​Is capitalism really crushing the middle class—or are bad policies and worse narratives to blame?

In this episode of the Let People Prosper Show, I’m joined by Dr. Norbert Michel, vice president and director of the Cato Institute’s Center for Monetary and Fiscal Alternatives. We dig into his new book, Crushing Capitalism: How Populist Policies Are Threatening The American Dream.

Norbert pulls back the curtain on the false story of a stagnating middle class, exposes the economic harms of tariffs and industrial policy, and makes the principled case for decentralization and free-market capitalism. This is a must-listen if you’re tired of political narratives distorting economic reality—and want honest solutions that let people prosper.

For more insights, visit vanceginn.com. You can also get even greater value by subscribing to my Substack newsletter at vanceginn.substack.com. 

(0:00)  – Introduction to Norbert Michel and His Work
(11:56) – Debunking the Stagnating Middle Class Narrative
(15:00) – Political Narratives and Economic Policies
(17:59) – The American Dream and Its Challenges
(21:01) – The Impact of Tariffs and Subsidies
(26:55) – Government Failures and Economic Policies
(29:51) – Concluding Thoughts on Industrial Policies

​There’s been a lot of conflict making headlines lately—from the clash between Elon Musk and President Trump over the “Big, Beautiful Bill” (BBB) to riots in Los Angeles sparked by immigration raids. These events all point to the true national emergency: overspending in Washington. Congress has a critical opportunity to take action. As a strong advocate for sustainable budgeting, we must cut current spending, not just slow the growth as in “DC speak,” but actually reduce spending to at least 2019 levels before COVID nonsense, and cap annual spending growth to a maximum rate based on population growth plus inflation. Instead, lawmakers discuss raising the federal debt ceiling by up to $5 trillion with the BBB.

In this week’s episode, I explain why now is the time to restore fiscal discipline. Americans are already feeling the strain of rising costs due to inflation. Our leaders have the power to address this crisis by tackling Washington’s out-of-control spending.
 You can catch the full episode on YouTube, Apple Podcast, or Spotify.
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​Can 12-year-olds really grasp supply and demand, entrepreneurship, and the role of government in the economy? 

In this episode of the Let People Prosper Show, I talk with John Foster, a passionate advocate for teaching economics early and often. As a former leader in Junior Achievement and president of the Middle School MBA, Jon is on a mission to improve economic literacy where it matters most—before bad ideas take root. We discuss the gaps in today’s education system, how teachers can better engage students, and why real-world application is key to shaping informed citizens. 

For more insights, visit vanceginn.com. You can also get even greater value by subscribing to my Substack newsletter at vanceginn.substack.com. 

(0:00) – Why economics education needs to start early
02:58 – John Foster’s mission and passion for teaching
(5:57) – How Junior Achievement supports early business education
(9:08) – Real-world challenges and teacher empowerment
(11:57) – The tech glitch: a reminder that learning isn’t perfect
(15:14) – Building better economics curricula for students
(21:40) – Filling the gap: teaching what schools often skip
(25:50) – Middle School MBA: A hands-on model for economics
(30:37) – Innovative methods for better engagement
(34:04) – Scalability and accessibility of programs
(38:18) – Why understanding economics matters for all students
(41:49) – How economic literacy helps solve modern challenges
(46:47) – Government’s role in the economy: myth vs. reality
(49:05) – Advocating for a free-market future

​Why is housing so expensive in many cities—and is the government making it worse?

In this episode of the Let People Prosper Show, I interview Dr. Emily Hamilton, senior research fellow and director of the Urbanity Project at the Mercatus Center. We explore the big questions in housing policy: What drives rising costs? How do land-use regulations distort supply? And what reforms would make it easier for families to afford homes?

Dr. Hamilton is a leading voice on urban economics and has worked extensively to evaluate how government decisions, particularly at the local level, restrict housing development and make affordability harder to reach for many Americans. We break down the challenges of the modern housing market through a free-market lens, offering real solutions that expand opportunity, protect property rights, and let people prosper.

For more insights, visit vanceginn.com. You can also get even greater value by subscribing to my Substack newsletter at vanceginn.substack.com. 

(0:00) – Introduction to Housing Policy and Urban Economics
(8:41) – Understanding Land Use Regulations
(17:49) – The Role of Government in Housing
(26:49) – The Impact of Institutional Investors
(35:22) – Current Challenges in the Housing Market
(39:30) – Future Outlook for Housing

​What does it mean to be a conservative in the 21st century—and how do we bridge liberty with virtue?

In this milestone 150th episode of the Let People Prosper Show, I interview John Hood, president of the John William Pope Foundation and a leading voice behind the Freedom Conservatism movement (sign the statement of principles at the link).

We talk about his career as a journalist and policy expert, how fiction writing helped him rediscover deeper meaning, and why a renewed framework for conservatism is essential for America's future. From education and immigration to family and fiscal responsibility, this conversation unpacks the foundations for prosperity in a free society.

For more insights, visit vanceginn.com. You can also get even greater value by subscribing to my Substack newsletter at vanceginn.substack.com. 

(0:00) – Introduction to Freedom Conservatism
(2:09) – John Hood’s Journey and Journalism Career
(5:00) – Writing Books, Fiction, and Purpose
(9:58) – Teaching Students and Conservative Thought
(13:02) – Understanding the Debate Within Conservatism
(18:07) – Why “Freedom Conservatism” Matters Today
(25:02) – Core Principles: Liberty, Virtue, and Responsibility
(27:07) – The Foundation of the Movement
(34:50) – The Case for Fiscal Discipline
(39:52) – Immigration as a Strength, Not a Threat
(44:38) – Human Nature and the Temptation of Group Identity
(50:23) – Conservatism That Builds Opportunity
(53:32) – A Vision for America's Future