Ep 422: Is MAHA Libertarian? with Elizabeth Nolan Brown

Doug Stuart welcomes Elizabeth Nolan Brown—senior editor at Reason, author of the bi-weekly Sex and Tech newsletter, co-founder of Feminists for Liberty, and adjunct professor at the University of Cincinnati. Together, they dive deep into the “MAHA” (Make America Healthy Again) movement, exploring its roots, cultural evolution, and increasing intersection with politics—particularly within libertarian and right-leaning circles.

Doug and Liz discuss the personal journeys that led them to think more critically about health, food, and nutrition, and how public perceptions of “crunchy” or alternative health lifestyles have shifted across the political spectrum. The conversation touches on the elitism sometimes present in health movements, the pros and cons of government regulation (like banning food dyes or mandating certain foods), and how much of the MAHA movement aligns—or clashes—with libertarian ideals of personal responsibility, choice, and skepticism of state authority.

With humorous anecdotes about picky eating, parenting, and label reading, as well as a lightning round on healthy habits and guilty pleasures, this episode offers a balanced, insightful, and fun look at the current state of American health culture—and why it matters for libertarians and non-libertarians alike.

Whether you’re health-curious, politically engaged, or simply enjoy smart, lively conversation, this episode is a must-listen!

Show Notes

• Read Trad Wives and Tallow Fries: How the Wellness Wars Flipped Health and Food Politics Upside Down
• Watch From Big Gulps to Raw Milk: The Rise of MAHA