character of the people as a check on the government. Ghate explains why the Founding Fathers appreciated this pivotal role in preventing America from straying away from its ideal of protecting the individual’s rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Q&A session includes the discussion of: Why are American people susceptible to pragmatism? Why are the branches of government ceding their power to other branches? When is it proper to organize politically? Are there differences between the legitimacy of the Iraq war and that of the Iran war? This talk was recorded live on June 27 in New Orleans as part of the Objectivist summer conference, and is available on The Ayn Rand Institute Podcast stream. Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Watch archived podcasts here.
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  America: The Nation of the Producer 10.07.2026 44хв

  https://www.youtube.com/live/b91AlTBDODs Podcast audio: The 2026 Objectivist Summer Conference was a celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. To conclude the conference, Yaron Brook, ARI board chairman, spoke about what makes America uniquely worth celebrating — the fact that it is “the Nation of the Producer.” Brook begins by surveying the state of the world prior to the American Revolution — the backbreaking labor, the incurable diseases, and the unbearably cold winters. He then explains how the Declaration of Independence unleashed the people responsible for today’s magnificent world of abundance. Who is responsible for electricity, smartphones, and worldwide travel? Brook answers: “The responsibility lies with the amazing, unbelievably productive geniuses that have lived — and still live — amongst us.” He identifies by name — and toasts — the many titans of industry who helped create the modern, industrial, technological world. Watch Brook’s detailed, moving survey and his celebration of the producers, his full talk is here. Image credit: Hulton Archive / via Getty Images
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  From Sanders to the Trump White House: The Crusade to Control AI 18.06.2026 50хв

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kw8MPZSbLXA Podcast audio: In this episode of The Ayn Rand Institute Podcast, Robertas Bakula and Mike Mazza discuss two major developments in the AI industry: Bernie Sanders’ proposal for an AI wealth fund and the White House’s order to block access to Anthropic’s newest models. Topics include: The Anthropic Ban Fear-Mongering About Security Fear-Mongering About Jobless Future Is there “Collective Knowledge”? Lack of Concern with Individual Rights Resources:  Ayn Rand Institute Podcast, “Marketing AI without Empowering Resentment” Ayn Rand Institute Podcast, “Fear of Progress: The Quest to End Autonomous Driving” This episode was recorded on June 16, 2026. Image credits: Circuit: Tatiana Sviridova / Moment / via Gettuy ImagesChatGPT:  Silas Stein / picture alliance / via Getty ImagesCladue: Samuel Boivin / NurPhoto / via Getty ImagesTrump: Jim Watson / AFP / via Getty ImagesSanders: Frederic J. Brown / AFP / via Getty Images
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  The Pope’s Screed Against Human Intelligence 11.06.2026 1год 3хв

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXTCE3rXfH4 Podcast audio: In this episode of the Ayn Rand Institute podcast, Ben Bayer and Connor O’Leary discuss Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical about AI. Topics include: Valid questions, backwards approach Concerning near-universal acclaim Dependence on religious morality Faith-based moral concepts Appealing to fear and resentment Hostility to human intelligence We need a rational morality Resources:  Ayn Rand, “Requiem for Man,” Capitalism the Unknown Ideal Anthropic vs. Trump: The Moral Responsibility of Tech Companies, Ayn Rand Institute Podcast, March 12, 2026 Marketing AI Without Empowering Resentment, Ayn Rand Institute Podcast, April 23, 2026 Ben Bayer, How to Build a Secular Morality, New Ideal, June 10, 2026 (just came out yesterday) This episode was recorded on June 5, 2026. Image credits: Pope: Carlos Alvarez / Contributor / via Getty Images; Circuit: haydenbird / E+ / via Getty Images
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  OCON 2026: A Preview of 6 Talks 04.06.2026 35хв

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGcfnm1gELw Podcast audio: In this episode of the Ayn Rand Institute podcast, Elan Journo talks with Ben Bayer, Robertas Bakula, Alex Silverman, Audra Hilse, Sam Weaver, and Keith Lockitch about their upcoming talks at OCON 2026 in New Orleans. Speakers include: Bayer: Ayn Rand on progress     Bakula: antitrust is anti-production     Silverman: metaphysics of productiveness Hilse: publishing We the Living Weaver: Milton’s Paradise Lost       Lockitch: Descartes and Newton on the rainbow    
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  Jeff Bezos Admirably Defends Wealth Creation 29.05.2026 1год 2хв

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRK4oqOHr4s Podcast audio: In this episode of the Ayn Rand Institute podcast, Robertas Bakula and Onkar Ghate discuss Jeff Bezos' recent high-profile CNBC interview with Andrew Sorkin on wealth, attacks on billionaires, and government waste. Topics include: Bezos’ Admirable Mind Trend of Villainizing Businessmen The Zero-Sum Fallacy The Incompetence of Government Collectivist Defense of Profit Inequality is not a bug The Role of Intellectuals Resources:  Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand This episode was recorded on May 28, 2026. Image credit: Michael M. Santiago / staff / via Getty Images
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  Marc Andreessen Fails to Recognize the Importance of Introspection 28.05.2026 44хв

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKYKHBdO6-I Podcast audio: In this episode of the Ayn Rand Institute podcast, Onkar Ghate and Tristan de Liège analyze Marc Andreesen’s recent controversial comments rejecting introspection. Topics include: What introspection really is Introspection and success Introspection and moral responsibility Earned and unearned guilt Resources:  The Ayn Rand Lexicon entry on Introspection This episode was recorded on May 13, 2026. Image credit: Michael Kovac / Stringer / via Getty Images
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  Projecting Weakness: The Iran War Stalemate and Trump’s China Visit 22.05.2026 37хв

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSyqrwXEtBQ Podcast audio: In this episode of the Ayn Rand Institute podcast, Onkar Ghate and Elan Journo discuss the war and subsequent negotiations with Iran, and Trump’s visit to China.  Topics include: The war’s shifting purpose The Hormuz evasion Whim over strategy Evading Iran’s nature Stalemate as defeat Projecting weakness worldwide Abandoning American ideals This episode was recorded on May 20th. Image credits: Trump: Saul Loeb / AFP / via Getty Images; China and Iran Flags: Viacheslav Chernobrovin / iStock / via Getty Images
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  Trump’s Monument-Building vs. American Founding Ideas 21.05.2026 59хв

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YKNDXS3NOY Podcast audio: In this episode of The Ayn Rand Institute Podcast, Sam Weaver and Ben Bayer discuss the significance of President Trump’s efforts to construct new government monuments and put his name and face on federal buildings and documents. Topics Include: Trump’s initiatives Why symbols matter Historical monument-building America’s distinctive history How Trump compares Relation to Trump’s policies Rand on monuments Trump’s pursuit of prestige Public response Resources: “The Monument Builders” in The Virtue of Selfishness by Ayn Rand “Don’t Let It Go” in Philosophy: Who Needs It by Ayn Rand “The Anti-Intellectuality of Donald Trump” by Onkar Ghate “One Small Step for Dictatorship” by Onkar Ghate This episode was recorded on May 8, 2026. Image credit: Kevin Dietsch / Staff / via Getty Images
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  How Effective Is Ken Griffin’s Response to Zohran Mamdani? 14.05.2026 40хв

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JW_xItSGlM Podcast audio: In this episode of The Ayn Rand Institute Podcast, Robertas Bakula and Onkar Ghate discuss Ken Griffin’s reaction to Zohran Mamdami's attack on his wealth and life, and the appropriate stance that individuals in Griffin's position should take against such attacks. Topics include: Mamdani’s Attack on Ken Griffin Real Threat to Griffin’s Life and Safety Griffin’s Courageous Defense of the American Dream Griffin’s Concession Sanction of the Victim Animal Farm is Pro-Socialism Anthem and Atlas Shrugged as Better Alternatives A Principled Stance vs. Martyrdom Resources: Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand Anthem by Ayn Rand The Sanction of the Victim by Ayn Rand This episode was recorded on May 11, 2026. Image credits: Griffin: Fabrice Coffrini / AFP / via Getty Images; Mamdani: Spencer Platt / via Getty Images
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  Bart Ehrman on the Christian Origins of Altruistic Morality 12.05.2026 49хв

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62w3EFQML58 Podcast audio: In this episode of the Ayn Rand Institute podcast, Ben Bayer interviews Professor Bart Ehrman about his new book on the Christian roots of altruist ethics. Christian vs. pagan ethics The true meaning of Christian “love” Apocalyptic roots of Christian ethics Are Christian ethics rational? Ehrman’s work Resources:  Bart Ehrman, Love Thy Stranger: How Christianity Transformed the Moral Conscience of the West Ben Bayer, “How Christianity Polluted the Moral Atmosphere of the West,” New Ideal, February 5, 2025. This episode was recorded on April 22, 2026.
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  Why the Red/Blue Button Moral Dilemma is a Trap 07.05.2026 55хв

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzfiohcZhGo Podcast audio: In this episode of The Ayn Rand Institute Podcast, Robertas Bakula and Ben Bayer discuss the viral Red vs. Blue Button dilemma. Topics include: The Viral Dilemma The Case for Red The Case for Blue The False Choice Comparison to the Trolley Problem Ayn Rand’s Alternative Approach to Morality Resources: “Ethics of Emergencies,” Ayn Rand, The Virtue of Selfishness  “Why Today’s Ethics Offers No Real Guidance,” Ben Bayer, New Ideal, November 18, 2020 Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand This episode was recorded on April 24, 2026. Image Credit: traffic_analyzer / DigitalVision Vectors / via Getty Images
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  The Unconstitutional, Immoral Military Draft 30.04.2026 42хв

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nZD3IdL4PY Podcast audio: In this episode of the Ayn Rand Institute podcast, Ben Bayer and Tristan de Liège discuss the military draft in light of recent changes to the Selective Service System. Debating Selective Service System changes Unconstitutionality of the draft The immorality of the draft The impracticality of the draft Palantir’s endorsement of the draft Resources:  Against The Un-American Call for National Service, ARI Podcast A Central Planner's Trojan Horse: The Technological Republic, ARI Podcast Ayn Rand, entry on the Draft, Ayn Rand Lexicon  Ayn Rand, “Wreckage of the Consensus” in Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal This episode was recorded on April 22, 2026. Image credit: Andrew Harnik / staff / via Getty Images
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  Why the New York Times Justifies Theft and Tolerates Murder 29.04.2026 59хв

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JK2AwyUtJtI Podcast audio: In this episode of the Ayn Rand Institute podcast, Ben Bayer and Robertas Bakula discuss the recent New York Times podcast justifying the “microlooting” of big corporations. “Microlooting” and Macrolooting Marxist rationalizations Signs of nihilism Anti-intellectual tribal signaling Hypocrisy and altruism Justifying murder Resources:  Profit without Apology: The Need to Stand Up for Business, Onkar Ghate and Don Watkins  The Marxists’ Exploitation Myth, ARI Podcast, Feb 26, 2025 Charlie Kirk’s Murder: Who Normalized Political Violence?, ARI Podcast, Sept 12, 2025 This episode was recorded on April 27, 2026.   Image credit: AndreyPopov / iStock / via Getty Images
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  Marketing AI Without Empowering Resentment 23.04.2026 51хв

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRML1GMxiUg Podcast audio: In this episode of the Ayn Rand Institute podcast, Ben Bayer, Mike Mazza, and Tristan de Liège discuss major publicity campaigns launched by AI companies to combat uncertainty and fear about the disruptive power of AI. The AI PR problem Valid marketing problems Valid marketing solutions Special problems re: misuse The invalid inequality concern Invalid regulatory concerns Altruism as appeasement Resources:  Ayn Rand, “What is Capitalism?” in Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal,  “The Age of Envy” in Return of the Primitive, and “Altruism as Appeasement” in The Voice of Reason.  Threats to Regulate Artificial Intelligence, ARI Podcast, May 12, 2023 Anthropic vs. Trump: The Moral Responsibility of Tech Companies, ARI Podcast, 3/12/26 Don Watkins and Yaron Brook, Equal is Unfair This episode was recorded on April 17, 2026 Image credits: Altman: Anna Moneymaker / via Getty Images; Amodei: Chance Yeh / Stringer / via Getty Images
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  What It Takes to Learn a Philosophy 20.04.2026 20хв

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdy_8p75jzM Podcast audio: This talk by Mike Mazza was recorded live on July 3rd in Boston, MA as part of the 2025 Objectivist Summer Conference and is available on the Ayn Rand Institute Podcast stream. Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Watch archived podcasts here.
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  What People Get Wrong About Evil and the Iran War 16.04.2026 35хв

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjHQq-bGX5w Podcast audio: In this episode of the Ayn Rand Institute podcast, Elan Journo and Onkar Ghate discuss Ayn Rand’s view of evil as fundamentally impotent, and what it reveals about Soviet Russia, Iran, and the failures of American foreign policy. The standard view of evil Evil as impotent Paradox of Soviet danger Illusion of Soviet technology Overstating Iran’s power Altruism empowering evil Resources:  Ayn Rand, Lexicon entry on Evil and Sanction of the Victim Ayn Rand, “Galt’s Speech” in For the New Intellectual Ayn Rand, “Altruism as Appeasement” in The Voice of Reason Ayn Rand, “The Anatomy of Compromise” in Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal Onkar Ghate and Elan Journo’s, Failing to Confront Islamic Totalitarianism: What Went Wrong After 9/11 Elan Journo, Winning the Unwinnable War: America’s Self-Crippled Response to Islamic Totalitarianism This episode was recorded on 04/10/2026.
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  Why Is Israel Blamed for the Iran War? 10.04.2026 46хв

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mU5EJxVtork Podcast audio: In this episode of the Ayn Rand Institute podcast, Ben Bayer and Elan Journo discuss recent conspiracism about Israel’s role in the Iran war.Topics include: Facts conspiracists distort Facts conspiracists evade The conspiracist mentality      An anti-conceptual culture Decades of unprincipled foreign policy Tribalism and conspiracism Evading America’s deadly morality Resources:  Ayn Rand Lexicon entries on the anti-conceptual mentality, the arbitrary, and tribalism Ayn Rand, “For the New Intellectual” in For the New Intellectual This episode was recorded on April 8, 2026.