Mike Williams’ Capital Idea
Mike Williams’ CAPITAL IDEA podcast series explores the economic, historical, empirical, and moral case for laissez faire capitalism. CAPITAL IDEA is an intelligent, sometimes capricious, often irreverent discussion for honest people of all political persuasions who want to better understand the only moral economic system. Let’s face it, our day-to-day activity IS economics—they call it microeconomics but where’s the connection to the broader issues? CAPITAL IDEA is here to help you chew on these ideas including how YOUR economy relates to the bigger picture. Flying solo, Mike Williams integrates his experience both as a capitalist and as a teacher/facilitator of the Defenders of Capitalism Project™. Mike’s frequent guests add insight and perspective as they probe diverse topics—with a common thread: ideas that will broaden your understanding of why defending, sustaining, and advancing capitalism are crucial to the survivability of freedom and human flourishing in America and the world.
Episodes
Lord Daniel Hannan is one of the most eloquent defenders of classical liberalism in the modern era. A former member of the European Parliament and a key voice behind Brexit, Hannan has spent decades championing individual rights, free markets, and limited government on the global stage. In our conversation, he reflects on the enduring brilliance of the American Founding, the dangers of centralized power, and how capitalism—when pro...
In this wide-ranging discussion about film, art, and activism, Mike talks with Jo Jensen, a seasoned film producer, political strategist, media consultant, and entrepreneur who has dedicated her career to helping principled candidates succeed without abandoning their ideals. In this episode, Jo shares how she transitioned from Capitol Hill to empowering liberty-minded voices nationwide. We discuss the cultural and strategic challen...
In this episode, Mike and Mitch cover a wide variety of topics and updates, including their review of the 2025 LPR Retreat and thoughts on Ukraine and Trump's Tariffs.
Mike interviews one of the 2024 LPR Defenders of Capitalism Co-Winners, Jameson Dion. They discuss Jameson's experience in LPR/DoC, growing up in Indonesia, his activism around school & parental choice post-Covid, the impact of policy & tariffs on international business, and much more.
Resources from this episode:
While Defenders of Capitalism are generally skeptical about President-elect Trump’s 2nd term cabinet nominations so far, we are excited about his choice for Energy Secretary: Chris Wright, CEO of Liberty Energy. Wright has a broad understanding of the need for cheap, safe, reliable energy and innovation, as well as the function that free markets play.
Mike sat down with Chris in a wide ranging conversation in July of 2023 and we’re...This special episode is a conversation with Emmy-award winning filmmaker Duncan Scott and long-time objectivist & producer Robert Begley on Individualism vs Tyranny and the film our culture desperately needs to see. Duncan and Robert tell the astounding story of the recovery and restoration of the Italian film of Ayn Rand's "We the Living." The film was made in Italy during World War II and the 80th Anniversary Restoration this...
In this episode, we wanted to bring in a unique lens on pro-liberty and capitalism in the media with journalist and economic analyst Brad Polumbo. Mike & Brad cover a lot of ground and explore how young people often identify with their understanding of a freedom ideology, but are frustrated and not wanting to associate with political parties. They discuss the evolving media and mostly biased coverage, policy makers not being he...
Now that the Democratic National Convention is over, we thought it would only be appropriate to talk about Kamala Harris’ VP pick – Tim Walz, current Governor of Minnesota. After our episode about JD Vance, we thought there’s no way Harris was going to choose someone worse than Vance, for anyone who understands and supports capitalism, but she may very well have...
Mike and Mitch discuss Trump's recent VP pick and his anti-capitalist, anti-American Founders views, as well as what it means to be a classical liberal. Voters must again decide between power hungry collectivists and the lessor of evils. Meanwhile, here's what pro-freedom supporters must do....
Drew Esquivel is the 2022 Defenders of Capitalism Runner Up and Vice President of First Bank in Greeley, CO. Mike interviews Drew on his experience with the Defenders of Capitalism Project as well as the question of if Elon Musk is truly a capitalist. Elon Musk is a successful entrepreneur and investor, but does he truly believe in the principles of capitalism and free markets, especially when his companies are subsidized by federa...
We see celebrities, athletes, and very successful entertainers in pop culture who seemingly benefit from capitalism and free markets but are advocates for socialism and other anti-capitalism ideas. Mike and Mitch dive into this paradox and how it impacts society.
After the recent Iran attack on Israel, Mitch and Mike cover the deep connection between the current wars in Ukraine and Israel and the role of defending capitalism.
Bernie Sanders recently proposed a new bill, the "32-Hour Workweek Act". In this proposal, the act would include a reduction to a 32-hour workweek without a decrease in pay or benefits. Although this sounds appealing, Mike and Mitch discuss the possible implications and potential repercussions with a mandated 32-hour workweek. Instead, defenders of capitalism should advocate for freedom in the workplace when it comes to how people ...
Who Is Poisoning the Blood? Trump's rhetoric. You heard that right -- it's time to call out Trump's rhetoric on immigration in December 2023 (and prior). Capitalism and immigration go hand in hand, and Trump's inability to acknowledge the connection is poisoning politics more than ever before and furthermore letting down the people who follow him. Mitch and Mike shed light on the disturbing quotes from Trump and how they are exactl...
Capitalism is the system of the entrepreneur, and it is that growth mindset that fuels innovation, freedom, and true progress. In this episode, Mike covers the book 10x Is Easier Than 2x by Dan Sullivan (Founder of Strategic Coach) with organizational psychologist Dr. Benjamin Hardy. The book showcases the entrepreneurial mindset and why the idea of setting higher goals and standards is easier than setting smaller ones. Whether or ...
Roger Pattison is the Chief Development Officer of ACE Scholarships and the 2023 Defenders of Capitalism Runner Up. ACE Scholarships provides children of lower-income families with scholarships to private schools in grades K-12, and to advocate for expanded school choice. Mike interviewed Roger on school choice, the impact of the covid lockdowns on student performance, and the flip flops of the people on the left and right regardin...
In this episode, Mitch and Mitch cover essential books that are the building blocks for a foundation of capitalism and formative to the liberty movement. Books mentioned:
Adam Smith - Wealth of Nations Fredrick Bastiat - The Law Fredrick Bastiat - Economic Sophisms Murray Rothbart - Man, Economy, and State with Power and Market Milton Friedman - Capitalism & Freedom Milton Friedman - Free To Choose Hernando de Soto - The Myster...
Most people like the benefits of creativity and innovation, but they don't see the reason to protect creators' and inventors' rights, which causes an intellectual property (IP) warzone. In this episode, Mike and Mitch review the arguments surrounding intellectual property and defend why intellectual property is a moral and economic right, deriving from protecting one's mind's creations.
After the devastating news of the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel, the world has its eyes on the middle east. From a capitalist' perspective, Israel has the right to defend itself and further than that, crush the Hamas terrorist organization. In this episode, Mike and Mitch dive deeper into that reasoning and the implications the Israel-Hamas war could have for the current geopolitical landscape.
Popular Podcasts
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!