​In this episode of the Let People Prosper Show, I’m joined by Joel Griffith, senior fellow at Advancing American Freedom, who brings data and clarity to today’s most misunderstood economic debates.

We explore the power of economic liberty, the myths about a declining middle class, and how trade deficits, contrary to popular opinion, often benefit rather than harm the American economy. Joel makes the case for limiting government to its constitutional role and empowering individuals and markets to do the rest.

For more insights, visit vanceginn.com and get even greater value with a subscription to my Substack newsletter at vanceginn.substack.com. 

(0:00) – Intro to Joel Griffith and why economic liberty matters
(6:06) – Lessons from policy work and communicating reform
(15:03) – Private property, investing, and freedom
(18:06) – Trade myths and the truth about tariffs
(24:08) – Manufacturing, trade deficits, and middle-class prosperity
(35:11) – The need for spending limits and fiscal reform

​Can the government really protect consumers better than markets?

In this episode of the Let People Prosper Show, I discuss this question and much more with Tirzah Duren, president of the American Consumer Institute, who brings a unique background in anthropology and economics to public policy.

Together, we explore the future of antitrust regulation, the consumer welfare standard, and how artificial intelligence and content moderation intersect with politics, tech, and personal freedom. Tirzah offers a robust case for why consumer-focused policy—not government control—is the best path forward.

For more insights, visit vanceginn.com and get even greater value with a subscription to my Substack newsletter at vanceginn.substack.com. 

(0:00) – Intro to antitrust, Tirzah’s journey, and why consumer focus matters
(6:02) – Global insights and the role of anthropology in shaping policy
(12:01) – Understanding how government disrupts market dynamics
(15:11) – Why the consumer welfare standard is still the best antitrust tool
(23:17) – AI’s promise, pitfalls, and how to regulate it wisely
(32:43) – Federalism and AI: What role should states play?

​What happens when truth in policy-making meets the dysfunction of Washington, D.C.?

In this episode of the Let People Prosper Show, Dr. Douglas Holtz-Eakin, president of the American Action Forum and former CBO director, shares deep insights into decades of economic policy, spanning crises like 9/11 to today’s battles over regulations, tariffs, and “entitlement” spending.
We explore why regulatory costs are a hidden tax, how Congress has surrendered too much power over tariffs, and why entitlement reform is unavoidable. This timely and honest conversation is for anyone who wants to understand what’s really driving economic dysfunction in Washington and how to fix it.

For more insights, visit vanceginn.com and get even greater value with a subscription to my Substack newsletter at vanceginn.substack.com. 

(0:00) – Intro to Holtz-Eakin’s journey from CBO to AAF
(6:41) – Inside the White House during 9/11
(16:02) – Why federal agencies are stuck in the past
(20:44) – Congress gave up tariff power. It must take it back.
(25:16) – What trade deficits really mean
(30:50) – Why regulation is a hidden tax on growth
(39:22) – We must tackle entitlements to fix the budget

​How can we restore our republic and bring power back to the states? What role should federalism, trade, and housing policy play in fostering long-term prosperity?

In this episode of the Let People Prosper Show, Dr. Adam Millsap, Senior Fellow at Stand Together Trust, joins me to unpack the key issues shaping America’s economic and political landscape. From the Great Recession’s impact on tax policy to tariffs, protectionism, and housing affordability, Adam shares his insights on strengthening state authority, reducing dependence on federal funds, and creating a pro-growth economy.

For more insights, visit vanceginn.com and get even greater value with a subscription to my Substack newsletter at vanceginn.substack.com. 

(0:00) – Introduction to Public Policy and Federalism
(3:00) – The Great Recession’s Impact on Economic Thought
(5:58) – Restoring State Authority & Federalism
(9:02) – Block Grants vs. Federal Control
(12:02) – Transparency in Federal Funding
(15:06) – Trade & Tariffs: Does Protectionism Work?
(20:58) – U.S.-China Economic Competition
(24:24) – Incremental Policy Change & The North Star
(27:18) – Housing Policy & Zoning Laws
(30:56) – America’s Aging Population & Economic Impacts
(40:46) – Creating a Pro-Growth, Pro-Freedom Economy