Ep 404: Libertarian Memes and Mayhem: Chris Freiman’s Guide to Economics on X

In this episode, Doug Stuart chats with Chris Freiman, who’s back on the podcast to discuss his new book, Libertarianism, the Basics. Chris is an economics professor at West Virginia University, and dives into the nitty-gritty of what libertarianism really is and brings us up to speed on some modern issues that libertarians care about.

The two cover everything from why tariffs can get sticky—especially with Trump’s policies—to the hot debate over living wages and immigration. Chris shares his take that maybe the world isn’t as bad off as some people think, thanks to the free market and economic progress. He also brings some fun moments with Seinfeld references and talks about why he can’t stay away from correcting economic misconceptions on Twitter (or X, as we’re apparently calling it now).

Listeners will get a kick out of hearing how his book, co-written with Jess Flanagan, tackles big questions in a way that’s both deep and approachable. Plus, they ponder whether Elon Musk’s new government efficiency venture will actually pan out and whether Musk is doing a good job or not. 

If you’re looking to get a handle on libertarian ideas with a good mix of humor and thought-provoking discussion, this episode is for you. Tune in for a great conversation!

Show Notes

• X: @cafreiman
• Substack: freiman.substack.com