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25 August 2026

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Sep 24, 2013 — Kevin Glass & Stephen Slivinski
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Rational Actors

On Rational Actors, Kevin and Stephen consider whether economics is a science. Stephen outlines the disagreements between behavioral economists and experimental economists. Is the “rational actor” theory alive and well? Stephen makes the case for government gridlock, and Kevin wonders whether the current gridlock is exactly what the American people want.

Sep 23, 2013 — Glenn Loury & Harold Pollack
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The Glenn Show

On The Glenn Show, Glenn and Harold discuss the growing field of behavioral economics. Harold argues that 401(k) plans show both the benefits and the limits of benign paternalism. What about people too poor to have a 401(k)? Glenn and Harold consider how behavioral economists are studying the developing world. They close by discussing Sendhil Mullainathan and Eldar Shafir’s new book Scarcity, which explores why poor people make self-limiting decisions.

Sep 22, 2013 — Glenn Loury & Ann Althouse
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The Glenn Show

On The Glenn Show, Glenn and Ann check in on Obama a year into his second term. Has his vacillation on Syria and the Fed hurt his credibility? Ann argues that the Larry Summers controversy exposed an anti-science crowd on the left—but maybe a small dose of delusion is healthy. Turning to the end of NYC’s stop-and-frisk program, Ann worries that emotions adulterated the public debate. Are liberal gun-control measures breeding a nation of victims? Finally, Glenn criticizes the secrecy of the security state under Obama.

Sep 21, 2013 — Robert Wright & Majid Rafizadeh
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Worldwise
Sep 20, 2013 — Sarah Posner & Anthea Butler
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The Posner Show
On The Posner Show, Anthea explains why she thinks Pope Francis is a great diplomat. She and Sarah discuss the growing doctrinal gulf between the Vatican and many bishops. Anthea predicts that the church would permit non-celibate priests before it would ordain women. Why does Jon Stewart love the Pope, but American bishops don’t seem to be showing the love?
Sep 19, 2013 — Alyssa Rosenberg & Scott Meslow
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Critic Proof
On Critic Proof, Alyssa and Scott dissect the shocking Breaking Bad episode “Ozymandias” (contains spoilers). Why are some viewers still rooting for Walter White? They compare Skyler with Carmella Soprano, and Breaking Bad and The Sopranos more generally. What will the show’s ending say about Breaking Bad‘s moral universe? Moving on to the new TV season, Alyssa and Scott eviscerate Dads but are optimistic about Brooklyn Nine-Nine. They discuss whether Masters of Sex represents an evolution of the prestige drama, and close by offering some recommendations for other new shows to watch.
Sep 18, 2013 — Bill Scher & Matt K. Lewis
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The DMZ
On The DMZ: Matt says it’s time for the GOP to engage in some creative self-destruction. Are House Republicans crazy to threaten a government shutdown to defund Obamacare? Matt says many Republicans have embraced a revolutionary mindset, and he expects to see the party follow a doomed mission. Bill and Matt debate whether Obama botched his response to the Navy Yard mass shooting. Is the president’s second term shaping up to be a failure? Plus: Evaluating Peter Beinart’s argument that Millennials are poised to move the country sharply to the left.
Sep 16, 2013 — Matthew Duss & Robert Farley
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Foreign Entanglements
On Foreign Entanglements, Matt and Rob talk Syria, credibility, and the developing conflict within the GOP over foreign policy. Matt runs down the latest developments on Syria, leading to a discussion of how reputation and credibility matter in international politics. Is Israel legitimately concerned about US credibility regarding Iran? Rob wonders whether Russia has really put its credibility on the line by taking responsibility for Syrian chemical weapons. Matt sees the same old hawks using credibility as an excuse for another war, and the two discuss how the Rand Paul–John McCain fight may be playing out in the think tank world. Finally, is isolationism making a comeback?
Sep 13, 2013 — Robert Wright & Bruno Tertrais
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Worldwise
Sep 12, 2013 — Kevin Glass & Travis Waldron
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Rational Actors
On Rational Actors, Kevin and Travis discuss the significance of the NFL’s concussion settlement. They note that superstar salaries are not representative of the average NFL player’s career. Are rules changes fair to retired players who won’t directly benefit? Is youth football threatened by growing public awareness of the health risks? Is there any way to build a safer football helmet? How does the NFL Players Association compare with unions in others sports, such as basketball or baseball? Finally, they discuss the politics of sports and congressional involvement in labor disputes.

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