Mike Williams’ Capital Idea

Tariffs, Taxes, and Trump's Emergency Play: Who Really Pays?

In this episode of Capital Idea, Mike and Mitch discuss recent tariff actions by the Trump administration, why tariffs function as taxes on American consumers, and how emergency powers have been used to impose them.

They examine Congress’s constitutional role in taxation, recent House votes to challenge tariffs, and the economic impact on families and free trade principles.

TerryJosiah Sharpe: A Musician’s Journey from Doubt to Purpose

Mike Williams interviews TerryJosiah Sharpe about his journey from skepticism about capitalism to embracing it as a tool for freedom, and how the Leadership Program of the Rockies helped shape that understanding.

TerryJosiah shares how he founded Anthem Music Enterprises to use music and entertainment to address mental health, scale community programs for youth, and create career opportunities for artists.

He recounts the impact of the program, the loss of a student whose recorded voice lives on, and his decision to step down as CEO to reclaim creative time while continuing to pursue projects that promote freedom and healing.

Dr. Steve Crews: Science, Freedom, and Capitalism

Mike Williams interviews Dr. Steve Crews, the 2025 Defenders of Capitalism Award winner, about his journey from a small farming town to West Point, a PhD in robotics, and leadership in the Leadership Program of the Rockies. Cruz explains how a commitment to reason and individual rights forms the moral foundation for capitalism.

The conversation covers science vs. faith, education and accreditation, the promise and risks of AI, and the “free market of ideas.” Cruz shares practical advice for using AI responsibly and making principled, persuasive cases for freedom and opportunity.

Nadine Strossen: Capitalism & the Importance of Free Speech

Mike Williams interviews Nadine Strossen, former ACLU president, Senior FIRE Fellow, and free‑speech expert, about the vital link between free expression, capitalism, and a free society. They discuss campus censorship, government pressure on institutions and platforms, self‑censorship, and legal battles that protect viewpoint neutrality.

Strossen explains why free speech underpins individual liberty and economic freedom, and matters not only for the one speaking, but also the one listening. She shares examples from her experiences at ACLU and FIRE, and urges education and civic courage to preserve the marketplace of ideas.

Bob Schaffer: Liberty, Leadership, and Education in America

In this episode of Defenders of Capitalism, Michael Williams and Mitch Whitus sit down with Bob Schaffer, former U.S. Congressman, Chairman of the Leadership Program of the Rockies, and the acclaimed headmaster of Liberty Common School. They have a wide-ranging conversation on liberty, leadership, and the future of education in America.

Schaffer reflects on the values that shaped him, the battles he fought in Washington, and why he ultimately turned to education as the most powerful lever for preserving a free society. The conversation dives into the tensions between public institutions and individual responsibility, the cultural headwinds facing capitalism, and what it really takes to cultivate independent thinkers in today's world.

The Fed: Necessary Evil or Just Plain Bad?

Hosts Mike Williams and Mitch Whitus examine the Federal Reserve’s role in setting interest rates, its growing powers since the Great Recession, and recent political pressure on its independence. They explain how central banking influences inflation, borrowing, and the broader economy.

Drawing on Hayek’s knowledge problem and the moral case for capitalism, the episode argues for preserving Fed independence (or moving toward freer monetary alternatives) to protect prosperity and limit political manipulation of the money supply.

Finding Eudaimonia

Mike and Mitch discuss eudaimonia — the Greek idea of human flourishing — and why modern abundance (think Amazon Prime Day) hasn’t made Americans happier. They explore how media, distrust, and polarization feed a cycle of unhappiness despite technological and material progress.

The episode looks at possible remedies: focusing on purpose, meaningful work, and strong relationships. And they have a debate on if wanting less, not just having more actually helps. These ideas are linked to a defense of capitalism by emphasizing the need to rebuild trust in and appreciation of oneself as conditions for prosperity, ultimately making the case for each individual to pursue eudaimonia.

Lord Daniel Hannan: Fighting for Classical Liberalism, the Enlightenment and the Future of the West

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 properly understood—is not just efficient but ethical. He and Mike discuss the current ominous trends of protectionism and nationalism and why they need to be fought. Hannan’s historical insight and philosophical clarity make this episode especially relevant in a time when freedom faces growing threats from both Left and Right.

 

https://danielhannan.info/

@DanielJHannan on X

Jo Jensen: Changing the Culture for Liberty, One Story at a Time

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 challenges of running as a freedom-first candidate, the power of persuasion in today’s media environment, and why authentic leadership is more vital than ever.

Jo’s experience, energy, and optimism are contagious—this is a must-listen for anyone who wants to defend liberty in the real world, not just in theory.

Check out Jo's new project, moviegoer on Instagram (@moviegoerinc) and LinkedIn (moviegoerinc)

Films mentioned:

Honor Flight

Poverty Inc.

She Rises Up

The Test

Miss Virginia

February 2025 Update: LPR Retreat, Ukraine, Tariffs...

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.