The Ayn Rand Institute Podcast

After the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy released its entry on capitalism, critics online slammed it for apparent Marxist bias. However, if there is a scandal here, it is not merely that one entry is lopsided; it is that contemporary academic philosophers are willfully blind to the real-world phenomenon of capitalism, seeing it only through the unquestioned lens of the altruistic morality. In this episode of the Ayn Rand Institute podcast, Robertas Bakula, Ben Bayer, and Onkar Ghate discuss the entry’s Marxist leaning, Ayn Rand’s absence from the entry, and more broadly the failure of academic philosophy to understand the subject. They argue that Ayn Rand’s view of capitalism should have played a more prominent role in the entry, and how Rand succeeded in defining “capitalism” while the entry does not bother trying. They conclude that the entry should give more serious attention not only to Rand, but also Locke, Smith, and economic scholarship more broadly. Topics include: The Stanford Encyclopedia’s cultural impact Marxist dominance in academic philosophy Academic philosophy’s economic ignorance The failure to define capitalism Ayn Rand vs. intellectuals Ayn Rand’s definition of capitalism How to reform the SEP entry Resources: Ayn Rand, Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal Ayn Rand, “ What Is Capitalism? ” in Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal Ayn Rand, “ For the New Intellectual ” in For the New Intellectual The Ayn Rand Lexicon entry on "Capitalism" This episode was recorded on August 24, 2026.

September 11, 2001 — and America’s response to it — shaped the 21st century. Confidence in America’s ability to win wars cracked, trust in leadership and experts went down, and, in response, populism, nihilism, and conspiracism raised their ugly heads. From day one, the Ayn Rand Institute’s experts grasped the meaning of the attacks and the significance of a proper response. They called for war with Iran and opposed Bush’s altruistic wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Their advice was not followed, but their predictions held. In this special livestream marking the 25th anniversary of 9/11, Yaron Brook, Elan Journo, and Onkar Ghate — the Institute’s three leading experts on the attacks — trace what went wrong in its lead-up and aftermath, and how Ayn Rand’s philosophy let them foresee what most people still struggle to understand. Topics include: The events and evasions that led up to 9/11. How shocking 9/11 was, given the atmosphere in the 1990s. The corrupt failure of intellectuals to warn of and explain 9/11. How both the government and academia whitewashed religion and Islam. Why and how ARI commented on 9/11 and its aftermath. How Objectivism helped ARI’s experts to predict America's failures. The disgraceful Western response to the Danish cartoons of Muhammad. The rise of populism and nihilism as a result of 9/11. Resources recommended in the episode: Onkar Ghate and Elan Journo, Failing to Confront Islamic Totalitarianism: What Went Wrong After 9/11 .

In this episode of the Ayn Rand Institute Podcast, Robertas Bakula and Onkar Ghate discuss the political platform, moral goals, and philosophical motivations driving the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). Topics include: Radical goals of the DSA DSA versus past communism Lack of intellectual argument Miseducation versus willful ignorance Fantasy world of socialism Ayn Rand on producer hatred Hypocrisy or true goals Foreign policy and authoritarian regimes Resources: Ayn Rand’s title essay in For the New Intellectual This episode was recorded on August 25, 2026.

In this episode of the Ayn Rand Institute podcast, Onkar Ghate and Tristan de Liège discuss Zohran Mamdani’s record $323 million culture budget for NYC aimed at supporting the arts, and why government attempts to fund artistic endeavors are unjust and ineffective in creating thriving conditions for artists. Topics include: The Culture Budget’s Purpose The “Affordability Crisis” The Disdain for the Market The Effects of Subsidizing Art The Alternative to Subsidies Resources: Ayn Rand, “What is Capitalism” in Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal Ayn Rand, “To Dream the Non-Commercial Dream” in The Voice of Reason: Essays in Objectivist Thought This episode was recorded on August 5, 2026.

In this episode of The Ayn Rand Institute Podcast, Sam Weaver interviews Onkar Ghate about the American system of checks and balances and the rise of a religious mentality in America, topics discussed in his OCON 2026 talk “ America at 250: Politics, Religion, Morality .” Topics Include: What checks and balances are Erosion since the founding Rise of religious mentality Resources: “ America at 250: Politics, Religion, Morality ” by Onkar Ghate This episode was recorded on July 30, 2026.

In this episode of the Ayn Rand Institute podcast, Itamar Feldman interviews Mike Mazza about his new book of essays, Freedom to Launch, which explains how deregulation in the space industry enabled today’s space renaissance and what the government's role in space exploration should be going forward. Among the topics covered are: Why Freedom to Launch was written The space industry’s current state Space law and property rights Private vs. Commercial space industry The government’s historic role in space What's next for the space industry? Should NASA exist? Resources recommended in the episode: Mike Mazza, Freedom to Launch Ayn Rand, “The Property Status of the Airwaves” in Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal

In this episode of The Ayn Rand Institute Podcast, Don Watkins, Onkar Ghate, and Keith Lockitch discuss the Institute's recently announced educational program on Objectivism: ARU Core. Topics include: Making Objectivism your own personal perspective Personal vs professional value of philosophy Expertise and gaining mastery ARU program and benefits Resources: Ayn Rand, "Atlas Shrugged" Ayn Rand, "The Virtue of Selfishness" Leonard Peikoff, "Objectivism: The Philosophy of Ayn Rand" Ayn Rand “ Through Your Most Grievous Fault” in The Voice of Reason Ayn Rand, "The Fountainhead" This episode was recorded on July 30th, 2026.

In this episode of the Ayn Rand Institute podcast, Ben Bayer and Tristan de Liège recent socialist electoral victories, and analyze critical reactions that fail to identify the philosophical essence of the movement. Allegations of “extremism” What the “extremism” charge hides Are socialists “democratic”? Socialism and communism Socialist and MAGA populism Religious communism, godless capitalism Resources: Ayn Rand “Extremism’: or the Art of Smearing,” in Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal Entry on “ socialism” in the Ayn Rand Lexicon Ben Bayer, “ Meet the New Socialism, Same as the Old ,” New Ideal, Sept 2, 2019 Ben Bayer, “ ICE Tyranny Is What Democracy Looks Like ,” New Ideal, Feb 25, 2026 “ Why Socialists Fear the Republican Party Platform ,” ARI Podcast, Jul 25, 2024 “ Trump's Anti-Capitalist Control Over Businesses ,” ARI Podcast, Sept 18, 2025 This episode was recorded on July 23, 2026.

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

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 Iran war? This talk was recorded live on June 27in 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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.