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

The brothers react to the recent exchange between then President Trump and President Zelenskyy, with one arguing it was a scripted event and the other seeing it as a diplomatic miscommunication. Their conversation pivots to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, differing views on Trump's approach to Putin, and the potential outcomes of the war. Ultimately, their dialogue underscores the importance of nuanced perspectives and civil discourse amidst deeply held political beliefs, acknowledging the value of their personal relationship over ideological alignment.

Duration: 47:39 | Recorded on March 1, 2025

Show Notes

Featured Bourbon: Old Forester Single Barrel Barrel Proof

Full Meeting between President Trump, VP Vance and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy in Oval Office

Duration: 1:03:46 | Recorded on February 23, 2025

Today, the brothers delve into the complex topic of tariffs, prompted by a listener suggestion. They begin by defining tariffs as taxes on imported goods and discussing their historical context, noting their prevalence even before the Trump administration. The discussion shifts to the pros and cons of tariffs, specifically addressing the difference between targeted tariffs versus broad, across-the-board tariffs. They further analyze the potential consequences of tariffs on international trade and debate whether tariffs are useful negotiating tactics or simply damaging economic tools. Finally, the discussion transitions to a critique of governmental actions, including workforce reductions, and the implications for government efficiency and service delivery, thereby broadening the scope of the conversation beyond tariffs to encompass broader economic and political issues.

Show Notes

Featured Bourbon: E.H. Taylor, Jr. Small Batch

Featured Rums: Cedar Ridge Barrel-Aged Rum, and Cruzan® Hurricane Proof Aged Rum

Peychaud's Bitters

Reciprocal Trade and Tariffs

The Senate Passes the Smoot-Hawley Tariff

Surging Republican Support for Tariffs

How food companies are prepping for Trump tariffs — and what it means for you at the grocery store

Sweeping US energy department layoffs hit offices of loans, nuclear security, sources say

Tang (drink mix)

Duration: 1:02:50 | Recorded on February 15, 2025

The brothers talk about current events and economic issues, noting the pitfalls of how quickly public perception can shift. Beginning with an in-depth analysis of inflation and its impact on different socioeconomic groups, they discuss the complexities of political promises surrounding it, and how the situation is currently unfolding. They discuss the rising costs of goods (especially food), agricultural subsidies, and end with a deep dive on the complexity and the sensitive nature of foreign policy concerning the war in Ukraine.

Show Notes:

Featured Bourbon: Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel

Feature Rum: Cruzan Hurricane Proof Aged Rum

How to make a Rum Old Fashioned

Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi (Prayer for Peace)

Egg prices are surging again. Why Powell and the Fed’s grip on inflation may be slipping.

Trump Housing Market Warning Issued by JPMorgan Chase

Trump Tariffs Caused a Market Meltdown, but Investors Shook It Off

The Theory of the Working Class, By Thorstein Bunde Veblen

Waffle House Hashbrowns

Duration: 53:19 | Recorded on February 4, 2025

In this episode, the brothers engage in a thoughtful discussion about current events and big picture issues, focusing on air travel safety and the future of transportation. They explore the complexities of the aviation industry, including a recent plane crash near Washington National Airport and its implications for air traffic control. Delving into topics such as the safety of air travel, the antiquated nature of air traffic control systems, and the potential for AI to play a role in the future, the conversation also touches on the history of the airline industry, deregulation, and the challenges of balancing government oversight and market forces. They also examine the state of passenger rail in the United States, comparing it to air travel and exploring the history of Amtrak. DISCLAIMER: The hosts acknowledge that they are not experts, and that their discussion is more about two people trying to understand complex issues.

Show Notes

Featured Bourbon: W.L. Weller Single Barrel

Featured Rum: Cruzan Aged Light Rum

• Everything we know so far about the American Airlines jet that crashed into a Black Hawk helicopter
• A Look at How Airport Security Has Evolved Post 9-11
• VASAviation YouTube Channel
• Brightline West
• High-speed rail in the United States
  

Duration: 50.29 | Recorded on January 26, 2025

This episode is wide-ranging. The brothers discuss current political events, personal experiences, and technological advancements. They begin with a conversation on the tone of current political discourse, expressing concerns about the dehumanizing language used in discussions about immigration, and they touch on the complexities of gender identity and the need for respectful dialogue.

The conversation moves to presidential pardons, with a critical look at both recent administrations. Birthright citizenship (and potential challenges to it) comes up, as well as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, highlighting the complexities and historical context. They explore the role of American evangelicals in supporting the state of Israel, and conclude with a discussion of AI and its potential impact, particularly the concept of agentic AI, emphasizing the need for critical evaluation of information sources and the importance of trust and bias in reporting.

Show Notes

Featured Bourbon: 13th Colony Double-Oaked Bourbon Whiskey

Featured Rum: Cedar Ridge Barrel Barrel-Aged Rum

Trump launches sweeping border crackdown, mass deportation push (Reuters)

Trump says US policy will recognize 'only two genders' | AFP (YouTube)

Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government (www.whitehouse.gov)

Granting Pardons and Commutation of Sentences for Certain Offenses Relating to the Event at or Near the United States Capital on January 6, 2021 (www.whitehouse.gov)

Pardons Granted by President Joseph Biden (2021-2025) (www.justice.gov)

14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution: Civil Rights (1868) (archives .gov)

Israeli-Palestinian Conflict (www.cfr.org)

Navigating The Shift From Generative AI To Agentic AI (www.forbes.com)