Podcast
Let People Prosper
Hosted by Vance Ginn, Ph.D. · EN
What works best to let people prosper? Join leading free-market economist Vance Ginn, Ph.D., as he works to understand this question through weekly interviews with interesting people on Tuesdays and weekly economic updates on Fridays. His insights build on past lessons, including his presidency of Ginn Economic Consulting and contributions to more than 15 think tanks, while he formerly taught economics in academia and served as chief economist of the White House's OMB. Dr. Ginn is a Christian, husband, father of three kids, classical liberal, and rock drummer who resides near Austin, Texas.
74episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Why Good Ideas Fail—and How to Fix It with Dr. Josh Bandoch | LPP 195
Apr 2300:43:34Tap to summarizeWhy do good ideas fail—and bad ones win?In this episode of the Let People Prosper Show, I talk with Josh Bandoch about the art and science of persuasion and why facts alone aren’t enough to change minds.We explore how people actually process information, the role of emotion and trust in decision-making, and why many policy arguments fall flat despite strong evidence.If you want to become more effective at communicating ideas and influencing outcomes, this conversation offers practical insights you can use right away.🎧 Watch now and subscribe📩 Show notes: https://vanceginn.substack.com🌐 More at: https://vanceginn.com#Persuasion #Economics #PublicPolicy #Communication #Leadership #LetPeopleProsper
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Why Inflation Keeps Rising | TWE 160
Apr 2000:19:14Tap to summarizeAffordability isn’t improving—and policy is a major reason why.In this episode of This Week’s Economy, we unpack how inflation, government spending, regulatory burdens, and supply restrictions are driving up costs and limiting opportunity across the U.S.The conflict is real: policymakers keep expanding government while families face higher prices and fewer options.We cover:• March CPI and what it signals about inflation• Why job growth isn’t telling the full story• How federal spending is fueling long-term problems• State tax reform challenges and property tax pressures• The hidden costs of regulation and lawsuit abuse• Why data center restrictions threaten future growthThe payoff: practical solutions to restore affordability—cut spending, remove barriers, and let markets work.📖 Show notes: https://vanceginn.substack.comFollow and share to stay ahead of the economic trends shaping your future.
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AI Regulation Is Going Off the Rails with Logan Kolas | Let People Prosper Ep. 194
Apr 1600:51:42Tap to summarizeArtificial intelligence is advancing rapidly—but policymakers are struggling to keep up, and in many cases, getting it wrong.In this episode of the Let People Prosper Show, I talk with Logan Kolas of the American Consumer Institute about the growing wave of state-level AI regulations and the risks they pose to innovation, competition, and consumers.We discuss why fragmented regulations can slow growth, how well-intentioned policies often backfire, and what a smarter, more innovation-friendly approach to AI policy should look like.👉 Learn more: https://vanceginn.com👉 Show notes: https://vanceginn.substack.com/p/51c930fb-1357-4a44-9436-fdf915f651adSubscribe for more conversations on economics, policy, and how to let people prosper.
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Taxes Are Inevitable, A Broken Tax Code Isn’t | This Week's Economy Ep. 159
Apr 1300:17:35Tap to summarizeTaxes are inevitable—but a broken tax code doesn’t have to be.In this episode of This Week’s Economy, I take a closer look at how America’s tax system affects families, businesses, and long-term economic growth.We discuss why tax complexity matters, how current policies distort decisions, and what reforms could create a simpler, more pro-growth system that helps people prosper.🎧 Watch now and subscribe📩 More insights: vanceginn.substack.com🌐 Learn more: vanceginn.com
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Why Understanding Economics Improves Prosperity with Dr. James DeNicco | Let People Prosper Ep. 193
Apr 900:45:56Tap to summarizeEconomics is about how people make choices under scarcity—not just money.In this episode, I talk with Jimmy DeNicco of Rice University about the core principles of economics and how they shape policy, markets, and everyday decisions.We break down tradeoffs, incentives, tariffs, and why understanding economics is essential for prosperity.🔗 More: vanceginn.com | vanceginn.substack.com
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Make Markets Work Again | This Week's Economy Ep. 158
Apr 600:10:47Tap to summarizeWe’re at a moment where support for free-market capitalism is slipping—and it’s not hard to see why. From both political parties, we’re hearing the same kinds of ideas: cap prices, punish profits, and have the government take a more active role in managing markets. Politicians are increasingly trying to pick outcomes, override prices, and direct capital. And history is clear: this doesn’t fix capitalism's weaknesses—it replaces markets with politics.In today’s episode of This Week’s Economy, I break down why prices and profits matter—how they act as the heartbeat of the free market, sending signals, shaping decisions, and fueling the competition that improves our quality of life. Tune in to the full episode on YouTube, Apple Podcast, or Spotify, and visit my website for more information about my work at Ginn Economic Consulting.
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The Myth of Conservative Texas with TX State Rep. Brian Harrison | LPP Ep. 192
Apr 200:53:48Tap to summarizeTexas is often seen as a model for freedom and economic growth—but many Texans aren’t feeling it.In this episode of the Let People Prosper Show, I sit down with TX State Representative Brian Harrison (R) to discuss rising property taxes, record state spending, and the growing gap between Texas’s reputation and reality.We explore why budget surpluses haven’t translated into lasting tax relief, why property tax elimination should be the goal, and how school choice, fiscal discipline, and government accountability fit together. We also dig into the risks of expanding regulation around AI, age verification, and online activity—and where to draw the line between protection and overreach.If Texas wants to remain a leader in economic opportunity, it will need to focus on spending restraint, transparency, and policies that truly let people prosper.👉 Learn more at https://vanceginn.com👉 Get show notes at https://vanceginn.substack.comSubscribe to the Let People Prosper Show for more conversations on economics, policy, and how to expand opportunity.
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The Hidden Costs of Social Media Regulation | This Week's Economy Ep. 157
Mar 3000:18:37Tap to summarizeAre age-verification mandates really the solution to protecting kids online?In this episode of This Week’s Economy, we examine the rapid push by states to regulate app stores and social media platforms—and the serious risks these policies create.We cover:• Why the evidence behind smartphone-driven mental health claims is mixed• How digital ID systems threaten privacy and free speech• Why these regulations could entrench Big Tech and limit competition• A better approach that puts parents—not government—in charge🎧 Listen now: https://youtu.be/B5SFgE3pxS0📖 More at: https://vanceginn.substack.comSubscribe and share to help more people understand what’s at stake.
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How Nuclear Energy Powers AI Revolution with Brian Gitt | Let People Prosper Ep. 191
Mar 2600:46:14Tap to summarizeAmerica’s next wave of economic growth—from artificial intelligence to advanced manufacturing—will require one critical input: abundant, reliable energy.In this episode of the Let People Prosper Show, I sit down with Brian Gitt of Oklo to explore how advanced nuclear reactors could transform the energy landscape and help meet rapidly rising electricity demand.We discuss the connection between AI and energy, why reliability matters more than ever for data centers and industry, and how new business models like build-own-operate could reshape how power is delivered. We also dig into the policy barriers that continue to slow innovation—and what it will take to unlock true energy abundance.If you care about economic growth, national security, and the future of energy, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.👉 Learn more at https://vanceginn.com👉 Get show notes & updates at https://vanceginn.substack.comSubscribe to the Let People Prosper Show for more conversations on economics, policy, and how to expand opportunity for all.
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You Can’t Hide from the Data: Bad Policy Has Costs | TWE Ep. 156
Mar 2300:19:34Tap to summarizeThe numbers are in—and the economy is flashing warning signs.A weakening labor market, rising healthcare costs, slowing growth, and increasing uncertainty are not isolated issues. They are the predictable consequences of policy decisions shaping today’s economy.In this episode of This Week’s Economy, we break down what’s really happening across jobs, Medicare, regulation, trade, and taxes—and why it all points to the same underlying problem.If policymakers don’t change course, the costs will continue to rise.🎧 Listen now for a clear, data-driven perspective on where the economy is headed. Get show notes at vanceginn.com.
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