Episodes

2 hours ago
Jacob Levy - Is Liberalism Neutral?
2 hours ago
2 hours ago
In this conversation from 2023, Alex speaks with Professor Jacob Levy about the concept of neutrality within the history of liberalism and how many historical thinkers have approached the subject within that tradition.
Episode Notes:
- Michael Oakeshott on “adverbial rules” https://lawliberty.org/forum/michael-oakeshott-on-the-rule-of-law-and-the-liberal-order/
- John Locke’s religious beliefs https://rb.gy/1yg43
- Heresy of Americanism https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Americanism_(heresy)
- Deirdre McCloskey’s Bourgeois Virtues Thesis https://www.deirdremccloskey.com/docs/bv_selection.pdf
- Ronald Dworkin “Liberalism” https://www.scribd.com/document/313373358/Ronald-Dworkin-Liberalism#
- Stephanie Slade, "Must Libertarians Care About More Than the State?" https://reason.com/2022/03/19/two-libertarianisms/
- Alexis De Toqueville’s concerns about the rising liberal democratic order https://www.economist.com/schools-brief/2018/08/09/de-tocqueville-and-the-french-exception
- John Stuart Mill “On Liberty” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/On_Liberty

Wednesday Jun 18, 2025
Bill Wirtz - Why Do Governments Hate Fun?
Wednesday Jun 18, 2025
Wednesday Jun 18, 2025
Episode Summary:
Matt Bufton is joined by Bill Wirtz of the Consumer Choice Centre to explore why governments often crack down on fun—from drinking and smoking to gambling and vaping. They dive into the cultural and political roots of paternalistic policies, how public health rhetoric masks deeper control impulses, and why Canada offers a revealing case study in state-imposed virtue. Wirtz also highlights how prohibitionist instincts persist even when evidence contradicts their effectiveness.
References
“Children Are the Future: Authoritarianism, Culture War and Making Model Citizens” by Alan Elrod
https://www.liberalcurrents.com/children-are-the-future-authoritarianism-culture-war-and-making-model-citizens/
That Which is Seen and That Which is Not Seen by Frédéric Bastiat
https://oll.libertyfund.org/title/bastiat-selected-essays-on-political-economy#lf0181_head_009
The Fun Police – Podcast Series by Bill Wirtz
https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/fun-police/id1714265675
World Health Organization – Framework Convention on Tobacco Control
https://fctc.who.int/
Milton Friedman’s “Free to Choose” (PBS Series)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dngqR9gcDDw&list=PLt27lKoC5LS4wbD28Jkv95UUm9H7wbVO4
Thanks to Our Patrons
Including Kris Rondolo, Amy Willis, and Christopher McDonald. To support the podcast, visit:
https://patreon.com/curioustask

Wednesday Jun 11, 2025
Marc-William Palen - Were There Left-Wing Visions of Free Trade?
Wednesday Jun 11, 2025
Wednesday Jun 11, 2025
In this conversation from 2024, Alex speaks with Marc-William Palen about the evolution of left-wing visions of free trade from the mid-19th century through the Cold War, highlighting key movements and figures like the Anti-Corn Law League, Karl Marx, and the Fair Trade movement, and contrasting these with protectionist and imperialist policies of the era.
Episode Notes:
Marc-William's book "Pax Economica: Left-Wing Visions of a Free Trade World": https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691199320/pax-economica
Marx on Free Trade:
The Eric Schliesser episode of the Curious Task mentioned by Alex: https://thecurioustask.podbean.com/e/special-episode-5-eric-schliesser-%e2%80%94-what-is-neoliberalism/
Journal of Liberal History's summary of the history of the Anti-Corn Law League:
https://liberalhistory.org.uk/history/anti-corn-law-league/
Overview of the history of the Opium Wars:
A primer on the origins of Fair Trade and the Haslemere Declaration:

Wednesday Jun 04, 2025
Russ Roberts - What’s Wrong With Education?
Wednesday Jun 04, 2025
Wednesday Jun 04, 2025
In this conversation from 2022, Alex speaks with Russ Roberts about the nature of education and how we should rethink it in today's world. This is a special episode being released in conjunction with this week's episode of Econtalk.
References
1. The Center for Experiential Learning at Washington University
2. EconTalk Podcast
Link: https://simplecast.econtalk.org/
3. “How Adam Smith Can Change Your Life: An Unexpected Guide to Human Nature and Happiness” by Russ Roberts
Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Adam-Smith-Change-Your-Life/dp/1591847958

Wednesday May 28, 2025
David Friedman - What Is Anarcho-Capitalism?
Wednesday May 28, 2025
Wednesday May 28, 2025
In this episode from 2023, Alex speaks with David Friedman about defenses, definitions and critiques of Anarcho-Capitalism in David's work and in others'.
Episode Notes:
- Summary of David's book "The Machinery of Freedom" https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Machinery_of_Freedom
- Some of Ayn Rand's views on Libertarianism and Anarcho-Capitalism: http://aynrandlexicon.com/ayn-rand-ideas/ayn-rand-q-on-a-on-libertarianism.html
- Some of David's comments on his Father's views of his work can be found here: https://www.econlib.org/archives/2011/07/david_friedmans_1.html
- The Stanford Encyclopedia's entry on Anarchism https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/anarchism/#:~:text=Libertarianism%20and%20anarcho%2Dcapitalism%20also,the%20idea%20of%20social%20development.
- "The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress" - Robert A. Heinlein https://a.co/d/4gmWZrP
- "The Private Enforcement of Law" - Landes and Posner https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=259376
- "Law Enforcement, Malfeasance, and Compensation of Enforcers" - Gary S. Becker and George J. Stigler https://laws21.classes.ryansafner.com/readings/Becker-Stigler-1974.pdf

Wednesday May 21, 2025
Mike Munger - Can Classical Liberalism Be Saved?
Wednesday May 21, 2025
Wednesday May 21, 2025
In this conversation from 2023, Alex speaks with Mike Munger about the state of classical liberalism in an era in which conservatism seems intent on wielding the tools of central planning and the left prefers the term "progressive" to "liberal".
Episode Notes:
The Classical Liberal Diaspora by Mike Munger: https://t.co/xoRnPIUXXi
The Articles of Confederation: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Articles-of-Confederation
Preamble to the United States constitution: https://www.uscourts.gov/about-federal-courts/educational-resources/about-educational-outreach/activity-resources/us
Fusionism: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fusionism
Albert Jay Nock and The Remnant: https://mises.org/library/isaiahs-job
Chile rewriting its constitution: https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/chilean-congressional-council-finalizes-new-draft-constitution-again-2023-10-30/

Wednesday May 14, 2025
James Tooley and Robyn Mulcahy - Why Do Families Choose Private Education?
Wednesday May 14, 2025
Wednesday May 14, 2025
In a special episode of the Curious Task, Matt sits down with James Tooley and Robyn Mulcahy at Blueberry Creek Forest School and Nature Centre to discuss the benefits of private education, outdoor education programs including forest schools and the history of approaches around the globe that strive to offer students a more well-rounded alternative to government schools.
References:
James’ profile at the University of Buckingham:
https://www.buckingham.ac.uk/directory/professor-james-tooley/
Robyn’s bio on re-cognition:
https://re-cognition.ca/portfolio-item/educators/
Blueberry Creek Nature Centre:
https://re-cognition.ca/home-page/blueberry-creek-forest-and-nature-centre/
James’ Book “The Beautiful Tree”:
Thanks to Our Patrons
Including Kris Rondolo, Amy Willis, and Christopher McDonald. To support the podcast, visit:

Wednesday May 07, 2025
Alan Elrod - How Should Liberals Think About Children?
Wednesday May 07, 2025
Wednesday May 07, 2025
Janet speaks with Alan Elrod to explore how classical liberalism understands the role of children in a free society. They discuss the liberal view of children as future autonomous individuals, the responsibilities of both parents and the state in their development, and how education sits at the center of ongoing ideological battles. Elrod unpacks the liberal commitment to individual flourishing and critiques contemporary efforts to politicize childhood through authoritarian or illiberal frameworks.
References
“Children Are the Future: Authoritarianism, Culture War and Making Model Citizens” by Alan Elrod
https://www.liberalcurrents.com/children-are-the-future-authoritarianism-culture-war-and-making-model-citizens/
“Parents, Government and Children: Authority over Education in the Liberal Pluralist State” by William A. Galston (Chapter in Liberal Pluralism)
https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/abs/liberal-pluralism/parents-government-and-children-authority-over-education-in-the-liberal-pluralist-state/4FEF2172B5BD8B088A4D0558C11E1A1B
The Open Society and Its Enemies by Karl Popper
https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/O/bo3619943.html
Democratic Education by Amy Gutmann
https://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctt7sdfv
On Liberty by John Stuart Mill
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/34901
Taking Responsibility for Children edited by Samantha Brennan and Robert Noggle
https://www.wlupress.wlu.ca/Books/T/Taking-Responsibility-for-Children
Thanks to Our Patrons
Including Kris Rondolo, Amy Willis, and Christopher McDonald. To support the podcast, visit:
https://patreon.com/curioustask

Wednesday Apr 30, 2025
Chris Freiman — Is it Okay to Ignore Politics?
Wednesday Apr 30, 2025
Wednesday Apr 30, 2025
In this conversation from 2020, Alex Aragona speaks with Christopher Freiman as he explores why you might be happier, and ultimately contribute more to society, if you choose to ignore politics.
References from Episode 31 with Chris Freiman:

Wednesday Apr 23, 2025
Graeme Thompson - What Is Canada's Role In The World?
Wednesday Apr 23, 2025
Wednesday Apr 23, 2025
Alex Aragona speaks with Graeme Thompson about Canada's evolving role on the global stage, from Confederation through to the post-Cold War era and into the geopolitical uncertainties of today. They explore Canada’s historical balancing act between major powers, its close alignment with the United Kingdom and later the United States, and its present-day challenges in maintaining global relevance amid military underinvestment and economic stagnation. Thompson argues that Canada must become more serious about geopolitics if it wants to protect its sovereignty and remain influential internationally.
References
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“Canadians no longer take geopolitics seriously – and our neglect is going to cost us” by Graeme Thompson (The Hub)
https://thehub.ca/2024-04-03/graeme-thompson-canadians-no-longer-take-geopolitics-seriously-and-our-neglect-is-going-to-cost-us/ -
Biography Collection: Ogdensburg Agreement and Canadian Wartime Diplomacy (Dictionary of Canadian Biography)
https://www.biographi.ca/en/topics/topic-match-list.php?id=1504 -
Statute of Westminster (1931) – Recognized Canada’s legislative independence from Britain
https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/statute-of-westminster -
NATO Archives: Canada's Role and Early Involvement
https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/declassified_161511.htm -
Canada–U.S. Automotive Products Agreement (Auto Pact)
https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/canada-us-automotive-products-agreement -
Lament for a Nation by George Grant
https://a.co/d/bnRI7Rb -
Canada’s Military Expenditure and NATO’s 2% Spending Target (Parliamentary Budget Officer)
https://www.pbo-dpb.ca/en/publications/RP-2223-010-S--canada-military-expenditure-nato-2-spending-target--depenses-militaires-canada-objectif-depenses-2-otan
Thanks to Our Patrons
Including Kris Rondolo, Amy Willis, and Christopher McDonald. To support the podcast, visit:
https://patreon.com/curioustask

Wednesday Apr 16, 2025
Iain Murray - What Has Happened to Conservatism?
Wednesday Apr 16, 2025
Wednesday Apr 16, 2025
In this episode from 2023, Matt speaks with Iain Murray about the estrangement of conservative liberalism from identitarian forms of conservative nationalism and the intriguing alliances that may arise in the future between freedom-loving libertarians and some unlikely allies.
Episode Notes:
Iain's book "The Socialist Temptation" https://a.co/d/5AUQHQp
One of Iain's articles on the subject https://cei.org/blog/european-populism-is-nationalist-conservatism/
"Do Libertarians Have a Political Home Anymore?" by Iain Murray https://www.acton.org/religion-liberty/volume-35-number-1-2/do-libertarians-have-political-home-anymore
Summary of Hillbilly Elegy by JD Vance https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hillbilly_Elegy
Ezra Klein's comment on "Everything Bagel Liberalism" https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/02/opinion/democrats-liberalism.html

Wednesday Apr 09, 2025
What Happened To The Carbon Tax? - Franco Terrazzano
Wednesday Apr 09, 2025
Wednesday Apr 09, 2025
Matt speaks with Franco Terrazzano about the carbon tax within the broader context of government spending, taxation, and fiscal responsibility in Canada. They discuss the impact of high government debt, the role of the federal budget, and the long-term consequences of deficit spending. Terrazzano critiques the federal carbon tax, arguing that it places an unnecessary burden on Canadians while failing to achieve its intended environmental goals, and points to some glaring instances of hypocrisy on the part of its supporters.
References
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Axing the Tax: 100 Simple and Painless Ways to Save Money on Your Taxes by Franco Terrazzano
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"Carbon tax costs average Ontario family $627 this year" by Franco Terrazzano (Canadian Taxpayers Federation)
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"PBO confirms carbon tax costs more than rebates" by Franco Terrazzano (Canadian Taxpayers Federation)
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"Carbon tax bureaucracy costs taxpayers $800 million" by Franco Terrazzano (Canadian Taxpayers Federation)
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"Cut taxes and government spending to combat inflation" by Franco Terrazzano (EnergyNow)
Thanks to Our Patrons
Including Kris Rondolo, Amy Willis, and Christopher McDonald. To support the podcast, visit:
https://patreon.com/curioustask

Wednesday Apr 02, 2025
Graeme Thompson — What Is Canadian Liberalism?
Wednesday Apr 02, 2025
Wednesday Apr 02, 2025
In this episode from 2021, Alex Aragona speaks with Graeme Thompson about the classical liberal tradition in Canada, and what the evolution of that tradition has looked like.
References from The Curious Task Episode 94 with Graeme Thompson
- A collection of the speeches of Wilfred Laurier can be found in an edited edition by Arthur Milnes, available from Amazon here.
- Macdonald Laurier and the Election of 1891 by Christopher Pennington can be found from Penguin House here.
- Graeme Thompson’s piece “Whatever Happened to Laurier” can be found in the National Post here.
- Graeme mentions positive and negative liberty by Isaiah Berlin, which is discussed on the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy here.
- The works of Adam Smith, Edmund Burke, and J.S. Mill can be read for free through the Online Library of Liberty.

Wednesday Mar 26, 2025
Matt McManus - Is Liberal Socialism An Oxymoron?
Wednesday Mar 26, 2025
Wednesday Mar 26, 2025
Matt Bufton speaks with Matt McManus about the philosophical foundations of liberalism and socialism, exploring how these two traditions intersect and diverge. They discuss McManus’ work on the political theory of liberal socialism, the historical tensions between the two ideologies, and the ways in which contemporary political movements reflect aspects of both. The conversation also touches on critiques of classical liberal thought, the role of the state in economic justice, and the potential for a synthesis between liberal and socialist principles.
References
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The Political Theory of Liberal Socialism by Matt McManus
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A Critical Legal Examination of Liberalism and Liberal Rights by Matt McManus
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Liberalism and Socialism: Mortal Enemies or Embittered Kin? (Edited by Matt McManus)
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Why Socialists Shouldn’t Reject Liberalism An interview with
Matt McManus (Jacobin Magazine) -
Matt's portfolio on Academia.edu
Thanks to Our Patrons
Including Kris Rondolo, Amy Willis, and Christopher McDonald. To support the podcast, visit:
https://patreon.com/curioustask

Wednesday Mar 19, 2025
James R. Harrigan - What Is Going On Down There?
Wednesday Mar 19, 2025
Wednesday Mar 19, 2025
Alex Aragona speaks with James Harrigan about U.S.-Canada relations, with a focus on tariffs, trade policy, and economic misunderstandings that shape political discourse. James critiques the expansion of tariffs under Trump and challenges the idea that protectionism helps domestic industries. The conversation highlights the historical benefits of free trade, the consequences of government intervention in markets, and the flawed assumptions underlying modern trade restrictions.
References
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James on X:
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The Centre for American Culture and Ideas:
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The Words And Numbers Podcast:
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"Fair Trade Encourages Free Trade" by James Harrigan and Antony Davies:
Thanks to our patrons, including Kris Rondolo, Amy Willis, and Christopher McDonald. To support the podcast, visit https://patreon.com/curioustask.

Wednesday Mar 12, 2025
Don Boudreaux - Why Are We In A Trade War?
Wednesday Mar 12, 2025
Wednesday Mar 12, 2025
Matt Bufton speaks with Don Boudreaux about tariffs, free trade, and the economic misunderstandings that drive protectionist policies. Don critiques the balance of trade doctrine, drawing from historical examples and economic theory to explain why tariffs harm both consumers and producers. The discussion covers the impact of tariffs on the U.S. and Canada, how politicians exploit economic misconceptions, and why a policy of unilateral free trade would be the best path forward.
References
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Globalization by Don Boudreaux
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The Essential Hayek by Don Boudreaux
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"The Case for Free Trade" by Don Boudreaux (Mercatus Center)
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"Don't Get Played By Protectionists" (Cafe Hayek)
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"On America's Trade Deficit With China" by Don Boudreaux
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"Adam Smith Doesn't Like U.S. Trade Policy" by Stuart Anderson
Thanks to our patrons, including Kris Rondolo, Amy Willis, and Christopher McDonald. To support the podcast, visit https://patreon.com/curioustask.

Wednesday Mar 05, 2025
Ryan Manucha - What's Stopping Interprovincial Trade?
Wednesday Mar 05, 2025
Wednesday Mar 05, 2025
Matt Bufton speaks with Ryan Manucha about interprovincial trade in Canada, focusing on the legal and economic barriers that hinder free trade between provinces. They discuss Ryan’s book Booze, Cigarettes, and Constitutional Dust-Ups, examining how constitutional law, historical disputes, and political inertia have shaped Canada’s fragmented trade landscape. The conversation explores key legal cases, the role of the Supreme Court, and potential reforms that could enhance economic cooperation across the country.
References
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Booze, Cigarettes, and Constitutional Dust-Ups: Canada's Quest for Interprovincial Free Trade by Ryan Manucha
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Gold Seal Ltd. v. Alberta (Attorney-General) (1921) – Key legal case on interprovincial trade barriers
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R. v. Comeau (2018) – Supreme Court decision on cross-border alcohol sales
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Interprovincial Trade Barriers in Canada: Options for Moving Forward by Alvarez et al.
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Provincial Red Tape Report Card by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB)
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Internal Trade in Canada: Case for Liberalization by the International Monetary Fund (IMF)
Thanks to our patrons, including Kris Rondolo, Amy Willis, and Christopher McDonald. To support the podcast, visit https://patreon.com/curioustask.

Wednesday Feb 26, 2025
Bart Wilson - What Do Economists Miss?
Wednesday Feb 26, 2025
Wednesday Feb 26, 2025
Matt speaks with Bart Wilson about what economists often overlook in their analysis—specifically, the role of morality, human cooperation, and language in shaping economic behaviour. Wilson argues that mainstream economics tends to focus too much on scarcity and efficiency while neglecting the deeper social and moral foundations that make trade and prosperity possible. Drawing on his book Meaningful Economics: Making the Science of Prosperity More Human, he explores how concepts like property, reciprocity, and justice emerge from human relationships rather than being imposed from the top down.
References:
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Meaningful Economics: Making the Science of Prosperity More Human by Bart Wilson
https://global.oup.com/academic/product/meaningful-economics-9780197758151?cc=us&lang=en& -
The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith
https://a.co/d/j0nL0mY -
The Theory of Moral Sentiments by Adam Smith
https://a.co/d/iKwedtg -
Knowledge and Decisions by Thomas Sowell
https://a.co/d/cRgCwe4 -
The Invisible Heart: An Economic Romance by Russell Roberts
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/0262681358 - Frankenstein by Mary Shelley https://a.co/d/a7vAUsi
Thanks to our patrons, including Kris Rondolo, Amy Willis, and Christopher McDonald. To support the podcast, visit our Patreon page.

Wednesday Feb 19, 2025
Tim Thurley - Are Canada's Gun Policies Off-Target?
Wednesday Feb 19, 2025
Wednesday Feb 19, 2025
Alex Aragona speaks with Tim Thurley about gun policy in Canada, discussing the current state of firearm regulations, the shift away from a past political consensus, and whether recent legislative changes are effectively targeting crime. They explore the role of licensing, background checks, and storage laws, as well as the impact of smuggled firearms and high-profile policy changes like Bill C-21 and the handgun freeze. Thurley argues that recent policy shifts focus on legal gun owners while failing to address the main sources of gun crime in Canada.
References
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"Aiming Off Target: Gun Policy in Canada" by Tim Thurley & Noah Schwartz (Macdonald-Laurier Institute)
https://macdonaldlaurier.ca/aiming-off-target-gun-policy-canada/ -
"On gun control, Liberals opt for wedge politics over actual change" by Noah Schwartz
https://nationalpost.com/opinion/noah-schwartz-on-gun-control-liberals-opt-for-wedge-politics-over-actual-change -
"More Guns, Less Crime" by John R. Lott Jr.
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/0226493660 -
"The Culture of Fear: Why Americans Are Afraid of the Wrong Things" by Barry Glassner
https://a.co/d/4qXgBqf -
"The Origins and Development of Canada’s Firearms Laws" by R. Blake Brown
https://a.co/d/bMb4zyV -
"Armed: New Perspectives on Gun Control" by Gary Kleck & Don B. Kates
https://a.co/d/5xk3gUj
Thanks to our patrons, including Kris Rondolo, Amy Willis, and Christopher McDonald. To support the podcast, visit https://patreon.com/curioustask.

Wednesday Feb 12, 2025
Ethan Nadelmann - Is Vaping A Public Health Problem?
Wednesday Feb 12, 2025
Wednesday Feb 12, 2025
Matt speaks with Ethan Nadelmann about vaping, e-cigarettes, and pouch nicotine alternatives to cigarettes within the broader context of health policy and the drug war. They discuss the misconceptions surrounding nicotine, harm reduction strategies, and how opposition to non-combustible nicotine mirrors past drug war policies. Ethan highlights international case studies, the role of public health organizations, and the influence of figures like Michael Bloomberg in shaping the global discourse - and misinformation - around alternatives to cigarettes.
References
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"Thinking Seriously About Alternatives to Drug Prohibition" by Ethan Nadelmann
https://www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/20027122.pdf -
"The Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction" (KAC Reports)
https://gsthr.org/ -
"High Price" by Carl Hart
https://a.co/d/inDX5Gi -
"Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and Happiness" by Richard H. Thaler & Cass R. Sunstein
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/014311526X -
"Ending the War on Drugs: A Solution for America" by Dirk Chase Eldredge
https://a.co/d/bIGQpJ6
Thanks to our patrons, including Kris Rondolo, Amy Willis, and Christopher McDonald. To support the podcast, visit https://patreon.com/curioustask.