Atlas Shrugged: Account Overdrawn
E15 • Aug 27, 2024 • 88 minsThe episode begins by focusing on Dagny's defiance at the board meeting amidst economic decline. The discussion shifts to institutional knowledge, tech debt, and organizational collapse, emphasizing the pitfalls of short-term decision-making and economic controls. The concept of sacrifice are examined, followed by Francisco d'Anconia's insights on institutional corruption. The black market's role and the morality of productive individuals are debated, alongside historical awareness, government coercion, and board confrontations. The episode concludes with discussion of modern looters, character evolution, criticisms of Rand's work, and a preview of Directive 10-289.
Atlas Shrugged: The Sanction of the Victim
E14 • Jun 11, 2024 • 120 minsExploring Hank Rearden's Thanksgiving, trial, and defense, the discussion delves into personal and business ethics, Rearden's order for Dagny, the concept of forgiveness, values, and media narratives. The episode concludes with Francisco's explanation to Rearden and the trial's aftermath.
Atlas Shrugged: White Blackmail
E13 • Jun 4, 2024 • 139 minsA discussion on Part 2, Chapter 3, "White Blackmail" covers Hank's encounters with Lillian and Floyd Ferris, Dagny's interactions with Ken Danagger and Francisco, and the dynamics of Hank and Dagny's relationship. The moral implications of Lillian's actions and Ferris's blackmail attempt are analyzed, along with Rearden's internal conflict and Francisco's influence. Eddie's conversation with the mysterious worker is also explored.
Atlas Shrugged: The Aristocracy of Pull
E12 • May 21, 2024 • 110 minsThe chapter's discussion covers Hank Rearden's resistance to Lillian, Cheryl Brooks and Jim Taggart's relationship, Hank's internal conflict, Francisco d'Anconia's dramatic entrance, and his famous "money speech", followed by closing reflections.
Atlas Shrugged: The Man Who Belonged on Earth
E11 • May 7, 2024 • 101 minsThe episode delves into Atlas Shrugged, Part 2, Chapter 1, summarizing the chapter and discussing its themes and characters. It explores skepticism, relativism, and Objectivist views on knowledge. The economic and psychological impacts of Wyatt's actions are analyzed, and Project X is introduced.
Atlas Shrugged: Wyatt's Torch
E10 • Apr 30, 2024 • 196 minsThe episode delves into "Wyatt's Torch," examining character names, Dagny's struggles, Hank's meeting with Paul Larkin, and the Fair Share Directive's impact. The discussion includes modern parallels in corporate governance and philosophical exchanges with Hugh Akston, concluding with a preview of the next meeting.
Atlas Shrugged: The Sacred and the Profane
E9 • Apr 2, 2024 • 142 minsThe episode covers the chapter "The Sacred and the Profane," exploring Reardon's conflicted attitude towards his sex life and contrasting it with Jim's perspective. Discussion includes Owen Kellogg's new role, the economy, Francisco's timing in revealing information, and the morality of Reardon and Dagny's secret affair.
Atlas Shrugged: The John Galt Line
E8 • Mar 12, 2024 • 96 minsThis episode delves into Atlas Shrugged Section 1, Chapter 8, focusing on Dagny's psychological state and the symbolism of the John Galt line. Discussions encompass comparisons between Rand's and C.S. Lewis's superior man concept, the normalization of plunder, and the relevance of Rand's portrayal of the press. The team also explores filming challenges of train sequences and the integration of material and spiritual aspects in Rand's work.
Atlas Shrugged: The Exploiters and the Exploited
E7 • Feb 27, 2024 • 132 minsIn this episode, Greg, Kyle, Carl, and Edward delve into screen adaptations of Ayn Rand's works, explore the conservative interpretation of her philosophy, and discuss "Atlas Shrugged" in relation to current societal situations. They also unpack the media's influence, the role of rationalism, and the motives of the State Science Institute. They conclude by discussing government-market boundaries and civil asset forfeiture.
Atlas Shrugged: The Non-Commercial
E6 • Feb 20, 2024 • 91 minsIn this episode, Greg, Kyle, and Carl dive deep into chapter 6 of Atlas Shrugged, discussing the equalization of opportunity bill, Reardon's complex relationships, and the role of self-esteem in the narrative. They analyze the analogies of evil and cancer, the law of unintended consequences, and Francisco's explanation of the San Sebastian mines. The episode concludes with an exploration of the chapter title and its significance.
Atlas Shrugged: The Climax of the d'Anconias
E5 • Feb 13, 2024 • 75 minsIn this episode, Kyle, Chris, Greg, and Carl dissect Atlas Shrugged's Chapter 5, focusing on Francisco's character and the looters' view of productivity. They explore trust, honor, and the phrase "Who is John Galt?" and humorously connect Objectivism to Ghostbusters. They also analyze a condensed screenplay of Rand's novel, discuss Francisco's business acumen, Rand's complex characters, and Dagne's readiness. The episode wraps up with a chat about Cary Elwes' film roles and a brief dive into aviation history.
Atlas Shrugged: The Immovable Movers
E4 • Feb 6, 2024 • 88 minsIn this episode, Greg, Kyle, and Carl delve into the influence of culture on politics, analyze Ayn Rand's characters like Francisco Danconia and Dagney, and discuss pivotal events like the nationalization of the San Sebastian Mines. They also debate Dagney's actions, Jim Taggart's board manipulation, and the thought control implications of the National Alliance of Railroads' rule. The title "The Immovable Movers" is also explored.
Atlas Shrugged: The Top and the Bottom
E3 • Jan 30, 2024 • 65 minsIn this episode, Greg, Carl, Kyle, and special guest Chris delve into topics such as justifications for monopolies, the role of ideas in political dominance, and Rand's symbolic use of cigarettes. They also discuss the San Sebastian mines issue, economic self-sufficiency, and insights from Eddie's conversation about Dagny's personal life. The episode concludes with reflections on the chapter's title: The Top and the Bottom.
Atlas Shrugged: The Chain
E2 • Jan 22, 2024 • 70 minsIn this episode, Greg, Kyle, and Carl delve into Hank Reardon's moral principles and reactions, analyze chapter titles and characters' motivations, and compare Dagney and Reardon's characters. They also dissect ignorance vs malice in societal decay, discuss moral leverage, and explore Lillian's role and Kant's impact on history. The episode concludes with a look at material ingenuity and a preview of the next episode.
Atlas Shrugged: The Theme
E1 • Jan 15, 2024 • 58 minsKyle, Carl, Greg, and Edward gather to discuss "Atlas Shrugged," delving into the characters, themes, and setting the stage for the philosophical discussions to come. Mysteries such as "Who is John Galt?" and the inexplicable resignation of a competent employee, Owen Kellog, are introduced, adding layers of intrigue and foreshadowing to the narrative.