Duration: 57:25 | Recorded on March 26, 2025

Today, the brothers celebrate reaching a podcast milestone of 500 plays! Thank you, listeners! Prompted by the upcoming tax season, the main topic of today's episode is taxes. Kent shares research on total tax revenue as a share of GDP in the US compared to other developed countries in the OECD. They note that the US has a lower percentage compared to the average, with only a few major countries having a lower share. They touch on the national debt and the concept of the full faith and credit of the US.

Featured Bourbon: 1792 Bottled in Bond

Featured Rum: Plantaray (formerly Plantation) Stiggins' Fancy Pineapple Rum - Infused. Not Flavoured.

Show Notes

Billy Beer

J.R. Ewing's Private Stock

Tax Policy Center

What is Value-Added Tax (VAT)?

Chuck Schumer holds firm, rejecting calls to quit as top Senate Democrat

Duration: 1:13:21 | Recorded on March 15, 2025

Today the brothers present a nuanced discussion with the podcast's first guest, a public school athletic administrator in Texas. The conversation centers around the complex topic of school choice and public education funding. Key points of contention and exploration include the merits and drawbacks of school voucher programs, particularly their potential impact on equity and the financial stability of public schools. The three also delve into the challenges of assessing school performance and the role of accountability in both public and private educational institutions, revealing diverse perspectives and concerns about the future of education in their respective states.

Show Notes

Featured Bourbons: Booker's Bourbon, and Single Barrel 1792

Featured Rum: Cruzan® Hurricane Proof Aged RumTexas bill that lets families use tax dollars for private schools swiftly sails through Senate

Voucher bills want to prioritize low-income families and be open to all students. Those goals might be at odds.

School Vouchers 101

Duration: 57:09 | Recorded on March 9, 2025

The brothers engage in a wide-ranging conversation, starting with the Trump administration's rescinding of research grants to Columbia University due to alleged insufficient protection of Jewish students amidst protests. This sparks a debate on university finance, the role and potential dangers of federal funding in higher education, and differing perspectives on the perceived liberal bias and free speech issues on university campuses. They delve into the nature of research grants, challenging the notion of frivolous studies, and explore the financial challenges and potential bankruptcies facing colleges and universities due to declining birth rates. Other topics include the value of a college education, the possibility of free college tuition, the unreliability of college rankings, and a brief mention of the doge.gov website. The conversation concludes with reflections on the value of university research and the increasing politicization of higher education.

Show Notes

Featured Bourbons: Blanton's Original Single Barrel Bourbon

In protest of the tariffs and in solidarity with our northern neighbors, Kent is drinking Pendleton Canadian Whiskey

US Mulls Columbia University Funding Cuts Over Anti-Semitism Row

How free speech on college campuses is being challenged

What is Research Funding? 2024 Expert Guide for Beginners

Higher Education Financial Realities

U.S. News Best Colleges

Department of Government Efficiency